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Valdez, Alaska, is one of the first places we visited after moving just outside of Fairbanks. Valdez is a good 5–7 hour drive, but it was worth it every time. It’s a small, quiet fishing town located south of Fairbanks and east of Anchorage. The town sits right on the water and will likely be one of my favorite places ever, forever. If you drive to Valdez from Fairbanks, you’ll also be able to see plenty of gorgeous waterfalls along the way.
Here are some of my favorite things to do in Valdez:
Charter Fishing. If you love fishing, you need to try charter fishing in Valdez. It is truly a blast. We’ve gone multiple times and loved it every time. There are a few different charter companies, but we personally used Valdez Outfitters and had an amazing experience. We usually caught halibut and rockfish—both are delicious! We also brought home a ton of fish meat. I recommend bringing some kind of nausea or seasickness medication just in case, as the water can be rocky. No one wants a miserable trip because they get sick.
Day Cruise. When we went on a day cruise, there were a few companies to choose from; however, we chose Stan Stephens Cruises. We loved it so much that we’ve gone multiple times. There are options for both shorter and longer cruises. We’ve always done the day cruise to Columbia Glacier, which lasts around six hours. Lunch is provided, along with complimentary coffee, tea, and water throughout the day. I recommend bringing snacks, especially if you have children. If you want to see wildlife and a glacier, a day cruise is a must!
Fat Mermaid. I love this restaurant and make it a point to stop every time we’re in Valdez. The Fat Mermaid is located right on the main strip near the harbor. I’ve tried the halibut basket, quinoa Buddha bowl, pizza, calamari, and ube cake—but my favorites are the cod basket and the Fat Mermaid burger. I’ve mostly gone for dinner, but their breakfast is also great! Not only can you enjoy a delicious meal, but you can also take a nice walk by the pier afterward.
Glaciers. Not only can you see glaciers on day cruises, but there are also several ways to see them without getting on a boat. Worthington Glacier is located on the way to Valdez, right along the Richardson Highway. It’s beautiful, and unfortunately, we witnessed the slow shrinking of the glacier each year.
There is also Glacier View Park, which is located right in Valdez. You drive down a gravel road and can walk right up to the glacier. I’ve even seen people kayaking there. This is also where I got to touch a huge piece of glacier that had fallen off.
Northern Treats. Yes, it’s an ice cream store—well, more like an ice cream hut. Rain or shine, we were there almost every day. I don’t know what it is, but there’s nothing like a Black Bear Parfait. If you go, try it and thank me later.
If you’re traveling to Alaska soon don’t miss my other posts: How to Make Flying With Toddlers Easier, Flying With a Baby – What I wish I knew, or Questions to Consider When Packing for a Family Trip.
