Valdez AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Valdez, Alaska.
1. The Solomon Gulch Hatchery
WILDLIFE AND SALMON VIEWING
The Solomon Gulch Hatchery offers an interactive self-guided tour through natural habitats with educational displays on salmon life cycles. Visitors can observe wildlife including sea lions and eagles, especially during the salmon run season. The hatchery provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Alaska's important salmon industry while experiencing nature up close.
2. Keystone Canyon
SCENIC CANYONS AND RAFTING
Keystone Canyon is a dramatic natural formation known for its great river rafting opportunities. The canyon features towering walls, waterfalls, and lush vegetation creating a picturesque setting for outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, photography opportunities, and rafting excursions through this spectacular landscape.
3. Columbia Glacier
LARGEST TIDEWATER GLACIER
Columbia Glacier is renowned as one of the largest tidewater glaciers in Alaska, offering breathtaking views of massive ice formations. The fast-moving glacier has receded 12 miles since 1986, making it an important example of climate change effects. Visitors can experience this natural wonder through boat tours that provide up-close views of calving ice and the stunning glacial landscape.
4. Worthington Glacier
ACCESSIBLE GLACIER VIEWS
Worthington Glacier is an accessible glacier featuring a hiking trail that offers spectacular panoramic views. The glacier provides visitors with a rare opportunity to get close to an ice field without requiring extensive hiking or special equipment. Its location makes it a popular stop for travelers along the Richardson Highway who want to experience Alaska's glacial beauty.
5. Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
NATIVE ALASKAN ART COLLECTION
The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum houses one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world. Located on the campus of Prince William Sound College on Lowe Street, the museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's indigenous peoples. Visitors can explore the Whitneys' interesting backstory while viewing their impressive collection of indigenous artifacts, with admission available by donation.
6. Valdez Museum & Historical Archive
LOCAL HISTORY EXPLORATION
The Valdez Museum & Historical Archive preserves and showcases the rich history of Valdez and the surrounding region. In addition to the main building, visitors can explore the Old Valdez Exhibit located in a separate building on Hazelet Avenue. The museum offers insights into the area's gold rush era, the devastating 1964 earthquake, and the development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
7. Valdez Glacier Lake
GLACIAL WATERS ADVENTURE
Valdez Glacier Lake offers visitors a chance to experience the stunning beauty of glacial waters surrounded by mountain vistas. The lake features floating icebergs calved from the nearby glacier, creating a constantly changing landscape. Adventurous travelers can kayak among the ice formations for a unique perspective on this natural wonder.
8. Thompson Pass
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWPOINT
Thompson Pass is a highly rated scenic point of interest and landmark offering spectacular mountain views in all seasons. During winter, the pass receives over 600 inches of fresh powder annually, making it a world-class destination for heli-skiing, snowcat skiing, and other winter sports. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing along this picturesque mountain corridor.
9. Stan Stephens Cruises
PREMIER GLACIER TOURS
Stan Stephens Cruises provides outstanding glacier tours in Prince William Sound that would be the highlight of any Alaska vacation. Their cruises take visitors to nearby glaciers, including the Columbia Glacier, offering opportunities to witness calving ice and abundant marine wildlife. Passengers can enjoy comfortable vessels with knowledgeable guides who share information about the region's natural history and ecosystems.
10. Prince William Sound
COASTAL WILDLIFE PARADISE
Prince William Sound offers a breathtaking mix of tidewater glaciers, forests, and mountains unequaled in Alaska. Visitors can experience glacier and wildlife viewing through kayaking trips, boat tours, and fishing excursions in these protected waters. The sound is home to diverse marine wildlife including orcas, sea lions, otters, and numerous bird species that thrive in this pristine coastal environment.
11. Fat Mermaid Restaurant
LOCAL SEAFOOD DINING
The Fat Mermaid Restaurant is a popular dining establishment serving fresh Alaskan seafood and American fare in downtown Valdez. The restaurant offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with views of the harbor and mountains. After a day of outdoor adventures, visitors can enjoy local specialties including halibut, salmon, and Alaskan craft beers.
12. Old Town Valdez Site
HISTORIC EARTHQUAKE REMNANTS
The Old Town Valdez Site preserves the remains of the original town destroyed by the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. Visitors can walk through the abandoned townsite where interpretive signs explain the history and impact of this devastating natural disaster. The site offers a sobering but educational glimpse into Alaska's geological forces and the resilience of its communities.
13. Dock Point Trail
HARBOR VIEW HIKING
Dock Point Trail offers an easy, scenic walking path with gorgeous views of the Valdez harbor and surrounding mountains. The well-maintained boardwalk trail features interpretive signs about local flora, fauna, and the area's maritime history. This family-friendly hike is perfect for spotting harbor seals, sea otters, and bald eagles while enjoying fresh sea air and mountain vistas.
14. Valdez Fisheries Development Association
SUSTAINABLE FISHING EDUCATION
The Valdez Fisheries Development Association promotes sustainable fishing practices and education about marine resources in the region. Visitors can learn about salmon enhancement programs and the economic importance of commercial and sport fishing to the local economy. The association offers insights into how conservation efforts and industry can work together to maintain healthy fish populations for future generations.
15. Prospector John's
LOCAL GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS
Prospector John's is a charming gift shop offering a wide selection of Alaska-themed souvenirs, artwork, and locally made crafts. The store features authentic Alaskan products including ulu knives, jade jewelry, Native artwork, and wilderness-inspired gifts. Visitors looking for meaningful mementos of their Valdez adventure will find unique treasures that capture the spirit of Alaska's last frontier.