Valdez is one of Alaska’s most picturesque towns and there is a lot to explore. Here are the best things to do in Valdez Alaska.
About Valdez
Valdez is located on the coast of Prince William Sound in Alaska. When I drove into the town, I was immediately impressed. The town is surrounded by high mountains full of dense green forests and waterfalls and it’s a spectacular sight. In addition, it has a picturesque harbor where large bald eagles fly around your ears. Valdez is an great destination to visit for nature lovers and adventurers.
Where is Valdez located?
Valdez is located on the southern coast of Alaska, about 500 kilometers east of Anchorage. The town is accessible via the Richardson Highway, which is known for its beautiful views. There is also a ferry connection that connects Valdez to other parts of Alaska, making it an important port city.
The history of Valdez
Valdez has a rich history dating back to the indigenous peoples who inhabited the area thousands of years ago. The city was officially founded in 1891 and named after the Spanish explorer, Don Vicente Valdez. Valdez soon became an important port for the prospectors who came to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush.
In 1964, Valdez was hit by a devastating earthquake that led to a major tsunami. The town was rebuilt and has maintained its charm and appeal ever since.
Today, Valdez is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy nature and the town’s cozy atmosphere.
Fun things to do in Valdez Alaska
What to see and do in Valdez? These are the best places to visit and the best things to do in Valdez.
Old Valdez
Old Valdez, also called Old Town, was the original location of the town of Valdez. After the devastating 1964 earthquake, the town was moved to a new location about four miles away.
Although there are not many physical remains of the old town, it is still fun to take a look around. After all, you can still find traces of the past. For example, you can still see some building foundations (especially the old post office) and old street signs. And to give you a little better idea of what Valdez used to be like, there are also some informational signs.
I actually saw my very first bear in Alaska right here in Old Valdez!
Visit the Valdez Museum
If you find the history of Valdez interesting, a visit to the Valdez Museum is also recommended. Here you will learn more about the history of the region, from the indigenous cultures to the gold rush and the effects of the earthquake. In addition, you can admire works of art by local artists here.
The Valdez Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A ticket costs $12. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
The Solomon Gulch Hatchery
Across the water you will find a very special attraction: The Solomon Gulch Hatchery. This is a salmon hatchery and here millions of salmon eggs are hatched each year, with the goal of supporting and preserving the local salmon population. The hatchery plays a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem and contributes to the economy through fishing.
What makes it extra special is that the farm is partially open to the public. During a short walk, you pass various information boards and video screens, which explain exactly how the salmon farm works. Very interesting and this activity is also completely free.
By the way, this is also a place where there is a good chance of seeing wildlife, as they also like salmon. I saw a beautiful sea lion playing in the water here. Which is awesome!
Valdez Glacier Lake
One place I still slightly regret not seeing is Valdez Glacier Lake. This lake is about 11 kilometers from the town and is fed by the Valdez Glacier. Because of this, there are several floating icebergs in the lake and it must be a spectacular sight!
It seems you can also kayak here, but unfortunately, the weather was not great when we visited Valdez. Maybe you will have better luck.
Go fishing
Valdez is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Whether you are looking for salmon, halibut, or other types of fish, there are many charters available that can take you to the best fishing spots. So if you want to do some fishing during your tour of Alaska, Valdez is one of the best places to do so. If only because of the beautiful surroundings!
Take a boat ride through Prince William Sound
One of the best ways to see the beauty of Valdez is to take a boat ride through Prince William Sound. On the tour, you’ll see glaciers, waterfalls and probably lots of wildlife, such as sea lions and whales. The most famous tour is the one to the impressive Columbia Glacier, where you will see the ice floes fall into the sea (that sound is so special to hear!).
Book your boat trip through the Prince William Sound here.
I did not do a tour but traveled by ferry from Valdez to Whittier through Prince William Sound. Despite the bad weather, it was an incredible experience!
Admire the waterfalls in Keystone Canyon
Keystone Canyon is an impressive canyon and the Richardson Highway passes right through it. What makes this place so special are the impressive waterfalls, including the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horsetail Falls. There is also a hiking trail, so you can easily walk from one waterfall to another.
Explore the Old Railroad Tunnel
At the beginning of the century, a lot of copper was found near McCarthy, near the Kennicott Glacier. Both Valdez and Cordova wanted to make a rail connection toward McCarthy, as it would be very good for trade at their ports.
Various plans were made and some were already built and drilled. At the time they were hand carving the tunnel in Keystone Canyon, it turned out that the investors chose Cordova after all because there were coal deposits along the route.
There was a brief attempt to finish the railroad, but there was no money to do so and an argument ensued in which shots were fired. Since then, the Old Railroad Tunnel has been abandoned and is only a remnant of a bygone era.
