8 Romantic Small Towns In Alaska For A 3-Day Weekend
Alaska offers romantic suites with private fireplaces and even the chance to make s'mores next to a reindeer. Outside of the cold weather, Alaska is perfect for intimate strolls through 25 different peony farms in Homer or even experiencing a Glacial Garden Rainforest Adventure. For an unforgettable night, visitors can take in the stunning northern lights found in Fairbanks through tours and base camps. With all these activities and more, a 3-day weekend is highly recommended, as this one-of-a-kind state offers endless opportunities for romantic escapes.
Girdwood
Girdwood, Alaska, is a beautiful resort town and only 45 minutes south of Anchorage. Located in the Chugach Mountains is Alyeska Resort. This resort is the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend. With nearly 300 rooms, guests can choose views ranging from pine forests to the mountainside. From there, they can rest with a Nordic spa experience by resting in steam rooms and saunas, or trying out the exfoliation cabin. Enjoy the rejuvenating hydrotherapy cycle as you move from hot and cold pools surrounded by a breathtaking rainforest.
For an unmatched view, visitors can take the Alyeska Aerial Tram. For $48 a person, enjoy a seven-minute ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska. On the way, you'll have the opportunity to see "hanging" glaciers, endless peaks, and the snowy view of the Turnagain Arm. Jack Sprat offers beautiful views and local cuisine, perfect for a weekend getaway. Next on the to-do list is some local & sustainably caught seafood, and then a Double Black Diamond for dessert. Afterwards, head to Mother Hubbard's Co., a cozy cabin adjacent to the restaurant. There, you can shop for a variety of curated home goods to take back with you after your trip.
Fairbanks
Chasing the Aurora Borealis or experiencing the midnight sun are both possible in Fairbanks, Alaska. From August to April, the night sky lights up with a range of beautiful colors known as the Northern Lights. During the summer months of April through August, the sun rarely sets, filling the evenings with light. One of the best ways to enjoy this is with a late-night stroll along Chena Riverwalk. Walking along the Chena River, visitors will walk through downtown, past historic homes, and beautiful churches. Keep walking until you get to Golden Heart Plaza.
A stay at the Alaska Heritage House offers a glimpse into the romantic past that comes with this historic home. Guests can choose from one of eight different rooms, each with its own romantic style. Also, make sure to stop at the Pumphouse Restaurant and Saloon for something to eat. Step back into the 1890s Gold Rush era that meets Victorian elegance.
Homer
This seaside town is found along the shores of Kachemak Bay. Homer is known as the City of Peonies, and if you visit in July, you can see why. Homer has 25 flourishing Peony Farms and ideal conditions for growing them. Guests can go on a romantic walk throughout town and visit different Peony gardens and even grab a bouquet at Alaska Perfect Peony for $20. Or visitors take to the waters and rent a guide for a wildlife tour. Head to Cook Inlet and search for otters, whales, sea lions, and porpoise.
Heralded as rustic but refined, the Lakeshore Lodging offers a romantic getaway experience. Choose from a beautiful beachfront lodge, a luxury suite, or a sprucewood den, and be surrounded by breathtaking views no matter where you stay. In the heart of Old Town is a historic waterfront, which is one of the best places to have a romantic meal. AJ's Oldtown Steak and Tavern has been around since 1941 and serves locally sourced seafood.
Talkeetna
This small town offers unforgettable views of Denali straight from your room at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. In the lobby is a beautiful crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace, perfect for sitting and cuddling with a loved one. The lodge has a stunning fine dining experience at their Foraker Restaurant, which has a summer season that opens up in May. Diners get a luxurious multi-course meal featuring signature Alaskan seafood and game.
While you're in town, there's no better way to take in the sights than with a romantic aviation tour that allows you to flightsee Mt. Denali, the tallest summit in North America. The Denali Grand Tour offers flyers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to stand on a glacier in the heart of Denali National Park. After your flight, don't miss the opportunity to meet one of Alaska's most iconic Arctic animals, the reindeer. The Reindeer Grove offers guests the chance to cuddle and have a smore with a reindeer. This offer is only available in the evenings in the winter. Mix this with a view of the Northern Lights, and experience a romantic and incredible night.
