In most states some portion of beaches are public land and all members of the public have a right to use that portion of the beach. The ability to walk along the beach is known as lateral beach access.

But the land between where people can park or walk to the beach and where they can enjoy the beach is often private property, making it difficult to provide access to the public while protecting personal property rights. The ability to reach the beach is known as vertical beach access.

Laws regarding public access to beaches vary from state to state but many states recognize the public trust doctrine, a legal doctrine that certain natural resources such as beaches are owned or held by the government in trust for the public’s use and enjoyment and that the government has an obligation to protect and maintain these resources for the public.

In Alaska, the public has the right to use the land up to the mean high tide line on beaches, as these areas are considered state-owned land and are protected under the public trust doctrine. This doctrine ensures that certain natural resources, including beaches, are preserved for public use and enjoyment, and the state government has a responsibility to maintain them for the public. Lateral beach access, or the right to walk along the beach, is generally allowed up to the mean high tide line. However, vertical beach access, which refers to the ability to reach the beach from upland areas, can be more complicated when it involves crossing private property. In such cases, the state or local governments may establish public access points or negotiate easements to allow the public to reach the beaches. It's important to note that specific regulations and access points can vary, and local ordinances may also play a role in beach access rights. An attorney can provide detailed guidance on accessing beaches in specific areas of Alaska.