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Having grown up in Alaska, I can tell you exactly where to stay in Alaska for every preferred experience!Β
This guide will point you to the best places to visit in Alaska for whale watching, northern lights viewing, glacier hikes, and more popular attractions. Iβll also let you in on local secrets, like where to stay in Alaska for the most authentic experience.Β
Be sure to read to the end, where I share key travel tips to help ensure you have a safe, enjoyable trip.
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Best Places to Stay in Alaska
Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Alaska? Here are my top picks:
- β Best in Anchorage β The Hotel Captain Cook
- βοΈ Best in Fairbanks β Chena Hot Spring Resort
- β°οΈ Best in Denali National Park β The McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
- π£ Best in South-Central Alaska β Landβs End Resort
- π» Best on Kodiak Island β Best Western Kodiak Inn
- ποΈ Best in Juneau β Best Western Country Lane Inn
- π² Best in Southeast Alaska β The Landing Hotel
- βοΈ Best in Rural Alaska β Iditarod Trail Roadhouse
Ok, letβs do a deep dive into the best places and areas in Alaska:
9 Best Areas to Stay in Alaska
Iβve divided the 49th state into 9 sections based on popularity and available attractions. Some are easier to access than others, but all have something unique and unforgettable to experience. Whether you want to climb Denali, cruise the Inside Passage, or lounge about in the lodge at Alyeska, youβll find something to suit your taste.
Anchorage
π Best Place for Urban Attractions | β¨ Best Anchorage Hotels: The Hotel Captain Cook β’ Alyeska Resort β’ Aloft Anchorage
Anchorage is a fantastic location to begin your Alaskan expedition with easy access to rental car offices, railroads, and air connections to the rest of the state.
By far, itβs one of the best cities in Alaska for restaurants, breweries, museums, and the like. Some of the best urban attractions include the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum, and the Mooseβs Tooth TheaterPub.Β
Nearby hiking trails offer a little relief from the cityscape and, for the more adventurous, you can take to the trails in the nearby Chugach Mountains. There are also lots of great opportunities for day trips from Anchorage.
Many of the hotels in downtown Anchorage have mountain views from the rooms on their higher floors. One of the best stays is the cityβs premier luxury hotel, the Hotel Captain Cook. Along with cozy rooms and great views, the Hotel Captain Cook offers a pool, a hot tub, and five different restaurants.
For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in Anchorage.
Pro of Staying in Anchorage
- Plenty of options for shopping, dining, and sleeping
- Central location for further travels
- Great mountain views around town
Cons of Staying in Anchorage
- Hotels can be expensive in peak months
π Anchorage Mini-Guide π
Best Area to Stay in Alaska for Urban Attractions
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β The Hotel Captain Cook β’ Alyeska Resort β’ Aloft Anchorage
π Best Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Anchorage
π½οΈΒ Where to Eat β Glacier Brewhouse ($$$), Snow City Cafe ($$), Mooseβs Tooth Pub & Pizzeria ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β 49th State Brewery,Darwinβs Theory,The Avenue Bar
ποΈ Top Attractionsβ Alaska Native Heritage Center,the Anchorage Museum,the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Fairbanks
π Best Area to Stay for the Northern Lights | β¨ Best Fairbanks Hotels: Chena Hot Springs β’ Riverβs Edge Resort β’ Billieβs Backpackers Hostel
If you want to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is the place to go! Fairbanks is also a great place to experience Alaskaβs famous midnight sun in summer.
The Museum of the North has an extensive collection of everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary Native Alaskan art. Itβs a great place for families to visit while in Fairbanks.
The Fountainhead Auto Museum is a must for fans of antique cars and old-timey vibes.
There are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Fairbanks, too! One of the best and most βAlaskanβ of them is taking a dog sledding tour.
A dip in the waters of the nearby Chena Hot Springs Resort makes a great end to a day of walking the local hiking trails. The resort also offers cabins and rooms if you want to stay the night there.
Pros of Staying in Fairbanks
- Cozy small-city atmosphere with βfrontierβ vibes
- Long daylight hours in summer allow lots of time to explore
- Excellent northern lights viewing in winter months
Cons of Staying in Fairbanks
- Far from other Alaska attractions
- Long daylight hours in summer can make getting to sleep difficult
π Fairbanks Mini-Guide π
Best Place to Stay in Alaska for The Northern Lights
Google Map
β¨Β Best Hotels β Chena Hot Springs Resort β’ Riverβs Edge Resort β’ Billieβs Backpackers Hostel
π Best Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Fairbanks
π½οΈ Where to Eat β The Pump House ($$$), Jazz Bistro on 4th ($$), Brewsters Restaurant ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β HooDoo Brewing Company,Malemute Saloon,Lavelleβs Taphouse
ποΈ Top Attractions β Chena Hot Springs,Northern Lights tours,Aurora Ice Museum,dog sledding tours,the Museum of the North
Denali National Park
π Best Place for Incredible Views | β¨ Best Denali Hotels: McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge β’ Grande Denali Lodge β’ Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
If you want to experience the epic scale of Alaska, this is the best place to go. Denali looms into the sky, standing a majestic 20,310β tall! On a clear day, you can even see it from certain places in Anchorage. The other peaks here are also quite impressive, even if not as tall as Denali.
