16 Top Things To Do in Sitka, Alaska

What are the top things to do in Sitka, Alaska, and why should you visit?

I had the surprise pleasure of visiting Sitka for a week and am obsessed with what a wonderful little town it is. If you remember the great 90’s TV show Northern Exposure, and enjoyed the smart and quirky characters living in the stunning backdrop of small town Alaska, then you’ll fall in love with Sitka.

Sitka is a community in Southeast Alaska that sits along the Sitka Channel, opening out on to the Pacific Ocean. It’s north of Ketchikan and south of Juneau. On Baranof Island and with Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, Sitka is all about water, mountains, islands, and wildlife. Sitka is only accessible by air or water, and is a stop along many cruise ships’ itineraries.

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Here are the 16 Things to do in Sitka, Alaska

What you might not know is that little Sitka has a very big history. Sitka has been home to the Tlingit (pronounced “klingit,” for thousands of years. However, in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s the Tlingit fought with the Russians. After a major armed conflict, Sitka became the capital of Russian Alaska in 1808. Later, in 1867, Russia officially handed Alaska over to the United States and signed the treaty in Sitka. 

Consequently, you’ll still see a lot of Tlingit and Russian influence peppered throughout the town. Both totem poles and a Russian onion dome are visible, along with rainforest, boat harbors, and bald eagles everywhere. You’ll also find an extra few thousand people each day during cruise ship season. They descend into town, shop for souvenirs, and then head back to their boats by 5PM.

#1 Sitka Visitor Center

139-163 Metlakatla Street
Daily 9AM – 5PM

At the trail head of the National Historical Park is the Sitka Visitor Center which is like a museum and cultural center. We had perfect timing as we wandered in just as it began to rain. We watched a beautiful movie about Sitka and its native people, met a man making traditional wooden boxes and bowls, and got all the info we wanted about the park.

#2 Sitka National Historical Park & Totem Park

103 Monastery Street

Sitka National Historical Park is a must when you are in Sitka. It’s just a short walk from the downtown area. The park protects the site of the famous 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit and the Russians. There are a couple of miles of peaceful and easy trails winding through the park with a collection of remarkable totem polls along the trail. The totems were collected from all over Alaska and are protected under the Antiquities Act. Many are replicas of the originals which were falling into disrepair. 

#3 Alaska Raptor Center

1000 Raptor Way
8AM – 4PM daily in summer, 10AM – 3PM Tue – Fri fall & winter
Tickets purchased in person Adults $17, Children 12 & older $8.

The Alaska Raptor Center is a nonprofit that rehabilitates injured bald eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons and releases them back into the wild. The birds that can’t be released continue to live at the center. You get to see these amazing birds, up close and personal! The educators are there to answer any questions and the presentation indoors includes a video. We weren’t there during a training or release time, but apparently, you can sometimes catch them training the eagles to fly again or watch as a full release into the wild happens. The center is about a .5 mile walk from the Visitor Center on the edge of the Tongass National Forest off of Sawmill Creek Road.

Book This Top Rated Sights of Sitka Tour HERE NOW!!!

#4 Fortress of the Bear

4639 Sawmill Creek Road
May – Sept 10am – 4pm

The Fortress of the Bear sanctuary was about our favorite thing to do in Sitka. There are signs everywhere in Sitka to beware of bears, so we didn’t want to encounter one while strolling through the park. However, we did want to see bears and learn more about their life in Sitka.

The Fortress is the perfect solution to this. Fortress of the Bear is a rescue center that gives orphaned black bear and brown bear cubs a home in a large habitat. They grow up here as  Alaskan law does not allow for rehabilitation back into the wild (there are too many bears already in Alaska). You can watch them from viewing platforms. Guides will talk to you about the bears and show how the bears are trained to use sign language for when veterinarians need to examine them. The facility is built on old pulp factory land just outside of town (you need to take a taxi – we were unable to find an Uber or Lyft).

BOOK This Excellent Whale Watching & Wildlife Tour HERE NOW!

#5 Whale Watching & Wildlife Cruise on Sitka Sound

The Sitka community is built on the fishing culture and the waters around Sitka are absolutely full of wildlife. You have to get out on the water at least once during your stay. I took a small whale watching boat tour on the one perfectly sunny day we had and it was delightful. We saw many whales from afar and some otters and sea lions up close. I loved feeling the breeze on the boat, seeing the mountains, the small islands, and the volcano. (I was a bit disappointed we weren’t taken far enough to see puffin communities as advertised.) Unlike whale watching in California, this water was not choppy and the whales were closer to the boat.

#6 Sheldon Jackson Museum

104 College Drive
Summer (May – Oct ):9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Winter Wed – Sat, 12 – 4PM. Closed holidays.
$7 summer / $5 winter; 18 & under free.

