Summer Itineraries For Valdez, Alaska

Everything most people want to see in Alaska can be seen in Valdez; towering mountains, glaciers, bears, and whales and so much more. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by mountains, nature, culture, and history. In fact, this small town of 3,500 residents has three museums! Valdez has places to eat, play, and stay that will deliver an authentic, unforgettable, Alaskan experience.

Two Night Stay Itinerary.

Day One:

• Arrive in Valdez after a beautiful drive, flight or ferry ride.

• Visit one of our delicious restaurants for a late lunch or dinner.
• Walk around our magnificent town, breathe the fresh air, and take in the beauty of the Chugach Mountains that surround Valdez, or walk along the Small Boat Harbor to see the majesty of the Prince William Sound. You may even see otters, eagles and other wildlife hanging out near the docks.
• Visit one of our three amazing museums, rich in cultural history, artifacts and art.
• Choose one of the majestic trails in Valdez to hike on and stretch your legs. Whether you’re looking for a 20-minute leisurely trail or a long hike, the trails in Valdez are rich in natural beauty, waterfalls and incredible views.
• Get a good night’s rest at one of our local hotels or one of our many B&B’s.

Day Two: See The Incredible Glaciers And Wildlife…

• Take a leisurely boat cruise to see glaciers and wildlife. Getting out on the waters of Prince William Sound is highly suggested. Take a breath-taking boat cruise to massive glaciers and watch amazing icebergs crash into the water below. Majestic Orca whales, Humpback whales and various other incredible sea life are frequently seen along the way. Or choose to kayak on local glacial lakes or the incredible Prince William Sound with one of our local Kayaking companies.
• Consider taking a helicopter ride through parts of the Chugach Mountains that surround Valdez, fly over the Prince William Sound and arrive at the face of incredible glaciers. Wildlife such as mountain goats and bears are frequently seen on these exciting and unforgettable helicopter rides.
• Get a good night sleep at one of our hotels, B&B, RV Parks, campgrounds, or wilderness lodges.
• Depart Valdez the next morning with some once-in-a-lifetime memories that you’ll never forget.

Three Night Stay Itinerary:

Day One: Arrive And Explore.

• Drive to Valdez: Getting to Valdez is part of the fun. Weaving through the mountains and canyons on the Richardson Highway will bring you past unforgettable sightseeing opportunities that include glaciers, waterfalls, and endless snowcapped mountains.

• Explore the town: Multiple gift shops, museums, and restaurants give you plenty of options to fill an entire day with nonstop activities. Drive to the Valdez Glacier Lake and view icebergs from the comfort of your vehicle. Visit our coastline and watch bears fish along the roadside. Walk along the harbors edge and enjoy the sea otters up close and personal. Visit our City Dock for a chance to see Humpback Whales and Orca’s and other sea life.

• Take a helicopter ride through parts of the Chugach Mountains that surround Valdez, fly over the Prince William Sound and arrive at the face of incredible glaciers. Wildlife such as mountain goats and bears are frequently seen on this exciting and unforgettable helicopter rides.

• Get a good night’s rest at one of our local hotels, B&B, RV Parks, campgrounds, or wilderness lodges.

Day Two: Get On The Water

• Take a Boat Cruise to See Glaciers and Wildlife: Getting out on the waters of Prince William Sound is highly suggested. You can take a breath-taking boat cruise to massive glaciers and watch icebergs crash into the water. You have a very good chance of seeing majestic Orca and Humpback whales and various other incredible sea life along the way. You can also kayak on local glacial lakes or the incredible Prince William Sound with one of our local Kayaking companies.

• Or go fishing. You can take a fishing trip with an experienced charter captain that will make sure you land the big one. Valdez has the best fishing in the state! Or fish from shore and catch some delicious Alaskan fish to cook up for dinner or take back home with you.

• Get a good night’s rest at one of our local hotels, B&B, RV Parks, campgrounds, or wilderness lodges.

Day Three:

• There is a trail for everyone! Whether you want a half-day, full-day, or a shorter hike that will take you up close to gorgeous waterfalls. You can drive to multiple lakes, rivers, and right along the beach. Bears, eagles and other wildlife are common sights in Valdez. You can also fish from shore, kayak, and pan for gold before you leave Valdez.

•  Visit one of our three amazing museums, rich in cultural history, artifacts and art.

• Get a good night’s rest at one of our local hotels, B&B, RV Parks, campgrounds, or wilderness lodges.

Day Four:

• Eat a heaty breakfast at one of our local restaurants.

• Depart Valdez with some once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable memories.

Please consider adding a trip to Cordova or Whittier to any itinerary. With frequent ferry service in the summer provided by the Alaska Marine Highway, and year-round service to all three major coastal Prince William Sound communities, visitors can expand their itinerary to include Cordova or Whittier.