Denali National Park is a great place to see Alaskan wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, foxes, and more. In autumn, the tundra vegetation turns to a fiery array of reds, yellows, and oranges. In some ways, it even gives New England a run for its money.
Options for staying here include prestigious lodges such as the McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge or private cabins, many of which have modern amenities. Several locations along Denali Park Road offer visitors basic campsites for those whoβd rather rough it. Other options include sites in towns close to the park, such as the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge in Talkeetna.
Pros of Staying in Denali National Park
- Breathtaking views
- Lodgings combine remote feeling with great amenities
- The best place for Alaskan fall colors
Cons of Staying in Denali National Park
- Some lodging options are seasonal
- Some dining/drinking options are far from the park itself
π Denali National Park Mini-Guide π
Best Place to Stay in Alaska for Incredible Views
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge β’ Grande Denali Lodge β’ Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
π Best Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Denali National Park
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Moose-AKaβs ($$), McKinley Creekside Cafe & Bakery ($$), The Overlook Restaurant ($$$$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Denali Park Salmon Bake, 49th State Brewery in Healy, Denali Brewpub in Talkeetna
ποΈ Top Attractions β Mt. Denali, the Alaska Range, Denali Sled Dog Kennels
South-Central Alaska
π Best Place for Wildlife Viewing | β¨ Best South-Central Alaska Hotels: Landβs End Resort (Homer) β’ Summit Lake Lodge (Summit Lake) β’ Resurrection Lodge on the Bay (Seward)
South-Central Alaska is the best place to see Alaskaβs wildlife, whether on land, sea, or air. Bears, moose, and foxes roam the Kenai Mountains and forests. Eagles soar through the skies. Gray whales, humpback whales, and orcas make for unforgettable whale-watching excursions.
Tours of the Kenai Fjords National Park offer visitors one of the best places to see these creatures and their beautiful habitats. Homer lives up to its name as the βHalibut Fishing Capital of the Worldβ with nearly two dozen fishing charter companies! The Kenai River offers some of the best salmon fishing in the state. Even if fishing isnβt your thing, the beauty of the area is well worth a trip.Β
Seward is another one of the Alaskan towns youβll find in this region. Itβs a great base for exploring Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound. It also has the Alaska SeaLife Center, an aquarium featuring local marine wildlife. Itβs a must for family trips to Alaska. Cordova is a great place to see sea otters in the wild.
Pros of Staying in South-Central Alaska
- Small-town atmosphere
- Great fishing
- Tons of great tours
Cons of Staying in South-Central Alaska
- Possible long drives between destinations
π South-Central Alaska Mini-Guide π
Best Place to Stay in Alaska for Wildlife Viewing
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Landβs End Resort (Homer) β’ Summit Lake Lodge (Summit Lake) β’ Resurrection Lodge on the Bay (Seward)
π Best Apartments β Browse Top Kenai Peninsula Rentals
π½οΈ Where to Eat β The Chartroom Restaurant in Homer ($$$), The Flats Bistro in Kenai ($$), Chinooks Restaurant in Seward ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Salty Dawg Saloon in Homer, Yukon Bar in Seward, The Reluctant Fisherman Bar & Grill in Cordova
ποΈ Top Attractions β Kenai Fjords National Park, Prince William Sound, The Homer Spit, The Alaska SeaLife Center
Kodiak Island
π Best Place for Day Hikes | β¨ Best Kodiak Hotels: Best Western Kodiak Inn β’ Kodiak Compass Suites β’ Aquamarine Suites
Kodiak Islandis just a ferry ride away from the mainland of south-central Alaska. The mountains here are smaller than on the mainland, but that makes them much more accommodating for casual day hikes. The local forests hide excellent trails under their boughs, too.
Kodiak is a fishing town and a few members of its fleet gained fame in The Deadliest Catch. Take a tour of the townβs two harbors to learn all about Kodiakβs maritime traditions. Kodiakβs St. Hermanβs Bay Harbor is a great place to see sea lions lounging in the sun.
There are several great places to stay in Kodiak, including the local Best Western. It offers great accommodations including a hot tub suite and an on-site restaurant, The Chartroom. In fact, Kodiak has several great restaurants and bars where you can wrap up the day and get to know the locals.
