Alaska is America's final frontier — a vast wilderness state where glaciers calve into fjords, brown bears fish alongside bald eagles, and the aurora borealis paints the night sky in emerald and violet. The largest US state by area covers 1.7 million square kilometres yet holds fewer than 750,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated places on Earth. From Anchorage's urban sophistication to Denali's soaring summit, from the Inside Passage's towering rainforests to the Arctic's endless tundra, Alaska offers unmatched natural grandeur.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Alaska.
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- quiet wilderness camp on a cold-water bay, favoured by paddlers and wildlife watchers
- Parking
- Fire rings
- Camping
- Boat launch
- Bear-proof food storage
Lowell Point State Recreation Area
Editor’s tip. Arrive early in summer — the small parking area fills by mid-morning on weekends
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- frontier remoteness, Arctic gold-rush heritage, wind-swept and wildlife-rich
- Parking
- Midnight sun (summer)
- Gold panning opportunities (legal on public beaches)
- Walrus Island viewing nearby
Nome Beaches (Nome-Council Road)
Editor’s tip. Pan for gold at low tide when the gravel bars are most accessible; rental equipment is available from outfitters in Nome
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- purposeful and utilitarian, families and solo harvesters working the tide flats
- Clam digging (razor clams, license required $25/day at adfg.alaska.gov)
- Parking
- Pit toilets
- Beach access stairs
Clam Gulch State Recreation Area
Editor’s tip. Time arrival for tides of -1.0 ft or lower — razor clams are easiest to harvest on minus tides; check NOAA tide charts for Anchor Point
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- busy harbour-town beach, eagles overhead, fishing boats and kayakers in constant motion
- Parking
- Restaurants
- Fishing charters
- Sea kayaking rentals
- Gift shops
- Campground (Homer Spit Campground, 907-235-8206)
Homer Spit Beach
Editor’s tip. Walk to the very tip of the spit at low tide for the best tide-pool access and panoramic views back toward the Kenai Mountains
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- pristine wilderness solitude, extraordinary marine wildlife, no facilities and no crowds
- Primitive camping
- Hiking trails
- Tide pools
- Otter viewing
- Kayaking
Kachemak Bay State Park Beaches
Editor’s tip. Book water taxi crossings with Rainbow Tours (907-235-7272) at least a day ahead in summer — capacity is limited and departures are tide-dependent
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- isolated wilderness fjord beach, bear country, pristine and rarely visited
- Hiking trail (3.5 miles to beach)
- Wildlife viewing (bears, marine mammals)
- Remote beach camping
Point Bridget State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Carry bear spray and make noise on the trail — brown bears are regularly sighted between the trailhead and the beach
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Alaska memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Swimming
Ocean swimming is not recommended — Alaska water temperatures range from 38-55°F (3-13°C) year-round. Hypothermia risk within minutes. Wear a dry suit for kayaking or other water activities.
Weather
Weather can change rapidly; always bring rain gear and an extra layer to the beach
Wildlife
Bears are present at many coastal areas — store food properly and carry bear spray
Mosquitoes
Beaches near marshes and rivers can have severe mosquitoes in June-July; bring DEET repellent
Tides
Alaska has significant tidal ranges (up to 30 ft in Cook Inlet). Check tidal charts before walking coastal areas. Never go below the high tide line in narrow inlets.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Alaska’s coast.
Can visitors swim at Lowell Point Beach?
Swimming is not recommended. Resurrection Bay water temperatures remain near 45°F (7°C) even in summer, and tidal currents can be unpredictable. Sea kayaking in a wetsuit is the preferred water activity for most visitors.
From the Lowell Point State Recreation Area editorial.
Is camping available at Lowell Point State Recreation Area?
Yes, primitive campsites with fire rings and bear-proof storage are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A nightly fee applies and is paid using the self-pay station at the parking area. No advance reservations are taken.
From the Lowell Point State Recreation Area editorial.
How do visitors get to Nome?
Nome is accessible only by air. Alaska Airlines operates daily jet service from Anchorage, approximately 1.5 hours. There is no road or ferry connection. Vehicle rentals are available at Nome airport.
From the Nome Beaches (Nome-Council Road) editorial.
Is gold panning on Nome beaches legal?
Yes, recreational gold panning on public beaches is legal without a permit for small personal quantities. Commercial dredging requires a state permit. Several outfitters in town rent pans and sluice boxes for day use.
From the Nome Beaches (Nome-Council Road) editorial.
What licence is needed to dig clams at Clam Gulch?
A valid Alaska sport fishing licence with a shellfish endorsement is required. Day licences cost approximately $25 and can be purchased at adfg.alaska.gov, at Fred Meyer in Kenai, or at local sporting goods shops.
From the Clam Gulch State Recreation Area editorial.
What is the daily bag limit for razor clams?
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game allows a bag limit of 60 razor clams per person per day at Clam Gulch, subject to seasonal closures. Verify current opening status at adfg.alaska.gov before visiting.
From the Clam Gulch State Recreation Area editorial.
Is Homer Spit Beach safe for swimming?
The water is cold, typically 50–55°F (10–13°C) at peak summer. Swimming is possible but a wetsuit is strongly recommended. The bay is calm enough for supervised swimming in sheltered areas, but there are no lifeguards.
From the Homer Spit Beach editorial.
Are there restaurants on Homer Spit?
Yes, several seafood restaurants and casual eateries operate along the spit during the summer season, concentrated around the Cannery Row Boardwalk area. Dungeness crab and halibut are local specialties.
From the Homer Spit Beach editorial.