If you don’t immediately think of surf and sand when you think of Alaska, get ready to have your whole perception changed. With more coastline than any other state in the nation, measuring out at approximately 5,580 miles, it’s only natural that these little known beaches in Alaska will be some of the most stunning in the entire world.

And guess what? We haven’t even gotten to the best part yet; many of our beaches are totally secluded! That means that you can can literally relax and unwind with the mere sounds of waves crashing in the background without litters of people stumbling over you. It’s a brilliant and breathtaking thought and Only in Alaska is it actually achievable. You will never look back after checking out these 15 little known beaches in Alaska that’ll make your summer unforgettable. Summer in Alaska never looked so good!

1. Chiniak Beach – Kodiak
Flickr - Andrew Petersen
Get away from the busy harbor life and find a peaceful spot all to yourself to sit back and take in the stunning Alaska views. The Chiniak Highway Guide is a great way to learn about this area, and you can find it HERE.
2. Kasilof Beach
Flickr - Travis
World class fishing for salmon and halibut against a picturesque Alaskan backdrop filled with snow capped mountains. Learn more about the tiny town of Kasilof on the Kenai Peninsula’s official website HERE.
3. Black Sand Beach – Glacier Bay National Park
Flickr - Matt Zimmerman
If this view doesn't totally and completely knock your socks off, we don't know what will. Mix the stunning colors of the glacial blue ice against the black sand beach and find yourself in total and complete awe of your surroundings. Black Sand Beach is a must see in Alaska, and you can learn more about this unique beach HERE.
4. Nome
Flickr - Joseph
Bust out your gold pan and dredge for some sparklers or get up early and enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunrises in the world. Click HERE to learn about the stunning Nome beach that edges the pack ice of the Bering Sea all winter, before turning into the beautiful sand strip you can walk in the summer.
5. Eagle Beach – Juneau
Flickr - Joseph
Nestled against the Tongass National Forest just under 30 miles outside of Juneau, this spectacular beach has soft white sand and unsurpassed views. Eagle Beach State Recreation Area is a great spot to bring the whole family! Learn more about this beautiful beach on their website HERE.
6. Homer Spit
Flickr - rbrough
The "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World" wouldn't be anything without the epic Homer Spit. Come down for the weekend (or stay longer) and pitch a tent, beach comb, let the dogs play in the surf or wet a line right off shore. This is one of the best beaches in Alaska to explore. Learn more about the Homer Spit and all the great activities it offers on Homer’s website HERE.
7. Yakutat Beach
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Walk for miles on these untouched sandy beaches and don't be suprised if you stumble upon some cool shaped driftwood or the occasional glass balls. The waves here are said to be a surfers dream! Isolated Yakutat is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. Learn more about the beautiful village of Yakutat HERE.

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8. Kenai Beach
Flickr - Amber
Located at the mouth of the Kenai River on "Alaska's Playground," Kenai Beach is known for world-class salmon fishing and some of the most stunning sunsets in the world. Bring the friends and have a fire on the beach or spend the day playing in the sand. In the springtime Beluga whales have even been spotted from the beach. Read more about why Kenai is called "Alaska’s playground," HERE.
9. Kincaid Beach – Anchorage
Flickr - Travis
The most beautiful thing about Alaska is that even in the biggest and busiest "metropolitan" hub, one can still be a beach bum within just a few miles of their home. Ride your fat tire bike along the shore, have a fire with some friends or just enjoy a pleasant stroll with stunning mountain views in the distance. It's hard not to fall head over heels in love with this magical spot within the city. Find out more about this secret beach HERE.
10. Montague Island
Flickr - NOAA Photo Library
Considering the fact that this is the largest uninhabited island in the US, the beach on Montague Island is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the waves crashing without anyone else around. Enjoy spectacular views of Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. If you want to stay on this remote and uninhabited island, check out the Beach River Cabin HERE.
11. Tonsina Beach – Seward
Flickr - meellaa
Located nearest to the entrance of the Kenai Fjords National Park, this is a hot spot for outdoor lovers and adventure hounds. Splash in the ocean, kayak right off shore or just kick back and enjoy the epic mountain views. You can kayak out to this awesome beach with Miller’s Landing. Learn more about this paddling adventure HERE.
12. Lena Beach – Juneau
Flickr - J. Stephen Conn
Surrounded by views of the Tongass National Forest, Lena beach has the perfect sandy spots to enjoy a good picnic with a stunning view. Learn more about Lena Beach Picnic Site at their website HERE. This is one of the best little known beaches in Alaska!
13. Clam Gulch
Flickr - Peter Flynn
Not that the name gave it away or anything, but you MUST visit clam gulch for the #1 rated razor clam beds. Enjoy phenomenal views of views of Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Iliamna and Mt. Spurr in the distance. Clam Gulch State Recreation Area has so much to do, and you can find more information about this great spot HERE.
14. Gustavus
Flickr - penny meyer
This large beach has a way of making you feel like you could walk for days and never get to the end of it. Enjoy the seclusion, quietness and even some succulent strawberries along this picturesque beach. If you want to learn more about the area, check out the U.S. National Park Service’s guide to exploring Gustavus at their website HERE.
15. Captain Cook State Recreation Area - Nikiski
Flickr - RocksInMyHead
This special area located nearly at the end of the road offers great camping, endless vistas and some really great ATV areas. The Captain Cook State Recreation Area is a wonderful area with many beaches, and you can learn more about how best to explore this spot HERE.

How many of these little known beaches in Alaska do you plan on visiting? Have you been to any of them before? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to get out and explore Alaska’s beaches further, check out The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Alaska Like Never Before.

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More to Explore

Lesser Known Beaches In Alaska

Megan McDonald | July 10, 2020

Can you swim on Alaska’s beaches?

Of course! The water may be a little colder due to our location, but you can absolutely swim on the beaches in Alaska. A couple things to look out for: if you are in an area with mud flats, do not go onto this sandy looking areas. They are more comparable to quick sand than the beaches you are used to, and you may get stuck. The tides come in very quickly and that is not a good situation to be in!

Do people in Alaska surf?

They absolutely do! There are many beaches in Alaska known for their great surfing, including Yakutat, Bishop’s Beach in Homer, and Surfer’s Beach in Kodiak. Kodiak is known for their good surfing and reliable wave breaks on many beaches on the island. Some people choose to wear a wetsuit when surfing, especially in the winter months.

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