The Best Small Town In Alaska For A 3-Day Weekend
Sitka is located on the west coast of Baranof Island in Alaska, bordered by snow-capped mountain peaks in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west. Easily accessible by air and sea, Sitka is ready and waiting to be explored over a 3-day weekend. Whether you want to explore downtown Sitka and stop at top historical sites, like St. Michael’s Cathedral, that pay homage to the town’s history, explore protected coastal rainforests, or go up a mountain, there is something for everyone. Take a closer look at the best small town in Alaska for a 3-day weekend.
Ocean-View Accommodation
Enjoy a stay at the historic Sitka Hotel, which dates back to 1939 but has since undergone renovations and restorations, for a historic atmosphere with modern amenities. The hotel is conveniently located in downtown Sitka, on Lincoln Street, and offers easy access to all the downtown attractions. The hotel offers its own comfort and appeal, with rooms boasting mountain or ocean views and an on-site restaurant perfect for unwinding.
Eagle Bay Inn is slightly off the beaten path, located just one mile from downtown Sitka, but presents its own tranquility with oceanfront rooms and is conveniently located within walking distance to outdoor attractions of Sitka, like Sitka National Historic Park. Each room is decorated to represent different Alaskan themes, including bears, wolves, mountains, and the ocean. In-room amenities include smart televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Downtown Attractions
Downtown Sitka has lots to offer, including many shops, art galleries, and places to enjoy a harbor-front meal over the course of your 3-day weekend. Stop by Sitka Lighthouse Company Store and take a piece of Alaska home with you. They sell a wide array of items, including jewelry, food and cookbooks, candles, apparel, prints and art, and a selection of products made in Alaska, such as bath and body products, jewelry, and teas. Wander through Sitka Rose Gallery and view the works of over 100 different Alaskan Artists whose works appear across a variety of mediums, including paintings, jewelry, carvings, and sculptures.
Enjoy waterfront dining at The Galley, which specializes in locally sourced Sitka seafood dishes, but also serves hand-cut steaks, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and pub fare classics. Pair your dinner with something from their expansive drink options, including classic and signature cocktails, a wide selection of wines, and locally brewed craft beers.
Russian History
No visit to Sitka is complete without visiting St. Michael’s Cathedral, the earliest Russian Orthodox cathedral in the New World and a focal point of downtown Sitka. The cathedral was originally built between 1844 and 1848, but was completely destroyed by a fire in January 1966. An exact replica was built in 1976, down to every last detail, including a copper-green onion dome and spire reminiscent of a similar building in Saint Petersburg from when Russians first settled Alaska.
To this day, the cathedral remains the capital of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska, still hosting five services a week. Visiting hours for tourists are between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, and while it is free, donations are welcome as they help to maintain the building and its historic site.
Unique Outdoor Experiences
Sitka is a great basecamp for exploring the Alaskan wilderness and offers unique experiences, such as Harbor Mountain, the only place in southeast Alaska where it is possible to drive from sea level to the subalpine. The road leads up to a parking lot at 1,800 feet after a 5.5-mile drive that allows you to get out at the trailhead that leads to the summit of Harbor Mountain and boasts views of Sitka, Sitka Sound, and the surrounding peaks in the distance. The trail is open all seasons, accessible via snowmobiles and ATVs in the winter months. This is a great day trip from Sitka, located a 3.2-mile drive north of town on Halibut Point Road. From there, turn right onto Harbor Mountain Road and begin the 5.5-mile drive up the mountain to the trailhead for the summit.
Sitka National Historical Park is both Alaska’s oldest National Park and its smallest at only 113 acres. It was founded in 1890 and is easily accessible within walking distance of downtown Sitka. Activities in the park include hiking, ranger-led interpretive walks, carving demonstrations, and ethnographic displays. Some of the park’s main attractions are its 18 totem poles, dotted throughout the rainforest of giant Sitka spruce trees. The park is open year-round with varying hours, and admission is free.
The Best 3-Day Weekend in Alaska
Sitka is jam-packed with everything you need to enjoy a fun-filled 3-day weekend. It offers cozy accommodation options with breathtaking ocean and mountain views, a quaint downtown full of locally owned businesses and restaurants, a unique history, and ample opportunities to explore the outdoors. This is the best small town in Alaska for a 3-day weekend.
