Best State Beaches in Alaska

The Homer Spit, located in Homer, Alaska, is a 4.5-mile-long piece of land extending into Kachemak Bay. It's known for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by beaches and mountains. The Spit is home to the Homer Boat Harbor, which accommodates numerous commercial and pleasure boats. Visitors come to enjoy activities like fishing, kayaking, and whale watching.
The area offers a variety of amenities including shops, galleries, and restaurants. With a rich history, including its role in commercial fishing and its origins possibly as a moraine or sand buildup, the Homer Spit is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Its proximity to Kachemak Bay State Park provides additional opportunities for outdoor exploration, such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
The landscape is dotted with eagles and other wildlife, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.
The Spit is a place where both tranquility and adventure coexist, offering something for everyone.

Eagle Beach, located near Saint Terese, Alaska, is a unique and picturesque destination. It is known for its expansive beach area that extends almost half a mile at low tide, making it a prime feeding ground for wildlife, including bald eagles. The beach offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy well-maintained walking trails and the serene beauty of the nearby rivers.
The area is accessible by car, providing an easy escape from the city to enjoy nature. Eagle Beach is particularly famous during the salmon runs in mid to late summer, attracting a variety of wildlife.
It's a great place for outdoor activities like beachcombing and picnics, with small pavilions and fire pits available for use.

Bishop's Beach in Homer, Alaska, is a picturesque 1.25-mile-long peninsula extending into Kachemak Bay. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach is known for its tranquil beauty, diverse wildlife, and various activities such as tidepooling and hiking. Visitors can enjoy exploring the intertidal zones, spotting marine life, and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Kenai Mountains across the bay.
The beach is easily accessible from Old Town Homer and features a mix of sandy and muddy shores, with the Beluga Slough Trail nearby offering scenic walks and birdwatching opportunities. The area is rich in natural beauty and wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Bishop's Beach is also a hub for cultural activities, with public art installations and proximity to local shops and restaurants, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Kasilof Beach, located in the tranquil town of Kasilof, Alaska, offers a serene escape surrounded by natural beauty. The beach emerges from a forest at a river-mouth lined by dunes, a tidally influenced beach, an estuary, and broad salt marshes. This area is rich in wildlife, including bald eagles and moose, and is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching. Historically, the mouth of the Kasilof River was used by Dena’ina Natives to gather and dry salmon.
The beach provides a peaceful setting for walks and is known for its annual salmon dipnetting events, where locals use long poles to catch salmon. The surrounding woods and beaches offer diverse habitats, making it an attractive spot for nature lovers.
Kasilof Beach is less crowded than other nearby beaches, offering a more secluded experience for those seeking tranquility amidst Alaska's stunning landscapes.

Kincaid Beach is a serene and picturesque destination located within Kincaid Park in Anchorage, Alaska. It offers a unique sandy beach experience amidst the rugged Alaskan landscape, flanked by tall bluffs and offering stunning views of the Cook Inlet and nearby Fire Island. The beach is accessible via a moderate two-mile hike, making it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities like picnics, bonfires, and beachcombing, though the water is too cold for swimming for most. The surrounding park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including moose, black bears, and bald eagles.

The beach itself is a rare find in Alaska, where most beaches are rocky or muddy. It's a popular spot for sunset viewing and offers a peaceful atmosphere, though it lacks surfable waves. The nearby Kincaid Park offers extensive trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kincaid Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Alaska in a serene and less crowded setting.

Captain Cook State Recreation Area is a scenic park located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, about 14 miles north of Kenai. It spans 3,460 acres, featuring forests, lakes, streams, and beautiful beaches along Cook Inlet. The area was named after Captain James Cook, who explored the region in 1778. Historically, it was inhabited by the Dena'ina people, who used the area for gathering salmon and other wild foods. The park offers stunning views of the Aleutian Range and is a haven for wildlife like moose, bears, and bald eagles.
The park's main attractions include the Discovery Campground, Stormy Lake, and the Swanson River. Stormy Lake is a 400-acre lake with opportunities for boating and fishing, while the Swanson River offers canoeing and kayaking. The beach along Cook Inlet is known for its agates and other ornamental stones.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park's remote location makes it a peaceful retreat from more crowded areas on the Kenai Peninsula.

Seldovia, Alaska, is a picturesque coastal village nestled along the shores of Kachemak Bay. The area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with beaches like Outside Beach offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ring of Fire, including Mount Illiamna and Mount Redoubt. This scenic spot is perfect for picnics, beach bonfires, and fishing, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The village itself is quaint, with a charming Main Street lined with shops and restaurants. Seldovia's unique blend of natural wonders and small-town charm creates an unforgettable experience for travelers.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from kayaking and whale watching to hiking and exploring the local art scene.

Lowell Point Sand Beach is a picturesque destination located near Seward, Alaska, offering stunning views of Resurrection Bay. It is part of the Lowell Point Recreation Site, a 19-acre park that provides access to hiking trails and serves as a great spot for kayaking. The beach is known for its half-mile shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Seward. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The area is also close to the Kenai Fjords National Park, making it a perfect base for exploring Alaska's natural wonders.

