Kincaid Beach: Anchorage, Alaska

If you just read the title of this week's post, then I am sure you are thinking you must have stumbled upon the wrong blog. Why in the world would anyone go to a beach in Alaska?

Please, bear with me. Someone very close to me has been presented with the opportunity to move to Anchorage, Alaska. After spending all of the last night researching Alaska and all that it has to offer, I figured why not checkout the beaches as well?

In a google search, I found Kincaid Beach, a short drive outside of downtown Anchorage, to be the only location with a big, long, sandy beach.

But let us first locate Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is located in south-central Alaska.

Now although we are talking about beaches in this blog, you probably are going to want to pack more than a swimsuit for this beach. The climate in Anchorage, Alaska is subarctic but with strong maritime influences that effect a relatively moderate climate. According to wikipedia.com, "Average daytime summer temperatures range from approximately 55 to 78 °F; average daytime winter temperatures are about 5 to 30 °F." Burrr!

However, if the weather wasn't so chilly, Alaska.org tells us that "it'd be easy to think you were in Southern California." I'm not too sure about that, but let's see what else they have to say about Kincaid Beach.

"The sand is fine and very little mars its surface other than the occasional piece of driftwood. Flanked on one side by tall bluffs and on the other by gorgeous views of the Cook Inlet, Kenai Peninsula and nearby Fire Island, Kincaid Beach offers fun and tranquility. You won’t find surfable waves here and the water is too cold for all but the bravest of souls, but other activities abound. Picnics, bonfires, mud fights, and all manner of games go equally well. Keep your eyes peeled for Japanese glass fishing floats, one of the most cherished finds for new and seasoned beachcombers alike. The mud flats can be dangerous and the waters of the Cook Inlet are prone to extreme tidal shifts so don’t venture too far out." 

Another positive, if you are from the United States you won't need to spend money on a passport. And from the picture above, it looks like it would be a great destination for young families.

Anchorage offers a variety of different lodging options if you should decide to visit. They have everything from fancy hotels to bed and breakfasts to RV campgrounds. 

If things work out for my special family member, I am sure I will end up visiting. I will let you know if there is more to 'sea.'