9 Cutest Small Towns In Alaska For 2025
The untapped wilderness of Alaska truly lives up to its nickname: The Last Frontier. Much of Alaska still belongs to wandering bears, moose, and caribou of the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Scattered among the wildlife are small towns with friendly locals, unspoiled by commercialization or towering developments. There are places where you’ll find charming communities, like Talkeetna (the last stop before scaling Mount Denali), or Ketchikan, where you can catch a lumberjack show! Alaska’s small towns will welcome you with open skies, quiet streets, and the occasional moose sighting.
Wrangell
Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest settlements, sits in southern Alaska at the mouth of the Stikine River in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. This waterfront community boasts a layered history. It is the only town in Alaska to have existed under three flags and been ruled by four nations: Tlingit, Russia, England, and the United States. To learn more about the native people of Wrangell, visit Shakes Island and stop in Chief Shakes Tribal House to admire the colorful totem poles on the grounds.
Unlike other communities in Alaska, Wrangell doesn’t feel like a tourist destination. You can get a real feel of living in Alaska by stopping in charming shops like Stikine Inn & Restaurant or Zaks Cafe. After filling up on homestyle Alaskan cuisine, the Anan Wildlife Observatory offers a unique Alaskan experience. From the safety of a viewing platform situated above Anan Creek, you can witness native black bears and brown bears dining on salmon in the waters below.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, also known as “Alaska’s First City,” is a small waterside hamlet located on Revillagigedo Island. What makes Ketchikan unique is that it has the most extensive collection of totem poles in the world that highlight the traditions of the native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. There are a few parks in the area with impressive displays of totem poles, like Saxman Native Village and Potlatch Totem Park, but few hold a candle to Totem Bight State Historical Park! This 33-acre state park not only has totem poles, but it also has a replica of a clan house that offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the Tlingit and Haida peoples.
Walking down Front Street with its colorful waterfront buildings feels like stepping back in time. You can learn more about Ketchikan’s historical past at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, grab an amazing seafood dinner at Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House, and then swing by the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show!
Gustavus
In the mood for wide open spaces in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness? Then you have to add Gustavus to your 2025 Alaskan adventures. Known as the Gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus boasts so much more than sweeping mountain views. The downtown area is cozy, with delightful restaurants like Sunnyside Eatery and Fireweed Gallery, Coffee and Tea House, to fuel up before hitting the trails.
One of the most breathtaking views in Gustavus is Glacier Bay, located within Glacier Bay National Park. You can see where the glaciers retreat, carving deep fjords among the snowcapped mountains. It’s the perfect spot for isolated wildlife viewing, where you can catch a rare glimpse of Humpback whales, bears, and sea lions. Gustavus is also home to the Dude Creek Critical Habitat Area. This 4,082-acre wetland reserve is a protected area, and another great spot for wildlife watching!
Talkeetna
For skilled mountain climbers, Talkeetna is the last stop before climbing Mount Denali (North America’s highest peak). The influx of adventurers has transformed this modest town into a unique, artsy community that’s worth visiting—even if you have no intention of mountain climbing. Downtown Talkeetna has a laid-back, artsy vibe with darling shops like Dancing Leaf Gallery, and even better local cuisine at the Denali Brewpub and Homestead Kitchen.
You’ll want to make sure you fill your belly before exploring the natural beauty of Talkeetna. Mount Denali is one of the most challenging climbs in the United States, but you don’t have to be a skilled climber to bask in its beauty. Denali State Park offers excellent views of Mount Denali, particularly along the Parks Highway and the Talkeetna Spur Road.
Skagway
Even in the heart of Alaska, there are traces of the American Old West in Skagway. The city played a significant role in the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, which can still be felt in every corner of the community. Once all the gold was mined from the area, fortune seekers left the area, but the vibes of the Gold Rush remained in its railways and rustic Old-West style buildings downtown. To learn more about Skagway’s rich history, check out the Skagway Visitor Information Center, which stands out on Broadway. Its distinctive façade is made with over 8,000 pieces of driftwood!
