Gustavus is ideally situated on Icy Strait, in southeast Alaska, and a short flight by air taxi from Juneau. Adjacent to the Tongass National Forest, with 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains, Gustavus is a little slice of perfection. Surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park, this tiny beach town is a gateway to endless adventures on the brilliant blue waters spiked with splashes of playful wildlife and glacial ice falling into the sea. This area is far from warm, but it is perfect for a getaway to walk the beaches, kayak the ocean and deeply relax. Try out Gustavus, the tiny beach town you need to visit.
Gustavus is a tiny town of approximately 400 people in the Hoonah-Angoon Census area near Alaska's capital, Juneau. This gorgeous spot is isolated from the rest of world and perfect for an escape from it all.
As there are no roads, it's best to arrive at this water locked place by air taxi or the Alaska Marine Highway system. There is also a daily commercial jet flight from Juneau.
The Nature Conservancy’s Forelands Preserve includes seventeen miles of wild, open beach lands in Gustavus. Hiking, biking and beach combing are all popular activities in this part of the world.
Photography tours are another popular option with specific lessons in how to shoot the ice in the brilliant sun and capture the perfect blue of the glaciers in the low light of the ice caves.
There is a lot of material for photography from migrating birds, to the rich temperate rainforests, to the magnificent humpback whales of the deep, you're sure to get the shot.
Kayaking is best sport out on the open Alaskan waters and you can take a guided trip. Or if you are experienced, simply head out on your own with a kayak and the open water on an unguided adventure.
Galleries and artist studios dot the beach front and you can lazily investigate the local work, and possibly take a piece of Alaska home so you will always remember your trip.
Fishing is a local past time, and both salt and freshwater opportunities are available. The Salmon River wanders through town, where you can see moose, eagles and sometimes bear.
