These Small Towns in Alaska Come Alive in Summer
In many places in the United States, summer means high temperatures, humid weather, and air conditioning. But that's not the case in Alaska. Summer is a beautiful time to visit the most northern state in the United States. Alaskan summers bring long daylight hours and green landscapes full of wildflowers. Some of the best summer outdoor activities to enjoy in Alaska include fishing, kayaking, camping, and ziplining. It's also the best time to see some of Alaska's most iconic animals, such as grizzly bears fishing during the salmon run or humpback whales breaching through the cold Arctic waters. Summer is a time to celebrate the short warm season, and in Alaska, there are a few unique small towns that truly come alive in the summertime. This summer, trade in your swimsuit for a warm sweater and explore the spectacular summers in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Sitka
Sitka is beautiful any time of year, but it really shines during the summer. Sitka is in a temperate rainforest, so its temperature is relatively mild in the summer. Visitors can expect very comfortable weather for outdoor exploration, and in Sitka, there is much to explore. This town uniquely blends a rich history, natural beauty, and fascinating culture. The ancestral home of the Tlingit people, Sitka, is a wonderful place to explore Native American culture and traditions. Walk through the Sitka National Historical Park and admire totem poles created by the Tlingit and Haida people. The town also boasts a Russian connection, as it was once a Russian settlement. Visitors can explore old art and religious items at St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. In June, visitors can relax to the sound of classical music during the Sitka Music Festival. With so much to see and do, Sitka is an Alaska town that thrives during the summer months.
Seward
Seward is on Resurrection Bay, on the Kenai Peninsula. The town was named after William H. Seward, who was the US Secretary of State when the acquisition of Alaska was negotiated. Every year on July 4th, this small town hosts a 3-mile-long race to the peak of Marathon Mountain. The race attracts many visitors and participants from all over. Seward is also the gateway to the magnificent Kenai Fjords National Park, where visitors can admire tidewater glaciers, breaching whales, frolicking sea lions, and much more. Nature lovers interested in Alaska’s marine life can visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, located in Seward, the state’s only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility. During the summer months, downtown Seward comes alive with live music performances held in the town’s cafes and bars. Art galleries display and sell locally crafted art and handicrafts. Seward is a stunning little town in Alaska, to celebrate the summer season.
Skagway
A visit to Skagway, especially during the summer months, will delight and enchant you. History buffs interested in the Klondike Gold Rush will find Skagway a fascinating place. This small Alaskan town sits on the Alaska Panhandle, about thirty minutes south of the Canadian border. Skagway is easily accessible by road and has a port. In the summer, Skagway’s port welcomes many cruise ship tourists. The city's historic district consists of well-preserved Gold Rush-era buildings that will transport visitors to a different era. Those wishing to learn more about the Gold Rush can visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Another fabulous historical activity is taking a ride on the White Pass and Yukon narrow gauge railroad. Admire Alaska's mountainous terrain from the comfort of a vintage train car and enjoy the long summer days of the Last Frontier.
Gustavus
The small town of Gustavus, surrounded on three sides by Glacier Bay National Park, attracts numerous visitors during the summer months. Located approximately 48 miles west of Juneau, Gustavus is only accessible by ferry or plane. The town enjoys a moderate climate with relatively low rainfall, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities and wildlife encounters. Gustavus offers a friendly charm with its cozy cafes, restaurants, and a variety of lodging options. Glacier Bay National Park is a captivating summer destination, where tourists can witness the majestic sight of humpback whales and orcas swimming through the Icy Strait. The park also offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and the awe-inspiring Alaskan wilderness. Gustavus, with its small-town charm and proximity to the stunning Glacier Bay National Park, is an ideal summer getaway.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, a picturesque Alaskan town nestled in the Inside Passage, offers a captivating experience during the summer months. Its waterfront boasts a stunning display of small, colorful wooden houses perched overtop of the water, their vibrant hues reflecting in the deep icy waters. Strolling along the historic Creek Street boardwalk, elevated on stilts, provides a mesmerizing vantage point for witnessing the annual salmon run, a spectacle exclusive to the summer season. Embraced by the awe-inspiring Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan treats visitors to breathtaking vistas of forested hills, cascading waterfalls, and majestic snow-capped mountains. The town proudly showcases its rich Native American heritage and is home to the world's largest collection of standing totem poles. These magnificent wooden masterpieces, found throughout Ketchikan and in notable totem parks like Saxan Totem Park, offer a glimpse into the region's vibrant cultural legacy. Ketchikan's architecture is charming and unique, perfectly complementing the surrounding natural beauty. As visitors explore this enchanting Alaskan town, they will feel the allure of its stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and warm summer ambiance.
