5 Less-Crowded Destinations in Alaska

For many, an Alaska trip means big cruise ships, national park tours, and bustling ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Seward. However, for breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and authentic local charm minus the crowds, the less-traveled routes are where the magic really happens. 

From June through September—and even into October if you're OK with a chill in the air—you can discover the best of "the last frontier" in these five hidden-gem towns. Whether flightseeing over Denali National Park or fishing near gold rush remains, these quieter towns deliver all the epic Alaska experiences with fewer fellow travelers.

Girdwood

Just 45 minutes southeast of Anchorage, Girdwood is a laid-back mountain town that blends outdoor adventure with alpine charm. Tucked between Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains, it’s home to Alyeska Resort. Ride the aerial tram for glacier and inlet views, then unwind at the Alyeska Nordic Spa with a circuit of hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

Follow the forested Winner Creek Trail, a moderate out-and-back hike with a tumbling waterfall. For something short and sweet, the walk to Virgin Creek Falls is an easy half-mile round-trip. Don’t miss the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where rescued bears, bison, and moose roam spacious habitats. 

Bring your appetite—Girdwood Brewing Company pours local craft beers and hosts a rotating lineup of food trucks. Think pizza, cheesesteaks, and ramen bowls. Most nights feature at least two trucks, but it’s smart to check the schedule online. You’ll need a car to get here, but once in town, it’s easy to explore on foot or by bike. Visiting in September? Don’t miss the quirky Girdwood Fungus Fair, a weekend celebration of mushrooms, foraging, and forest-themed fun. 

Hope

Step into Alaska’s gold rush past in Hope, a tiny historic town just over 90 minutes southeast of Anchorage, 17 miles off the breathtaking Seward Highway. Founded in the late 1800s, Hope still has a frontier feel. Start at the Hope and Sunrise Historical Society for all the scoop on the area’s boomtown roots. 

Set along Turnagain Arm, Hope invites you to slow down and soak up the scenery and serenity. Hike a section of the Resurrection Pass Trail, a 38-mile route that offers numerous options, from casual day hikes to multiday backpacking trips through spruce forest and alpine meadows. During salmon season, Resurrection Creek is the place to drop a line.

Fuel up at Dirty Skillet at Bear Creek Lodge, which is known for hearty eats like salmon burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and a 22-ounce rib eye. For live music and off-the-grid vibes, stop by the Historic Hope Café & Seaview Bar on weekends. Accommodations range from yurts and cabins to campsites, all tucked into the trees.

Talkeetna

At the confluence of three glacial rivers, Talkeetna is an offbeat hamlet packed with outsized charm—and yes, it really did have a cat mayor until 2017. Getting here is easy: Ride the Alaska Railroad (daily service through mid-September, then once a week in each direction through the end of the month) or drive two scenic hours north from Anchorage. Once in town, you won’t need a car. It’s a cinch to explore on foot.

For ‘gram-worthy views, book a flightseeing tour with Talkeetna Air Taxi to soar over glacier-carved valleys and circle the 20,310-foot summit of Denali (which reverted to the official name of Mount McKinley earlier this year). Prefer water? Take a thrilling jet boat tour on the wild waters of the Susitna River with Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures. 

Stroll Main Street for shops in log cabins, hand-painted signs, and a century-old general store. Start with a chai latte and a crepe at Conscious Coffee, then head over to Talkeetna Riverfront Park. Don’t skip the Talkeetna Historical Society, a museum housed in an original schoolhouse. Lodging ranges from cozy cabins to rustic-luxe stays, like Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you can enjoy majestic mountain views and a free guest shuttle into downtown.

Whittier

Surrounded by fjords and glacial-fed waters, Whittier is a tiny coastal town that punches way above its weight in adventure. Just 75 minutes southeast of Anchorage by car, it’s accessible via the 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—North America’s longest highway tunnel, which runs in one direction at a time. This port town can also be reached by train and ferry. 

Whittier is your launchpad for exploring Prince William Sound. Book a glacier cruise with Phillips Cruises & Tours (through early October) or paddle quiet coves with Alaska Sea Kayakers (through mid-September). You can also fish, jetski, or even scuba dive. 

On land, lace up your hiking boots to tackle the Portage Pass Trail for sweeping views of Portage Glacier. Family-friendly hikes like Horsetail Falls and Emerald Cove trails are scenic and suitable for all ages. Hungry? Head to the Swiftwater Seafood Café for fresh halibut, crab cakes, and shrimp. Nab an outdoor table to watch the harbor in action. It’s the place to be on a sunny day.

Palmer

Tucked into the Mat-Su Valley, Palmer blends Alaska’s farming heritage with easy access to outdoor fun. Just 45 minutes northeast of Anchorage, it’s perfect for a day trip, especially if you’re headed to Hatcher Pass or Matanuska Glacier. You’ll need a car to get here, but once in town, the downtown is easily walkable.

History buffs should be sure to stop by the Palmer Museum and Visitor Center to brush up on the town’s origins as part of the Matanuska Valley Colony Project, a 1930s New Deal program that relocated struggling Midwestern farming families. Then, head to the hills to explore abandoned gold-mining structures at Independence Mine State Historical Park.

For a bucket-list experience, take a helicopter tour with Alaska Helicopter Tours to 25-mile-long Knik Glacier, where you’ll land right on the ice and explore blue melt pools. Fuel up at Feather & Flour, a local favorite for seasonal farm-to-table fare like a brunch salad with local smoked salmon, or house-baked biscuits and gravy made with Alaska-raised pork sausage. Time your visit with the Alaska State Fair (mid-August to early September) for giant veggies, live music, and carnival rides. It’s Alaska’s largest event, attracting over 300,000 visitors.