You can experience the natural wonders surrounding Skagway by visiting local parks like Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park or Lower Reid Falls. However, the best way to experience Skagway is by hopping aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. This route takes you through the Alaskan wilderness in style. You’ll travel around glaciers, mountain passes, and even a few waterfalls!
Sitka
Only accessible by plane or ferry, Sitka is an isolated city facing the Pacific Ocean on Baranof Island. It was once the capital of Russia-America until the United States purchased Alaska in 1867. Sitka may be owned by the United States, but much of its Russian heritage still exists in Sitka from the architecture of St. Michael’s Cathedral (an onion-domed Russian Orthodox church) to the Russian Bishop’s House, which now serves as a local museum.
Situated along the Sitka Harbor, the area boasts some of the best seafood in the region! Be sure to fill up at rustic restaurants like Sea Daddy (you have to try their fish on a stick!) or Ludvig's Bistro, with a view of the water. After a tour of sites in Sitka, you can explore the natural wonders of Tongass National Forest and Sitka Sound, which provide ample opportunities for wildlife watching and hiking trails with glaciers and lush rainforests.
Homer
Situated on the shores of Kachemak Bay is Homer, affectionately referred to as the "End of the Road." It is the last stop on the Sterling Highway on the Kenai Peninsula, and is a laid-back town with so much to discover. There’s no shortage of lovely diners and shops in central Homer, like the quaint Two Sisters Bakery and Fat Olives Restaurant. If you love natural history, you have to stop at the Pratt Museum, equipped with exhibits on natural history, a saltwater aquarium, a botanical garden, and a historic cabin you can tour.
One of the must-see attractions in Homer is the Homer Spit. The Homer Spit is a strip of land that runs along the Kachemak Bay. It is the perfect spot for salmon fishing at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon (also known as The Fishing Hole), or just walking along the 4-mile paved trail to watch whales and bald eagles.
Petersburg
Petersburg, also known as Alaska’s Little Norway, is located on Frederick Sound on Mitkof Island. Central Petersburg feels like walking the streets of Norway, with rustic shops like The Cedar Box and Sing Lee Alley Books and Gifts, all located close to the Nordic Drive downtown area. Stop in Inga's Galley for fresh seafood on their outdoor patio and chat it up with the locals. The best time to visit Petersburg is during the Little Norway Festival in May, when the town celebrates its heritage with great food, parades, and community events.
There is enough to keep you busy for a long weekend in central Petersburg, but don’t forget about its surrounding scenery. The best place to take in the views is at the LeConte Glacier fjord, where you can get up close and personal with one of Alaska’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The glacier flows directly into the ocean, and often breaks off into pieces to create an unmistakably Alaskan landscape.
Valdez
East of Anchorage, tucked between the Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound, is the hidden gem of Valdez. It’s famous for its outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, which you will only find deep in the heart of Alaska. If your goal is to see some glaciers while in Alaska, Valdez is your best option. The area is famous for its glaciers, like the Columbia Glacier (only accessible by boat), and the Worthington Glacier, which you can hike alongside and is accessible by car.
Aside from glaciers, Valdez also has some unique attractions in its downtown district. If you love to fish, the Kelsey Dock is one of the best places to do so in Valdez. The pier is also a great place to go for a walk along the water. Fantastic local restaurants like The Fat Mermaid and The Potato are within walking distance of local parks like Civic Center Overlook Trail, a short climb of wooden stairs with stunning views of the city of Valdez.
Visit the Charming Corners of the Last Frontier
As the largest state in the U.S., figuring out where to start on your Alaskan adventure can seem overwhelming. Bigger cities like Juneau or Anchorage are great for seeing the sights, but if you want to experience life in the Last Frontier, these small communities are your best option. They’re as untouched as the snowcapped Chugach Mountains, with friendly locals eager to share their rich history. So, the next time you venture north in the United States, don’t miss the chance to explore Alaska’s most delightful little untapped corners in these adorable communities!
