9 Small Towns In Alaska To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
Few events shaped Alaska more than the gold rushes of the late 1800s. This search for treasure established the ports, supply routes, and rugged boomtowns that would become the foundation for many of the state's most unique communities. Today, that spirit of adventure lives on, but with a lot more comfort.
For a weekend in this state, consider skipping the big crowds to find Alaska's true heart in its small cities. These places are the perfect retreat, offering amazing scenery and an authentic taste of local life. From the artsy mountain hub of Talkeetna to the stunning "Switzerland of Alaska," Valdez. Here is the 2025 guide to the top small towns for a great weekend getaway.
Valdez
What makes Valdez a remarkable retreat is its dramatic setting and unique history. The entire area was moved four miles after the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, and today it sits in a stunning fjord. Valdez is often referred to as the "Switzerland of Alaska" or “Little Switzerland” due to its spectacular mountainous scenery, deep fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers. A weekend here is all about the scenery. A short drive into Keystone Canyon reveals massive, sheer rock walls draped with the misty Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls. For a calmer adventure, you can kayak on Valdez Glacier Lake, paddling quietly among beautiful, bright blue icebergs. The Solomon Gulch Hatchery is a must-see in summer, as millions of salmon return, attracting a noisy crowd of sea lions. Valdez is also the main starting point for day cruises into Prince William Sound, offering a chance to see massive glaciers.
This active, outdoor culture makes Valdez an ideal retirement spot for those who love world-class fishing and hiking. It is a friendly community that truly embraces its epic natural backyard. For a great place to stay during a weekend visit, the Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn offers comfortable rooms with fantastic, front-row views of the small boat harbor.
Hope
Just a 90-minute scenic drive from Anchorage, Hope is a beautifully preserved gold rush town that feels like a living museum. Its charm comes from the historic log cabins and dirt roads lining the shore of Turnagain Arm. It is perfect for a vacation, where you can explore the past at the Hope and Sunrise Historical Museum or try panning for gold in Resurrection Creek. For hikers, the famous 38-mile Resurrection Pass Trail begins just outside the main settlement.
Hope is ideal for those who dream of a simpler, pastoral life. The tiny, year-round population is incredibly close-knit, with a quirky, artsy vibe. In the evenings, everyone gathers at the Historic Hope Cafe & Seaview Bar, one of the oldest buildings in the area, for hearty food and a surprisingly vibrant live music scene. For a fitting stay, Hope Alaska's Bear Creek Lodge offers cozy, private log cabins.
Haines
Haines offers culture, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, all without the big cruise ship crowds of its neighbors. It's an authentic slice of Southeast Alaska, set on the beautiful Chilkat Peninsula. A highlight is the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which in the fall hosts one of the largest gatherings of eagles on Earth. Visitors can also walk the historic parade grounds of Fort William H. Seward, a preserved 1900s army post, or visit the famously quirky Hammer Museum, which is surprisingly fascinating.
The local life is a unique blend of Tlingit heritage and a modern arts scene, making it an excellent place for creative, active people to settle down. You can see this blend at the Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center, which showcases the area's rich history. For lodging, the Hotel Halsingland offers a memorable stay, with rooms situated within the historic fort's former officers' quarters.
Wrangell
Wrangell is one of Alaska's oldest non-Native settlements, and it feels that way in the best way possible. It is a hardworking fishing port that skips the polish of other destinations, offering a glimpse into a more rugged way of life. The main attraction here is the history you can touch. At Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site, you can walk the shore at low tide to find dozens of mysterious, ancient rock carvings. A short stroll leads to the Chief Shakes Tribal House, a stunning replica of a Tlingit clan house sitting on its own island and surrounded by magnificent totems.
The massive Stikine River, a legendary, glacier-carved waterway, dominates the entire area. This connection to the water and its deep Tlingit roots defines life in Wrangell. It's an excellent city for anyone looking to settle in a genuine, unpretentious place where fishing and local heritage are at the heart of everything. For a place to stay, the Stikine Inn is right on the water, offering great views of the busy harbor and easy access to local shops.
