10 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Alaska You Should Visit

Alaska is a state renowned for its great natural beauty. To its north lie the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort Sea, while Canada stands to the east. To its south, the Gulf of Alaska and Pacific Ocean form its border. Though some assume it to be a mostly cold state, warm waters are carried by the Alaska Current, and while there are stretches of mountains and icy snow, there are also boreal forests and grassy tundra. Given such diverse geography, it should come as no surprise that the towns that have sprung up in Alaska are quite beautiful. If you are looking for an Alaskan vacation, consider any of these towns for your next stop.

Seward

Natural beauty abounds in lovely Seward, situated along an inlet that branches out from Resurrection Bay. Visitors to the area can immediately enjoy lovely views of the water from Waterfront Park, where guests can camp along the water's edge, spend nights around the fire rings, and have a picnic during the day. True nature lovers will want to head to nearby Kenai Fjords National Park. This incredible park centers on almost 40 glaciers that shift along the Harding Icefield, while nearby, forests rise along the fields. There is also a lovely charm to the Downtown Seward area. Historical structures, like St. Peter's Church, sit feet away from cozy storefronts, framed against the surrounding mountains and pristine water views.

Sitka

Sitka stretches out over Baranof Island as a part of the Alexander Archipelago. Unsurprisingly, beautiful natural sights abound. Sitka National Historical Park, situated between the Indian River and Crescent Bay, offers 122 acres of park grounds to explore, including a coastal walk along the water's edge. The park is also dotted by totem pools that beautify the grounds.

Just outside of towns, the Indian River Falls is a popular destination. Hikers can reach the falls and return in a few hours of hiking, and the site of the falls spilling into the river makes for one of the region's iconic sights. A bit of maritime beauty can also be found at Crescent Harbor, where a walk along the waterfront reveals lines of boats ranging from recreational ships to charter vessels sitting elegantly on the water.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna is a small village situated on the Susitna River. A stop on Talkeetna Main Street reveals two blocks filled with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. There is a beautiful rural charm to this stretch of town, where wood-paneled buildings and cozy benches invite guests to relax against the backdrop of the surrounding forest.

Just outside of town, beautiful views of Christiansen Lake can be enjoyed at the recreation area as guests swim out from the beach or launch boats out onto the water. And guests who want a truly unique view of the incredible surrounding countryside can head out on a dogsled tour with AK Sled Dog Tours. These tours cover both dry land and the surrounding snow-covered lands and glaciers, depending on the time of year.

Homer

Those who enjoy ocean beauty will love Homer, situated on Kachemak Bay. Guest who want to enjoy the waters throughout their stay may want to visit Land's End Resort. The resort features multiple rooms, with most enjoying a clear view of the bay and nearby beach. Just down the street, the Seafarers' Memorial affords a solemn yet beautiful tribute to the fishermen who have braved the waters for decades.

In town, Alaska Airboat Adventures takes guests on river adventures around the bay to see the surrounding natural wonders from the comfort of an airboat. For those who prefer to experience the surrounding forests and mountain views on foot, Eveline State Recreation Site encompasses 80 acres of land, featuring numerous hiking trails that lead to panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities.

Petersburg

Tiny Petersburg sits on the tip of Mitkof Island and along a branch of Frederick Sound. As such, it is embraced by plenty of natural beauty. Eagles Roost Park sits on the edge of town along the waters and hosts eagles that nest there for the fishing. Views of the surrounding natural sights can be enjoyed along the Blind River Rapids Trailhead. The trailhead is situated within the Tongass National Forest and forms a loop around the nearby wetlands, meadows, and forests. Yet, there is also a low-stakes charm and beauty to the town as well.

Downtown Petersburg has been called the "Little Norway" of Alaska and hosts several shops and dining destinations. The beauty here is that of a fishing community, with small wood-paneled buildings sitting not far from the nearby harbor, while mountains rise in the distance.

Cordova

Cordova is a small town located on Odiak Slough. Once in town, Breakwater Park is the easiest way to enjoy views of the slough. The park features trails that take visitors along the water's edge, offering the chance to spot the Cordova Fisherman's Memorial. The memorial stands along the south harbor and acts as a tribute to all those who have made their living on the water, from fishermen to oil spill cleanup volunteers.

