Best Things To Do In Valdez
Valdez is found at the head of Port Valdez which is a natural fjord that reaches inland for around 11 miles from Prince William Sound.
Originally home to the Chugach and Ahtna native peoples the area was previously used for fishing and trading the likes of copper, jade and furs. Only one of the previous villages named Tatitlek remains today.
With an interesting past involving English and Russian exploration and the goldrush and eventually the mass building of the railroads across the US. Today the population of Valdez is mostly involved in the oil industry, seasonal tourism, fishing, and the transportation and shipping industries.
The main reason tourists visit Valdez is for the amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery. Whale watching, skiing, and glacier climbing are just some of the things you can expect to do if you are the adventurous type.
Here are some of the top things to do on your next visit to Valdez, Alaska.
Best Things To Do In Valdez Alaska In 2021
My husband, Harrison, and I spent three days in Valdez, Alaska and loved every single minute.
Even with constant rain as we drove in, we could see just how charming this mountain-laden town is!
You will find Valdez in the south-central part of Alaska on Prince William Sound.
You might know of Valdez for two major catastrophic events:
Despite these two events, Valdez is a great place to visit today- just let me show you why!
For one, the port city is home to abundant wildlife, majestic mountains, and gigantic glaciers.
For another, if youre an adventurous soul, Valdez is a gem with lots of recreational opportunities and natural wonders.
You can see some of these natural wonders in the video we made from our trip to Alaska!
I hope this guide to Valdez, Alaska to help you plan the perfect trip here!
Also, before we go any further, I should point out that Valdez is pronounced Val-deez.
Dock Point Park Trail
After dinner, we walked around the Dock Point Park trail. This is an easy .75 mile hike near town. Be sure to keep an eye out for eagles flying or resting in trees nearby.
This is a loop trail. There is one steep hill along the loop. Take a right at the fork if you want to walk up the hill, go left if you want to come down the hill. A portion of the trail includes a boardwalk through grass and wildflower meadows. Plenty of parking is available off Kobuk Drive, east of the harbor.
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What To Do With One Day In Valdez
Whether youre visiting to take advantage of Valdezs world-class access to backcountry skiing and snowboarding, stopping in because of the communitys access to phenomenal fishing in Prince William Sound, or just checking it out, youre likely left with some spare time and wondering what to do with one day in Valdez.
Valdez is about a five hour drive from Anchorage and six hour drive from Fairbanks. It sits at the end of the Richardson Highway and is the terminus of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Unless youre flying in or taking the marine ferry system, youll have to follow the Richardson Highway because its the only way in and out of Valdez.
Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau
Source: www.valdezalaska.org
The visitor centre has plenty of information for tourists and visitors in this area. There are comprehensive lists of guides and things to do in Valdez. You can find out what is happening whilst you are here including any community festivals, markets or events.
Youll find the centre on Fairbanks Drive and its a good idea to start here if you need information and advice about your visit.
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International Travel During Covid
Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDCs international travel recommendations for people who are not fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.
The COVID-19 situation, including the spread of new or concerning variants, differs from country to country. All travelers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before traveling.
CDC will update these recommendations as more people get vaccinated, as rates of COVID-19 change, and as additional scientific evidence becomes available.
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated
People are considered fully vaccinated*:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnsons Janssen vaccine
If you dont meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.
If you have a condition or are taking medication that weakens your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.
- Before you travel
- Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, mask wearing, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destinations requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
- Check the current COVID-19 situation in your destination.
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Comfortable Accommodations And Lodging For Visitors In Valdez Alaska
Clean and affordable rooms close to all area attractions and activities.
Downtown B& B Inn offers travelers to Valdez Alaska excellent accommodations year-round. We feature cozy and clean rooms, private bathrooms, and great continental breakfasts. Our location is perfect for visitors who are interested in fishing, sightseeing, and glacier tours in Prince William Sound.
