11 must-visit Alaska beaches

Whether you’re stopping at a port during your cruise or spending a night at a Princess Wilderness Lodge, here are some beaches you can check out during your trip.

Located near Juneau, Eagle Beach is a scenic gem known for its natural beauty — and the bald eagles you can’t miss. Visitors also frequently spot sea lions and even humpback whales in the crystal-clear water. 

Set against a backdrop of the towering Chilkat and Coastal mountain ranges, this beach offers views that are particularly breathtaking during low tide, when the sandy shores are fully exposed. One of the best ways to see these views is during Princess’ Interactive Self-Guided Jeep Adventure= In a 4x4 Jeep Wrangler, you can see Mendenhall Glacier, Shrine of St. Therese and — of course — Eagle Beach. 

The beach is easily accessible, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a relaxing retreat. The peaceful nature of Eagle Beach, combined with its abundant natural beauty, makes it an ideal location for birdwatching, beachcombing and enjoying  Alaska's rugged coastline.

Rotary Beach is just three miles from Ketchikan and offers a beautiful combination of coastal scenery and easy access to nearby adventures. Known locally as “Buggy Beach,” this spot is beloved for its laid-back vibe, rocky shores and picnic areas. It's a perfect stop for those looking to relax by the water or enjoy a casual beach day with family.

For the perfect beach experience, sign up for an excursion like the Wildlife Safari Cruise and Beach Bonfire. Along the way, you’ll enjoy local favorites like reindeer sausage and see wildlife like orca whales and porpoises before warming up by a cozy beach bonfire. Whether you want to explore the tide pools or simply take in the views, Rotary Beach is the perfect way to experience Ketchikan.

Homer Spit Beach, a narrow 4.5-mile strip of land that stretches into Kachemak Bay, offers an incredible vantage point of Alaska’s unique beauty. Known for its dramatic views of the Kenai Mountains and the iconic Grewingk Glacier, this beach is a hotspot for fishing and wildlife viewing. Along the shoreline, you’ll find locals and visitors alike casting their lines for halibut, while seabirds like puffins and cormorants hover above the waves.

If you’re planning an extended stay, you can also enjoy the comforts of Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, the ideal launching point for exploring the Homer area. Homer Spit is more than just a beach — it’s a hub of activity, from the bustling harbor filled with fishing boats to the famous Salty Dawg Saloon, a favorite stop for travelers. 

The nearby marina also offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding or joining a charter for an unforgettable fishing adventure in the deep waters of Kachemak Bay. Plus, Homer Spit is a great spot for beachcombing, with its shores revealing remarkable treasures after the tide retreats. Fromide pools filled with starfish to otters playing in the bay, Homer Spit Beach is one of the best places to visit in Alaska.

Also in Homer is Bishop’s Beach, known for its sweeping views of Kachemak Bay and the exquisite Kenai Mountains. The beach’s expansive tidal flats create an ideal setting for leisurely walks where you can often find shells left behind by the retreating tide. On clear days, you can catch inspiring views of Mount Augustine, an active volcano that adds to the dramatic backdrop of this beach.

Wildlife is active here, with frequent sightings of sandhill cranes, shorebirds and bald eagles soaring overhead. If you time your visit with low tide, you can explore the flats or even try your hand at beachcombing for hidden treasures. Aside from miles of beach, you can also check out Bishop’s Beach Park, which has shops, restaurants and art galleries to enjoy.

If you're extending your trip, the nearby Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge offers an ideal base for those looking to experience both coastal and wilderness adventures in the area. The beach’s tranquil vibe and natural sites make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Homer.

Looking for things to do in Seward, Alaska during your visit? While you’re in Seward, pop over to Lowell Point Beach, a rugged yet serene escape for those looking to experience the wild beauty of Resurrection Bay. The beach is surrounded by dense forest and massive cliffs, with incredible views of Bear Glacier, one of Alaska’s largest tidewater glaciers. 

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast visiting Lowell Point Beach, you won’t be disappointed — people commonly spot sea otters floating on their backs or bald eagles perched high above, scanning the waters for fish. Plus, you can hike along coastal trails and even see a historic World War II bunker.

