Best Things to Do in Sitka

Get the most out of your visit with our tips and insider recommendations. Please note, there are many fun things to do in Sitka, we have here a list of Cynthia Gibson’s personal top three picks if we only had a limited amount of time, we hope your time is well served with this simple guide

Kid-Approved Sitka Adventures

Sitka Sound Science Center

The Sitka Sound Science Center is a hub for marine research, education, and conservation, featuring a public aquarium, hatchery tours, and hands-on exhibits.  And right next to it is an invigorating, sea-themed children’s playground.

Fortress of the Bears

Fortress of the Bears is a wildlife sanctuary, providing a safe haven for orphaned bears while offering visitors an up-close experience with these majestic animals.

Alaska Raptor Center

The Alaska Raptor Center is a renowned wildlife rehabilitation facility dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds of prey, offering educational programs and close encounters with these magnificent creatures. Visitors can also explore a short nature trail, approximately 0.3 miles in length, that winds through a muskeg and along a scenic stream.

Step Back Into Russia

Russian Bishop’s House

The Russian Bishop’s House is a beautifully preserved 19th-century building showcasing Russian-American history and the legacy of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska.

Saint Michael's Church

Saint Michael’s Church is a historic Russian Orthodox cathedral known for its iconic green dome, beautiful icons, and rich cultural heritage.

Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park preserves the rich cultural history of Alaska, featuring scenic trails, Tlingit and Haida totem poles, and the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka.

Wildlife Wonders Await

Alaska Raptor Center

The Alaska Raptor Center is a renowned wildlife rehabilitation facility dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds of prey, offering educational programs and close encounters with these magnificent creatures. Visitors can also explore a short nature trail, approximately 0.3 miles in length, that winds through a muskeg and along a scenic stream.

Fortress of the Bears

Fortress of the Bear is a wildlife sanctuary, providing a safe haven for orphaned bears while offering visitors an up-close experience with these majestic animals.

Sitka Sound Science Center

The Sitka Sound Science Center is a hub for marine research, education, and conservation, featuring a public aquarium, hatchery tours, and hands-on exhibits.  And right next to it is an invigorating, sea-themed children’s playground.

Dining Spots in Sitka

Halibut Point Crab and Chowder

Halibut Point Crab and Chowder, located at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, offers fresh, locally sourced crab and seafood in a scenic waterfront setting.

Harbor Mountain Brewery and Campfire Pizza

Harbor Mountain Brewing Co. is a brewery offering a variety of craft beers and delicious handmade, wood-fired pizzas in their welcoming taproom

BEAK

BEAK Restaurant is a cozy eatery showcasing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with a focus on Alaskan seafood and community-inspired dishes.

Ludvig's Chowder Cart

Ludvig’s Chowder Cart serves hearty, flavorful seafood chowders and fresh local bites, offering a taste of Sitka’s culinary charm in a casual outdoor setting.

Catch & Cook Spots

Fresh Shrimp or
Crab at the Dock

Fresh shrimp and crab straight from the dock in Sitka. Enjoy the freshest seafood around.

Fresh Local Salmon

Connect with local fisherman like Eric Jordan to purchase fresh, wild-caught salmon straight from the boat.

Sitka Sound Seafood

Sitka Sound Seafood provides sustainable, wild-caught Alaskan seafood, including salmon, halibut, and cod, focusing on freshness and traceability.

Hike Scenic Trails

Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake is a serene, picturesque spot offering peaceful views, wildlife sightings, and a popular trail that winds through lush forest and along the lake’s edge.

Mosquito Cove

Mosquito Cove in Sitka, AK, offers a scenic 1.5-mile loop trail through coastal and forested landscapes, featuring views of saltwater activity, shorebirds, and rich plant life, with occasional bear sightings.

Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park preserves the rich cultural history of Alaska, featuring scenic trails, Tlingit and Haida totem poles, and the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka.

Historic Downtown Highlights

Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall

Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall is a national historic landmark, representing a significant cultural and social center for Alaska Natives.

Russian-American
Building No. 29

Russian-American Building No. 29 is a historic landmark that showcases the area’s Russian heritage and plays a key role in the cultural history of Alaska.

Russian Bishop’s House

The Russian Bishop’s House is a beautifully preserved 19th-century building showcasing Russian-American history and the legacy of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska.

Castle Hill

Castle Hill, a historic site, offers stunning views and marks the location where Alaska was formally transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867.

Garden Stops for Inspiration

Pioneer Home Gardens

The Sitka Pioneer Home features beautiful gardens, offering a peaceful setting with scenic views and vibrant plant life, welcoming visitors to explore and enjoy.

Pioneers of Alaska
Pocket Garden

The Pioneers of Alaska Pocket Garden is a charming, community-maintained space near O’Connell bridge that offers a peaceful retreat with native plants and local flora.

Gardens on Sheldon Jackson Campus

A tribute to Sitka’s tireless civic spirit, this former liberal arts college now serves a range of community and educational uses, including a statewide arts camp and a town recreation center.

Rainy Day Ideas

Alaska Storytellers

Bringing Sitka’s stories to life.  A 30 minute live performance, dancing, video and storytelling, suitable for all ages.

Alaska Native Dancing

The Naa Kahidi Dance Show, hosted in an actual clan house, will transport you back in time.  This 30 minute cultural performance is 100% authentic. 

Sitka Wonders

If you are yearning to see wildlife above and under the water, this is a fantastic show that will wow, inspire, and surround you in the magic of Sitka’s Wonders.

Please Note: The recommendations provided on this page are based on our insights and experiences to help enhance your visit.  We are not affiliated with or obligated to any of the local businesses or organizations mentioned.

Bringing Sitka's Stories to Life

Step into Alaska’s history with our one-of-a-kind performance that’s fun, engaging, and full of fascinating stories.  Make it a highlight of your Sitka adventure—you won’t want to miss it!