You’re probably not traveling to Alaska for a beach vacation, but did you know that the state has more miles of coastline than all other states combined? With this in mind, you might want to rethink your itinerary and plan for some beach days. We’re going to cheat and throw some lakes in here, but these are the places to visit when you want to relax in a beach chair with a tasty beverage in one hand and a great book in the other.
Staying at the Westmark Anchorage? Head down to Kincaid Park and make your way to a hidden sandy beach gem. From the park’s chalet, follow the paved trail for roughly a mile and a bit of off-roading on a dirt trail to a beach with stunning views of Cook Inlet, lush greenery and majestic mountains. On a hot sunny day, you’ll hardly be able to believe you’re in Alaska, aside from the gorgeous views in front of you. Bonfires and beachcombing will be the cherries on top of a fantastic day spent at one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
For a more accessible trek, visit Anchorage’s Goose Lake, where swimmers fill the shallow waters on warm days. Bring your beach towel and lay out on the sand for a quick and easy beach trip experience. Kids, and kids at heart, will love the area too for its playground, ball field and basketball court.
How about some waves? The shoreline in Seward is a great place to spot wildlife like sea lions, otters and even whales depending upon the time of year. Even if you’re just standing at the shore to skip rocks, the sparkling waters of Resurrection Bay will enchant you. Head down to Lowell Point Road where a sandy beach is waiting for you when you arrive at the end.
If you’re craving a truly hot beach day, seek out a locale in Alaska’s Interior. Chena Lake in Fairbanks is a great place to go when the temperatures soar past 80 degrees Fahrenheit, something that happens often the farther you get from the mild coastal climates of Alaska. The Chena Lake park offers covered pavilions, water toy rentals, fishing docks, volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit and picnic sites.
So next time you’re charting out your beach vacation, remember there’s always Alaska.