The Sheldon Jackson Museum is a must see in Sitka and is just about a 10 minute walk from the center of town. We spent a lot of time here and found it fascinating. (Another perfect rainy afternoon activity). This is one of the oldest and most important collections of Alaska Native artifacts in the whole state. Reverend Dr. Sheldon Jackson collected these items from all over Alaska to be preserved. You’ll see tools, clothing, art and ceremonial masks. The building itself is also a piece of history. It was the state’s first concrete structure in 1897!

#7 Downtown Sitka

Downtown Sitka is one of the most charming small towns I’ve ever been to. Its very picturesque because of the water, mountain, and island views. There are a ton of souvenir shops because of the large tourism/cruise/fishing industry.

If you explore the small boutiques you can find a lot of local art and nicer artifacts, clothes, and treats. There are 22 National Historic Register places in town! Look for the Totem pole in front of the Founders Hall, climb up to Castle Hill, wander into the Cathedral, and get some Russian dumplings. We also found some excellent local chocolate!

BOOK this Fantastic Walking Tour of Sitka Here!!!

#8 Sitka Sound Science Center

Sage Memorial Building, 834 Lincoln Street
13 years & older $15, ages 5 – 12 $5, under 5 Free.
Sun – Thurs 9AM – 4PM

The Sitka Sound Science Center is a very popular spot in Sitka, especially great if you’re traveling with kids. It’s a hands-on aquarium and even a running salmon hatchery. You’ll see all kinds of fish, a killer whale skeleton, and salmon. The hatchery tour combined with the Sitka Sound Science Center is such a smart way to learn about Sitka’s marine life.

#9  St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral

240 Lincoln Street
Daily 10AM – 3PM

The most notable building in downtown is that of St. Michael’s Cathedral. Seeing the Russian onion dome is a bit unusual amongst the rest of Sitka’s fishing town architecture. The original church was built in the 1840s but burned in a 1966 fire. It was rebuilt with many of the original icons and treasures still intact. Its a quick stop, but worth it to see what remains of Sitka’s Russian heritage.

#10 Baranof Castle State Historic Site (Castle Hill)

Access the stairs on Lincoln Street across from the Pioneers Home at Seward Street.

The Baranof Castle State Park is about the most historically significant site in all of Alaska because this is where Alaska was officially transferred to the United States from Russia on October 18, 1867. Climb the short set of stairs at the end of Harbor Road up to the site for beautiful views of Sitka and the surrounding water.

You can read plaques to learn more about the historic Baranof castle which once stood here. This little hill was a Kiks.ádi Tlingit stronghold before it became the site of a Russian building known as Baranof’s Castle in 1837. The castle building burned down in 1898 after the transfer of Alaska to the U.S. and now the site is just a viewing area.

#11 Sitka History Museum

Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive
Mon – Fri 9AM – 5PM

The Sitka History Museum is an important spot for keeping the history of Sitka and its people alive. It’s located right downtown, in the Centennial Hall, where all the cruise ships offload. The museum offers a small but interesting look at Sitka and its place in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll see photos and displays from the Tlingit and Russian eras through the American years. Its also a place with public bathrooms, and where you’ll meet your whale watching tour.

#12 Russian Bishops House

501 Lincoln Street
Daily 9AM – 5PM

Don’t miss the Russian Bishop’s House, the oldest intact Russian building in Sitka, built in 1842. This was the center of the Russian Orthodox Church and much later was restored by the National Park Service and became a museum that shares the history of what Sitka was like in the Russian American time.

#13 Whale Park

2500 Sawmill Creek Road

Whale Park is a public park dedicated to whale watching with a boardwalk and viewing platforms to see whales from the shore. There are free viewing scopes and a hydrophone to listen to humpback whale songs. Whale Park is about 6 miles from the center of town. I recommend this if you don’t want to spend the time or money on a whale watching tour.

Book the BEST Sitka Kayaking Tour Here Now!

#14 Halibut Point State Recreation Site

4.4 Halibut Point Road

Halibut Point is another park with short trails and picnic areas overlooking the water. Just about 4 miles north of downtown. You can comb the shore and see Mt. Edgecumbe and explore tide pools. There is a parking area with trail access.

#15 Hiking in the Tongass National Forest

For maps and current trail conditions: 
Sitka Ranger District Office 2108 Halibut Point Hwy
Sitka Trail Works 801 Halibut Point Road for maps and current trail conditions. 

The Tongass National Forest is the country’s largest national forest and you can access tons of trails right from the edge of town. There are well known easy, moderate, and difficult hikes into the rainforest. The trails are along the outskirts of town, into the forest, up into the mountains, and lead to waterfalls, lakes, and spectacular views. Sadly, we did not manage to do a day hike, but I would recommend a guided one. Bear encounters are a real thing here and with a trained guide, you would be safer, for sure.

