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:

Black Sand Beach (Prince William Sound)

One of Alaska’s most iconic volcanic black-sand beaches; stunning mountain backdrop and kayak access.

Kincaid Beach (Anchorage)

A popular sandy beach with views of the Alaska Range, perfect for sunsets, hiking & wildlife spotting.

Homer Spit Beach

A long, narrow beach with shops, restaurants, fishing & panoramic views of Kachemak Bay.

Bishops Beach (Homer)

Great for tidepooling, walking, wildlife, and dramatic low tides — a local favorite.

Yakutat’s Black Sand Beaches

Vast volcanic beaches with some of the best surfing in Alaska and incredible remote scenery.

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

Season	Highlights
Summer (June–Aug)	Warmest weather, long days, best wildlife viewing
Fall (Sept–Oct)	Cool, colorful, beautiful skies
Spring (Apr–May)	Early wildlife activity, mild temps
Winter	Dramatic frozen coastlines & Northern Lights (not swimmable)