These 8 Towns In Alaska Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024
Get ready to explore the Last Frontier! Despite being the coldest state in the United States, Alaska is home to warm welcomes and friendly locals in these amazing towns. From breathtaking views from the snow-capped Kenai Mountains in Homer to the lush, rainy forests in Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the most beautiful and undisturbed places in the country. Admire the wild bear population in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, or hike to the top of Denali by starting your journey in Talkeetna. With a blend of Native American and Russian influence, these charming Alaska towns are ripe for exploration!
Ketchikan
With colorful buildings, sweeping natural landscapes along the Tongass Narrows, and lush green scenery, it’s no surprise that Ketchikan is one of America’s favorite cities. It is noted as one of the rainest cities in the United States, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing! The high rainfall yields lush greenery that adds to the overall charm of Ketchikan. Downtown Ketchikan, also known as Creek Street, has vibrant buildings nestled along the Tongass Narrows with delightful shops like The Rain Barrell and Sockeye Sams.
However, Ketchikan’s biggest claim to fame are its totem poles. The area is home to one of the largest collections in the world and can be seen in public spaces like Totem Bight State Park and the Totem Heritage Center. For outdoor adventure, there’s no better spot than Tongass National Forest, which is America’s largest national forest. Sitting on 17 million acres, it’s a nature lovers paradise with rich greenery, natural waterfalls, and easy-to-challenging trails. While Ketchikan may be rainy, the rich history and natural views make it worth getting a little soggy!
Kodiak
With a deep cultural heritage and one-of-a-kind wildlife view opportunities, Kodiak is one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets. As the name of the city suggests, it is home to one of the largest populations of Kodiak bears. For a unique bear-viewing opportunity, head to Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. This unique refuge covers two-thirds of the island and is home to over 3000 Kodiak brown bears! For more wildlife viewing, hop on a ferry and check out Kodiak Island. Spend the day exploring Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park or hunt for fossils at Fossil Beach.
Aside from its abundant parks and natural landscapes, downtown Kodiak is ripe for exploration. Fun fact: it was the first capital of Russian America before Alaska was sold to the United States in 1867. To learn more about Kodiak's Russian heritage, check out the Baranov Museum, which has artifacts from its Russian era. Walk the charming streets and stop by the Kodiak Marketplace for an afternoon of shopping along the Gulf of Alaska. With so much natural beauty, Kodiak is a must-see while in Alaska.
Homer
Homer is a quaint coastal hamlet with an artsy vibe and breathtaking landscapes. Homer earned the nickname “End of the Road” due to its location at the end of the scenic Sterling Highway. Downtown Homer’s art scene includes fantastic stops like Bunnell Street Arts Center and Homer's Goldmine Gifts and Fine Jewelry. At the very end of the Sterling Highway is the Salty Girls gift shop, surrounded by the stunning Kachemak Bay.
If you want the best view of Alaskan glaciers, Homer is surrounded by the Kenai Mountains and Grewingk Glacier. Taking a water taxi ride, visitors can enter Kachemack Bay State Park which offers spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. Be sure to check out the Grewingk Glacier Trail, which is one of the most popular trails in the area. From glacial views to a vibrant downtown, Homer is what Alaska is all about!
Sitka
Sitka was the last capital of Russian America before Alaska was sold to the United States. It’s a cultural melting pot, blending both its Russian roots with its Native Alaskan heritage. The Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral are a stunning display of Sitka’s humble Russian beginnings and offer self-guided tours during the summer. To celebrate its Native Alaskan heritage, Sitka National Historical Park gives visitors insight into Alaska's indigenous people, the Tlingit. Walk the lush trail peppered with totem poles, and be sure to stop by the visitor center!
Sitka is also a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Edgecumbe, located 15 miles west of Sitka, is a dormant volcano. If you are feeling brave, you can take on the challenging 14-mile round-trip hike to the summit. While the views from the top are breathtaking, the journey is just as scenic as you hike over lava fields and dense forests. Or, for an easier hike, explore the Indian River Trail or the Harbor Mountain Trail. With a blend of cultures and fantastic views, Sitka is ripe for adventures.
