Sitka

What to know

• Most large ships dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal about six miles north of town, with a free shuttle downtown; others anchor and tender passengers in.
• Sitka National Historical Park has a coastal totem walk.
• Sea otters and whales are common on wildlife boat tours.
• Allow time for the shuttle or tender back so you don't miss all-aboard.

Getting around

Most large ships dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, about six miles north of downtown, with a free 10 to 15 minute shuttle to Harrigan Centennial Hall. Ships that tender land passengers at Crescent Harbor or the O'Connell Bridge dock, both within walking distance of downtown. Downtown Sitka itself is compact and walkable. Source: visitsitka.org

Things to do

Free · walk from dockSitka National Historical ParkSite of the 1804 Tlingit-Russian battle, with a free oceanside trail past Haida and Tlingit totem poles.nps.govMuseum · walk from dockRussian Bishop's HouseBuilt in 1842, the oldest intact Russian building in Sitka, managed by the National Park Service.visitsitka.orgWalk · walk from dockCastle HillFormer Kiksadi clan stronghold where Alaska was transferred to the United States in 1867; a state historic site.visitsitka.orgWalk · walk from dockSt. Michael's Russian Orthodox CathedralCathedral built in 1844 to 1848 and rebuilt after a 1966 fire, holding icons saved from the blaze.visitsitka.orgMuseum · walk from dockSitka History MuseumTlingit, Russian and American history told through displays, photographs and artifacts, at 330 Harbor Drive.visitsitka.orgMuseum · walk from dockSitka Sound Science CenterMarine science center with touch tanks, an aquarium, a 6-foot wolf eel and a salmon hatchery.visitsitka.orgWildlife · short rideAlaska Raptor CenterRehabilitation center for Alaska's birds of prey, with an outdoor sanctuary for eagles and other raptors that cannot be released.visitsitka.orgWildlife · short rideFortress of the BearNonprofit sanctuary for orphaned black and brown bears, viewed in large natural habitats with naturalist talks.visitsitka.org

Where to eat and drink

SeafoodBeak RestaurantLocal seafood restaurant at 2 Lincoln Street downtown.visitsitka.orgSit-downCold Water Bar & GrillSeafood and American dishes with views over Sitka Sound; serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.visitsitka.orgSit-downLudvig's BistroMediterranean cooking with Alaska seafood, on Katlian Street.visitsitka.orgCasualSitka Pel'MeniRussian-style dumplings on Lincoln Street.visitsitka.orgCaféHighliner Coffee Co.Coffee shop with baked goods on Seward Street.visitsitka.orgBreweryHarbor Mountain Brewing Co.Tasting room pouring rotating unfiltered beers made with local ingredients, on Sawmill Creek Road.visitsitka.org

Where to shop

ShopXút'aa HídiNative-owned gallery of Indigenous fine art and jewelry at 235 Lincoln Street, with cultural information for visitors.visitsitka.orgShopIsland Artists GalleryYear-round cooperative run by Sitka artists: fine art, jewelry, photography, woodcraft, Native art and moccasins.visitsitka.orgShopFate Accompli GalleryGallery of artists Ken and Rachel Fate plus other local originals, prints and jewelry; open year-round and ships orders.visitsitka.orgShopArtist Cove GalleryLocally owned gallery with basketry, sculpture, dolls and jewelry by Inupiat, Northwest Coast Native and Alaskan artists.visitsitka.org

Photos on Unsplash by Ben Hersh, Eric Hooper, Mick Kirchman, Amanda Edwardsen, Jake F, Simon Hurry, Karyna Panchenko, Eric Palmer, Zohair Mirza, David Foodphototasty, Armin Lotfi, Josh Olalde, Ryunosuke Kikuno, Joseph Corl, Mick Haupt, ZACHARY STAINES. Many show the town or the kind of place rather than the listing itself.

Port tips

• If you dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, reserving a shuttle time at sitkadock.com is recommended; standby riders board as space opens.
• The Sheldon Jackson Museum is closed through December 1 for HVAC renovations; check before planning a visit.
• The Totem Trail at Sitka National Historical Park is a 15 to 25 minute walk from the main docks and takes 30 to 90 minutes to loop.
• Look for the Silver Hand seal when buying Alaska Native art: it marks original work handmade in Alaska by an Alaska Native artist.

Each listing links to the official or source page we used. Hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Listings are not paid placements.