See The Best Of Southeast Alaska This Year!

Juneau is a major destination hub for Southeast Alaska, and serves as a great home-base from which to explore this incredible part of the state. Even though Juneau is a spectacular place to visit, it’s not the only place in Southeast Alaska that we recommend you visit in 2022!

The Southeast region of Alaska, also known as the “Alaskan Panhandle,” is bordered by the northern half of the Canadian Province of British Colombia. This region is known for its spectacular scenery and mild climate. As you put together your itinerary for your next vacation, make sure to consider some of the small-town charms of these Southeast Alaska cities.

Of course, while you’re exploring Southeast Alaska, you’ll need comfortable lodging.  Our hotel, located in downtown Juneau, is the best place to stay in Southeast Alaska. Our location affords the perfect spot to explore the very best of this part of the state. We also offer you an exceptional night’s rest in our luxurious beds, not to mention the best hospitality! Start planning your adventure to these Southeast Alaska cities and book with us today!

Our Top Southeast Alaska Cities to Explore

The Southeast Alaska region beholds some of the most awe-inspiring vistas. Gorgeous coastlines, rugged coastal mountains, and bountiful national parks fill this sensational region. Let us guide you on the most popular cities that you and your loved ones can experience on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Sitka

With a population of 8,647, this town may seem rather small but is actually considered to be the next largest city after Juneau in Southeast Alaska. In fact, Sitka is considered the largest incorportated borough city in the U.S. with a total area of 4,811 square miles. Sitka has a relatively mild climate when compared to other parts of the state. On average, 5 days per year see highs at or above 70 °F (21 °C); conversely, there are only 10 days with the high not exceeding freezing.

Sitka is located on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Like most Southeast Alaska communities, Sitka is accessible only by air and by sea. Alaska Seaplanes is the premier commuter airline of Southeast Alaska with scheduled, year-round passenger services. Once you arrive in Sitka, downtown is completely walkable. There are activities happening year-round in Sitka. Multiple music festivals and art celebrations are occurring throughout the year.  In early February, Sitka will be hosting a Jazz festival, bringing talented artists from around the world.

For those who are interested in a cultural experience, take in a show of the Naa Kahidi Dancers. The Tlingit Dancers perform in connection with Sitka Tribal Tours at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House. Listen to the songs of tradition handed down by generations of a living culture. It is truly an experience like no other.

There are numerous historical sites to see in Sitka. Castle Hill, also known as Baranof Castle Site, is one of the most historically significant sites in Alaska. Tlingit natives originally inhabited this area and built a strategic fortification at this site. Today, Castle Hill is a state historic site and also designated as a National Historic Landmark. From on top of the hill, you can view downtown Sitka and the gorgeous waterfront.

Sitka National Historical Park is a scenic 107-acre park preserve and interprets the site of a Tlingit Indian Fort and the battle fought between the Russians and the Tlingits in 1804. The museum contains an exhibit of Tlingit and Russian artifacts. Please visit the park’s auditorium to view the fascinating historical movie depicting Sitka’s colorful and rich past.  The main building houses authentic original totems, a fine indoor museum artifact display, and an active Tlingit arts program/studio where the public can watch and talk to local Alaskan Native Indian artists. Come and explore this quaint Southeast Alaska city.

Ketchikan

Is set at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s famed Inside Passage and makes our pick for one of the Southeast Alaska cities to not be missed in 2022. Ketchikan is best known for three things: Salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native culture. For those looking to capture incredible scenery, Misty Fjords National Monument, snowcapped mountaintops, and Tongass National Forest surround this captivating town.

Take a guided tour through the Ketchikan Rainforest Sanctuary and Wildlife Preserve with Kawanti Adventures. This almost 3 hour guided tour takes you through a 40-acre private preserve of the rainforest bordering the Tongass National Forest, exploring the wildlife and ecology of the preserve. On this tour, you will visit a historic sawmill, explore a totem park, and view a featured raptor at the Alaska Raptor Center Ketchikan exhibit.

After your daytime adventures, treat yourself to the finest local cuisine. Timbers Restaurant located at Salmon Falls Resort, features local Alaskan seafood and specialties all paired with fine wines and microbrews. Enjoy the sounds of local Jazz artists Wednesday through Sunday in the evenings from 6pm-8pm. As you can see, Ketchikan is another lovely city in Southeast Alaska.

Skagway

A small town of just around 1,000 people, located in Southeast Alaska. However, this population doubles during the summer months to accommodate the nearly 1,000,000 visitors each year. There are so many different activities in this small city, there will surely be something to satisfy everyone. Klondike Gold Rush-In August, 1896, Skookum Jim and his family found gold near the Klondike River in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Their discovery sparked one of the most frantic gold rushes in history.

You and the family can enjoy this one-of-a-kind 2-hour tour through Alaska Travel Adventures. The staff will take you back in time by re-creating the time period of gold mining. Staff dress in character and entertain the guests. Gold panning is fun for the whole family. This tour treats guests to their specialty salmon bake lunch.  An informative option to experience the gold rush is going through The National Park Service Visitor Center at 2nd Avenue and Broadway in Skagway. You can explore the area’s rich gold rush heritage. A variety of programs and services are offered during the summer months, from May to September.

In this Southeast Alaska city, tour the glaciers and go dogsledding! With Alaska Icefield Expeditions, you will be lifted on a 30-minute helicopter tour that will take you and your family to see the magnificent glaciers. Following the helicopter tour, you will land upon the Denver Icefield. Professional mushers will introduce you to the world of “mushing” and the art of Dog Sledding.

The Best Hotel in Southeast Alaska

Southeast Alaska is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful regions in the world.  Most of the incredible destinations we have discussed here are within reach when staying in Juneau, and this is one of the many reasons our hotel is rated as one of the best places to stay in Southeast Alaska, let alone Juneau.

Whether your day trips take you to Sitka, Ketchikan, or Skagway, there will surely be something for everyone. Our hotel is situated in the heart of downtown Juneau and boasts the finest amenities one could ask for on their trip to Southeast Alaska. After your day trip to one of the Southeast Alaska cities, come relax and enjoy the soft, 450-thread count sheets and afternoon snacks made available. Soak your tired muscles in one of our rooftop hot tubs, and get a welcome night of rest in our cozy guest rooms.

We offer a variety of rooms to our guests. All of which offer private baths and luxury bath essentials. We offer rooms large enough for the entire family and free WIFI. With all of this and more, is it any wonder our hotel is one of the best places to stay in Southeast Alaska? Book your stay with us today!