Pros of Staying in Kodiak
- Major attractions are within walking distance
- Tons of great day hike optionsΒ
- Great local bear-viewing tour options
- Cozy small-town feeling
Cons of Staying in Kodiak
- Bad weather can delay flights
- Hotels can be pricey in summer
π Kodiak Mini-Guide π
Best Place to Stay in Alaska for Day Hikes
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Best Western Kodiak Inn β’ Kodiak Compass Suites β’ Aquamarine Suites
π Best Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Kodiak
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Henryβs Great Alaskan Restaurant ($$), Kodiak Hana ($$$), The Rendezvous Bar & Grill ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Kodiak Island Brewing Company,Tonyβs Bar, Village Bar
ποΈ Top Attractions β Bear-viewing, day hikes, Kodiak History Museum,Alutiiq Museum
Juneau
π Best Place for Glaciers |Β β¨ Best Juneau Hotels: Juneau Hotel β’ Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites β’ Best Western Country Lane Inn
The state capital offers visitors a great mix of southeastern Alaskan beauty and creature comforts. There are a ton of incredible experiences in and around Juneau! Beer fans will know Juneau as the HQ of the Alaskan Brewing Company. For great views of the area, head up Mt. Roberts on foot or by tram.
One of the main attractions here is the Mendenhall Glacier north of town. Itβs easy to access by road, being just 12 miles away. If you want to get a good look at an Alaskan glacier without committing to a cruise, this is one of the best places to do it. If you want to venture out onto the ice, glacier hiking tours are also available.
This is only the tip of the Juneau iceberg, though. Learn more by reading our things to do in Juneau guide!Β
Additionally, Alaskaβs capital city serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the rest of southeastern Alaska. Flights from the airport travel daily to outlying towns. The ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway System offer a great alternative to cruise ships for travelers on a budget.
Pros of Staying in Juneau
- Easy access to the stunning Mendenhall Glacier
- Gorgeous scenery
- A good variety of accommodations and dining options
Cons of Staying in Juneau
- No roads lead to Juneau; you need to fly or sail here
π Juneau Mini-Guide π
Best Place to Stay in Alaska for Glaciers
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Juneau Hotel β’ Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites β’ Best Western Country Lane Inn
π Best Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Juneau
π½οΈ Where to Eat β The Hangar on the Wharf ($$), Sandpiper Cafe ($$), SALT ($$$$)
πΈ Where to Drink β The Alaskan Bar,Alaskan Brewing Company,Devilβs Club Brewing
ποΈ Top Attractions β Mendenhall Glacier,Mt. Roberts Tramway,whale watching tours,AJ Mine Gastineau Mill
Southeast Alaska
π Best Place for Small-Town Vibes | β¨ Best Southeast Alaska Hotels: Historic Skagway Inn (Skagway) β’ The Landing Hotel (Ketchikan) β’ Longliner Lodge & Suites (Sitka)
Southeast Alaska is one of the coziest places in the state and a treasure trove of Alaskan history. The sheltered waters of the Inside Passage harbor a wide variety of marine life. The warm, wet climate allows thick spruce forests to grow. The fjords and mountains funnel massive glaciers down to the sea.
Some of Alaskaβs most charming communities lie along the shores of southeast Alaska. Sitka, once known as βthe Paris of the Pacificβ preserves much of its rich Native Alaskan and Russian heritage. The charming town of Skagway and its historic buildings offer visitors a glimpse back in time to Alaskaβs gold rush days. Ketchikan has a remarkable collection of totem poles.
The lush Tongass National Forest harbors a wide variety of plant and animal life. The milder climate makes Southeast Alaska great for camping in the summer. Goddard Hot Springs, on an island near Sitka, offers a natural βhot tubβ in a secluded setting, perfect for getting away from it all.