Visit the Worthington Glacier
One of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, Worthington Glacier is just a short drive from Valdez. You can explore the glacier area via marked hiking trails and enjoy the views of the ice and surrounding mountains.
The glacier is larger than it seems at first, there was a landslide a few years ago and as a result, part of the glacier is under the rocks. But here and there you can still see a glimpse of the ice that lies underneath (in the photo below right).
Discover fun eateries
I did Valdez after a week in a more remote part of Alaska and so it was a feast in terms of dining options. There are many nice restaurants and cafes and even two breweries. There are also several food trucks during the summer, so the choice in terms of food is very large.
A few recommendations for a bite and/or drink in Valdez:
- The Potato – Delicious, different, and they also a few vegetarian options.
- The Fat Mermaid – Worth a visit for the name alone. Truly American, nice for a (substantial) breakfast, for example.
- The Coffee Co. – Fine coffee shop with a nice seating area.
- Growler Bay Brewing Company – One of two breweries in Valdez. This one is the coziest (I found).
Spot wildlife
The chances of seeing wildlife in Valdez are very high. In fact, many animals come for the fish (especially salmon) that are commonly caught here. During my stay in Valdez, I saw dozens of bald eagles, a sea lion, and even a grizzly bear! So keep your eyes open, because you never know what you’re going to see.
Fun hikes in Valdez
There are several beautiful hiking trails in Valdez and the surrounding area. I hiked a few trails and these are my favorite places to hike.
Short but sweet: Dock Point Trail
This short walk of about 1.6 kilometers goes along a small peninsula along the harbor. Although it was drizzling when I walked it, I found it absolutely worth it. You have beautiful views of the landscape around Valdez.
Mineral Creek Trail
If you feel like a somewhat longer, not too strenuous, hike, the trail along Mineral Creek Trail is highly recommended. This is a dirt road (there is virtually no traffic, so you don’t have to expect oncoming traffic), which follows Mineral Creek.
Along the trail, you occasionally have beautiful views of the river, the mountains, and waterfalls. You can make the hike as long as you want, it’s one direction. This trail offers a great change of seeing wildlife. We spotted a couple of bald eagles here, but bear sightings are also not unheard of.
Shoup Bay Trail Park
Shoup Bay is located east of Valdez and this is a beautiful bay full of natural beauty. You can reach it by boat or by hiking. The hike is 11 miles one way. If you find that too far, you can also enjoy a short hike in Shoup Bay Trail Park. Even during a short hike, you can enjoy beautiful views of the natural surroundings.
Solomon Lake (Solomon Gulch Trail)
Not far from The Solomon Gulch Hatchery, you will also find several hiking trails, and the one to Solomon Lake is highly recommended. It is about 4.3 miles (round trip) and quite tough at times due to the elevation changes.
The trail goes past a nice viewpoint where you can see Valdez across the water. After that you’ll pass several waterfalls to a beautiful mountain lake called Solomon Lake.
Thompson Pass
Thompson Pass is the highest part of the Richardson Highway and is about a half-hour drive from Valdez. It’s a great place to combine with Worthington Glacier and Keystone Canyon. You can park at the top and from here several dirt roads run through the landscape. It’s really great to walk around here for a while and enjoy the panoramic views.
Where to stay in Valdez
There is plenty to do in Valdez, so it is wise to stay there for one or more nights. These are a few nice accommodations:
- House on the Rock B&B – Cozy Bed & Breakfast in a quiet residential area, just outside the city center.
- Glacier Hotel – Basic but nice hotel in a good location in downtown Valdez.
- Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (3⭐) – One of the better hotels in Valdez, nicely located on the harbor.
Check out Booking.com for more options, availability and prices. Reserve in time, as accommodations are scarce.
Book a trip to Alaska
These were all my tips for Valdez! Would you like to visit Valdez and check out more amazing places in Alaska? These websites are useful for booking your trip.
✈️ Plane tickets – Anchorage is home to the largest airport in Alaska. Check WayAway to find the best deals and cashback on plane tickets.
🚘 Rental car – To explore Alaska, having a rental car is a must. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals. Make sure to book early, as cars tend to sell out (and get really expensive). If you prefer to travel by RV, check out RV Share.
💊Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🚣🏼♀️Tours & Activities – Alaska is a paradise for outdoor lovers, and there are many unique tours and activities to do, including glacier flights and whale-watching cruises. Check out Get Your Guide for inspiration.
More Alaska tips
Want to read more about Alaska? Check out these travel guides for more travel inspiration.
In addition, you can read more about Alaska on this website. Besides Alaska, I also visited many other beautiful places in the United States. Check out these articles for more tips.
- Amazing 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary
- 20 Fun Things to do in Alaska in the summer: discover the Last Frontier
- Best things to do in McCarthy and Kennecott: go back in time in Alaska
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