Not far away, the Cordova Historical Museum invites guests to step inside to view various art pieces that represent the town's history. This large building stands majestically against forests and mountains that rise behind it in the distance. Yet, for those who want to experience the surrounding natural wonders fully, they will want to visit the Mt. Eyak Ski Area. The ski area features a 1939 single chairlift to take skiers up the slopes, and skiers will find a mix of easy and difficult runs surrounded by snow-covered forests and powder-filled hills.

Halibut Cove

The village of Halibut Cove sits, unsurprisingly, on Halibut Cove, though Peterson Bay and Kachemak Bay also border it. The cove is a destination for those who enjoy time surrounded by wilderness, and Alaska's Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge makes an ideal place to stay. The Lodge features modern amenities, such as wireless internet, while also situating people among forests, its own lawns, and gardens tucked against ponds.

From here, it is easy to see the surrounding majesty of the area. Groups can hike to the Grewingk Glacier Lake before setting off on kayaks to get up close views of the surrounding mountains and bird rookeries. Those remaining on land can walk the Coalition Loop, a 5.5-mile hike that accesses China Poot Bay and extends into the forest and hills. The village itself is small, with fewer than 100 permanent residents. Yet that contributes to its pristine natural beauty. Halibut Cove Coffee sits at the end of one of the village boardwalks, with space to have a brew while enjoying the nearby waters and watching the occasional boat sail by.

Wrangell

Wrangell exists in a state of perpetual coastal charm, consisting of lengthy stretches of docks and piers and surrounding buildings that rise from the water. Stikine Avenue and Front Street are lined by dining destinations and shops, many of which enjoy clear views of the water. Along this route, visitors will find the Wrangell Museum, which depicts the history of the area from its earliest inhabitants. Carved Tlingit house posts are an example of some of the earliest cultures that made the area their home.

For natural sights, the Anan Wildlife Observatory is a particularly interesting destination for those seeking a glimpse of the surrounding wildlife. After taking a floatplane or a boat, guests are guided by Forest Rangers to the observatory, where they have a chance to see the brown and black bears that make the area their home.

McCarthy

Few places are smaller than McCarthy, yet it is a nature lover's dream. The nearby Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark is a testament to the region's mining history, with numerous significant buildings remaining from the once-thriving mining camp. Guests can wander the General Store and Post Office, among other locations, and learn what life was like in the town. The surrounding area is packed with destinations.

The Glacier View Grill and Campground overlooks the national park, providing views of the Kennicott Glacier. These grounds offer guests the chance to camp among the best views in the region, and the nearby Glacier View Grill makes it easy to stay fed while enjoying time outdoors. Along McCarthy Creek, humble storefronts evoke a bygone era, with destinations like The New Golden Saloon or Ma Johnson's Historical Hotel eliciting the feel of frontier towns that sprang up centuries ago.

Ketchikan

Find Ketchikan's beauty along Front Street, where stores such as the Ketchikan Mining Company rise upward in colorful rows of purple, blue, and red-faced buildings. Stretches of these colorful businesses sit along the water, making for a pleasant walk along the boardwalk while shopping. For a close-up view of the surrounding country's beauty, Misty Fjords National Monument is a popular stop. Fjords, coastal cliffs, and rock walls extend upward from the surrounding waters, framing the nearby forests. The monument is a popular area for kayakers touring the area. Yet, a truly incredible way to take in the surrounding landscape is through Family Air Tours. These tours carry guests out for airborne views of the Misty Fjords, the surrounding peaks, and endless carpets of forest.

Beauty in Alaska's Small Towns

Whether the town has a few hundred residents or a few thousand, there is incredible beauty in the many places people call home in Alaska. The state's numerous parks and stunning waterways are ideal for those who find beauty most exemplified in nature. Others might enjoy the charming stores and main streets found throughout the state. Regardless of what you are looking for, if you are thinking about visiting Alaska, choose one of the beautiful towns as your next destination.