Pros of Staying in Southeast Alaska
- Charming towns
- Stunning beauty
- World-class fishing
Cons of Staying in Southeast Alaska
- Some establishments are only open seasonally
- Hotels can be pricey during peak seasons
π Southeast Alaska Mini-Guide π
Best Place to Stay in Alaska for Small-Town Vibes
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Historic Skagway Inn (Skagway) β’ The Landing Hotel (Ketchikan) β’ Longliner Lodge & Suites (Sitka)
π Best Apartments β Browse Top Southeast Alaska Rentals
π½οΈΒ Where to Eat β Annabelleβs Famous Keg and Chowder House in Ketchikan ($$), Nugget Restaurant in Sitka ($$), The Station Bar & Grill in Skagway ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Asylum in Ketchikan, Bayview Pub in Sitka, Bonanza Bar & Grill in SkagwayΒ
ποΈ Top Attractions β Tongass National Forest, glaciers, whale watching, St. Michaelβs Cathedral in Sitka, Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan
Rural Alaska
π Best Place for A Truly Alaskan Experience | β¨ Best Rural Alaska Hotels: Iditarod Trail Roadhouse (McGrath) β’ Wrangell Mountains Wilderness Lodge (Wrangell-St. Elias Natl Park) β’ Brooks Camp (Prudhoe Bay)
Alaska itself is already a remote location in many peopleβs minds. For the truly adventurous, though, the towns and cities may seem too crowded. If youβre willing to forego all the amenities of βcivilization,β or at least most of them, a world of experiences available only in Alaska awaits you!Β Β
Experience the Iditarod dog sledding race first-hand at one of the raceβs checkpoints in the village of McGrath. Get a taste of life on the edge of the Arctic in the town of Nome. Wander through mountains and valleys in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness at the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Learn more about Alaskaβs Yupβik tribe in Bethel, Alaska.Β
If you do venture out to the villages, you may find yourself faring on authentic Alaskan cuisine, and I donβt mean whatβs available at most restaurants! In my travels, Iβve tasted seal, sea lion, and whale! Definitely all acquired tastes, but perfect for foodie bragging rights!
For a more accessible excursion into the wild, visit the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park east of Anchorage. Other national parks, such as Lake Clark, also offer lodging amidst the unbeatable natural beauty of rural Alaska.
Pros of Staying in Rural Alaska
- A one-of-a-kind experience
- Some of the most beautiful sights in Alaska
- Never crowded
Cons of Staying in Rural Alaska
- Very limited conveniences
- Getting there can be involved and expensive
π Rural Alaska Mini-Guide π
Best Place to Stay in Alaska for A Truly Alaskan Experience
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Iditarod Trail Roadhouse (McGrath), Wrangell Mountains Wilderness Lodge (Wrangell-St. Elias Natl Park), Brooks Camp (Prudhoe Bay)
π Best Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Rural Alaska
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Milanoβs Pizza in Nome ($$), Coldfoot Camp Restaurant in Coldfoot ($$), Old Town Copper Center Inn & Restaurant in Copper Center ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Many places in rural Alaska prohibit the sale of alcohol. You may need to bring your own.
ποΈ Top Attractions β Gates of the Arctic National Park,Serpentine Hot Springs, Iditarod relay stations, aurora borealis
Tips for Staying in Alaska
Be Flexible
Alaskaβs weather can sometimes delay flights. Getting to and from Anchorage from the Lower 48 is rarely a problem outside the occasional winter blizzard. Smaller places, especially coastal communities, though, can be trickier.Β
Iβve been fogged out of (or in) Kodiak several times myself, so itβs always good to have some flexibility. In general, fall and winter have worse weather in coastal Alaska, but itβs not unheard of for the weather to delay flights in summer, too.
Plan Ahead
Along with knowing what the weatherβs doing, itβs a good idea to think about what you want to see in Alaska. The stateβs midnight sun makes viewing the aurora borealis all but impossible in summer. The extended daylight hours also make it hard for some people to sleep. Pack a sleep mask, just in case.
Traveling in midsummer months tends to be more expensive. Buffer seasons in May and September often offer the same attractions at discounted prices. Winters are harsh, but there are unique attractions like the Fur Rondy and Iditarod in February and March.Β
Our guide on β The Best Time to Visit Alaskaβ will help figure out what time works best for your plans!
Bring Bug Spray
Mosquitos live throughout the state and come out in the spring and summer. Itβs always a good idea to bring some insect repellent to keep the pesky creatures at bay, especially if you plan on getting out in nature. They also prefer wetter places, so if there are bodies of water where youβre going, expect more mosquitos.
Bring Layers
Alaskaβs summers are warm but cooler than what many people are used to. This is especially true if youβll be out on the ocean. Make sure to pack an extra layer or two.Β
Including a rain jacket and waterproof shoes is also a good idea. Early spring tends to be a soggy time of year. You can also bring an umbrella, but in places like Kodiak where wind and rain go hand in hand, a rain jacket is much better.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Alaska
What is the best town to stay in in Alaska?
The best town to stay in in Alaska is Homer, in my opinion. Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway are great, too, having tons of cultural attractions and natural beauty. Kodiak is another worthwhile destination and is hard to beat for scenic day hikes on a sunny day.
Is it better to stay in Anchorage or Fairbanks?
What is the nicest part of Alaska to visit?
The nicest part of Alaska to visit is southeast Alaska, in my opinion. It has the best combination of natural beauty, attractions, and charming small towns to make it the most pleasant place for an Alaska trip.
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I hope youβve gotten some good ideas for where to stay in Alaska! Whatever your tastes, youβre sure to find something youβll love in the Last Frontier.