Nestled on the edge of Baranof Island in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, Sitka, Alaska, is a captivating blend of rugged natural beauty, rich Indigenous culture, and Russian-American history. Once the capital of Russian America, this charming seaside town offers a unique mix of historic landmarks, vibrant local art, and breathtaking wildlife encounters. For cruise passengers with just one day to explore, you’ve come to the right place! In this DIY guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your short visit, with a perfectly curated itinerary that hits all the highlights. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, a dose of culture and history, wildlife encounters, or a taste of Alaskan cuisine, this guide will help you experience the best of Sitka at your own pace.
⬇️ Watch our “One Day in Sitka” video for a closer look at our time! ⬇️
And be sure to check out our “Alaska Cruise Essentials” Amazon list for all the must-pack items!
Note: This itinerary is based on a 6.5-hour port stay. The exact times listed in the itinerary will vary depending on the ship that you are cruising on.
10:30 AM – Disembark and start your adventure
For this itinerary to be successful there are a couple of things that have to happen. 1.) You’ll need to be one of the first to disembark your ship, and 2.) You’ll need to have a rental car lined up. We recommend booking a car through Turo (which is kind of like Airbnb for cars) and arranging with the host to have the car picked up and dropped off at the cruise terminal. This is what we did and it couldn’t have been an easier process!
11:15 AM - Get to know the bears at Fortress of the Bear
(4639 Sawmill Creek Rd)
Once you’ve picked up your rental car, you’ll start your Sitka adventure by visiting the Fortress of the Bear. Located just a short 25-minute drive from the port, this rescue facility is dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned brown and black bears. The experience offers an up-close look at Alaska’s iconic bears in a naturalized habitat. Educational and inspiring, the experience includes learning about the bears' rescue stories and conservation efforts from passionate staff. The viewing platforms provide a safe yet close encounter with these magnificent creatures—perfect for photos. Admission is $15 for adults (19+), $5 for youth (8-18), and children 7 and under enter for free. No advance purchase or reservation is necessary.
12:30 PM - Stretch your legs on the Herring Cove Trail
(Herring Cove Rd)
After getting up close to the bears at Fortress of the Bear, you’ll make the quick 5-minute drive to the Herring Cove Trail parking area to begin your hike to Bear Mountain Waterfall along the Herring Cove Trail. The trail takes you through lush forests and along peaceful streams, culminating in the beautiful Bear Mountain Waterfall—a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. The hike to Bear Mountain Waterfall is only 1.5 miles roundtrip, but if you would like to extend your hike, you can make the 2.6-mile hike to Beaver Lake. And if you have the time and want to extend it even more, you can do the 3.6-mile hike that adds a 1-mile loop around the lake onto the Beaver Lake hike. We opted for the shorter 1.5-mile hike because we stopped a LOT for photo and video ops, so if you’re less inclined to stop for those sorts of things, you could easily complete one of the other two hikes.
2:30 PM – Explore Sitka National Historical Park
(1398 Sawmill Creek Rd)
Next, you’ll make the 15 minute-drive to Alaska’s oldest national park… Sitka National Historical Park. The park offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich Indigenous and Russian-American heritage. Famous for its towering totem poles, the park features a scenic coastal trail where you can admire these intricate works of art while surrounded by lush temperate rainforest. And if you visit at the right time, you might catch a salmon run, the incredible natural phenomenon where salmon migrate from the ocean back to the freshwater streams and rivers where they were born to spawn. It's a fascinating experience and is often accompanied by opportunities to see bears, eagles, and other wildlife taking advantage of this seasonal feast. In addition to the natural beauty and wildlife, the Sitka National Historical Park visitor center provides engaging exhibits on the native Tlingit culture and history, as well as the 1804 Battle of Sitka, a pivotal conflict between the Tlingit people and Russian settlers. Overall, the park is a wonderful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must for any visit to Sitka!
3:30 PM – Get a taste of Sitka’s Russian influence at Pel’meni
(303 Lincoln St, Ste 1)
After all that hiking, you’re surely ready to indulge in a true Alaskan specialty, and Pel’meni is just the place to do that! Just a 5-minute drive from the Sitka National Historical Park, this cozy and unassuming eatery serves up one of Alaska's favorite comfort foods: Russian dumplings. Known for its no-frills charm and hearty portions, this local gem offers two simple but delicious options—beef or potato dumplings—served steaming hot and topped with butter, vinegar, and a sprinkle of spices. The quick service and affordable prices, make it a great stop for a local bite between exploring Sitka’s attractions. Don't forget to pair your dumplings with sour cream or their signature hot sauce for an extra kick!
4:15 PM – Stroll Through Downtown Sitka
After filling your belly with a little Russ… err… Alaskan treat, take some time to stroll through Downtown Sitka. The Downtown area is a charming blend of small-town Alaska and rich cultural heritage, offering a walkable hub filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and historic landmarks. Highlights include St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, a stark reminder of Sitka’s Russian past, the Sheldon Jackson Museum, showcasing Tlingit and Alaska Native artifacts, and the Historic Russian Bishop's House, a beautifully preserved 19th-century building that offers visitors a glimpse into Alaska’s Russian Orthodox heritage. Stroll along Lincoln Street to find locally crafted art, jewelry, and souvenirs, or stop at a cozy café for a cup of locally roasted coffee.
4:45 PM – Return to the Cruise Port
(4513 Halibut Point Rd)
And just like that, your port day in Sitka has come to an end! The drive back to the port from Downtown is about 15 minutes but be sure to allow enough time to fill up the rental car with fuel (here’s the most convenient gas station) and be back to the ship before the “All Aboard” time.
We hope that this guide has helped you make the most of your port day in Sitka, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel content!
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