11 Best Resorts in Alaska for Unbeatable Outdoor Adventures

Home to the tallest mountain in the U.S. and the glacier-filled waters of Kenai Fjords, Alaska’s natural beauty needs no introduction.

America’s Last Frontier is a land filled with magic and wonder. In the summer, The Denali Park Road opens, and lush greenery stands out in stark contrast to snow-capped mountains.

In the winter, the landscape is blanketed in bright white snow, and the skies dance with northern lights. One of the best ways to soak up the state’s natural beauty is with a stay in an equally incredible outdoor resort.

From all-inclusive nature resorts to urban stays with spectacular views, here are some of the best resorts in Alaska that’ll spark your sense of wanderlust.

Related Read: 13 Remote & Secluded Cabin Rentals in Alaska

1. Alyeska Resort

Why you should stay: A premier chalet-style ski resort in a charming mountain town about 45 minutes from Anchorage.

• Location: Girdwood
• Class: Four star
• Recent recognition: AAA Four Diamond Recipient
• Rates from: $215/night

Come winter, ski and snowboard enthusiasts flock to enjoy the ski in, ski out access of Alyeska Resort. Nestled on the side of the Chugach Mountains, the resort is well-known for having an impressive amount of snowfall each year and boasts one of North America’s longest double black diamond ski runs.

Although most popular in the snowy months, this charming chateau is also an excellent destination for hiking the surrounding mountains in the summer. Guests enjoy an indoor hot tub, saltwater pool, and a mountaintop restaurant accessible via aerial tram on the resort grounds.

Follow ‘em: @ResortAlyeska

2. Homer Inn & Spa

Why you should stay: A boutique hotel that offers downtown suites and oceanside townhouses overlooking Kachemak Bay.

• Location: Homer
• Rates from: $318/night

At Homer Inn & Spa, homey cabin-like accommodation with luxurious amenities welcomes you to Homer. Situated high above the water, each room in the main inn features a private patio or balcony with fantastic ocean views. Larger groups will appreciate the added privacy of the spacious townhomes that can sleep up to six guests.

No matter which unit you book, the hotel’s sun deck, hot tub, and bear viewing packages are available to all. For a bit of pampering, book a session at the spa’s Finnish sauna, wellness yurt, or plunge pool.

Follow ‘em: @HomeInnAndSpa

3. Sheep Mountain Lodge

Why you should stay: A historic lodge with private cabins off of the scenic Glenn Highway not far from Anchorage.

• Location: Chickaloon
• Class: 2.5 star
• Rates from: $99/night

Situated in a part of Alaska that’s famous for snowmobiling and flightseeing, the Sheep Mountain Lodge is relaxed accommodation for adventure seekers. Back in the day, the lodge served traveling trappers working in the region and only featured one room. Visitors now enjoy the privacy of spacious and well-appointed log cabins that overlook the beautiful Matanuska River Valley.

The hotel offers standard hotel suites as well and an onsite restaurant serving classic Alaskan dishes and fresh seafood. The Sheep Mountain Lodge owner also hosts organized helicopter tours to see the impressive Matanuska Glacier and the surrounding landscape from above.

Follow ’em: @SheepMountainLodge

4. Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge

Why you should stay: A rustic seasonal lodge north of Talkeetna, framed by the towering peaks of Denali National Park.

• Location: Trapper Creek
• Class: Three star
• Rates from: $150/night

Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge is a beautiful wooden resort with chalet-style windows and a lovely view of Mt. McKinley. This cozy getaway has excellent amenities like a hot tub, spacious event spaces, and peaceful walking trails. Be sure to make time for a stroll along the resort’s Hill Trail Loop to see the stunning custom-built treehouse with a prime view of Denali.

The lodge is nestled not far from the scenic views of Denali State Park and Chulitna River, where visitors can hike, white water raft, and more. There’s no need to travel far for home-cooked Alaskan delicacies with the resort’s three dining options.

Follow ‘em: @Mt.MckinleyPrincessLodge

5. The Lakefront Anchorage

Why you should stay: An urban resort with Alaskan-inspired décor known for perfect views of float planes landing on Lake Spenard.

• Location: Anchorage
• Class: Three star
• Rates from: $120/night

Conveniently located near the Anchorage Airport, The Lakefront Anchorage is a lovely hotel for those seeking upscale lodging near downtown. Each room features a spacious layout and comes furnished with coffee-making supplies. Three dining options onsite mean you can enjoy whatever dish suits your tastes, and a fitness center makes it easy to squeeze in a workout.

Not only does the Lakefront Anchorage boast incredible amenities, but it also has one of the most unique views in the state. From the terrace, guests can look out on the Chugach Mountains and witness hundreds of float planes landing at the world’s largest seaplane base.

Follow ‘em: @LakefrontAnchorage

6. Pybus Point Lodge

Why you should stay: An all-inclusive wildlife lodge in southeast Alaska famous for first-rate fishing and whale watching.