Homer
Homer is on the Kenai Peninsula and is accessible by road or by the Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska’s ferry service. Majestic snow-capped mountains surround the town, so prepare yourself for breathtaking views. Homer has a 4.5-mile-long spit jutting out of its southern tip — a great spot for a summer walk. The town’s charming boardwalk is lined with restaurants, gift shops, and galleries. Stop by the Salty Dawg Saloon, a fun and quirky bar beloved by locals and tourists alike. Homer is the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," which makes it a dream holiday destination for any fisherman or seafood lover. The town's bustling tourism industry and thriving commercial fishing scene contribute to its summertime draw. Experience the magic of Homer during the endless Alaskan summer days. Marvel at the hanging glaciers, embrace the salty sea breeze, and revel in the quirks and charms that make this town truly special.
McCarthy
McCarthy is a beautiful historic town worth visiting, especially in the summer months. Nestled inside the wide expanse of Wrangell-St Elias, the largest National Park in the United States, McCarthy is connected to the outside world by the McCarthy Road. With views of majestic mountains, glaciers, and pristine wilderness, McCarthy’s natural beauty is breathtaking. Outdoor enthusiasts come to McCarthy for wonderful hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The town’s most significant attraction is the Kennecott Mines National Landmark, preserved to show the challenges and lifestyle of copper miners from the early 20th century. Walking through this small town, it is easy to imagine a time when Alaska was the final frontier, a land still wild and unsettled. This small, historic town is famous for its July 4th celebrations. Visitors flock to McCarthy to enjoy the celebrations all over town. Today, this Alaskan town attracts visitors with its natural beauty, mining architecture, and unique historical artifacts. McCarthy's beautiful landscapes, adventurous attitude, and echoes of its colorful past make it a daring summer destination.
Cooper Landing
Nestled on the scenic Kenai Peninsula lies a small Alaskan town known as a fisherman’s paradise. Fishing on the Kenai River or watching the salmon run are two favorite activities in Cooper Landing. This town offers shore fishing, charter trips, fishing lodges, and up to five different species of salmon and trout. Or explore the beauty of the Kenai River on a thrilling rafting excursion. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you traverse the Alaskan wilderness. Hike some of the most scenic trails in Southcentral Alaska as you take on the same trails gold prospectors once walked in search of the precious metal. Visit the Kenai Mountains Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area to uncover fascinating stories of the Gold Rush Era and the brave characters who settled Cooper Landing. In Cooper Landing, the blue waters of the Kenai Lake and River have created the perfect fishing destination. This Alaskan town is always worth a visit, but especially in the summer.
The summer sun in Alaska does not want to set. It covers this wild land in a stunning golden glow and gives its small towns the opportunity to celebrate the short but beautiful summer season. The Last Frontier has much to offer during the warm months. Small towns rich with history, both ancient and recent, turn into vibrant centers of culture, delicious cuisine, and unique Alaskan art. Fish in McCarthy, discover the totems of Sitka and Ketchikan. Outdoor adventures await in Gustavus, or have a drink and eat halibut in Homer. It is a good thing this is the Land of the Midnight Sun. Otherwise, the days would be too short. This summer, trade your flip-flops for hiking boots and answer the call to adventure in Alaska’s small towns.