Your hosts, Glen and Sharon Mills, are long time Alaskan residents. The owners and staff work hard to ensure that your stay at the hotel is a high point on your trip to Valdez. At the bed and breakfast, there is information about all area services including restaurants, shopping, and travel information for the surrounding areas. Feel free to ask our staff any questions.
Rated Lodging In Valdez
Hospitality at its finest!
Enjoy warm hospitality, great mountain views, and lovely flowerbeds, at our Valdez, Alaska bed and breakfast.
We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your stay with us, more comfortable than you would be if you stayed at any of the hotels in Valdez, Alaska.
Ask about our fall/winter week long stay lodging specials at our B& B.
To keep our rooms allergy free, they are all pet free.
We believe you’ll agree with us that House on the Rock B & B is the best Valdez bed and breakfast to meet your needs. Many people prefer our bed & breakfast Valdez accommodation over the local hotels or other lodging in Valdez Alaska.
People love the clean and homey feel and the opportunity to meet other guests from all around the world. Our guests really appreciate all the local tips we give them.
Winter view from House on the Rock B & B, the best Bed and Breakfast in Valdez, Alaska
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Where To Stay In Valdez
If you’re a first time visitor to Valdez, you mightprefer a more touristy area, but if you’re a solo traveler, a localneighborhood could be more interesting. Some areas have lots of thingsto do within walking distance, but the hotels may be more expensive.To give you a starting point for your trip research, we looked at what people say about neighborhoods and places to stay in Valdez.
What are some good hotels in Valdez?
Depending on the neighborhood you choose, you may want toresearch hotels in the area. If you’d rather start with themost recommended hotels in Valdez, here’s a list toget you started.
River Rafting And Tubing Tours
You can take half, full or several day tours exploring this beautiful and remote part of Alaska. Think of icy waters, glaciers and fast flowing rivers.
Choose from exploring the icebergs of Prince William Sound whilst sea kayaking or white-water rafting in the canyons of the Chugach Mountains. Or perhaps combine both with some ice climbing and hiking for an extra adventurous trip.
Booking with a reputable company such as Pangaea Adventures will ensure you have the expert guides to keep you safe and tailor your trip to suit your needs.
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Days In Valdez Alaska
Once we bought a house in Alaska, we knew we would soon be purchasing a travel trailer so that we can explore more of this beautiful state. Our first trip with the trailer was to Valdez, Alaska. Valdez is a less frequently visited part of Alaska, but one that should be on your list. We spent three days in Valdez and barely scratched the surface of all there is to do in this hidden Alaskan gem.
The drive from Anchorage to Valdez takes you through high tundra, mountain passes and stunning canyons. Youll enjoy views of glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife along the way. It is an easy 5 1/2 hour drive from Anchorage but leave plenty of extra time for stops along the way. If you dont want to drive, you can fly or take the ferry.
Valdez Alaska Bed And Breakfast
Our comfortable and clean House on the Rock B& B is located in town, Valdez, AK, within walking distance of the docks, the stores and businesses, and walking trails. Each Alaska themed, hotel style room in our Valdez bed and breakfast has a queen bed and twin bed and its own private bathroom and shower and its all smoke free!
The common area has all the conveniences of home, with a kitchen, dining room area, washer and dryer, and a living room complete with a high end massage chair. You get the benefits of a bed and breakfast where you get to know the hosts and other guests in the common area, but also being able to have your own private area without feeling like you are intruding on anyone else.
A private bathroom, Wi-Fi and Hi-Def. flat screen cable TV are in each room in our lodging in Valdez Alaska. A DVD player with a Hi-Def flat screen and Wi-Fi are available in the common area.
Breakfast is continental style and people can keep supplies in the refrigerator, freezer, and cupboards to make their own lunches and dinners. The continental breakfast includes various types of fruit, breads, bagels, muffins, English muffins, hot and cold cereals, hard boiled eggs, yogurts, jams, peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut spread, toaster pancakes and waffles, syrup, juice, milk, teas, and coffee.
To see our rates and book a reservation right now, please click on the booking button
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Halfway Between Seattle Wa And Valdez Ak
The best city between Seattle, WA and Valdez, AK to meet is Dease Lake, Canada which is about 44 miles from the exact midpoint.
