Top 9 Alaska Towns To Visit In 2025
Alaska is an entirely different world in the US, and almost every detail about this state raises an eyebrow. From being the largest state in the country (more than twice the size of Texas) and home to the largest area of glaciers in North America to hosting more than 100 active volcanoes, the state is a marvel. As if that is not enough, the state is located at the extreme northwest of the North American continent and is home to 12 of America’s tallest mountains, the world's largest natural gathering of bald eagles, and the largest population of bears in the US. Hence, travelers to the Last Frontier will be signing up for endless jaw-dropping sights and unforgettable moments. From Ketchikan to Valdez, uncover nine fine towns to visit in Alaska in 2025 for an experience of a lifetime.
Talkeetna
Visit the small town of Talkeetna and be thrilled by its spectacular ambiance and attractions. Located at the confluence of three rivers, Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna, the town is a hub for water-based activities. Once here, visit the Talkeetna Riverfront Park near the downtown area to boat and paddle on the water or camp and picnic on the shores while enjoying views of the Alaska Range. More adventures are lavish at the nearby Denali State Park, where the 6.5-mile Curry Ridge Trail offers views of Denali and the glacier valley. This park is also a hub of laid-back adventures like kayaking, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching.
In the meantime, the Hurricane Turn Train departs from Talkeetna and invites visitors to enjoy the exciting ride through the gorgeous Indian River Valley. History buffs can also check out some of the town’s historic attractions, like the Nagley Store, built in 1921, and the 1917 Talkeetna Roadhouse.
Skagway
Skagway is a tiny town in the Alaska Panhandle region with a rich history and impressive natural beauty. Located on the Taiya Inlet, this town and the surrounding area are renowned for the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, when more than 40,000 people trooped to the area en route to Canada’s Yukon Territory in search of the newly discovered gold. Today, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park offers more insights into this crucial period in the town's history with exhibits, including a replica of supplies that miners were required to carry. The Skagway Museum is also a great place for a more detailed look into the town's history as an important travel route to interior Alaska and the Yukon territory.
History aside, Skagway boasts picturesque natural scenery that’s better enjoyed on hikes. Start with the two-mile round-trip hike to Yakutania Point for breathtaking water views and then level up with the iconic Chilkoot Trail, which starts in nearby Dyea and stretches for 33 miles to Bennet in British Columbia. This trail may take days to complete, but hikers who dare take on the adventure will enjoy a coastal rainforest, alpine lakes, campsites, and sights of gold rush artifacts.
For more scenic and thrilling adventures, boat or sail on the Lynn Canal to marvel at this 90-mile-long and 2,000-foot fjord, one of the deepest and longest in the world.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a small city on the Alaskan island of Revillagigedo, named after the Ketchikan Creek that runs through it. The town should be on anyone's bucket list when visiting Alaska, as it is home to the world's largest collection of totem poles. Totem poles are long carved sculptures decorated with vibrant paintings that tell the story of the area's Indigenous people. These interesting sculptures can be found in four main sites: Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Historical Park, and Potlatch Totem Park and Museum. The Saxman Totem Park, just two miles from town, also has a few totems worth seeing.
For adventures, visitors can stroll along the historic Creek Street to see ancient storefronts and houses and purchase handcrafted items. The town is also the nearest to the Misty Fjords National Monument, where visitors can kayak or boat to see stunning fjords, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife like black bears, moose, and sea lions.
Petersburg
Petersburg is a scenic small town at the north end of Mitkof Island and the confluence of Frederick Sound and Wrangell Narrows. This waterfront town was founded by a Norwegian, and as a result, visitors will find many Norwegian elements and culture in the town, ranging from its Scandinavian architecture and street names to the Little Norway Festival in May. Visitors can stroll through the Sing Lee Ally to see Rosemaling, a Norwegian folk art that decorates many homes, and the historic Sons of Norway Hall, a great example of the town's Norwegian architecture.
Discover more about the town’s fishing heritage at the Clausen Memorial Museum, featuring the largest king salmon ever caught, among other Alaskan artifacts. Later, head to Sandy Beach Park to sunbathe, enjoy picnics, and build sand castles. This park also hosts Native petroglyphs, rock carvings, and 2,000-year-old Tlingit fish traps, which can be spotted at low tides.
Haines
Haines flaunts the slogan, The Adventure Capital of Alaska, which is true considering the incredible natural features around the town. This town is surrounded by mountains like the Takhinsha Mountains and Chilkat Ranges, as well as water bodies like the Chilkat River and Chilkoot Lake, all of which combine to spoil visitors with multiple options for water-related adventures.
