6 Most Relaxing Alaska Towns

If you need some space to breathe and time to think with a clear head, take a trip to the Alaskan landscape, where things have not changed much even after a hundred years. Here, you can relax and reflect as you take the wooden path suspended over tidal flats in ‘Little Norway.’ Or, explore the Nagoonberry Loop through forests and meadows in pretty Gustavus. In Eagle, you can enjoy a quiet stroll through the historic downtown or canoe down the Yukon River flowing past the town. These six relaxing Alaska towns will help you get back to basics on your trip, only R&R allowed.

Petersburg

Petersburg, or Little Norway, sits on the northwest tip of Mitkof Island in the Alexander Archipelago. It is one of the few Alaskan towns in the southeast region of the country that does not have a deep-water dock for large cruise ships, which means you will never have to fight the crowds here. Enjoy a lazy afternoon walking the Hammer Slough Boardwalk as you watch the colorful stilt-houses’ reflection in the calm inlet waters.

Further inland, you will find the Three Lakes Trail that will take you on a four-mile loop through the Tongass National Forest. The trail, as the name suggests, connects Sand, Hill, and Crane Lakes. You can take a rowboat out on the water for a peaceful drift before heading to Outlook Park to look for icebergs drifting down from the nearby LeConte Glacier. And, if you are a bald eagle enthusiast, be sure to stop by the Eagle’s Roost Park to watch them gather in the hemlocks.

Cordova

In Cordova, you will find the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. The Copper River is great for floating and even whitewater rafting if you are up for the thrill. If you want to explore the wilderness instead, take the McKinley Lake Trail or Power Creek Trail, which will take you to U.S. Forest Service cabins. You can camp out for the night or go skiing during winter.

If you want to experience being in sheer awe of nature, a trip to Childs Glacier is a must. You can join a boat tour, which will take you to the glacier and the famous Million Dollar Bridge. You can stroll across the bridge and see the magnificent Childs Glacier on one side of it and the equally awesome Miles Glacier on the other side. Should you want to have a couple of days of quiet fishing, you can catch the local salmon run at the Copper River. Or, if you just want to enjoy watching birds do their thing, there are several species to see in Cordova, especially the seven million western sandpipers that flock to the town during spring and fall.

Gustavus

Gustavus is a beautiful, tiny town that draws writers and artists with its serene waters and wild strawberries. You can see some of the local artists’ works at the galleries in town, including the Gateway Gallery located in the Gustavus Community Center. After marveling at artworks and sculptures, you can head to the Nagoonberry Loop, which will take you through the Gustavus Forelands Preserve. The loop will take you just an hour to complete, but you will want to stop at several of the benches along the way, where you can sit and watch the wildlife or enjoy the views. The preserve features meadows and spruce forests, which are a lovely backdrop for a stroll. Other things to do in this relaxing town include taking a Cross Sound Express tour for whale watching before heading to the adjacent Glacier Bay National Park.

Seldovia

The charming town of Seldovia is a true coastal escape that can only be reached by air or sea. This is the best place to be if you want to leave your busy life behind for a while and just take in the fresh air and incredible surroundings. At the historic boardwalk that runs partly along the waterfront, you can take in the views of the sea before setting off on a berry-picking trip. After picking as many berries as you possibly can, go on a Kachemak Bay cruise and see if you can spot sea otters, cormorants, harbor seals, and whales. If you want to do some hiking, take the Otter Bahn Trail through old-growth spruce forest to Outside Beach, or the Rocky Ridge Trail for panoramic views. You can also go for a bike ride along Jakolof Bay Road to enjoy even more views of the coastline.

Tenakee Springs

Tenakee Springs is even more remote compared to Seldovia. There are no cars in this tiny beachfront town and only around 100 permanent residents. Tenakee Springs is on Chichagof Island, where you will find incredible hot springs and wildlife galore. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters of the Hot Springs Bath House, which is run and maintained by a group of volunteers. The water will rejuvenate your body and mind, putting you in just the right mood for a stroll through the historic Tenakee Springs Market across from the bathhouse. Other must-have experiences in this peaceful place include venturing out on the water for whale-watching or hiking the local trails that connect to historic logging roads. These roads will allow you to hike the length of the island, taking in the beautiful sights and wildlife.

Eagle

If rest and relaxation are the only goals during your Alaska trip, there is no better place than Eagle to experience just that. Eagle sits at the northern end of the Taylor Highway, where it overlooks the Yukon River. It is one of the most well-preserved historic towns in the state, where most of the time the most dominant sound you will hear is the rushing of the river along the grassy banks. After taking some time out to sit on these banks and look out over the water, make your way to Fort Egbert National Historic Site to walk among the remnants of the Gold Rush Era. There are five restored structures here as well as an interpretive trail and campground. Afterwards, you can make your way to the nearby Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve for backcountry hiking and to explore the wilderness in this very remote part of Alaska.

Find Yourself in the Land of the Midnight Sun

Alaska is the ultimate final destination for people who want to slow down and savor everything that life and nature have to offer. There is nothing frantic or rushed about these towns, and at the same time, you will be hard pressed to find a more fulfilling travel experience. You may find that one of these small, relaxing towns is exactly where you belong.