Sitka, Alaska
Recently I went on an Inside Passage Alaskan Cruise, this was my second Alaskan cruise but the first inside passage. This was my second time in Sitka so I created a Port Guide to make the most of your time here, no excursions required!
No Excursion? No Problem! Here's How to Enjoy One of Alaska's Most Charming Ports on your own.
If you're looking for that classic small-town Alaska charm, Sitka just might become your favorite port! Unlike the busier ports, Sitka feels authentic, peaceful, and incredibly scenic.
Once you disembark, you will be shuttled into town, where you'll find everything from Russian history to bald eagles, fresh seafood, and beautiful waterfront walks.
🌲 Fun Facts
🦅 Sitka was once the capital of Russian America before Alaska became part of the United States.
🌊 Sitka sits on Baranof Island, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Tongass National Forest and Sitka National Park.
🐻 Sitka is home to one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in Alaska, so don't forget to look up!
🌧️ Sitka actually receives more rainfall than Juneau, which is why it's so incredibly lush and green.
Easy Things to Do Without an Excursion
🌊 Walk the Harbor
Sitka's waterfront is beautiful and incredibly easy to explore.
You'll often spot:
🦦 Sea otters
🦅 Bald eagles
🦭 Harbor seals
⛵ Fishing boats bringing in the day's catch
Take your time and simply enjoy the views.
🌲 Visit Sitka National Historical Park
This is one of my favorites, and I have done it both times visiting this port. I am a National Park girly, and this one does not dissapoint!
You'll find:
🪵 Beautiful carved totem poles with a rich history from the Tlingit people
🌲 Easy forest walking trails, with tall lush trees, and perfect viewing spots.
🌊 Ocean views
📖 Fascinating history about the Tlingit people and the 1804 Battle of Sitka
It's peaceful, photogenic, and completely different from any other port in Alaska.
Pro Tip: On your walk from Downtown to Sitka National Park you will pass a salmon ladder, be sure to stop if it's salmon season and watch the salmon, but the best part of this walk is stopping at Ludvig's Chowder Cart (located inside the Sitka Sound Science Center) and getting a bowl of chowder, then be sure to go outside to sit for the best spot to eat!
⛪ Visit St. Michael's Cathedral
One of Sitka's most recognizable landmarks, this beautiful Russian Orthodox cathedral reflects the town's unique heritage. Inside, you'll find stunning religious artwork and a glimpse into Alaska's Russian past. It's also kinda cool that it literally sits in the middle of the road.
🛍️ Explore Downtown Sitka
Sitka is perfect for wandering.
You'll discover:
🎨 Local art galleries
🧼 Handmade soaps and candles
🪶 Native Alaskan artwork
🐋 Whale-themed gifts
☕ Cozy coffee shops
The downtown area is compact, easy to navigate, and full of friendly local businesses.
🛍️ Hidden Gems & Unique Shopping
Look for authentic souvenirs featuring the:
🖐️ Silver Hand logo, which identifies authentic Alaska Native-made artwork.
🏔️ Made in Alaska logo, showing products that are genuinely crafted in Alaska.
Great souvenirs include:
🐟 Smoked salmon
🍯 Birch syrup
🧶 Hand-knit wool items
🪵 Cedar carvings
💎 Alaska jade
🎨 Indigenous artwork
Pro Tip: Be sure to look at where things are made, I saw a few things in each port I would have liked that were either made in China or Canada, not very authentic at all!
🦀 What to Eat:
Along the way in downtown you may see some food trucks with various things such as kettle corn, Dungeness crab, etc. I had the Dungeness crab roll and it was delicious!
🐟 Wild Alaska Salmon
Sitka is famous for its salmon.
Try it:
🔥 Grilled
🥗 Smoked
🍽️ Blackened
🥪 On a sandwich
Fresh-caught salmon here is hard to beat!
🦀 Dungeness Crab
While king crab gets all the attention, Dungeness crab is a local favorite. It's sweet, tender, and often served fresh during the season.
🐟 Halibut Fish & Chips
One of the best ways to enjoy fresh Alaska halibut is battered and fried with crispy fries.
Simple, delicious, and perfect for a port day.
🍲 Seafood Chowder
Creamy chowder filled with salmon, halibut, or crab is the perfect comfort food on a cool Alaska day.
🍽️ Local Favorites
If you have time for lunch, check out:
🦀 Beak Restaurant – A favorite for creative Alaska-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, and locally sourced ingredients.
☕ Ashmo's – Great coffee, breakfast, and homemade baked goods.
🐟 Ludvig's Bistro – A longtime local favorite known for fresh seafood and its famous seafood pasta.
🍺 What to Drink
🍺 Sitka Spruce Tip Ale
One of the most unique flavors you'll find in Alaska!
Spruce tips give the beer light citrus and pine notes that perfectly capture the taste of the Alaska wilderness.
🍻 Harbor Mountain Brewing
If you're a craft beer fan, this local brewery offers small-batch beers inspired by Southeast Alaska.
Try a flight if you can't decide!
☕ Locally Roasted Coffee
Sitka has several wonderful coffee shops where you can warm up with a latte while watching fishing boats come and go.
📸 Best Photo Spots
📷 Sitka Harbor
📷 Sitka National Historical Park
📷 Totem Pole Trail
📷 St. Michael's Cathedral
📷 Crescent Harbor
📷 O'Connell Bridge
📷 Snow-capped mountains surrounding the harbor
🦦 Wildlife You Might See
One of the best things about Sitka?
You don't necessarily need an excursion to see wildlife!
Keep an eye out for:
🦦 Sea otters floating in the harbor
🦅 Bald eagles perched in the trees
🦭 Harbor seals (we saw several in one of the lookouts of Sitka National Park)
🐋 Humpback whales (occasionally visible from shore during the season if you're lucky!)
🐟 Salmon! If it's Salmon Season, youll see tons jumping in the water!
🌧️ One Thing Most People Don't Know
Sitka is one of the few places in Alaska where Native Alaskan, Russian, and American history all come together in one town. As you explore, you'll see totem poles, Russian Orthodox architecture, and historic American landmarks—all within walking distance.
❤️ My Sitka Must-Dos
✔️ Walk through Sitka National Historical Park
✔️ Photograph the beautiful totem poles
✔️ Eat at Ludvig's Chowder Cart
✔️ Watch for sea otters and Seals in the harbor
✔️ Visit St. Michael's Cathedral
✔️ Do a little shopping, one of my favorite spots is inside the building at the shuttle station there is a little area with local crafts and vendors!
✔️ Enjoy a locally brewed spruce tip beer or warm cup of coffee
💙 My Favorite Sitka Tip
Slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
Sitka isn't about rushing from one attraction to the next. It's about soaking in the incredible scenery, watching eagles soar overhead, spotting sea otters in the harbor, and experiencing one of Alaska's most charming coastal towns at your own pace.
Sometimes the best memories come from wandering without a plan. 🌲🦅🦦
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