How to See Sitka in 8 hours

Sitka is one of the most beautiful destinations in Alaska. It was also the first Capital of the State when Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 (although it was first home to Tlingit Natives, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.) Today, Sitka maintains its small-town charm despite being the fourth largest city in Alaska and quickly becoming a premier Alaskan cruise ship destination.

If you’re traveling to Sitka, you will quickly become immersed in its rich history. Native Tlingit's lived in Sitka for more than 5,000 years before Russian settlers first established themselves in 1799.  

The natural beauty of Sitka cannot be overstated. Situated on Baranof Island, Sitka is truly a land of fire and ice. Mt. Edgecombe is a dormant volcano that started rumbling with earthquake activity in the spring of 2022. Glaciers cover towering mountain peaks north of town. In between, lush temperate rainforests and the rolling swells of the Pacific Ocean create a nexus for all sorts of land and marine wildlife. 

If you're visiting Sitka on a cruise or as an independent traveler, the most challenging part of your trip will be deciding what to do. This blog is all about helping you better understand your options to make the most of your Sitka visit, whether you're spending a day, a week, or longer.

These are a few of the questions we will seek to answer: 

• What is there to do in Sitka, Alaska?
• What can I do in Sitka in one day?
• What can I do in Sitka if I’m on an Alaskan cruise?
• What can I do in Sitka on my own?
• What are the best shore excursions in Sitka?
• What is the best restaurant in Sitka?
• Where should I go shopping in Sitka? 
  
  

Things You Need to Know - An Orientation for Your Sitka Visit 

You want to be prepared to get the most out of your Sitka visit. This is especially true if you're traveling to Sitka by cruise ship because once you disembark your ship, you're going to want to have everything you need until you return. 

This is especially true in Sitka, where the most-used cruise ship dock is privately owned and located six miles from the downtown area. This dock is called Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. To get to town, it's necessary to take a free shuttle but pay close attention to departure times to and from Downtown Sitka because you don't want to miss your ship. 

The Sitka Borough manages the complimentary shuttle. It departs the cruise dock every 15 minutes and drops off passengers at Harrington Centennial Hall, located in the center of downtown Sitka. You catch the shuttle back to your ship in the same place. Keep in mind that you will probably be on a different shuttle or bus if you book a shore excursion. 

Some of the smaller luxury cruise ships will dock at Crescent Harbor, which is within walking distance of downtown for most people. 

Sitka gets more than 130 inches of rain per year, so it's good to check the weather report when you get into port. Since it takes some effort to get to and from your ship, you should have everything you need to enjoy your day. Bring a raincoat, appropriate footwear, medication, and anything else you can't live without. 

Things to do in Sitka - Getting Started

No matter where you travel, there are always specific landmarks that visitors consider unmissable. Sitka is no different. There are a handful of places you can visit on your own or by booking a shore excursion, many of which are affordable.

Alaska Raptor Center

This is an amazing experience for everyone in your family or group, regardless of age. The Raptor Center not only rehabilitates birds for release into the wild, but they also take care of raptors that are unable to be released. For only $15 for adults and $6 for children, you can experience this premier Alaskan experience and even see a bald eagle up close. 

Fortress of the Bear

Have you ever wanted to see an Alaskan grizzly bear up close and personal without the risk of an unexpected outdoor encounter? The Fortress of the Bear allows you to get within 25 feet of its bruin residents and learn about the work their team does to ensure these bears have a chance at life. Admission is only $15 for adults and $5 for kids, so this is a can’t miss Sitka adventure.

Sitka Totem Park (Historic Park)

If you’re looking for a magical experience, the Sitka Totem Park fits the bill. This is a National Historic Park that commemorates a battle between Native Tlingit people and invading Russian settlers. The scenic coastal trail follows a path that leads you to traditional totem poles situated in breathtaking natural settings. Best of all, this experience is free.

Sheldon Jackson Museum

With an incredible collection of Native Alaskan artifacts and artwork, this is yet another popular stop for Sitka visitors. Admission is only $5 for adults, and anyone under 18 is admitted for free. 

St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Arguably Sitka’s most distinctive landmark, this church is routinely photographed by just about everyone who ventures downtown. If you want to see the inside, there is a charge of $5. 

Free Things to do in Sitka 

There aren’t many free things to do anywhere, but Sitka has a few fun things that don’t cost you a penny. The above-mentioned Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park is one such place, but some other free adventures await frugal travelers.

