Valdez, Alaska, is a picturesque coastal town surrounded by towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and stunning fjords, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Known as the “Gateway to the Prince William Sound,” Valdez offers a rich mix of breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and fascinating history tied to fishing, oil transportation, and the Gold Rush. Whether you’re exploring glaciers, hiking scenic trails, or immersing yourself in Alaskan culture, Valdez is an unforgettable destination for visitors arriving by sea.
Currency and Language:
- Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
- Languages Spoken: English is the dominant language, with some Alaskan Native influences.
Cultural and Culinary Information:
Valdez is known for its strong ties to the fishing industry, particularly halibut and salmon, which feature prominently in its cuisine. The town also reflects Alaskan history, from Gold Rush pioneers to modern environmental conservation following the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Its culinary scene combines fresh seafood with hearty American classics, reflecting a mix of tradition and innovation, and Alaskan festivals celebrate both its cultural and culinary heritage.
Top 10 Sites and Activities in Valdez, Alaska:
- Columbia Glacier Tour
- Witness the grandeur of Columbia Glacier, one of Alaska’s largest tidewater glaciers, with a boat tour through the serene waters of Prince William Sound. These tours often feature wildlife sightings, including sea otters and puffins.
- Cost: ~$175 Adult and ~$80 Child
- Distance: 0.4 miles from port
- More Info: Columbia Glacier Tours
- Valdez Museum and Historical Archive
- Explore Valdez’s rich history, from its Gold Rush beginnings to the 1964 earthquake and Exxon Valdez oil spill, through engaging exhibits and artifacts. The museum offers a glimpse into the area’s resilient past.
- Cost: $8 for adults, free for children under 12
- Distance: 0.2 miles from port
- More Info: Valdez Museum
- Worthington Glacier
- Visit Worthington Glacier, a stunning roadside glacier along the Richardson Highway. You can take a short hike for incredible up-close views of this icy wonder.
- Cost: Free
- Distance: 29 miles from port
- More Info: Worthington Glacier Info
- Keystone Canyon Waterfalls (Bridal Veil & Horsetail Falls)
- Drive or take a tour through Keystone Canyon to marvel at the spectacular Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falls cascading down steep cliffs. It’s a popular spot for photos and a short nature walk.
- Cost: Free
- Distance: 14 miles from port
- More Info: Keystone Canyon
- Prince William Sound Kayaking
- Paddle through the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and diverse marine life. Guided tours ensure a safe and educational experience.
- Cost: ~$175per person
- Distance: 0.5 miles from port
- More Info: Kayaking Valdez
- Valdez Glacier Lake
- Take a scenic hike or a guided kayak tour to Valdez Glacier Lake, where you can see floating icebergs and incredible glacier views. It’s a perfect spot for adventurers and photographers.
- Cost: Free to access; guided tours vary
- Distance: 3.5 miles from port
- More Info: Valdez Glacier Info
- The Solomon Gulch Hatchery
- Visit this salmon hatchery to see thousands of salmon returning to spawn (seasonal), and watch for seals, sea lions, and bears feeding on the fish.
- Cost: Free
- Distance: 5.5 miles from port
- More Info: Solomon Gulch Hatchery
- Fishing Charters
- Valdez is known for world-class fishing, especially for halibut and salmon. Join a fishing charter for a memorable day on the water and the chance to catch a prized fish.
- Cost: ~$200–$400 per person (varies by trip length)
- Distance: 0.3 miles from port
- More Info: Valdez Fishing Charters
- Shoup Bay Trail Hike
- Hike the scenic Shoup Bay Trail, offering spectacular views of Prince William Sound, wildflowers, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Cost: Free
- Distance: Trailhead is 1.5 miles from port
- More Info: Shoup Bay Trail Info
- Wildlife Cruises
- Take a wildlife and glacier cruise to spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, and puffins while exploring the surrounding glaciers and fjords. These tours are a highlight of any Valdez visit.
- Cost: ~$125–$175 per person
- Distance: 0.3 miles from port
- More Info: Valdez Wildlife Tours
Top 3 Most Popular Restaurants in Valdez, Alaska:
- The Fat Mermaid
- Known for its seafood dishes and cozy, welcoming atmosphere, The Fat Mermaid offers favorites like fish tacos and Alaskan halibut.
- Top Dish: Halibut Fish and Chips
- Distance: 0.3 miles from port
- Website: The Fat Mermaid
- Old Town Diner
- Known for: A classic diner with hearty American comfort food, Old Town Diner is famous for its burgers and milkshakes.
- Top Dish: The Avalanche Burger
- Distance: 0.4 miles from port
- Website: Old Town Diner
- The Roadside Potatohead
- Known for: This popular food truck offers creative, loaded baked potatoes and other quick bites perfect for on-the-go dining.
- Top Dish: The Alaskan Loaded Potato
- Distance: 0.5 miles from port
- Website: Roadside Potatohead
Top 3 Most Popular Cafes in Valdez, Alaska:
- Sacred Grounds Espresso
- Known for: A local favorite, Sacred Grounds is known for its artisan coffee, pastries, and friendly atmosphere.
- Top Item: Caramel Latte with a Fresh Scone
- Distance: 0.4 miles from port
- Website: Sacred Grounds Espresso
- Magpie’s on the Fly
- Known for: Offering fresh coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods, Magpie’s is a great stop for a light breakfast or snack.
- Top Item: Mocha and Breakfast Croissant
- Distance: 0.3 miles from port
- Website: Magpie’s Cafe
- Latte Dah Espresso
- Known for: A drive-thru coffee stand known for its strong espresso drinks and quick bites.
- Top Item: Double Espresso and Muffin
- Distance: 1.2 miles from port
- Website: Latte Dah Espresso
Events in Valdez, Alaska:
Valdez Ice Climbing Festival (February): invites adventurers to scale icy terrains with professional guides. More info
Valdez Fly-In and Air Show (During Summer) showcases aerobatic performances and vintage aircraft. More info
Valdez Halibut Derby, (held from May to September,): draws fishing enthusiasts hoping to land the biggest catch. More Info
Gold Rush Days (August): celebrate the town’s rich history with parades, reenactments, and family-friendly activities. More info
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
While Valdez itself does not host a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is part of the larger UNESCO-listed Kluane/Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek site. This vast wilderness is the largest protected area in the world, boasting towering peaks, massive glaciers, and diverse wildlife. It is about 40 miles from Valdez.
National Parks:
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is America’s largest national park, spanning over 13.2 million acres of unspoiled wilderness. The park features majestic mountains, glaciers, rivers, and incredible hiking and wildlife opportunities, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The park entrance at Chitina is approximately 120 miles from Valdez, but flightseeing tours and guides from Valdez can take you deep into the park.