Talkeetna
Nestled along the banks of the Susitna River is the charming hamlet of Talkeetna, known for its quirky and charming community spirit. It is known as the home base for brave hikers attempting to scale the top of Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America. But you don’t have to be a thrill-seeking mountain climber to enjoy the views in Talkeetna. The Talkeetna Riverfront Park offers easier trailheads and even flight tours to get up close and personal to Denali.
As the base camp for hikers, downtown Talkeetna is a hub for thrill-seekers and free-spirits. To learn more about Talkeetna’s history, Nagley’s General Store and Talkeetna Roadhouse will make you feel like a local. Fun fact: Talkeetna once had a cat mayor! Stubbs the cat was elected mayor in 1997 and served until 2017. Whether you’re a ready for heart-pounding adventure or need a relaxing weekend, Talkeetna has you covered.
Skagway
As a former Gold Rush town, Skagway blends natural scenery with its rich history making it a charming Alaskan destination. The buildings downtown marry its Russian influence with 19th-century American charm. Stroll the picturesque Broadway Street and pop into historical sites like the former brothel turned restaurant the Red Onion Saloon, or stay at the Golden North Hotel, which is one of the oldest hotels in the state.
If you want to admire the beauty of Mount Harding or the Sawtooth Range, you have two options. You can climb aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, where you can learn more about the history of the former Gold Rush city. Or, visit the Lynn Canal or Glacier Bay National Park for a day of hiking or kayaking. The Chilkoot Trail is a popular tourist destination, and it was a former trail used by gold miners in the 1800s. And if you’re tired of hiking, you can catch a ride on the Skagway Street Car Company which offers tours of the area. No matter what you love, Skagway is sure to impress.
Seward
Known as the Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is the perfect destination to see Alaskan glaciers and spectacular ocean views. Nestled on the banks of the scenic Resurrection Bay with the Chugach Mountains towering in the background, it’s the ideal spot for outdoor adventures unique to Alaska. Take a boat tour to explore the coastline, or hike the stunning Harding Icefield Trail, which travels through 30 glaciers. If you don’t want to make the 8-mile trek through the Harding Icefield Trail, you can make the 10-minute drive to Exit Glacier, a wall of blue ice accessible via the road.
The charming downtown streets of Seward date back to the 19th century and fall in the heavy shadows of the mountains in the distance. Stop by the Seward Museum to learn more about the origins of its early fishing and trading days, or stop in the Alaska SeaLife Center to learn more about the aquatic life of the region. Its location on the water makes it a premier fishing destination in Alaska and even hosts an annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby that attracts anglers from all over the state. If you love sleepy seaside hamlets and want to explore the glaciers of Alaska, Seward is a great stop on your next Alaska road trip!
Valdez
Ready for outdoor adventure? Valdez, Alaska, is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the entire state! It’s the gateway to the Prince William Sound, which provides visitors with striking views of fjords, calving glaciers, and snow-capped Chugach Mountains. To get up close and personal to the mountains, popular hiking trails in the area include the Shoup Bay Trail or the stunning Horsetail Falls.
The buildings in Valdez are mostly modern and contemporary because the original buildings of the area were washed away in 1964 during the Great Alaskan Earthquake. You can visit the Old Valdez Town Site to see the ruins, and visit the memorials commemorating the victims of the disaster. Today, Valdez is alive and well, with community events like the Valdez Ice Climbing Festival and the Valdez Gold Rush Days that bring life to this sleepy seaside hamlet. Whether you want to explore glaciers or take a relaxing drive down the Richardson Highway, Valdez is one of Alaska’s best-hidden secrets.
Explore The Best Towns In America’s Last Frontier
Sure, Alaska is home to stunning glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and lush greenery. But peppered throughout the untapped wilderness are delightful (and sometimes quirky) towns that will make you feel right at home. Take a walk down Broadway Street along the water in Skagway, or hop aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad to admire the beauty of the mountains in Skagway. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker wanting to climb to the top of Denali in Talkeetna or just want a calming and picturesque drive down the Sterling Highway in Homer, Alaska has something for everyone! So, grab your best winter jacket and discover why these cities are some of America’s finest!
