Unique Places to Stay in Alaska

Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rugged beauty, Alaska is the ideal place if you’re looking to escape the ordinary and experience something truly unique. Beyond its stunning locations, there’s a wealth of extraordinary lodging options that can be found across the state. Whether you're looking to stay in a historic lighthouse, a cozy wilderness cabin, or an exclusive island retreat, Alaska offers unparalleled opportunities to blend comfort with nature. 

Here is just a sampling of some incredible places to stay in Alaska so you can get a taste of the unique accommodations options that await you on your next adventure:

Cabins & Yurts

Located across the state are a wide variety of cabins and yurts with amenities ranging from rustic to luxurious. Perched on rocky shorelines, overlooking mountain vistas or glaciers, or nestled in the dense forest, these accommodations bring you closer to nature and highlight Alaska’s stunning scenery. You’ll find cabin and yurt rentals in all five regions of the state with varying levels of accessibility. Some are remote fly-out cabins in the backcountry, some are only accessible by boat, and others are easily accessible by road. No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, and whether you seek solitude, access to hiking, kayaking from your front door, a little pampering, or all of the above, you’ll find it here. Some cabins offer just the basics when it comes to amenities, while others include meals, luxurious bedding, and saunas or hot tubs. 

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If you’re adventurous and seeking an off-the-grid adventure, Alaska’s public use cabins offer an unparalleled experience located in remote areas of Alaska’s backcountry. These cabins can be found statewide and are ideal for those looking to spend a few days immersed in Alaska’s wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Depending on location, cabins are accessible by foot, boat, plane, and some are accessible by car. Each cabin comes equipped with basic amenities such as wooden bunk beds, a wood or gas stove, and an outhouse. You must bring your own bedding, food, water, and fuel, making these cabins an affordable and adventurous way to explore Alaska's rugged beauty.

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Wilderness Resorts

Alaska’s wilderness resorts are typically found in and around the state’s expansive national parks and public lands. These all-inclusive resorts allow you to get off the beaten path in the wilderness while still enjoying the comforts of prepared meals, friendly staff, cozy accommodations, and access to guided activities such as fishing, wildlife viewing, flightseeing, kayaking, hiking, and more. Each wilderness lodge and resort offers a unique experience, such as lodges located in the heart of Denali National Park, waterfront lodges in Kenai Fjords National Park, bear viewing lodges in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, food and wellness-inspired lodges near Kachemak Bay State Park, fishing resorts on private islands, and so much more. 

Many wilderness lodges and resorts in Alaska are only accessible by plane or boat, allowing you to truly disconnect and unwind in nature while pampering yourself with luxurious amenities like spa treatments, saunas, yoga classes, and fine dining. These lodges typically require a several night minimum stay and usually include meals, transportation, and guided activities in their package prices.     

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Glamping

One of the newer unique accommodation options in Alaska is glamping. Several steps up from traditional camping, glamping accommodations feature canvas-walled tents with beds and bedding, and shared common areas for cooking and enjoying time around the fire. Glamping is ideal for those who want the experience of camping with a little extra comfort and without the hassle of having to bring your own gear. Most of the glamping experiences in Alaska are located in the Southcentral and Inside Passage regions.

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Northern Lights Accommodations

Most visitors to Alaska in winter are eager to see one of nature’s most spectacular displays: the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Fortunately, there are accommodation options in the Southcentral, Interior, and Arctic regions that are specifically designed to maximize your chances of catching the lights. Northern lights accommodations are situated in areas with prime viewing conditions and feature amenities like floor-to-ceiling windows, observation decks, cozy viewing areas, and aurora wakeup calls so you can view the lights in comfort – sometimes even without leaving your room. These accommodations range from hotels and resorts to yurts, cabins, and even fiberglass igloos.  

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Historic Stays

History buffs will be able to immerse themselves in the state’s rich history and culture at historical stays in Alaska. These accommodations preserve Alaska’s gold rush history and pioneer days while offering modern comforts. Some are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time at historic hotels and inns in towns like Anchorage, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Seward, Homer, and McCarthy. You’ll also find unique historical stays such as former brothels, roadhouses, B&Bs, and even former lighthouses and captain’s quarters – all with a side of Alaska charm, unique character, and warm hospitality. 

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