Alaska Destinations For Your
Fairbanks, Alaska Trip
Once you’ve selected the city of Fairbanks as your Alaskan vacation destination, and learned where to stay in Downtown Fairbanks, the next step is searching for things to do in Alaska. Fairbanks is one of the best cities in Alaska to experience Alaskan attractions, as some of the very best spots in Downtown Fairbanks are also conveniently located to some of our favorite off the beaten path activities!
What to Do in Downtown Fairbanks
When you visit Fairbanks, Alaska, know that you are visiting one of our largest cities with ample activities to enjoy both in a downtown urban setting, as well as in more remote locations out past the city lights. When discovering what to see in Fairbanks, immerse yourself in the Alaskan culture by exploring the best of what Fairbanks has to offer.
Downtown Fairbanks features a cultural and visitors center and our local iconic focal point of interest, the Golden Heart Plaza. This plaza was constructed to be a symbol of historical significance and was named one of the “Great Places in America” by the American Planning Association. If you love visiting local markets, visit the Fairbanks farmers market (Tanana Valley Farmers Market), which is open seasonally. And if museums or historically significant locations are more your speed, visit Pioneer Park, which allows visitors to experience Fairbanks as it was 100 years ago.
Stay in Fairbanks to chase the aurora borealis, which is also referred to as the polar lights or northern lights. The best time to view the northern lights is between August 21 and April 2, when you can witness the spectacular light show on a guided tour just down the road from your base camp at the Bridgewater Hotel. Ready to experience some other outdoor activities? Visit the Chena River State Recreation Area to soak in the Chena Hot springs, or live life on the edge by kayaking or paddleboarding down the Chena River! Visiting during the winter and plan to hit the slopes? Visit the northernmost chairlift in North America at Skiland. And when you are ready to slow it down, relax with reindeer yoga at Running Reindeer Ranch.
As you may have noticed, different seasons in Alaska offer different weather and different outdoor adventures. During portions of the spring and summer seasons, Fairbanks is known as “the Land of the Midnight Sun.” From April 22 to August 20, when the sun never seems to set, the town celebrates with a variety of events including the Midnight Sun Festival in Downtown Fairbanks, and the Midnight Sun Run, which takes place the third Saturday of June each year.
Visit Other Alaskan Attractions
If you’re ready to venture off the beaten path, places like Denali Park, the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle all have activities to offer. Zip-line and jet-boat through Denali National Park, explore uncharted islands and take advantage of the best fishing in the Yukon River. While in Yukon, experience Yukon dog sledding tours (or dog mushing). And if you’re in the holiday spirit, you can take a hike to the North Pole and embrace the Christmas season all year long.
Brave the frigid atmosphere of the Arctic to experience Coldfoot Camp where you can go on an arctic mountain safari to observe Alaskan wildlife or catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. During the warmer months, you can float down the Koyukuk River and take in the summertime scenery from the water.
Regardless of what adventures you plan, Fairbanks, Alaska is the perfect vacation destination on your Alaskan getaway.