Downtown Skagway bustles with cruise passengers enjoying the natural beauty and the transportation options. Image credit Daniel Shumny via Shutterstock

These Towns in Alaska Have The Best Main Streets

A vacation in Alaska promises the trip of a lifetime. The state is home to over 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes, rich culture, a colorful history, and some of the most beautiful wonders of the world. The incredible glacial scenery, wildlife, and opportunity to see the Northern Lights are only a few reasons to visit Alaska. The state charms with refreshing open air, plenty of camping and hiking locations, as well as outdoor activities and welcoming towns and cities.

When planning a trip to Alaska, be sure to include a stop in one of these charming towns, with endless shops, boutiques, entertainment, and eateries to discover along an inviting main street.

Best Small Towns To Retire In AlaskaAlaska, while not many retirees' first choice, is becoming a great choice for anyone who is sick of the same old same old.

Homer

Homer is a charming small town that comes alive in summer, though it boasts year-round attractions. Nestled on Kachemak Bay, the town is a hub for fishing, known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska," with picturesque boats and fishing ships lining the marina, though sailing and kayaking are popular within the area as well. Snow-capped mountains surround Homer, adding to its beauty and enticing atmosphere, but also offering opportunities for hiking and exploration.

The Homer Spit, a bustling strip of land, boasts a collection of sweet little shops, such as Ulmers on the Spit, art galleries like Sea Lion Art and Lodging, and unique restaurants including the Salty Dawg Saloon, with beaches lining the shore. For those with an interest in wildlife exhibits, pay a visit to the Alaska Islands and Oceans Visitor Center.

Talkeetna

Residents and Tourists come here to get food, gifts, and other goods. — Facade of stores and pubs in the small old town of Talkeetna, Alaska. Image credit Michael Rosebrock via Shutterstock

Ideal for a weekend escape, Talkeetna is just over a 2-hour drive from Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. The town sits at the base of the Denali, which is the highest mountain peak in North America, making it the ideal starting point for climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers. Three glacial rivers converge in the area, which visitors can admire via ziplining, boat tours, and even helicopter rides.

Once a 20th-century gold-mining center, the town boasts a collection of historic buildings and a historic district, which visitors can learn all about at the Talkeetna Historical Society and Museum. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the main street, stopping along at different coffee hubs, such as Conscious Coffee, or shops like Talkeetna Gifts and Collectables, Village Arts & Crafts, or Once in a Blue Moose.

Sitka

Known as one of the best small towns to retire to in Alaska, Sitka sits on the western side of Baranof Island and the southern half of Chichagof Island. Nestled along the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean, Sitka offers charming rocky beaches, as well as its rich and celebrated Tlingit culture, and the opportunity to explore other small breathtaking islands along the coast.

Sitka is accessible only via air or boat, making it a more remote location for a secluded vacation. The downtown area is home to endless charming attractions and lodging options, such as the Sitka Historical Museum, Russian Bishop’s House, and the Sitka Lighthouse hotel, and even hosts the annual Sitka Music Festival.

Ketchikan

Well known for its Native American totem poles, Ketchikan is a popular location for its access to the Misty Fjords National Monument and Tongass National Forest, with endless hiking trails and campgrounds from which to choose. For years revered as the "Canned Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is also a great spot to enjoy a fishing trip, though kayaking and ziplining tours are also common amongst visitors and locals alike.

To learn about the town's history, visit the Tongass Historical Museum or the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, while the current atmosphere is documented by the downtown area. Containing two large harbors, the main street is a popular hub for visitors exiting cruise ships or sailing boats, with spots such as the historic Dolly's House ideal for exploring, as well as the picturesque Waterfront Promenade.

Skagway

Also known as the "Garden City of Alaska," Skagway was home to one of the main routes during the Klondike Gold Rush, documented along the seven-block downtown corridor on Broadway Avenue. Featuring 20 restored buildings, such as The Moore House, Jeff Smith’s Parlor, and The Mascot Saloon, as well as historic false-front shops, and actors in period costumes, the area offers a transformative and informative trip to the past.

Visitors enjoy a scenic and historic tour along the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, featuring breathtaking sights such as the Glacier Gorge, Dead Horse Gulch, and Bridal Veil Falls. The town is only accessible via air taxi or ferry for a remote retreat.

Juneau

Juneau is Alaska's state capital, located in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle, where visitors admire wildlife and explore glaciers, the most iconic of which is the Mendenhall Glacier, which is in the Tongass National Forest. That said, there are over 38 glaciers in the area, which visitors can traverse along or enjoy on a flightseeing excursion or dog sled ride.

Nestled between Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts, and Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau offers picturesque views and a collection of interesting, narrow streets. Explore the early 19th-century architecture, mixed with modern installations, with a plethora of shops like Juneau Trading Co, restaurants such as Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill, and entertainment spots like Imperial Billiard & Bar.

Valdez

A small coastal town in Alaska, Valdez sits near a deep fjord in Prince William Sound, and features breathtaking glaciers, awe-inducing rainforests, and towering mountains, boasting a diverse and unique landscape. Many visitors stay on the lookout for orcas and humpback whales or enjoy cruises and helicopter rides to take in the expansive scenery. Hiking and kayaking are also popular activities.

The downtown area is the heart of Valdez, home to a small boat harbor and glistening waterfront, and is just a short hike to the mountains and Mineral Creek Canyon. Enjoy a trip to the Valdez Museum, which documents 19th-century memorabilia, or visit the annual Valdez Ice Climbing Festival for unique entertainment, good eats, and live music.

Underrated Cities In Alaskahile Alaska's cities may not be as huge or as bustling as those in the lower 48, some of them are as quaint and charming as one can find anywhere else.

Enjoy a Visit to Alaska!

Alaska wows with its breathtaking scenery, but these charming main streets might just make you want to stay a little longer. While you might spend a few days hiking through the state, rafting along a glacial river, or sightseeing and perhaps catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, these downtown areas boast a welcoming energy and plenty to see and do. Whether you grab a bite in a new restaurant, relish in a refreshing brew, catch a show, or find a new trinket to bring home, there are endless memories to be made in Alaska.

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