Sitka, AK

Travel Guide

Photo provided by State of Alaska/Mark Kelley
Photo provided by State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Photo provided by State of Alaska/Mark Kelley
Photo provided by State of Alaska/Mark Kelley
Photo provided by State of Alaska/Mark Kelley

This small town on Alaska’s Inside Passage packs together arts, outdoor recreation, history and wildlife for fantastic vacation activities.

Plan a trip to Sitka to experience old and new in an amazingly beautiful setting. See ancient art from the native Tlingit people who have occupied Sitka for more than 5,000 years. Then view modern performance art in renowned summer programs.

Inspect the totems at Sitka National Historical Park and Sitka Cultural Center for insight to the area’s history. The tall hand-carved poles tell the stories of the Tlingit people amid the wildlife of the rainforest and engaged in battle with the Russians in 1804. Learn more about the early Russian settlers inside St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which was restored after a 1966 fire.

Hiking around Sitka offers trails for all skill levels. Make the challenging day hike up the dormant volcano Mt. Edgecumbe or pack a picnic lunch and visit one of Sitka’s parks with winding trails and ocean views. Starrigavan Recreation area on Halibut Pointhas the added bonus of salmon spawning observation in July and August.

Watch for other wildlife in the land, sea and air. Deer and brown bear are common in the woodlands around Sitka. The Fortress of the Bear has rescued cubs. Seals, sea lions, otters and whales often swim just off the shore of Baranof Island. Observe the bald eagles and other birds of prey at the Alaska Raptor Center and seabirds at Saint Lazaria Island.

Send your kids to the Sitka Fine Arts Camp and attend their impressive performances at the end of multi-week programs. Join Sitka’s festivals throughout the year, featuring creative arts during the March Arti-Gras, music during the summer Home Skillet Fest and science during November’s WhaleFest.

Sitka is located on Alaska’s Inside Passage on Baranof Island. Many visitors travel to the region by cruise boat or fast ferry. Alternatively, fly here from Seattle in less than 3 hours. Once in the city, travel to most points of interest by foot, bike or rental car. Try flightseeing in a plane or rent a boat or ATV for additional adventures.

Sitka Hotel and Restaurant
Sitka Hotel and Restaurant
2.5 out of 5
118 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sitka. Enjoy free parking, a free airport shuttle, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (434 reviews)
"Nice old hotel."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Sitka Hotel and Restaurant
Southeast Resort
Southeast Resort
3 out of 5
330 Seward St, Sitka, AK
The price is ¥43,341 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
¥43,341
¥48,541 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sitka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (243 reviews)
"With an older hotel charm, our stay was very clean and comfortable. It felt very homey but quality. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly! One tiny sadness was that there did not seem to be any attempt to make or keep refilled complimentary coffee in the lobby."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Southeast Resort
Baranof Lodge
Baranof Lodge
2 out of 5
404 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK
Stay at this hotel in Sitka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (216 reviews)
"Great location. Rooms nice and super helpful friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Baranof Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful Downstairs Studio for rent
Beautiful Downstairs Studio for rent
Sitka
Stay at this apartment in Sitka. Enjoy patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Comfortable and Clean
"We enjoyed our stay here very much. It was very clean, comfortable, and felt like home. The space was well-designed. We will definitely return during our next trip to Sitka!"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Beautiful Downstairs Studio for rent
{Forget-Me-Not Inn} Alaskan Vacation Rental (Bear Suite)
{Forget-Me-Not Inn} Alaskan Vacation Rental (Bear Suite)
Sitka
Stay at this apartment in Sitka. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Magic Island and Sandy Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Sitka
"The place was very clean and nice. But here’s my suggestions. The tub drain is very slow. The door hinges and locks need greased and adjusted. You need to put trash bags in the apartment and maybe some storage containers for leftover food."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

{Forget-Me-Not Inn} Alaskan Vacation Rental (Bear Suite)
Cozy and private home away from home! Ask about the car rental option!
Cozy and private home away from home! Ask about the car rental option!
Sitka
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Sitka. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Sitka National Historical Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Sitka 2
"Our 2nd time staying. Candace is an excellent host."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Cozy and private home away from home! Ask about the car rental option!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sitka

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
29
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I’d move there if I had a way to make a living!

5/5 - Excellent

Lefty

Great visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice, walkable and quiet Alaskan town. Easy to walk and beautiful scenery. Great place to start a cruise.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Visitors Center was closed on a Saturday. Not convenient.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Many local things to see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We used another hotel that we felt very safe in. They were there and helpful and caring and just very pleasant. I wanted to be somewhere where I felt safe and secure.