For more adventures, the Takshanuk Mountain Trail invites visitors to ride an ATV through the Alaskan wilderness and enjoy breathtaking views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the Lutak Inlet. For bird lovers, the Haines is near the 49,000-acre Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which hosts the world's largest natural gathering of bald eagles in winter every year. Furthermore, Haines is home to the Hammer Museum, where history buffs can learn about the global history of the hammer tool with several exhibits.
Seward
Seward is a laid-back town that glows in its natural beauty from its location at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. This town is a paradise for outdoor adventures as it is the gateway to the 600,000-acre Kenai Fjord National Park. This massive park is home to an abundance of wildlife, massive ice fields, glaciers, and deep fjords waiting to be explored on kayaking and boating expeditions. Hikers will also have a field day in this town, especially with trails like the Two Lakes Trail, which winds around two lakes, and the Tonsina Creek Trail, which stretches along the shores of Resurrection Bay.
Besides the outdoors, visitors to Seward will love the Alaskan SeaLife Center, which offers close views of the area's wildlife, including harbor seals, seabirds, sea otters, and giant Pacific octopuses. Like many other towns in Alaska, no visit to Seward is complete without some fishing, so head to Resurrection Bay to catch species such as silver salmon, sockeye salmon, and halibut.
Valdez
Valdez is a picturesque town at the head of a fjord on Prince William Sound, with the Chugach Mountains towering in the background. Visitors here will be met with attractions like the Valdez Glacier Lake, which is located in the Chugach Mountains and completely freezes in winter. It sets the stage for ice skating and skiing. In summer, tourists can kayak on the lake to see some of the melting glaciers. Moreover, Prince William Sound is one of Alaska's top fishing spots, and many charters are available in town for half or full-day trips to some of the best fishing spots.
For biking enthusiasts, the 6.5-mile DOT Valdez Bike Path is a must-experience as it offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as salmon and bears. Hiking trails are also abundant in and around the town, and some top ones include the Meals Hill Trail and Overlook Trail, both offering great views of the town and Port Valdez. History buffs can visit the Valdez Museum on Egan Drive to learn about the town’s founding, the area's Native Americans, and the Gold Rush.
Sitka
Sitka is one of Alaska's most famous towns, nestled on Baranof Island within the Alexander Archipelago. The town is quite historic as it was the first capital of Russian America and the site of the Alaska Purchase in 1867 when Russia ceded Alaska to the US. As a result, the town is home to several interesting historic sites, one of which is the Baranof Castle, once inhabited by Tlingit natives before becoming the site of the 1867 transfer. Otherwise known as Castle Hill, this site is worth visiting as it also offers breathtaking views of the city.
The Bishop's House is another iconic historical attraction in Sitka worth visiting, as it was built in 1842 and represents one of the few surviving examples of the Russian colonial architectural style in North America. This house is within the Sitka National Historical Park, the state's oldest park, established in 1910. This park also features totem poles commemorating the area's Tinglit and Russian histories.
Away from the history, visitors to Sitka can check the Alaska Raptor Center to see rescued birds of prey or head to Crescent Harbor to launch into the waters for fishing and boating expeditions.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is one of the most popular towns in the entire United States, renowned for many natural attractions, from the midnight sun to the enchanting northern lights. This town is worth visiting year-round as each season brings rare sights and adventures. From late April to August, the town experiences the unique midnight sun, where one can wake up at midnight to hike, bike, or engage in other activities under the blazing sun.
In winter, when the skies are at their darkest, visitors in Fairbanks can embark on northern lights tours or go hunting solo for the mesmerizing colors at sites like Creamer’s Field and Cleary Summit. Additionally, Fairbanks is near the Chena Hot Springs Resort, where winter guests can enjoy warm soaks in the hot springs or pools. This resort is also home to the Aurora Ice Museum, featuring an ice bar and a gallery of ice sculptures, among other icy attractions. Furthermore, winter guests at this resort can stay up at night to witness some of the most beautiful sights of the northern lights forming in the skies.
The 44-acre Pioneer Park is another incredible attraction in Fairbanks that visitors will love. It is home to the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum and the Pioneer Museum, all aimed at preserving and showcasing the area's rich history. The park even features a train ride, mini golf, and a playground area to delight children. For more adventures, the Chena River runs through the town and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.
Alaska is perhaps the most unique state in America, with a monumental land area filled with everything from abundant wildlife to massive glaciers, beautiful waterbodies teeming with fish, and towns soaked in history. Visit some of these towns in Alaska in 2025 and enjoy some of the most unforgettable experiences and sights the United States has to offer. From kayaking in between deep fjords to exploring parks filled with totem poles or relaxing in a pool with views of the Aurora Borealis, there are so many ways to enjoy in these towns in Alaska.
