A visit to Alaska is all about dramatic scenery, outdoor adventures, and wildlife. Whether you’re looking to come in the winter for a chance to watch the northern lights dance across the sky and enjoy winter sports, or you have warmer weather activities in mind like hiking and paddling, a vacation rental can be a great base for enjoying it all. Many come with the comforts of home, providing more bang for the buck as compared to your average hotel.
Luxury Homer Villa with 22 Acres & Hot Tub - Homer
Enjoy what the host refers to as “rustic luxury” from this incredible home that sits atop a small cliff overlooking Kachemak Bay just four miles across the water from Homer, easily reached by a water taxi. You’ll be surrounded by soaring mountains, glaciers, protected coves for paddling, an extensive trail system for exploring on foot, and protected coves for paddling. This entire area is ideal for fishing, wildlife watching, and beachcombing while surrounded by striking natural beauty. It accommodates up to nine in four bedrooms and boasts fabulous outdoor living space that includes two wrap-around decks, a hot tub, gas grill and smoker, fire tables, comfy furnishings, and more. Inside, notable features include a fireplace, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, a wine fridge, wall-to-wall windows, and a washer/dryer.
Private Retreat on the Beach at Paradise Cove - Mud Bay
The Paradise Cove house is set on its own secluded beach at Paradise Cove just over six miles from the small town of Haines. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of Rainbow Glacier and the snowcapped peaks of the Chilkat Mountains, as well as fishing right from the beach. Rent a kayak or bring your own and you’ll be able to launch here too for a scenic paddle to Chilkat Islands Marine Park. There’s a vast lawn with comfy chairs, a large Weber grill, and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows under the stars. During the day, keep an eye out for marine life, including seals, sea lions, resident otters, porpoise, and whales.
Amazing Views, 11-Minute Drive From Park - Healy
It’s all about the stunning mountain views and a fantastic location when staying at this one-bedroom home for three. A quarter-mile off The Parks Hwy and an 11-minute drive to the only entrance road to Denali National Park, it sits at the end of a road on a two-acre bluff. Enjoy privacy and seclusion combined with all the modern comforts. From the large living room windows, look for the wildlife that’s regularly spotted.
Private Awesome View Chalet - Moose Pass
Located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula just 19 miles north of Seward, this lakefront cabin is the place to escape the chaos of the real world. It’s entirely off-grid, meaning no cell service, no Wi-Fi, and no electricity. You will have propane lights, hand-pumped well water, and a wood-burning stove for heat. The huge covered deck has another fireplace, a grill for cookouts, and steamer chairs for unwinding while surrounded by the beautiful scenery.
Lake Front Rental with Mountain Views - Nelchina
Set on Schooner Lake about a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage, this cabin for up to five provides spectacular views of the lake and the Chugach Mountains. The water attracts abundant wildlife, including caribou, fox, moose, beaver, and the occasional bear. Migrating birds like eagles and loons are often seen too. When it’s warm enough, take advantage of the direct access to canoeing and swimming, and in the winter, cross-country skiing. A short hike around the lake delivers fabulous views of the Nelchina River from atop the bluff. The cabin has south-facing windows for views and abundant light from every room, a large bedroom with a king-size bed, a washer/dryer, and a full kitchen with a dishwasher.
Beautiful North Pole Cabin with Chena River Views - Fairbanks
Set on a secluded property along the Chena River, this luxurious three-bedroom rental makes an ideal base for visiting Denali National Park, Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks, fishing, and northern lights hunting excursions. It has an open kitchen and living room with 19′ ceilings and exposed log beams, a double-sided fireplace, a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi and a jetted soaking tub. Relax while watching for wildlife and enjoying the river views from the furnished patio that includes a grill, and gather around the fire pit under a canopy of stars.
Chalet by the Sea with Breathtaking Views - Kodiak
This castle-like chalet offers the ultimate stay for your Alaska vacation as a one-of-a-kind rental in an ideal location with breathtaking views – in fact, you can hear and see the ocean 24/7 from here. It includes seven bedrooms, sleeping as many as a dozen guests, including many themed rooms like the Harry Potter and Cinderella rooms. From the back deck, sip your morning coffee or a glass of wine while watching for whales, otters and eagles.
Must-See Family-Friendly Lakefront Retreat - Nikiski
Just 20 minutes from Kenai, this two-bedroom lakefront rental is surrounded by the Alaskan wilds. It sits directly on March Lake and provides access to Douglas Lake, both of which are stocked with rainbow trout. Your host even provides the fishing poles are included. It sleeps up to five, best for a family as it has an open-floor concept that includes a loft area upstairs, with an open bedroom. You’ll have all the essentials in the kitchen, including all stainless steel appliances, and there’s a large deep freezer in the garage that’s perfect for freezing any fish you catch too.
Amazing Views of Kachemak Bay & Cook Inlet - Homer
A Scandinavian-influenced one-room cabin for two, this modern “tiny house” offers everything you need for a relaxing escape. It sits next to the owners’ house on 1.5 acres overlooking Homer, providing breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet, and the volcanic mountains. Notable features include hardwood floors and a Jøtul “wood” (gas) stove that provides warmth and ambiance. With huge windows, it brings the outdoors in. It includes a basic kitchen with a two-burner stove, a small refrigerator, microwave, counter-top oven, coffee pot, and electric tea kettle. Fast Wi-Fi is included and there’s good cellular coverage, but you’ll need to enjoy the views instead of a TV.