• Location: Admiralty Island
• Rates from: $6,500/seven day trip

Your Alaska adventure with Pybus Point Lodge begins with a bang! All bookings include a round trip journey on a float plane from Juneau to Admiralty Island, where the lodge awaits.

As an all-inclusive resort, enjoy unlimited drinks and snacks as well as daily gourmet meals throughout your stay. Fishing enthusiasts can book additional adventure packages to go deepwater fishing and humpback whale cruising.

There are sophisticated cabins available to accommodate groups both large and small. The lodge property is nestled within the Inside Passage, where glaciers and icebergs set the scene. Admiralty Island National Monument is nearby and offers excellent bear watching and kayaking opportunities.

Follow ‘em: @PybusPoint

7. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

Why you should stay: A remote wilderness resort in Halibut Cove where it’s sometimes possible to spot humpback whales and sea lions.

• Nearest city: Seward
• Class: Three Star
• Rates from: $695/night

Wake up to the scenic beauty that is Resurrection Bay at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. Perched on the idyllic Fox Island, you must first embark on a scenic 12-mile cruise from Seward to reach the property. From the pristine glacial lagoon to the pebble beach, the impressive beauty that surrounds the wooden lodge and rustic waterfront cabins is unparalleled.

When you’re not off enjoying the nearby state marine parks and hiking trails, the resort offers organized wildlife spotting, kayaking, and glacier tours. Rates at this eco-friendly oasis are all-inclusive and include all meals and the ferry to the island.

The resort strives to conserve energy and protect the land, which means you won’t find electrical outlets or a T.V. in the cabins.

Follow ‘em: @KenaiFjordsWildernessLodge

8. Talon Lodge & Spa

Why you should stay: An exclusive Alaskan fishing lodge in the Sitka Sound that hosts only 600 guests each season.

• Nearest city: Stika
• Rates from: $4,295/four nights

Talon Lodge + Spa is an all-inclusive resort tucked away on Apple Island, a remote island in southeastern Alaska. The main lodge is a beautiful wooden chalet that features a spacious terrace with ocean views and a cozy lounge.

Accommodation at Talon Lodge is primarily private and spacious cabins that can sleep between four to six guests. While many come to take part in the island’s exciting freshwater fishing opportunities, the resort is also an ideal place to unwind and relax.

One of the best ways to relax is to grab a drink at The Beach Bar, a bar that’s caught the attention of many big travel magazines.

There is also a spa onsite that offers various massage packages, aromatherapy, yoga classes, and more. Transport from the island to Sitka airport is included with all bookings for your comfort and convenience.

Follow ‘em: @TalonLodge

9. Stillpoint Lodge

Why you should stay: A resort lodge surrounded by the mountains of Kenai Peninsula across the Kachemak Bay  from Homer.

• Nearest city: Homer
• Rates from: $2,200/night

Escape to the artsy and remote fishing village of Halibut Cove at Stillpoint Lodge. The resort’s all-inclusive rates include more than just a standard meal plan. Guests enjoy local and seasonal dishes as well as one wellness session and the round trip boat ride from Homer to the resort.

Each log cabin is well appointed with heated bathrooms and plush robes, with upgrades boasting private balconies overlooking the water. During your visit, be sure to make time for their à la carte activities like helicopter tours and alpine hiking excursions through the Kenai Mountains.

Follow ‘em: @StillpointLodge

10. Denali Backcountry Lodge

Why you should stay: Wake up in Denali National Park in a remote cabin surrounded by nothing but the sights and sounds of the Alaskan wilderness.

• Location: Healy
• Class: Three star
• Rates from: $575/night

Recognized by National Geographic as a top adventure resort, the Denali Backcountry Lodge offers riverside cabins within one of the U.S.’s most incredible national parks. You won’t find WiFi or cell service during your stay, allowing you to completely disconnect and take in the natural wonders around you.

Inside the main lodge, complimentary daily meals and a full-service bar under cover of a wooden vaulted ceiling make you feel right at home. Rates also include organized activities and sightseeing tours around the property.

After exploring Denali, consider booking a session at the resort’s Alaskan wood-fired sauna for an unbeatable local experience.

Follow ‘em: @DenaliBackcountryLodge

11. Kenai Riverside Lodge

Why you should stay: An all-inclusive nature resort that offers standard rooms in a log lodge or private riverside cabins.

• Location: Cooper Landing
• Rates from: $1,200/thee day and two night

The Kenai Riverside Lodge is a rustic resort that makes for a perfect home base for exploring the Chugach National Forest and flowing Kenai River.

The resort grounds are brimming with cozy amenities, including riverside deck seating, a fire pit, a wood-fired sauna, and outdoor games like ping pong and sand volleyball.

The Kenai River is a fantastic destination for salmon and trout fishing and white water rafting. Every cabin boasts its own private deck with seating and a basic but homey interior. The lodge specializes specifically in fishing and river float packages.

Follow ‘em: @AlaskaWildland

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