Beaches in Alaska

Beaches in Alaska – Wild Coastlines, Black Sand Shores & Glacier-Fed Beauty

Alaska’s beaches are unlike anywhere else in the United States. Instead of palm trees and warm water, you’ll find
rugged coastlines, black-sand volcanic beaches,
dramatic rock formations, towering mountains, and shores shaped by
glaciers and the Pacific Ocean.


While not ideal for warm swimming, the beaches in Alaska offer world-class scenery, wildlife,
photography opportunities, tidepooling, kayaking, and peaceful coastal experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

Why Visit Beaches in Alaska?

• Stunning mountain-and-ocean scenery
• Wildlife viewing (bald eagles, whales, otters, seals)
• Black-sand beaches and dramatic rocky coastlines
• Unique photography and nature experiences
• Peaceful, uncrowded beaches
• Kayaking, tidepooling & glacier viewing

Best Beaches in Alaska

These beaches stand out for scenery, wildlife, accessibility, or natural beauty:

Things to Do at Alaska Beaches

• Tidepooling (especially at Bishop’s Beach)
• Kayaking along glacier-fed shores
• Whale & otter watching
• Photography of mountains, sunsets & black sand
• Fishing from shore or charter boats
• Beachcombing for driftwood & volcanic stones
• Wildlife watching (eagles, moose, seals, bears)
• Walks along long, dramatic coastline trails
• Surfing (Yakutat, Seward)

Where to Stay Near Alaska’s Beaches

Anchorage (for Kincaid Beach)

• Hotels with mountain & forest access
• Best for city + nature combination

Homer (for Homer Spit & Bishop’s Beach)

• Waterfront inns & cabins
• RV parks & beach lodges

Valdez / Whittier (for Black Sand Beach)

• Cabins with glacier views
• Small inns & boat-access lodging

Yakutat

• Remote coastal lodges
• Surf cabins & wilderness stays

Best Time to Visit Alaska Beaches

❄️ Alaska Beach Water Temperatures

• Summer: 48–57°F
• Fall: 45–52°F
• Spring: 40–48°F
• Winter: 33–40°F

⚠️ Important Safety Tips for Alaska Beaches

• Never swim — water is extremely cold year-round
• Watch tides carefully — Alaska has powerful tidal changes
• Keep distance from wildlife (moose, bears, otters, seals)
• Wear layers; weather changes quickly
• Use sturdy footwear for rocky or volcanic beaches
• Be cautious on mudflats (Anchorage) — they can trap you

⭐ Best Alaska Beaches by Category

Best for Photography

• Black Sand Beach
• Yakutat Coast
• Kincaid Beach

Best for Wildlife

• Bishop’s Beach
• Homer Spit
• Seward Coast

Best for Peace & Solitude

• Yakutat Beaches
• Remote Prince William Sound Shores

FAQs About Alaska Beaches

Explore All Beaches in Alaska Below