Sitka Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Gillfoto (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Will Parnell, Lori Wilk · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- Alaska
- Coordinates:
- 57.0533° N, 135.3347° W
About Sitka
Sitka was under Russian rule from 1799 to 1867, a heritage that shapes the city today. Situated on the west side of Baranof Island and the south half of Chichagof Island in the Alexander Archipelago, this unified city-borough in southeast Alaska has a population of 8,458, making it the fifth-most populated city in the state.
The port is exceptionally walkable. Within 0.5 km you'll find Totem Square, the Sitka Historical Society & Museum and Baranof Castle State Historic Site. Sitka National Historical Park lies just 1.3 km away and holds a 4.8 rating across 2,100 reviews. For marine life, Whale Park (5.4 km) and Sitka Sound Science Center (0.8 km) offer close encounters with Alaska's coastal ecosystem.
Things to do in Sitka
- Sitka National Historical Park — Historical place, 1.3 km from port
- Fortress of the Bear — Pet Care, 6.2 km from port
- Old Sitka State Historic Park — State Park, 8.9 km from port
- Whale Park — Park and Garden, 5.4 km from port
Nearby Alaska cruise ports include Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point.
Sitka is a unified city-borough in the southeast portion of the U.S. state of Alaska. It was under Russian rule from 1799 to 1867. The city is situated on the west side of Baranof Island and the south half of Chichagof Island in the Alexander Archipelago of the Pacific Ocean. As of the 2020 census, Sitka had a population of 8,458, making it the fifth-most populated city in the state.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Sitka on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Gary Brazel · via Google Maps Historical place
Sitka National Historical Park
4.8 (2,100) 1.3 km from port
This 122-acre park area has guided tours & a coastal walk featuring carved wooden totem poles.
Near: Sitka NHP Visitor Center (171 m) · United States Postal Service (325 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Certainly aa must do while in sitka. A 15 minutes walk from the shuttle drop off takes you tobthe visitor…” — Aravind R
- 5 · “Sitka sits on the open Gulf of Alaska, not the protected inside passages of most Southeast Alaska ports. Strong tides…” — Eloy Yip
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Photo: BRANDEN JOHANSEN · via Google Maps Pet Care
Fortress of the Bear
4.7 (1,534) 6.2 km from port
Refuge for orphaned brown & black bears with guided tours, talks & a raised viewing platform.
Near: Sawmill Cove Industrial Park (322 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- 5 · “Fortress of the Bear was a very cool experience and definitely worth visiting while in Sitka. The bears were incredibly…” — Theodore Aquino
- 5 · “Had an amazing time at fortress of the bears. The talks were informative funny and enjoyable. Both Brown bears and…” — pm9dcr2001
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Photo: Fronty Parker · via Google Maps Historical landmark
Baranof Castle State Historic Site
4.5 (203) 0.6 km from port
Historical landmark featuring informative plaques and panoramic views.
Near: Beak Restaurant (47 m) · Harry Race Pharmacy (72 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- 5 · “The views are wonderful for eagle spotting (see my second image and zoom in). Lots of stairs or winding switchback…” — Chloe Weber
- 5 · “A well kept up historic site , clean and great view from the top lots of history to read once…” — DA Magnificent
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Park and Garden
Whale Park
4.7 (127) 5.4 km from port
Scenic coastal park offering whale watching opportunities, boardwalk trails, and informative wildlife displays.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “Fun place. Based on what I read on Google searches, the best time to see a whale is at Dusk.…” — IDATRAILS
- 5 · “I found this place on Google when I searched for places to see whales from shore. This was my first…” — Bill Perdue
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Park and Garden
Totem Square
4.6 (102) 0.5 km from port
Relaxing downtown park featuring historic totem poles and scenic lawn space.
Near: Harry Race Pharmacy (61 m) · Naa Kahidi Dancers (72 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Some people mislabel this but the totem is in the square of town it’s not out in the boonies/is a…” — Chloe Weber
- 5 · “There is a kids playground as you walk further along the sea walk. Its a nice little town. You learn…” — Grace Wang
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Aquarium
Sitka Sound Science Center
4.4 (98) 0.8 km from port
Educational aquarium and salmon hatchery featuring interactive touch tanks and guided tours.
Near: Ludvigs Chowder Cart (8 m) · Sheldon Jackson Museum (112 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- 5 · “I wasn’t sure if I would like the Sitka Sound Science Center, mostly because of the smell! Turns out the…” — KL Williams
- 5 · “The Sitka Sound Science Center is a hidden gem for anyone interested in marine life and conservation. The touch tanks…” — Illya Williams
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State Park
Old Sitka State Historic Park
4.8 (67) 8.9 km from port
Historic park, known for its trails and featuring old-growth spruce trees and Russian connections.
Near: Starrigavan Rec Area Picnic Site (520 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Enjoyed hiking the trails. Not difficult at all. Trails are well maintained and marked. Has several distinct areas to visit.…” — MITCH CLINKENBEARD
- 5 · “Beautiful area with plenty of trail-miles to be seen! Pop up to the Mosquito Cove trail for a traipse in…” — Vic
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History Museum
Sitka Historical Society & Museum
4.8 (51) 0.5 km from port
Local history museum featuring artifacts, fine art, and photos, plus a totem walk.
Near: Harrigan Centennial Hall (4 m) · Sitka Nautical Tours LLC (5 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “We really liked this small, yet beautiful museum about the history of Sitka. They also have a small gift shop…” — Will Bolzell
- 5 · “It was a very educational stop in the town. We even were lucky to get a traditional dance and live…” — Yinzú Nairouz
Map of Sitka and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Sitka
Cruises to Alaska mostly sail may to September.
- Jan
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Cruises calling at Sitka
Deals update daily — see all Alaska cruises.
