Best Family Friendly Beaches in Alaska

Bishop's Beach in Homer, Alaska, is a picturesque 1.25-mile-long peninsula extending into Kachemak Bay. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach is known for its tranquil beauty, diverse wildlife, and various activities such as tidepooling and hiking. Visitors can enjoy exploring the intertidal zones, spotting marine life, and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Kenai Mountains across the bay.
The beach is easily accessible from Old Town Homer and features a mix of sandy and muddy shores, with the Beluga Slough Trail nearby offering scenic walks and birdwatching opportunities. The area is rich in natural beauty and wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Bishop's Beach is also a hub for cultural activities, with public art installations and proximity to local shops and restaurants, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Rotary Beach Park, located in Saxman, Alaska, is a charming coastal haven that offers a relaxing and family-friendly environment. The beach stretches along the shoreline, providing ample space for visitors to unwind and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tongass Narrows. The sand is soft and golden, inviting beachgoers to immerse themselves in its warmth. This park is not only a popular spot for swimming but also for birdwatching, with over 100 species of birds documented in the area.

The park's proximity to Ketchikan makes it an ideal day trip destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere while exploring tidepools or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.

Rotary Beach Park, also known as Buggy Beach, is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Alaska's coastline.

Fossil Beach, located on the eastern side of Kodiak Island, Alaska, is a remote yet captivating destination known for its stunning scenery and fossil hunting opportunities. The beach is nestled at the mouth of a river that drains Twin Lakes and is bordered by immense cliffs, which are only accessible at low tide. Visitors can spend hours exploring the area, discovering fossils of ancient sea creatures embedded in the muddy shale of the cliffs. The drive to Fossil Beach is scenic but challenging, involving dirt roads and potential wildlife sightings like bison and eagles. It's a great spot for camping, picnics, and enjoying nature's beauty.

The beach offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure. While it may require some effort to reach, the unique experience of exploring a nearly untouched natural environment makes it well worth the journey. Fossil Beach is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in paleontology.

Despite its remote location, the beach has become a popular spot for weekend getaways and outdoor activities. Visitors often combine their trip with visits to nearby attractions like the Kodiak Spaceport Complex and historical sites such as WWII bunkers.

Goose Lake is a serene and picturesque spot located in central Anchorage, near the University of Alaska Anchorage. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city, with opportunities to observe wildlife like Pacific loons and Canada geese. The lake is also a popular swimming spot during the summer, featuring a large parking area, a play zone for kids, and forested walking trails nearby. Visitors can enjoy paddleboat rentals and a light meal from the Paddleboat Cafe on certain days. The surrounding area provides a mix of urban and natural environments, making it a unique destination for both relaxation and outdoor activities.

The lake's proximity to the university district and its integration into Anchorage's trail system make it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. Despite being in the heart of the city, Goose Lake maintains a peaceful atmosphere, offering a chance to connect with nature without leaving urban amenities behind.

The area around Goose Lake is well-suited for family outings, with its sandy shoreline and supervised swim area, although swimming is currently restricted. It remains a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks, especially during warmer months.

Waterfront Park Beach in Seward, Alaska, is a picturesque destination nestled along Resurrection Bay. The park offers a variety of activities and amenities, including camping, hiking, and picnicking. It features a community-built playground, a skate park, and a trail lined with historical landmarks, making it a family-friendly spot. The beach provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and access to wildlife viewing, such as eagles and sea otters. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the bay while exploring the nearby attractions like the Alaska SeaLife Center.
The park's location allows for easy access to Seward's downtown area, where visitors can explore shops and restaurants. The combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunities makes Waterfront Park Beach a must-visit destination in Seward.
The park's proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park and Caines Head State Park adds to its appeal, offering opportunities for further exploration of Alaska's wilderness.

