Beach Towns:

Pismo Beach, CA  |  Atlantic Beach, NC |  Cordova, AK 

Jacksonville, FL  |  Kahului, HI  |  Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Cordova, Alaska:

Population: 2,289

Median Home Price: $200,000

Average July Water Temperature: 56°F (13°C)

The Scene: The halibut fishermen in tiny Cordova are so used to the drizzle that many no longer bother with raincoats. No roads connect the town with the rest of the state—the only way to come and go is by ferry or flight past Prince William Sound's tidewater glaciers and Chugach Range's peaks.

OPTIONS: Prince William Sound lies at the heart of Alaskan coastal wilderness. Cordova boasts the largest contiguous wetland in North America—the Copper River Delta. Sea kayak the fjords alongside orcas and leopard seals. On land, trails lead to Sheridan and Child's glaciers in Chugach National Forest where on a perfect day you might find locals ice skating on the frozen glacier lake.

OUTFITTER: Ice climb Sheridan Glacier with Alaska River Expeditions (www.alaskarafters.com).

GOOD EATS: Baja Tacos (+1 907 424 7141) specializes in halibut tacos you'll never forget.

30 More Places to Live and Play:

Boise or Bust!

Outdoor Meccas  |  Adventure Cities  |  Small Towns

Cultural Hubs  |  Beach Towns  

Adventure's September 2006 issue features 31 amazing adventure towns; chaos at the top of Mount Everest; an inside look at surfing California's Lost Coast; 11 fall weekend getaways near you; the best high-tech footwear, world class adventure travel; hiking the Alps, and more!