Harbor Mountain Trail

If you like to hike, this maintained trail may be perfect for you. Located four miles northwest of Downtown Sitka, this trail is six miles long with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. If you love the outdoors, this free option is hard to beat. 

Starrigavan Recreation Area

Located about 7.5 miles north of downtown Sitka, this area is well known for brown bear activity and strong runs of salmon. Hiking trails and an estuary teeming with wildlife make this a popular area with visitors and locals alike.

Whale Park

This park is only seven miles south of downtown Sitka. The park gets its name from the many whales that migrate through the area. Some humpback whales even live in these waters year-round. In the park, you will find a lovely picnic area and mounted viewing scopes to see the whales. A hydrophone allows you to hear whales as they sing and communicate with another underwater! 

Sitka Excursions - Adventures Await! 

One of the best ways to get the most from your Sitka visit is by joining a tour or shore excursion. Wildlife abounds in the ocean and on land, so wildlife tours remain very popular. However, adventure awaits in Sitka so let’s look at some of the most popular tours.

Sitka Sea Kayaking

What better way to experience Sitka’s untamed wild beauty than on a sea kayak? These tours are popular for adventure seekers who aren’t afraid to get close to a wide variety of marine wildlife. 

Charter Fishing

Sitka is world-famous for its incredible fishing. You can book full or half-day charters from locals and experience the thrill of catching halibut, rockfish, lingcod, and all five species of Alaskan salmon, including the mighty king. 

Whale Watching

Humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales are commonly seen in Sitka’s waters. There are multiple vendors who will help you get a look at them.

Where to Eat While You’re in Sitka

One of the best parts of any vacation is sampling the local fare. Sitka is known for its seafood, so you will be in paradise if you like eating fish, prawns, and crab. These are some of the most popular local restaurants.

Mean Queen

This is arguably the most popular restaurant in Sitka. Open for breakfast and lunch, Mean Queen serves standard pub fare, incredible pizza, and an assortment of brews with a full bar. Hang out with the locals and eat quality food. 

Backdoor Cafe

Backdoor Cafe is tough to beat for delicious breakfast and coffee. Locals rave about their breakfast sandwiches, so if you’re hoping to start your day right, this is the place to go.

Ludvig’s Bistro

This restaurant serves incredible Alaskan seafood with a Mediterranean flair. Be sure to make a reservation because Ludvig’s is arguably the best restaurant in Southeast Alaska, and it’s not always easy to get a table. 

Where to Shop in Sitka

When you go on vacation, it's customary to purchase a few keepsakes. Whether you're looking to buy something special for yourself or someone else, Sitka has some unique retail stores that will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.

Abby's Reflection Apparel & Quiltworks

Abby’s is a locally-owned quilt shop with excellent Alaska-themed merchandise. This popular store is unique because the quilt patterns, quilt kits, cross stitch kits, and Alaska souvenir apparel are locally designed. Finding authentic, local creations should be the goal of every traveler shopping for souvenirs, and this Sitka store truly qualifies.

Sea Fur Sewing

This is a Native-owned retail store specializing in handcrafted Indigenous fur creations. All their merchandise is by Alaskan Natives, which means there are few stores as authentic as Sea Fur Sewing. Here, you will find traditional and contemporary fashions that make for incredible mementos of a memorable trip to one of Alaska's most beautiful destinations.

Sitka Sound Seafoods

Nothing is more authentically Sitka than seafood. Sitka Sound Seafoods is a genuine fish processing plant with a retail store in town. Sitka Sound Seafoods ships to consumers who don’t live in Sitka. What better way to buy gifts for friends and family back home than to have them shipped directly to their door?

Sitka in One Day - How to Get the Most out of Your Port of Call

If you’re only in Sitka for one day, you’ll have to make some tough choices. The above information allows you to pick and choose the most interesting offerings. 

For example, you could enjoy a morning visit to Totem Park, go whale watching before noon, and end your day with dinner at Mean Queen and some Downtown shopping before heading back to your cruise ship. You could spend your day hiking, followed by an unforgettable dinner at Luvig’s. Perhaps you want to spend the day shopping, visiting museums, and the Raptor Center while your spouse goes charter fishing for giant halibut. 

No matter what you choose to do in Sitka, you really can’t go wrong.