#16 Sheet’ká Kwáan Naa Kahídi Community House & Tlingit Dancers

204 Siginaka Way

The Community House is a place maintained by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska. They offer tours, dance performances, and lots of education and community services. Part of their mission is to promote respectful and sustainable cultural tourism.

The Best Places to Eat in Sitka?

I expected Sitka to be beautiful and quaint, but I never expected the food scene to be so awesome!! We found some amazing restaurants that I want to tell you all about. It’s a lot about the fish, of course, and so good!

• Beak Restaurant – 2 Lincoln Street
A MUST GO!, Really excellent food, unique menu, charming and cozy. Creative small plates and local seafood downtown.

• WildFlour Bakery & Cafe – 327 Seward Street
My most favorite spot in all of Sitka. I literally went every day. They have the BEST coffee, GF breads, and sandwiches, and lovely atmosphere. I wish they could send me food!

• The Bayview Pub – 407 Lincoln Street
Very fun pub atmosphere, excellent apps, burgers, fish&chips, harbor views, and outstanding Bloody Marys! We actually ate here twice.

• The Galley Restaurant – 485 Kaitlin Street
Excellent seafood, perfect view, lovely atmosphere.

• Ludvig’s Bistro– 256 Kaitlin Street
A beloved, tiny Mediterranean spot. Reservations recommended. Great food, kind of pricey, very fun atmosphere.

• Mean Queen Pizza– 205 Harbor Drive
Killer views, great pizza (even GF) and salads, super busy. Honestly the service was terrible when we were there, but I would give them another chance!

Where to Stay In Savannah?

The Sitka Hotel – This historic hotel is right downtown, has harbor views, and a very popular restaurant.

The Aspen Suites Hotel – This more modern hotel is clean and reliable, has kitchenettes, and is in an excellent location.

The Sitka Lighthouse – This is a famous, luxury rental, privately owned. The lighthouse is on its own island a mile from Sitka. It sleeps 6, is a four-level tower with a wrap-around main deck, full kitchen, living area, and bathroom on the first floor.

Sitka FAQ’s

How many days do you need in Sitka?

I think three days is just right. That gives you time for the Sitka National Historical Park, the Alaska Raptor Center, and the Fortress of the Bear, a whale watching cruise, some hiking, and some time to stroll downtown and eat great food.

Is Sitka walkable?

Downtown Sitka is very walkable, and the Sitka National Historical Park is a short walk from the center of town. You’ll want a rental car, a bike, or a cab for the Alaska Raptor Center, Halibut Point, and Fortress of the Bear.

Do you need a car in Sitka?

Not for downtown. A car (or bike) is nice for getting out to the trailheads, Halibut Point, and the wildlife centers, but the town itself is small and easy on foot.

What is Sitka known for?

Its Tlingit and Russian history, the totem poles of the Sitka National Historical Park, incredible wildlife like brown bear and humpback whales, world-class salmon and halibut fishing, and its setting on Sitka Sound beneath Mount Edgecumbe.

When is the best time to visit Sitka?

Summer, roughly May through September, is peak season with the best weather, whale watching, and long days. Sitka in winter is quiet and moody and beautiful in its own way, but many tours, activities, and attractions run on a summer schedule, so check ahead.

Is Sitka worth visiting compared to other Alaska towns?

Apparently, yes. I haven’t yet been to other Alaskan towns, but Sitka is less crowded than some of the bigger cities. The combination of a national historical park, wildlife, culture, and that open-Pacific setting makes it feel special.

Can you see whales from shore in Sitka?

You can from Whale Park which is south of town. It has boardwalks and free viewing scopes, and people often spot humpback whales right from the shore. For the best odds, though, book a whale watching cruise on Sitka Sound.

Sitka Fun Facts

• Sitka is the only Inside Passage town that faces the open Pacific Ocean.
• Sitka was the capital of Russian America, and the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the U.S. happened right here on Castle Hill in 1867.
• The Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest national park site in Alaska.
• Mount Edgecumbe, the volcano across the sound, once had a local prankster fly tires up to the crater and light them so it looked like it was erupting.
• The Tlingit name for the area is Sheet’ká.
• It is said that Sitka has more coastline and islands in its borough than you could explore in a lifetime.

Now You’ve Got The Scoop on All The Things To Do In Sitka

In a nutshell…

Sitka is a small Alaska town that made us slow way down. We walked the totem trail at the Sitka National Historical Park, saw dozens of bald eagles flying overhead and at the Alaska Raptor Center, met some amazing bears at the Fortress of the Bear, and spent a morning on the water on a whale watching cruise. And we still didn’t run out of things to do.

Between the rainforest trails, the wildlife, and the stunning setting on Sitka Sound, Sitka Alaska is filled with rewards. The people and the food obviously added to the great experience! If checking off places like Hawaii and Alaska are on your bucket list, then I highly recommend visiting lovely Sitka.

xx,
Carrie