While Alaska is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecosystems, there’s another side to “The Last Frontier” state that’s equally compelling: its scenic small towns. For those wanting to explore the state’s towering mountain ranges, unspoiled waterways, and untamed wilderness, the best of these communities will allow you to immerse yourself in one of the United States’ most exciting travel destinations.

And while the year’s fast drawing to a close, there’s still time to immerse yourself in some of the very best Alaska experiences. From stunningly beautiful scenery to exciting wildlife encounters, travelers seeking a closer connection to the natural world in Alaska won’t be disappointed. Find out more about these seven most scenic towns in Alaska in 2024.

Seward

Located between the dramatic peaks of the Kenai Mountains and beautiful Resurrection Bay, Seward is a town that’s defined by its natural beauty. A destination that’s popular for its proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park’s rugged coastal landscapes, calving glaciers, as well as its abundant marine wildlife, hiking opportunities are plentiful here with trails such as the Harding Icefield Trail providing sweeping views of the icefield and surrounding mountains. The bay itself is popular for kayaking and wildlife spotting, including chances to spot whales, sea otters, and seals in their natural habitat.

Seward’s proximity to Chugach National Forest also adds to its allure, opening up vast expanses of wilderness for hiking and camping adventures. The town’s scenic harbor is another focal point, a dramatic setting with mountains rising steeply from the shoreline, creating a true sense of Alaska’s untamed spirit.

Homer

Located on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is known for its spectacular views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The town’s natural beauty is its primary attraction, with miles of unspoiled shoreline and crystal clear waters just waiting to be explored. Homer Spit, a narrow strip of land jutting into the bay, is one of the prettiest spots and boasts superb views of the Kenai Mountain Range. A prime destination for beachcombing and wildlife viewing, kayakers and boaters are also drawn here for the area’s calm waters.

Enjoy hiking? Head to nearby Kachemak Bay State Park, home to beautiful waterfalls, a spectacular rocky coastline, and an abundance of Alaskan wildlife, including black bears, moose, mountain goats, and even wolves. Homer’s natural landscape is also a prime location for birdwatching, with numerous species of migratory birds frequenting the area, including gyrfalcons, eagles, and puffins.

Valdez

Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and bordered by Prince William Sound, Valdez is a town defined by the dramatic convergence of land and sea. A popular cruise destination, Valdez is famous for its proximity to the Columbia Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers in Alaska and one where you can witness massive icebergs calving into the sea. The town is also a gateway to the Chugach Mountains, a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.

Keystone Canyon, just outside of town, is home to several lovely waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls. The waters of Prince William Sound are equally captivating, providing opportunities for kayaking and boating. Wildlife spotting her includes orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions, all common sightings in the sound.

Sitka

Situated on Baranof Island, Sitka features a scenic combination of coastal and mountainous scenery that’s some of the best in the state. Tongass National Forest, at 17 million acres, the largest national forest in the United States, is a must-visit and provides a lush backdrop to the town. Sitka Sound, with its many islands and deep blue waters, is a popular place for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby, Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, dominates the skyline here and adds a distinctive feature to the town’s scenic landscape.

Fun things to do in Sitka include hiking through the surrounding temperate rainforests, exploring tidepools rich in marine life, and enjoying the island’s secluded beaches. It’s also not uncommon to see sea otters, seals, and whales in the surrounding waters, so have your camera ready.

Wrangell

Located in Southeast Alaska close to the international border with Canada, Wrangell is entirely surrounded by wilderness, with the Stikine River and the Tongass National Forest defining its landscape. The town is a popular jumping-off point for exploring the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness Area with its glaciers, remote fjords, and untouched forests. Hiking along the Stikine River offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains as well as the chance to observe a range of native Alaskan wildlife including bears, eagles, and moose.

The LeConte Glacier, located just outside of town, is one of the most accessible tidewater glaciers in Alaska and presents a great opportunity for an up-close experience with Alaska’s icy wonders. The town itself is pleasant, its location on Wrangell Island providing superb views of the surrounding waters and distant mountain ranges.

Haines

Haines is situated between the Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal, one of the longest fjords in North America. The town’s striking natural landscape includes lovely views of the Chilkat River, a major attraction for wildlife, particularly bald eagles. In fact, the area hosts the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, drawing birdwatchers from across the globe, and the town’s proximity to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve ensures you’ll get to see plenty of these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Haines also serves as a gateway to Glacier Bay National Park with its massive tidewater glaciers, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. The fjord’s deep blue waters and towering mountains also provide a picture-perfect setting for outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna, located at the confluence of three rivers (the Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna Rivers), is best known for its stunning views of Denali, North America’s tallest peak. On clear days, the town offers a jaw-droppingly beautiful panorama of the Alaska Range in all its splendor, with Denali’s towering summit dominating it all. The nearby rivers, especially the Susitna, are also worth exploring and are perfect for activities including rafting, fishing, and peaceful riverfront walks.

Talkeetna’s connection to Denali National Park and Preserve makes it a popular base for adventurers looking to explore the area’s hiking trails and wilderness areas. Enjoy wildlife spotting? Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for larger critters like moose and bears, as well as an abundance of birdlife, including eagles.

The Final Word

America’s most northerly and third-least populated state, Alaska, offers plenty of reasons for visitors to include it in their 2024 travel plans. In addition to offering plenty of fresh, clean air, “The Last Frontier” is where you’ll find many small towns boasting spectacular scenery. Each town on this list, from the coastal beauty of Seward and Homer to the stunning mountain views of Talkeetna, perfectly illustrates Alaska’s magnificent landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Together, 2024’s seven most scenic Alaska towns invite travelers to connect with nature and experience the unspoiled wilderness that defines the Alaskan experience.