The Best Small Towns in Alaska to Visit (or Even Move To)
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Alaska, about 90 miles northwest of Juneau, sits the small town of Haines. This charming community is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the world. Visitors can hike the Harriett Hunt Trail, a moderate 4-mile round trip that weaves through dense rainforest and opens onto spectacular views of the Chilkat River Valley. In winter, the annual Bald Eagle Festival celebrates the eagles’ presence, making it an ideal time to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat. Haines’ blend of wilderness access and vibrant local culture makes it an inviting stop or a potential new home for anyone enchanted by wildlife and rugged beauty.
Further south in the Alaska Panhandle, just a short ferry ride or 60 miles north of Ketchikan, the town of Petersburg offers a distinctly Norwegian flavor amid classic Alaskan scenery. Known as “Little Norway,” this town’s streets are lined with colorful wooden buildings and totems, reflecting its Scandinavian heritage. Visitors can explore the LeConte Glacier Trail in the Tongass National Forest, an easy, scenic 3-mile loop that leads to viewpoints of the stunning tidewater glacier. The nearby Wrangell Narrows provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and spotting harbor seals. Petersburg’s mix of cultural history, accessible wilderness, and fresh seafood—especially halibut caught daily—makes it a uniquely appealing place to visit or settle, especially during the milder summer months.
On the southwestern edge of the state, along the rugged shores near Anchorage but about 115 miles south of the city, lies the tiny community of Girdwood. Though better known for its winter skiing at Alyeska Resort, Girdwood shines in summer with the Winner Creek Trail. This moderate 3.5-mile loop meanders through old-growth forest and crosses the Winner Creek via a thrilling hand tram for hikers, providing memorable encounters with nature. The town’s vibrant arts scene and cozy mountain lodges give it a welcoming atmosphere uncommon for a small town in Alaska. Whether seeking winter powder or summer hiking, Girdwood’s proximity to Anchorage paired with its year-round recreational options appeal to visitors looking for an active escape or a quieter way of life near city comforts.
Traveling northwest of Fairbanks by roughly 70 miles, the town of Nenana sits at the confluence of the Nenana and Tanana Rivers and is a gateway to Alaska’s interior wilderness. Visitors can time their visit to coincide with the Nenana Ice Classic, a quirky local tradition where residents bet on the exact date the ice on the river will break up each spring. Nenana’s interpretive museum offers insights into this event along with the region’s history of native Athabaskan culture and early railroad development. Nearby, the Nenana River Trail provides a gentle hike through boreal forest and offers excellent birdwatching. Its blend of quirky community traditions, riverfront charm, and access to subarctic landscapes make Nenana stand apart as a small town with big character.
In the far north near the Arctic Circle, about 200 miles north of Fairbanks, the village of Arctic Village offers one of the most remote experiences in Alaska. This tiny Gwich’in Athabascan community lies within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can hike the East Fork Trail to spot musk oxen, caribou, and perhaps even wolves. The nearby Arctic Village School acts as a cultural hub, sharing traditional knowledge of the land and subsistence lifestyle through visitor programs. The extended twilight of summer’s midnight sun or the shimmering northern lights of winter transform the village into a magical place to witness the rhythms of Arctic life. For those who crave solitude, cultural immersion, and stark, untamed landscapes, Arctic Village offers an unforgettable and authentic Alaskan experience.
Along the Kenai Peninsula, about 100 miles south of Anchorage, the town of Seward lies at the head of Resurrection Bay and serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The town itself brims with maritime charm, but the real attraction is the Harding Icefield Trail, a challenging 8.2-mile round-trip hike that climbs to over 3,500 feet, offering panoramic views of glaciers and fjords. Sea kayaking from the waterfront allows close encounters with sea otters, puffins, and whales. Seward’s lively harbor, historic downtown, and access to some of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal scenery create an alluring balance of adventure and relaxation. Summer months, with long daylight hours and calm seas, offer the best visiting conditions.
On the southeastern coast of the Alaska Panhandle, just 50 miles east of Juneau, sits the community of Hoonah, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. The town is rich in Tlingit culture, evident in local totem poles and the Sheldon Museum, which showcases native art and history. Visitors can take boat tours from Hoonah into Glacier Bay to witness calving glaciers and abundant marine wildlife. The nearby Icy Strait Point offers hiking trails through old-growth forests and the chance to spot humpback whales. Late spring through early fall brings the best weather for exploring the cool, moss-draped landscapes and experiencing the deep connection between the land and the Tlingit people. Hoonah’s combination of cultural depth and natural wonders makes it a small town with a big heart.
Lastly, on the southeastern edge of the state near the Canadian border, the town of Skagway offers a glimpse into Alaska’s gold rush past, about 110 miles north of Juneau by ferry. Historic downtown Skagway is lined with restored wooden buildings from the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park museum vividly brings this era to life. The nearby Chilkoot Trail, a challenging 33-mile trek, traces the route stampeders took to the Yukon, with options for shorter day hikes. This blend of history, rugged hiking, and the charm of a preserved frontier town makes Skagway an enriching destination for those drawn to Alaska’s adventurous spirit. Summer, when the town buzzes with visitors and the trail is free of snow, is the ideal time to experience its unique energy.