The beach's proximity to Seward allows easy access to local amenities, including restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities make Lowell Point Sand Beach a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

With its serene atmosphere and stunning vistas, Lowell Point is ideal for those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst Alaska's rugged landscape.

Outside Beach in Seldovia, Alaska, is a serene and picturesque destination located about a mile outside the town. It offers breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, with distant vistas of the Pacific Ring of Fire, including Mount Illiamna and Mount Redoubt. The beach is ideal for relaxation, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting, with frequent sightings of eagles and sea otters. It's also a popular spot for picnics and beach bonfires during the summer months.
The beach is connected to Trina Lake, an estuary that dramatically changes with the tides, and is surrounded by scenic landscapes like the White Rocks and the Seldovia Wilderness Park. Visitors can enjoy stunning midnight sunsets, making it a perfect spot for both daytime and evening activities.
The tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of Outside Beach make it a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful and authentic Alaskan experience.

Wasilla Lake is a picturesque lake located in Wasilla, Alaska, named after the nearby Wasilla Creek by workers constructing the Alaska Railroad. It is situated in a scenic area known as 'Lake Country,' which is renowned for its numerous lakes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The lake's shoreline is primarily private property, but it features Newcomb Park, a public area that offers access to the lake. Wasilla Lake is particularly noted for its stable population of rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The surrounding area provides a mix of rural tranquility and easy access to amenities in Wasilla and nearby Palmer.

Wasilla itself is a growing city with a rich history, having been a major supply center during the construction of the Alaska Railroad. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and offers a range of services, including restaurants and retail stores. The area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists.

The Matanuska-Susitna Valley, where Wasilla is located, is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.

Rotary Beach Park, located in Saxman, Alaska, is a charming coastal haven that offers a relaxing and family-friendly environment. The beach stretches along the shoreline, providing ample space for visitors to unwind and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tongass Narrows. The sand is soft and golden, inviting beachgoers to immerse themselves in its warmth. This park is not only a popular spot for swimming but also for birdwatching, with over 100 species of birds documented in the area.

The park's proximity to Ketchikan makes it an ideal day trip destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere while exploring tidepools or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.

Rotary Beach Park, also known as Buggy Beach, is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Alaska's coastline.

Buskin River Beach, located on Kodiak Island, Alaska, offers a serene and natural setting for those seeking outdoor adventures. The beach is part of the Buskin River State Recreation Site, which provides opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area, including the Buskin River, which is renowned for its productive fisheries. The site is accessible for both tents and large RVs, making it a versatile destination for travelers. The surrounding area is rich in history and natural wonders, offering a unique blend of relaxation and exploration.

The beach itself is ideal for beachcombing and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The nearby spruce forests and old WWII buildings add to the historical and natural charm of the area. Whether you're interested in fishing for salmon and trout or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, Buskin River Beach is a must-visit destination on Kodiak Island.

The proximity to Kodiak's downtown area also ensures that visitors have access to amenities and attractions beyond the beach, making it a well-rounded experience for travelers.

Black Sand Beach, nestled in the breathtaking Prince William Sound, Alaska, is a quarter-mile stretch of captivating dark sand. It offers a unique visual experience, with icebergs frequently stranded on the shore. Located where Barry Arm meets Harriman Fjord, this beach is a haven for sea kayakers and campers, providing stunning views of surrounding glaciers and mountains. The beach's proximity to tidewater glaciers makes it a spectacular spot for exploring. At low tide, visitors can walk along the coastline, discovering hidden coves and enjoying the serene beauty of the area.
The beach is protected from harsh winds by its geography, making it an ideal spot for paddlers. With its natural allure and lack of conventional beach activities, Black Sand Beach invites visitors to indulge in hiking, photography, and relaxation amidst its tranquil surroundings.
The area is rich in wildlife and natural wonders, offering an unforgettable experience for those who venture here.

Chena Lake Recreation Area is located near North Pole, Alaska, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The area includes two main sections: the Lake Park and the River Park, both developed after the construction of an earthfill dam by the Army Corps of Engineers in response to floods in 1967. The Lake Park features a 260-acre lake with sandy beaches, boat rentals, and fishing docks, while the River Park offers a nature trail and additional camping sites along the Chena River. The area is open year-round, providing opportunities for summer activities like swimming and boating, as well as winter sports such as skiing and ice fishing.
The park's diverse landscape, including bays and peninsulas, gives it a natural appearance despite being a rehabilitated barrow pit. It is managed by the Fairbanks North Star Borough in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and participate in various outdoor activities throughout the year.
Chena Lake Recreation Area is also known for its wildlife and fishing opportunities, with species like Arctic Grayling and King Salmon in the Chena River. The area's proximity to North Pole makes it an accessible yet remote wilderness experience.