The town that marks the exact halfway point isactually Hyder, Alaska.
The closest zip code to the midpoint is 99923.
The exact latitude and longitude coordinates are 57° 48′ 16″ N and 129° 57′ 18″ W.
The total driving distance from Seattle, WA to Valdez, AK is 2,293 miles or 3690 kilometers.
Each person would then have to drive about 1,147 milesto meet in the middle.
It will take about 21 hours and 8 minutes for each driver to arrive at the meeting point.
Since this is a long drive, you might want to split upyour road trip into multiple days. You can search for the best stopping points from Seattle, WA to Valdez, AK to plan out your trip.
For a flight, the straight linegeographic midpoint coordinates are 54° 56′ 59″ N and 132° 19′ 33″ W.
The city at the geographic halfway point from Seattle, WA to Valdez, AK is Long Island, Alaska.
Fishing In Prince William Sound
Valdez’s Prince William Sound is a premier fishing destination offering all species of salmon and some of the most accessible big halibut in Alaska. Valdez is home to the oldest fish derbies in Alaska, awarding thousands of dollars in prize money each year. You can fish from shore along Dayville Road or take a charter from the Valdez Small Boat Harbor. Rent a boat from Corsair Charters or taking a charter with the local experts at Valdez Outfitters our our many other local fishing charters!
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Faqs When Booking A Hotel In Valdez
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Are hotels in Valdez safe during the coronavirus crisis?
Hotels are safe environments for travelers as long as they properly implement sanitary measures in response to coronavirus . However, we recommend getting in touch with the local authorities regarding safety procedures for hotels in Valdez. For more advice, please view our information page on what to know about coronavirus and travel.
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How do I find a hotel in central Valdez?
After you launch a hotel search on KAYAK, you can refine your research by neighborhood, which allows you to pick the central Valdez districts. You can also do a search using the city map to choose a specific location, like Valdez city center.
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How can I find hotels near me?
Take a look at our extensive hotel map to find the best hotels near you.
Salmon Viewing At Crooked Creek
On our way back to the campground, we stopped at Crooked Creek to view the salmon running. There is a spot for parking at Mile 0.5 on the Richardson Highway and a viewing point. Be sure to go inside the log cabin to see a live feed from the underwater camera when the salmon are spawning . Keep an eye out for bear that occasionally stop to enjoy an easy meal.
We were visiting over Labor Day Weekend which is near the end of the spawning season. For that reason, we saw many dead or dying salmon. Salmon stop eating once they enter fresh water and subsist on their fat reserves. After their journey back to their spawning grounds, they naturally die after the females release their eggs and the males fertilize them.
Although some might be distressed by this, it is a clear indication of the strength and determination these fish need in order to return to their spawning habitat and their importance to the entire ecosystem. As the salmon decompose, they release nutrients they accumulated while in the ocean into the streams and rivers. Their carcasses provide food for birds and mammals in the area.
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Recommendations For People Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated
If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, take the following steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Before you travel:
- Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.
- Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destinations requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
- Check the COVID-19 situation in your destination.
Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
Source:
This Museum showcases one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artefacts in the world. After assimilating the collections over a number of years a new purpose-built facility was opened in 2008.
Today you will find a wide range of exhibits including the Natural History of Alaska, wildlife mounts which include polar bears, Ivory and baleen items and lastly an exhibit of masks, dolls and fur clothing. All interesting in their own right and together telling the story of the history of Alaska.
Youll find the museum on Lowe Street in Valdez.
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The Roadside Potato Head
Source: theroadsidepotatohead.com
This is a great place to grab a bite for the road, whether it is a quick sit-down lunch, or something made to take away. They are popular for their different kinds of fries, wraps and general fast food. An excellent place to fill up for an adventure filled day on the water or hiking in the glacier.
The Roadside Potato Head is located on North Harbour Drive, near to the boat docks so an excellent location for boat tours and visiting tourists.