Juneau
Welcome to one of Alaska's oldest cities. Alaska's Capital Inn offers a historic bed and breakfast that overlooks Juneau's downtown and forested mountains. Suites offer whirlpool tubs and a cozy fireplace, and some even come with a private two-person soaker tub. Private dining experiences are offered with Juneau Food Tours so that you can sit back and relax with your loved one. Visit multiple restaurants on a half-day tour, or add aerial views of the city, glaciers, and more with a full-day tour.
The Glacier Garden Rainforest Adventure is a one-of-a-kind romantic experience. The famous Flower Towers are upside-down trees transformed into living sculptures with beautiful cascading blooms. This masterpiece will add a bit of whimsy to your trip. Continuing to the wilderness, Breathe Alaska offers views, and mindfulness is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Step into your own world together and take in the mountains, forests, and ocean. Breathtaking landscapes make this trip a perfect, romantic weekend.
Wrangell
Quiet, historic, and surrounded by nature makes Wrangell, Alaska a perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Embrace history as you walk around town and discover an impressive collection of totems, with the most popular one being a killer whale. One of the best serene spots is on Chief Shakes Island. Only reachable by a pedestrian bridge, the island is filled with tall cottonwoods, totems, and even eagles perched in the trees. Enjoy the tranquil quiet of the area while taking in the history of the town. Hop on a boat or small plane and take in some of the most breathtaking views of glaciers you will ever see: LeConte Glacier and Shakes Glacier. This peaceful and romantic retreat allows guests to connect with the wild beauty of the town.
Choose between a waterfront or a mountain view and enjoy a cozy weekend right on the City Dock at the Stikine Inn. Everything is within walking distance, including a coffee shop and a restaurant right on the property. Enjoy a mocha and cinnamon roll while you take in the scenic waterfront. Locally known as "The Stik", this restaurant offers seasonal local fare with a view to match.
Seward
The views alone in Seward, Alaska, make a visit worthwhile. Nestled between the ocean and mountains is a land shaped by glaciers. Welcome to Seward. Guests can get a more intimate view of the area with a Bear Glacier Lunch and Paddle Tour. Enjoy an unforgettable view of floating icebergs, mountain peaks, and a rugged coastline on a 25-minute helicopter ride. Enjoy local Alaskan cuisine with the backdrop of Bear Glacier during lunch. Finally, glide through crystal-clear waters while kayaking and enjoy a remote, tranquil part of Seward.
Rustic luxury awaits at Box Canyon Cabins. Guests can relax to the nearby sounds of the creek while sipping coffee on your porch. In the morning, sunlight hits the mountains, creating an amazing view. Then, head toward downtown Seward and enjoy a leisurely walk around Two Lakes Park Loop. Enjoy a scenic trail around an upper and lower lake that includes a beautiful waterfall. The Flamingo Lounge takes guests back to the 1950s with a retro flair, a classic steakhouse, and experimental cocktails. Enjoy dinner in one of Sewards' newer renovations with the oldest history.
Palmer
Palmer has a unique blend of farmland, mountain peak views, and beautiful landscapes, making it a perfect romantic destination. The Palmer Showcase Garden gives many opportunities for a quiet stroll through different types of perennials, annuals, and the area's famous oversized vegetables. Instead of walking, the town also offers horseback riding. Rent a horse from the Reindeer Farm and take an intimate ride through the mountains and lush woodland trails.
A stay in the Caribou Suite at Alaska Knotty Pine B&B offers a cozy, peaceful, and romantic weekend. Guests can relax in the hot tub or in the wood-fired sauna after a day of exploring. A trip to Downtown Palmer provides a quiet bite to eat at The Fern AK. Guests can choose from different acai bowls, and pair them with a tea or ceremonial cacao while relaxing in each other's company.
Alaska isn't just about glaciers and snow. It's also a place filled with romantic escapes, cozy cabins, and luxurious lodges. Enjoy beautiful gardens like Palmer's Showcase Garden or Juneau's Glacier Garden. Watch an amazing and intimate Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks or get up close with reindeer in Talkeetna. The choices are endless for a romantic weekend trip to Alaska, so be sure to look out for the perfect time of year to stop by.
