These 9 Towns In Alaska Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2026

With 149 incorporated cities and towns across the state, Alaska has a bounty of unique destinations for travelers seeking rugged mountain views and open waters. Amongst the pack, these nine towns stand out as the best places to enjoy Alaska's culture and natural splendor. From gold-rush era saloons in Skagway to whale spotting in Kodiak, these towns are sure to enchant and delight. Here are nine of the highest-ranking fan-favorite towns to explore in the northernmost U.S. state.

Homer

Dubbed "the End of the Road" due to its location at the southernmost point of Alaska's Highway 1, Homer hosts a wide array of activities and attractions. The town is known for "the Spit," a 4.5-mile-long strip of sand and gravel that houses sites like the iconic Salty Dawg Saloon. Explore a variety of cultural experiences and art at the Bunnell Street Arts Center, located in a historic building.

The pristine bay surrounding the Spit also offers world-class fishing opportunities as well as fresh, locally sourced seafood and fine dining. For those who are feeling adventurous, Kachemak Bay State Park is a short, scenic water-taxi trip away. The park and the adjacent Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park together boast over 80 miles of trails, providing visitors with hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Wander through nature or simply explore the art galleries and restaurants Homer has to offer.

Juneau

Juneau offers the perfect combination of rugged wilderness, entertainment, and tourism. Located in Tongass National Forest, the world's largest intact temperate rainforest, Juneau boasts a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from fishing trips and glacier exploration to a walkable, vibrant downtown setting.

Originally founded by prospectors in the late 1800s, Juneau was named Alaska's state capital in 1906. Since then, the town has evolved into a cultural staple. Although Juneau itself is not accessible by car, the downtown area is great for strolling through shops and restaurants, including the Red Dog Saloon. Explore more of Juneau's history in the Alaska State Capitol building and the Juneau-Douglas City Museum right across the street.

Beyond the town, you can explore the surrounding wilderness, including sites such as Nugget Falls and the Mendenhall Glacier, located only 13 miles from downtown. The surrounding waterways are also great for whale watching, and a variety of different viewing boats and tours are available.

Skagway

Founded in 1897 during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway offers visitors scenic views and a rich cultural history. Appropriately nicknamed "the Gateway to the Klondike," the town originally attracted prospectors but quickly grew in population almost instantly in the late 19th century.

Nestled at the head of the Taiya Inlet, Skagway boasts waterfront scenery and breathtaking views of the surrounding Boundary Ranges. The town's downtown area feels like stepping back in time with its historic buildings, such as the Red Onion Saloon, a former brothel that now serves as a saloon and offers informational tours. Walk in the footsteps of gold-chasing miners on the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail or ride vintage rail cars along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad on a scenic route that is 40 miles round-trip.

Kotzebue

Kotzebue is located on the Baldwin Peninsula, 549 miles northwest of Anchorage. With a population of about 2,900, the town is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle. The only way to access this village is by air, but don't let its remoteness discourage you. Kotzebue offers visitors access to some of the most distinctive ecosystems and landscapes, including Kobuk Valley National Park, which features the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes.

The town itself also offers a variety of entertaining activities. Take a walk through the heart of Kotzebue down Front Street, which boasts breathtaking waterfront views, or celebrate local art and culture through amenities such as the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center or the Sulianich Art Gallery.

Ketchikan

Known as Alaska's first city, Ketchikan is located at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, a coastal route popular for ships that stretches 500 miles along the Pacific Ocean. The town is commonly referred to as the "Rain Capital" of the state due to its heavy rainfall, receiving roughly 150 inches annually.

Ketchikan offers many recreational activities, with a bustling downtown and commercial district. Explore the historic Creek Street, a wooden boardwalk brimming with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and museums like Dolly's House, all built above the town's namesake, Ketchikan Creek. The town is also home to a large collection of totem poles, many of which feature recreations of original indigenous carvings.

For those who have a taste for the outdoors, Ketchikan offers a plethora of activities. The town is renowned for its incredible fishing, with anglers visiting for its abundance of salmon. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and camping, with Settler's Cove State Recreation Area located only 18 miles from the town.

Cordova

The charming coastal town of Cordova sits on the Prince William Sound and is encompassed by the Chugach National Forest. Home to around 2,400 residents, this town offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with its easy access to astonishing scenery, outdoor recreation, and wildlife.

Drive along the gravel Copper River Highway, a scenic route offering abundant opportunities along the way for hiking and fishing. The highway is also an extremely popular area for wildlife viewing, particularly birding, with the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival attracting birders from around the globe every May.

Every year, Cordova celebrates its annual Iceworm Festival. Kicking off in late January and spanning over a week, the festival marks the start of the days growing longer and the light returning. Join the festivities by participating in an oyster shuck-and-suck, or watch the crowning of a "Miss Iceworm" and parade featuring a 100-foot-long iceworm.

Kodiak

Located on Kodiak Island, Alaska's largest island and the second-largest island in the United States, Kodiak is brimming with vibrant natural beauty and outdoor activities. The town has around 5,600 residents and is accessible by plane or ferry.

Kodiak offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, primarily brown bears, with the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge being home to nearly 3,500 bears alone. The refuge does not have roads, but visitors can still observe wildlife via air charters or viewing excursions from remote lodges on the refuge, such as the Kodiak Brown Bear Center and Lodge.

Crustacean fans will love the Kodiak Crab Festival, a weeklong event that marks the end of crabbing season. Celebrate with parades, fishing contests, kayak racing, and a plethora of king crab. Whale watchers will also feel at home, not only with the abundance of viewing opportunities, but with April's Kodiak Whale Fest, commemorating the return of grey whales along their migration routes from Mexico.

Seward

Founded in 1903, Seward is a port city in the southern part of the state, near Resurrection Bay. Surrounded by the Kenai Mountain Range, most notably Mt. Marathon, the town is the gateway to the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park.

The park offers unforgettable views and outdoor opportunities. Sprawling over 580,000 acres, Kenai Fjords National Park features the expansive Harding Icefield and the Exit Glacier, which is accessible by road and offers hiking trails.

Beyond nature, Seward has a bustling downtown area filled with entertainment and recreation. Stroll through the harbor and explore its variety of chartered tours, restaurants, and gift shops, including Once in a Blue Moose. For unique educational opportunities, visitors can explore the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Nome

Nome is famous for its rich, rugged history as a gold rush town. At the beginning of the 20th century, it transformed into a bustling town practically overnight, with its population reaching over 10,000. While the town has shrunk in size and population since its heyday, it still offers a unique adventure for those visiting.

Step back in time in the footsteps of prospectors with guided gold-panning tours, or head to the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum to learn more about Nome's history and indigenous culture. The town is also known for its astonishing views of the aurora borealis, or northern lights.

Visitors flock from around the world every March for the endpoint of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a 1,000-mile race dubbed the "Last Great Race on Earth." Witness a historic commemoration of the 1925 Great Race of Mercy, where mushers delivered life-saving medicine to Nome during a diphtheria epidemic.

Exploring the Last Frontier

Alaska's towns are as unique as they are charming and welcoming. Each of these 9 fan-favorites provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all interests and hobbies, and is a great way to explore all the state has to offer. With its wild northern landscapes and remote towns, Alaska is unlike any other place in the United States, and when it comes to getting to know Alaska, these nine towns are fan favorites for a reason.