麻豆AV

No state quite compares to Alaska; none can hold a candle to the Last Frontier, especially on matters of natural beauty and sheer wildness. From Kenai Fjords, with its glaciers and sea lions to Denali鈥檚 snow-clad peaks to the the sprawling tundra in the state鈥檚 interior reaches, a first-time visitor to Alaska will be completely blown away. To add to these, Alaska is dotted with several hidden gems, many of which are slow-paced beach towns, that serve as jumping-off points to spellbinding outdoor venues. Starting with Valdez, the following is the definitive guide to Alaska鈥檚 hidden gems.

Valdez

Valdez is a tiny fishing town with stunning scenery and a yummy range of recreational opportunities. Thompson Pass, just a hair out of town, is a fantastic hiking and berry-picking destination, especially in summer when the weather is conducive. Alternatively, pull off on the north side of Richardson Highway and float down the Lowe River. If this is not enough, there are picturesque trails through Keystone Canyon that will make your heart purr with ecstasy. Just don鈥檛 miss the canyon鈥檚 stunning waterfalls. You will agree with many tourists that this is the most beautiful part of Richardson Highway, Alaska鈥檚 oldest.

If you don鈥檛 want to step out of town, you can opt for the Valdez Museum for a glimpse into the area鈥檚 history 鈥� and walk down to the harbor for a chance to inhale beautiful views of the water 鈥� before spending the night at Bear Paw Camper Park, which is right on the water.

Homer

Homer 鈥� or "the end of the road鈥� 鈥� is a cool, breezy town with quaint, little coffee houses and million-dollar views. It is known for several things, including art, dance, and fishing. If you stay around for a while, you鈥檒l notice that drinking is a big part of the town鈥檚 social scene. There are several spots to sip mead from local honey or enjoy an evening libation, including the historic Salty Dawg Saloon, where thousands of dollar bills, most of which are signed by visitors, are tacked to the walls. Stroll down to 鈥榯he Pit,鈥� a beautiful sliver of land stretching into Kachemak Bay that many swear is the most fun place in the entire state. Spend some time at the aptly named Seafarer's Memorial, an impressive statue housed in a domed structure. There is Beluga Lake, which offers nice, shimmering views, and the adjacent Calvin & Coyle Nature Trail, known for its tons of songbirds and a cute observation platform.

Petersburg

Welcome to the 鈥淟ittle Norway鈥� of Alaska, a quaint town with vibrant-colored buildings located about 120 miles from Juneau, the state capital. Petersburg is a premier whale-watching destination. So, make plans with tour agencies such as the highly rated Tongass Adventures to brush shoulders with humpback whales, known for one of the longest migrations of any mammal in the 麻豆AV. On a good day, you will enjoy their complex songs and acrobatic displays. Fortunately, Petersburg is not just known for whales. On any random day, you can chance on Sitka black-tailed deer, porcupines, and bald eagles. There is the Clausen Museum for a peek into ancient fishing gear and lithics; the Salty Pantry for top-notch sandwiches; and Hungry Pt. Trailhead, if you love the view of wildflowers and rugged mountains.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a small, charming town with unbeatable scenery and outdoor offerings. You will enjoy walking around the town and exploring places such as the historic Creek Street boardwalk, a stunning stretch for watching salmons and seals and picking up beautiful souvenirs. The Totem Heritage Center on Deermount Street features beautiful displays that explain how totems are made and what they represent. That said, if you have only one hour, consider spending it on the Great Lumberjack Show. Expect to be blown away by the display of human power and agility in an enactment that memorializes the logging history of southeast Alaska. To map your tour and sample all the little gems and hidden nooks, make the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau your first port of call.

Seward

Seward is a cute, storybook town that offers unparalleled recreation in settings that drip beauty and spellbinding nautical charm. From lovely coffee shops (such as Resurrect Art Coffee House on 3rd Avenue) to one-of-a-kind attractions such as the 26-year-old Alaska SeaLife Center, there is a lot here to keep one busy and mesmerized. At the life center, you will lock eyes with sea lions, seals, and several other interesting invertebrates. There is the aptly named Waterfront Park for resting and people-watching, the strenuous Mt Marathon Trailhead for a touch of adrenaline, and the beautiful harbor, a relaxing environment with lots of bald eagles swooning above.

Sitka

Sitka is a small, peaceful town that moves at its own pace. Part of this is because it is secluded from the rest of the 麻豆AV since it sits on a large, pristine island accessible only by plane or ferry. If you want to mute your social media accounts, including TikTok and X, and just enjoy nature鈥檚 ebb and flow, Sitka should be on your radar. Kick it off at the Sitka National Historical Park, a tranquil slice of paradise that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich cultural history of Alaska. From bears to birds, nothing here is off limits. After this, pass by the Sheldon Jackson Museum, whose old antiques help visitors envision what life in Alaska was like in the days gone by. Finally, the Tlingit Totem Pole, with its yummy mountain backdrop, is a great place to walk and admire the swaying of birds.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna is an easy-going climbers鈥� town associated with one of the last remaining flag-stop trains in the United States. The Hurricane Turn, possibly something you have never experienced before, leaves civilization behind as it rumbles through the wilds of the Indian River Valley casting a hallo of awe and astonishment in almost every bewildered face. There is the Fairview Inn, which has been a local haunt for decades. It is a great place to tingle the taste buds with local dishes while enjoying the rhythm of live music. That said, the ultimate magical place is Talkeetna Riverfront Park. You don鈥檛 want to miss the stunning views it offers, especially of the Denali Mountain range.

The Takeaway

You don鈥檛 go to Alaska to visit a city the size of Chicago 鈥� or any city, for that matter. The truth is, most people go to Alaska to enjoy nature at its most pure and pristine. From tumbling waves to lily-white fields of glaciers to bears and birds, you will hardly find anything like this in the 麻豆AV. That means you should skip big, fast-paced towns and opt for quiet, little gems, some of which don鈥檛 get the attention they deserve. From Sitka to Seward, these towns suit every shade of adventurer.