Gustavus
Gustavus is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Unlike the busy cruise ports, this is a meadow-filled settlement with a calm feel. The main event here is the daily park-operated boat tour from Bartlett Cove, which travels deep into the magnificent fjords to see massive tidewater glaciers calving into the sea. You can also explore the cove by sea kayak, visit the beautiful Huna Tribal House, or rent a bike to pedal the flat roads that connect the local homesteads.
Life here is centered on gardening, fishing, and a deep connection to the wilderness. For those planning a 2025 visit, it’s the ultimate place to unplug. The most convenient lodging is the Glacier Bay Country Inn, a beautiful rustic structure.
Whittier
Whittier is easily one of America's most peculiar destinations. Access is an adventure in itself: you must drive through the 2.5-mile-long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a one-lane passage shared with trains on a strict schedule. Once you emerge, you will find a compact port where nearly all residents live in a single high-rise building, the Begich Towers. This unique, self-contained design, a holdover from its military past, makes for a fascinating visit. The main draw is its location as a prime gateway for exploring the stunning glaciers and wildlife of Prince William Sound on a day cruise.
Life in Whittier is exceptionally convenient and not for the claustrophobic. With the post office, a grocery store, and a health clinic all inside the main building, you rarely need to go outside in winter. This makes it an interesting place to settle for those who value practicality and instant access to world-class boating and fishing. For a truly comfortable stay, you can book a room at June's Whittier Condo Suites, which is located right inside the Begich Towers, letting you experience this one-of-a-kind vertical lifestyle for yourself.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a famously quirky hub with a postcard-perfect view of Denali on clear days. This historic suburb serves as the main staging ground for mountaineers attempting to summit the massive peak. The best way to grasp that scale is on a "flightseeing" tour, which circles the summit and can even land on a glacier. Back on the ground, you can wander Main Street, stopping into the iconic Nagley's General Store on the National Register of Historic Places or learning about the area's climbing history at the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum.
The main street is full of great restaurants, breweries, and live music, especially at the classic Fairview Inn. It is a lively, engaging spot, full of storytellers. For a fantastic stay, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge sits on a ridge just outside the main strip, offering luxurious rooms and a famous back deck with jaw-dropping views of the Alaska Range.
Petersburg
Known as Alaska's "Little Norway," Petersburg is a village on Mitkof Island. It proudly celebrates its Scandinavian heritage, which is evident in the rosemaling (Norwegian folk art) adorning many of its buildings. A great way to explore is by walking the historic, waterfront Sing Lee Alley. The Sons of Norway Hall stands as a cultural center and a National Historic Landmark. The top natural attraction is a boat trip to the LeConte Glacier, the continent's southernmost active tidewater glacier, where you navigate through a stunning field of icebergs.
Petersburg is ideal for those seeking a stable, authentic Alaskan experience. The entire culture is tied to the sea, and the Norwegian spirit is strong, especially during its famous Mayfest celebration. For a 2025 visit, the Tides Inn is a modern hotel right on the harbor, offering prime views of the boat traffic in the busy Wrangell Narrows.
Port Alsworth
Port Alsworth is the ultimate escape, a place with no roads in or out. Access is only by small aircraft, making the journey an unforgettable part of the experience. The tiny, remote settlement sits on the shore of the massive, turquoise Lake Clark and serves as the main entry point and headquarters for Lake Clark National Park. Visitors can hike the Tanalian Trails system to the beautiful Tanalian Falls or learn about the region at the Park Visitor Center.
A life in Port Alsworth is centered on aviation, subsistence, and a deep, personal connection to the land. It is a family-oriented location perfect for those who find peace in true solitude and wild nature. For a cozy night, the historic Lake Clark Resort (run by the founding Alsworth family) offers comfortable lodging, meals, and guided trips deep into the park.
Alaska's vast wilderness is legendary, but its true heart is often found in its small towns. From the dramatic fjords of Valdez to the remote, fly-in quiet of Port Alsworth, these nine destinations offer a real escape from the everyday. They provide a chance to connect with nature, history, and a unique, independent way of life. Whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or dreaming of a new, peaceful place to call home, these spots are a perfect starting point. A trip to one of these special locations in 2025 is more than just a vacation; it is a way to experience the authentic, welcoming spirit of the Last Frontier.
