Sitka

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 holiday 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.

Baranof Lodge
Baranof Lodge
2 out of 5
404 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK
The price is €221 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
€221
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
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! (207 reviews)
"Great place but not enough outlets in the room. I am a cpap wearer and no outlet near the bed. Great people and very helpful."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Baranof Lodge
Eagle Bay Inn
Eagle Bay Inn
2 out of 5
Suite C. 1321 Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, AK
The price is €197 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
€197
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this property in Sitka. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a restaurant. Popular attractions Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (397 reviews)
"The property had recently been refurbished. The rooms were clean and provided good facilities re communication and use of electronic devices. On tap tea, coffee and cold drinks in reception. Also bagels, muffins, porridge and fruit for breakfast. A bit out of town but the property will provide airport ..."

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Eagle Bay Inn
Sitka Hotel and Restaurant
Sitka Hotel and Restaurant
2.5 out of 5
118 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK
The price is €240 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
€240
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
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! (421 reviews)
"Very convenient and comfortable."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Sitka Hotel and Restaurant
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.
Alaskan Waterfront Studio Apartment (Wolf Suite) Vacation Rental
Alaskan Waterfront Studio Apartment (Wolf Suite) Vacation Rental
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.
Great views!
"Great views!"

Reviewed on 2 Sep 2024

Alaskan Waterfront Studio Apartment (Wolf Suite) Vacation Rental
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 ...
Fantastic stay and everything as advertised.
"My wife and i are traveling Alaska, As we were driving to the home we thought “ how can the views be as good as they looked on the ad.” We were very happy as we arrived and we did see the fantastic views we were hoping for. Wow what a beautiful place and well managed. I would defiantly stay there ..."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2024

Beautiful Downstairs Studio for rent
{Forget-Me-Not Inn} Alaskan Waterfront Vacation Rental (Deer Suite)
{Forget-Me-Not Inn} Alaskan Waterfront Vacation Rental (Deer 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! (36 reviews)
Quick stay
"The place was great! Clean, comfy, and quiet. Theresa was awesome and super nice to work with. Will definitely stay here again when we come back!"

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025

{Forget-Me-Not Inn} Alaskan Waterfront Vacation Rental (Deer Suite)
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

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We've been before. Fortress of the Bear is great. The small boat harbour is nice to walk around. The parks & trails are lovely. We are independent travellers so the cruise ships put us off a bit.