8 Best Lakeside Towns in Alaska

Alaska is the land of three million lakes and a maze of fjords, the steep glacier-carved valleys that form long, narrow sea inlets and give the state its striking landscape. Port Alsworth offers a view of the wild beauty of Lake Clark and the adventures of Alaska’s backcountry. Talkeetna is home to glacial scenery, historic gold-rush charm, and a laid-back small-town feel. Here are eight of Alaska’s best lakeside towns and settlements, each worth visiting for its spectacular scenery and distinctly northern outdoor recreation.

Lake Hood (Anchorage)

View of the Lake Hood Seaplane Base at sunset, with a plane flying over Lake Hood. — The Lake Hood Seaplane Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Editorial credit: 907AnchorageAlaska, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

While Anchorage is a major city, the area around Lake Hood serves as a lakeside neighborhood. It's also known to be the world's busiest seaplane base. Nearby Connors Lake, Goose Lake, and DeLong Lake offer trail systems and eye-popping views of the glaciers.

Alaska has a rich history in aviation, and it's all on display at the Alaska Aviation Museum, located along the charming Lake Hood Marina near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. During the summer months, a stay at The Lakefront Anchorage hotel offers views of clear skies and beautiful mountains, and a front-row seat to the landing and outgoing planes, which is a unique sight to behold.

Port Alsworth

Port Alsworth, which is the primary gateway to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, is a scenic town perched on the shores of Lake Clark. This small community, situated about 170 miles southwest of Anchorage, beckons visitors and locals to its delightful waterfront and invites you to envelop yourself in the invigorating hobby of bear watching. Port Alsworth is also the perfect spot for world-class fly fishing and hiking in nearby Twin Lakes. It is accessible only by air taxi or boat, so come prepared to "rough it" a bit. After a short time spent with the locals experiencing what they do, you'll be glad you did.

Glennallen

Glennallen is located in the Copper River Valley and provides easy access to Wrangell-Saints Elias National Park, a year-round outdoor hotspot. Lake Louise is a local favorite for viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights in winter and for lake trout fishing in summer. Not only does this quaint town serve as the central hub of the Copper River Basin, but its downtown also provides essential services for travelers, including restaurants, shops, and adorable overnight lodging options. Glennallen is also famous for being the home of the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race.

Sitka

Often considered by Alaskans as the most beautiful seaside town in the state, Sitka actually sits on the ocean, nestled along the Inside Passage. The water often acts like a calm, glassy lake, immersing you in the beauty of being surrounded by island-studded sapphire waters. Framing the spectacular view are the dramatic, snow-capped Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, and the dense spruce forests that extend out to the water's edge.

Once you venture downtown, you'll sense a unique blend of Russian-American history and Tlingit indigenous culture. Castle Hill is just one of the many historical landmarks in the highly walkable downtown district worth visiting. It features 19th-century architecture, totem-lined parks, and the iconic St. Michael’s Cathedral.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna is a popular spot for climbers that sits near the confluence of several lakes and three glacial rivers. These include Byers Lake in nearby Denali State Park, among others. The town of Talkeetna maintains the characteristics of a historic gold-rush depot, combined with the atmosphere of a resort destination boasting spectacular views of the Alaska Range.

This charming pioneer town offers an engaging downtown area, with a Main Street that stretches for two blocks. This historic quadrant is quaint, very walkable, and offers a delightfully rustic feel. Its turn-of-the-century character will enthrall you through the diversity of its local restaurants, pioneer-themed shops, all while offering stunning views of Mount Denali.

Cooper Landing

Looking out over the clear waters of Kenai Lake, Alaska. — Clear waters of Kenai Lake, Alaska. Image credit Iv Nikolny via Shutterstock

The massive, turquoise-colored Kenai Lake, at the headwaters of the Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula, is the backdrop for this small fishing community. Located about 2 hours south of Anchorage, the area serves as a premier hub for world-class salmon and trout fishing. If you're into drift boat fishing, you'll find this a premier destination, as a beautiful waterfront awaits you and your sense of adventure.

If hiking is more your speed, the tremendous views that surround Chugach National Forest will illuminate your mind. The Cooper Landing Historical Society Museum, nestled in a comfortably designed downtown district, will tempt you to learn more about what made this such a popular stop for pioneers.

Big Lake

Not only is this a well-deserved moniker, but this town in Alaska's Mat-Su Valley is a paradise for those seeking spectacular views, harmonious relaxation, and recreational activity options. It is one of the most developed lakeside communities in Alaska, popular amongst locals and tourists alike, for boating, jet-skiing, and swimming in the summer, and snowmobiling or ice fishing in the winter.

The community's downtown area is built along the shoreline of Big Lake with access to the surrounding recreational, residential, and small-business areas. This comfortable locale offers an easy, linear walk perusing the shops and cafes while you simultaneously enjoy the world-class sunsets.

Moose Pass

Sitting along the shores of Upper Trail Lake, Moose Pass is a peaceful mountain hamlet along the Seward Highway. Visitors often stop here for sightseeing tours, both on foot and by airplane. A direct departure from the lake or from the nearby historic Summit Lake Lodge offers a unique way to enjoy the lakeside area.

One of the biggest draws to its downtown core is the town’s lively Summer Solstice Festival. Since the turn of the century, residents have staged this two-day event around the longest day of the year, June 21st. Visitors and locals alike revel in the day's activities, which include various food tastings, games, and music. It’s one of the best small-town festivals in Alaska.

Dramatic Untamed Scenery

More In AlaskaVisit these five beautiful national and Alaska state parks.

Lakeside and coastal towns in Alaska offer a special experience, often combining towering mountains with the awe-inspiring glacier-fed waters of green and blue. Rich marine life can also be found in places like Kenai Fjords. Many of these towns serve as gateways to vast natural landscapes, where "lake life" is central to both recreation and local culture. These communities often offer a unique, slow-paced charm, extreme isolation, and off-the-grid living for those seeking inspiration, rest, and an unplugged sense of tranquility.

Share