Alaska is a wonderful contradiction of a place, both one of the ultimate wilderness destinations and a magnificent option for couples looking for an incredible combination of excitement and romance. With its vast tundras, towering mountains, majestic glaciers, and rugged coastlines, Alaska’s landscape can seem intimidating, but the bleak natural beauty and almost total seclusion is what gives the state such a unique romantic ambiance. Not to mention a 2022 Alaskan cruise is a convenient way to experience the landscape.
While winter is admittedly icy cold and covered in snow, the state does get its fair share of warmer months, and summertime is a beautiful time to experience Alaska. Despite its subarctic climate, there are plenty of places where the mercury regularly averages 70 degrees. As you might expect from somewhere that is nearly half as big as the rest of the US combined, there’s quite a lot of variety here!
With small cities, quaint mountain villages, and remote wilderness retreats, Alaska has something for everyone, and couples will delight in the excitement and adventure that awaits around every corner. So without further ado, here are some of the best places in the 49th state to achieve the perfect blend of remote romanticism that Alaska is so good at.
Anchorage
Anchorage is Alaska’s most populous city, situated right at the north end of the Cook Inlet, framed by the vast majesty of the Chugach Mountains. The city is an intriguing blend of urban chic and nature, with trendy bars and art galleries rubbing shoulders with wildlife like bears, moose, and mountain goats in the many green spaces inside the city. Cultural couples will love the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, while the Botanical Gardens offers a delightful spot for a loved-up stroll. The city also boasts a fantastic dining scene, with an incredible array of quirky, on-trend restaurants on offer, most of which boast stunning views of Alaska’s beautiful landscape.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is where Wild Alaska really begins, the border between civilization and the Last Frontier. Here is where the elongated summer days and long, slow sunsets start to come into their own, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Couples will love a ride along the stunning Denali Highway, as well as the bliss and luxury of naturally heated springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort. The cultural life in Fairbanks is surprisingly vibrant, and it’s a great place to discover more about the indigenous traditions of Alaska, with institutions like the University of Alaska Museum of the North offering a deep dive into Native Alaskan art, history, and society.
Juneau
Juneau is the state capital of Alaska, and a more uniquely beautiful and fascinating city it is almost impossible to find. To start with, it is only accessible by boat or plane, and the breathtaking views you get soaring over the top of the mountains on your way there are the ultimate way to start a romantic getaway. Whether you take the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway to the mountain peak or spend your time spying whales, dolphins, and orcas from the comfort of a boat tour, Juneau offers so much for adventurous couples to do.
Sitka
With the glittering onion domes of the Orthodox cathedral and the eye-catching architecture of the Bishop’s House and Castle Hill, the Russian background and culture of Sitka is clearly evident, and one of the most captivating aspects of this gorgeous little city. A destination with a real difference, you could easily spend the day here just wandering around drinking in the picturesque beauty, but there’s plenty to do as well. Visit Sitka State Historic Park to dive even further into the Native culture of Alaska, or enjoy the majesty and excitement of the state’s native birds of prey at the Alaska Raptor Center. Finish up a day here with a romantic dinner of mouthwateringly fresh seafood overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Kenai
The Kenai Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska, one of the most popular tourist destinations, and one of the best places in the world for salmon fishing! The Alaska mountain range and the Kenai river provide the backdrop for Kenai itself, a peaceful, charming town that offers a wonderful range of activities for couples, from walking tours and whale watching to visiting historic sites.
Kodiak
Kodiak is most famous for its enormous ursine inhabitants – the gigantic Kodiak bears – and they are indeed spectacular. The opportunity to see such magnificent creatures in their natural habitat should not be missed, and the island stands out even in Alaska for its breathtaking vistas and extraordinary natural beauty. But there is more to Kodiak than just bears, especially for couples. You can get a bird’s-eye view of the world as you soar over the ocean in a seaplane, or experiment with fine dining aboard a private yacht. Kodiak is where Alaska’s romantic remoteness really comes into its own, and is the perfect couples’ getaway destination!
