How could someone pick their favorite place in a state filled with so much beauty, adventure, excitement, and exploration? You can’t! That’s why I’ve picked my five most loved places in Alaska, since I can’t narrow it down to just one. So, without further ado, let’s explore my favorite places in my home state of Alaska.
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How do you pick your favorite spots in Alaska?
That’s a great question! I don’t have any technical point system, a list of specific criteria, or any type of special way to pick my favorite spots. The places listed below I have picked for their beauty, not only in the landscape but in the people and wildlife, the adventure, the sense of community, nostalgia, good food (because who doesn’t love to eat!), and more. The following places aren’t in any particular order since it would be difficult to rank such wonderful spots, but I love them all for different reasons. Check out the list below of my most loved places in Alaska.
Cantwell
You might not think of a village in the middle of Alaska as one of my top destinations, but family ties, stunning scenery, the road trip there from any direction, and wildlife make this one of my favorite spots in the state. Although it isn’t a top tourist destination, with activities that will fill day’s worth of your itinerary, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Alaska, and is also a starting/ending point to the scenic Denali Highway (not to be confused with the Denali Park Road), and a great jumping off point to experience Denali National Park.
Cooper Landing
Is Cooper Landing my favorite spot on the Kenai Peninsula? Probably so, although it was in close competition with Seward! With Kenai Lake and the beautiful Kenai River, tons of good wildlife spotting (the first photo in this post was just south of Cooper Landing along the river), and great fishing opportunities, what’s not to love! The mountainous views alone make me feel at home (see the final place on our list to find out where that is!), and the small community feel and good food make us want to do frequent day trips to Cooper Landing. Check out my Kenai Peninsula Itinerary for more details on what to do in this picturesque destination!
Palmer
If I could pick a spot to live in Alaska that has the conveniences of a city, the feel of a small town, and the scenic Alaska views, it would be Palmer. It is a quite a bit busier than it used to be and it’s definitely windy, but I still love to visit there and enjoy the small shops, eateries, and the community feel.
Skagway
If you’re taking an Alaskan cruise, this spot may be on your itinerary. It’s been decades since I’ve visited Skagway, but I have such good memories of our trip there that I had to add it to the list. The history, buildings, and views are worth the trip. This is truly the most “touristy” destination on my list, but I love it!
Valdez
Home sweet home! My favorite place: Valdez, Alaska! Glaciers, mountains, wildlife, fishing, waterfalls, sightseeing, kayaking, and great people; what more could you ask for? If you want the true Alaskan small town experience without so much traffic and all the hubbub of a major tourist hot spot, check out Valdez. It’s worth the drive! Learn more from our Valdez Itinerary and our Guide to Valdez’s Sights and Wildlife.
Okay, folks, there you have it, my list of most loved places in Alaska! Although I can’t say I’ve traveled all over our massive state, I have seen a lot, and these spots take the cake (or baked Alaska 😉 ). My question to you is what’s your favorite town in Alaska, or where would you most like to travel in the Last Frontier?
If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!