You can visit Lowell Point Beach during your stay at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, where you will also be close to the 690,000-acre Kenai Fjords National Park and all kinds of other activities like gold panning and dogsled interactions. From exploring Lowell Point Beach to seeing octopuses at the Alaska Sealife Center, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge is the perfect way to see Alaska.

In Wrangell, you can visit the scenic Petroglyph Beach, which is not only a beautiful coastal area, but also a fascinating historical site. This unique beach is home to over 40 ancient rock carvings, known as petroglyphs, which are believed to date back more than 8,000 years. Visitors can explore these intricate carvings —depicting animals, faces and geometric patterns — etched into the rocky shoreline by the Tlingit people.

Aside from its rich cultural significance, the beach has sweeping views of the surrounding islands and lush forests. It’s a great spot for beachcombing and discovering tide pools filled with sea stars and crabs during low tide. Whether you're here for the petroglyphs or to enjoy the tranquility of the shoreline, Petroglyph Beach provides a one-of-a-kind blend of history and nature.

Just three miles north of downtown Sitka is Sandy Beach — which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s one of the only surf spots in southeast Alaska, so you might catch some locals riding the waves at high tide. It’s also a popular place to swim in the water and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. 

Sandy Beach is known for its view of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano that adds to the dramatic landscape, as well as the many small islands that dot Sitka Sound.

Plus, wildlife is everywhere at this beach — there are frequent sightings of sea otters playing near the shore and bald eagles in the Alaska sky. On clear days, you might even spot humpback whales breaching in the distance! If you’re more of a history buff, you can visit Totem Park, just a short walk away, and learn more about the Tlingit people’s rich cultural heritage.

If you are sticking around in Alaska after your Princess cruise, there are even more hotspot beaches to see. Check out other Alaska beach favorites that will take your breath away.

Tucked away in the Harriman Fjord within Prince William Sound, Black Sand Beach is a secluded paradise that offers some of Alaska’s most striking coastal scenery. The beach gets its name from the dark volcanic sands that line the shore, a rare sight in Alaska’s typically rocky coastal areas. Visitors are greeted by panoramic views of the towering Chugach Mountains and the Harriman Glacier, with floating icebergs often surrounding the waters just off the beach.

While Black Sand Beach is relatively remote, it’s a popular stop for kayaking tours exploring Prince William Sound. The calm waters make it ideal for paddling, where you can glide past icebergs and spot wildlife such as harbor seals lounging on the ice.

The more adventurous might like to book a multiday kayaking trip, where they can camp on the beach and experience Alaska’s wilderness. For those who love exploring jaw-dropping landscapes, Black Sand Beach is a delightful destination.

Surfer’s Beach may draw in even more surfers than Monashka Bay. Located near Yakutat,, this is the state’s go-to destination for wave riders seeking an adrenaline rush. Aside from the variety of wave sizes you can find on this beach, you can also explore shipwreck remnants along the coast or keep your eyes peeled for eagles. The waves here can vary from mellow, beginner-friendly breaks to powerful swells, depending on the season and weather conditions.

What sets Surfer’s Beach apart is the stunning backdrop of snowcapped Alaska mountains and dense forests that surround the coastline. While surfing is the main attraction, all visitors will love seeing the sea lions near the shore and the variety of seabirds in the arena, like puffins and cormorants.

Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Ninilchik Beach is a picturesque spot known for its wide-open views of Cook Inlet and the snow-capped Mount Iliamna across the water. This beach is a prime destination for anglers and offers some of the best surf fishing in Alaska. Visitors often cast their lines right from the shore, hoping to reel in halibut, salmon or other local catches. The beach’s easy access and proximity to the charming village of Ninilchik make it a great spot for both day trips and extended stays.

And, like many of Alaska’s beaches, you can often see wildlife along the shore, such as sea otters, seals and bald eagles. Cast off for a big catch or simply take in the mountain view — Ninilchik Beach won’t disappoint.

Picture yourself spotting humpback whales from the shore or casting a line for halibut right off of the beach — these are the kinds of moments that make Alaska’s coastlines truly unforgettable.

The best part? You can experience it all aboard a Princess® cruise. Princess offers shore excursions that bring you right to the heart of Alaska’s wild beauty. With every stop, you’ll discover a new side of Alaska’s coastlines — whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, rugged landscapes or simply a peaceful escape.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure and discover Alaska’s most breathtaking beaches aboard a Princess Alaska cruise.