Kenai Beach, located at the mouth of the Kenai River in Alaska, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. The beach is known for its picturesque views, including stunning sunsets and the backdrop of the Aleutian Mountain Range. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the rugged coastline. The beach is divided into North Beach and South Beach, each offering distinct experiences. During July, it becomes a hub for the personal use fishery, attracting many visitors for dip-net fishing. The area is also rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of beluga whales, seals, and bald eagles.
The beach itself features a mix of sand and pebbles, making it an excellent spot for rock collecting. At low tide, the coastline expands, revealing more sand and rock pools. The nearby Kenai Beach Access Trail provides a scenic route to the beach, passing through a park and offering opportunities to spot moose.
Overall, Kenai Beach is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and local culture.

Eagle Beach, located near Saint Terese, Alaska, is a unique and picturesque destination. It is known for its expansive beach area that extends almost half a mile at low tide, making it a prime feeding ground for wildlife, including bald eagles. The beach offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy well-maintained walking trails and the serene beauty of the nearby rivers.
The area is accessible by car, providing an easy escape from the city to enjoy nature. Eagle Beach is particularly famous during the salmon runs in mid to late summer, attracting a variety of wildlife.
It's a great place for outdoor activities like beachcombing and picnics, with small pavilions and fire pits available for use.

Kincaid Beach is a serene and picturesque destination located within Kincaid Park in Anchorage, Alaska. It offers a unique sandy beach experience amidst the rugged Alaskan landscape, flanked by tall bluffs and offering stunning views of the Cook Inlet and nearby Fire Island. The beach is accessible via a moderate two-mile hike, making it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities like picnics, bonfires, and beachcombing, though the water is too cold for swimming for most. The surrounding park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including moose, black bears, and bald eagles.

The beach itself is a rare find in Alaska, where most beaches are rocky or muddy. It's a popular spot for sunset viewing and offers a peaceful atmosphere, though it lacks surfable waves. The nearby Kincaid Park offers extensive trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kincaid Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Alaska in a serene and less crowded setting.

Rotary Beach Park, also known as Buggy Beach, is a picturesque coastal retreat located in Saxman, Alaska. This charming beach park offers a serene and family-friendly environment, perfect for a day of relaxation and fun. The beach itself stretches along the shoreline, providing a generous expanse of golden sandy shores to enjoy. Visitors can soak up the sun, play beach games, and take leisurely walks along the shore, while also enjoying activities like swimming and paddleboarding.

The beach has a rich history, having been developed and maintained by the Rotary Club of Ketchikan. It is a popular spot for watching wildlife such as eagles and seals, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Rotary Beach Park is also close to several attractions, including the Totem Heritage Center and the Saxman Native Village, where visitors can experience Native culture and watch artisans at work.

Nome Beach, located near Diomede, Alaska, is a remote and rugged coastal area known for its harsh Arctic environment and breathtaking natural beauty. The beach is part of Little Diomede Island, which is inhabited by a small community of Iñupiat people. The island's isolation and unique position near the International Date Line make it a fascinating spot for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking and whale watching during the migration season. However, amenities and services are limited due to the island's remote nature.

The beach offers stunning views of the Bering Strait and the nearby Big Diomede Island, which is part of Russia. The area is rich in cultural heritage and provides a glimpse into the lives of people living in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

Despite its challenges, Little Diomede Island is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic and untouched Arctic experience.

Sitka National Historical Park, located in Sitka, Alaska, is a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park is situated on Baranof Island and preserves the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Kiks.ádi Tlingit people and Russian fur traders. It offers a serene beach experience along Sitka Sound, with soft, light-colored sand and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore two miles of wooded pathways lined with Native totems and enjoy activities like wildlife watching and guided tours. The park commemorates a pivotal era in Alaska's history, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in culture and nature.
The park's trails lead to a quiet beach, perfect for relaxation and taking in the views of Mt. Edgecumbe and the O’Connell Bridge. The area is rich in wildlife, including bald eagles and ravens, and offers opportunities for salmon viewing during spawning season.
Sitka National Historical Park is not only a historical site but also a scenic coastal area, providing a tranquil atmosphere amidst its cultural and historical significance.