My husband and I visited Valdez as part of our Wrangell St-Elias adventure. Tucked along Prince William Sound in south-central Alaska, Valdez is a charming coastal town surrounded by the Chugach Mountains. We spent one epic day exploring its history, wildlife, glaciers, and scenic waterfront. While one day only gives you a taste of what Valdez has to offer, it was enough for us to discover some of the town’s most memorable sights and experiences.
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Getting to Valdez for Your One-Day Itinerary
Getting to Valdez is part of the adventure. This charming coastal town sits along Prince William Sound, surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, and visitors can arrive by car, plane, or ferry.
By car: The Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 4) is the main road into Valdez. From Anchorage, the drive takes approximately 5–6 hours, while the journey from Fairbanks takes about 6 hours. The route is incredibly scenic, with mountain passes, glaciers, waterfalls, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. If you’re driving to Valdez, allow extra time for stops along the way.
By air: Valdez Airport (VDZ) provides air service to and from Anchorage. The flight takes about an hour and offers spectacular views of the surrounding Alaska wilderness.
By ferry: The Alaska Marine Highway System also serves Valdez, with ferry service connecting the town to communities such as Whittier. Arriving by ferry offers another scenic way to experience Prince William Sound.
No matter how you arrive, you’ll want to make the most of your time in Valdez. Our one-day guide to Valdez Alaska focuses on the places and experiences we enjoyed most during our visit.
Sample One Day Itinerary Discovering Valdez Alaska
Valdez has more to offer than you can experience in a single day, but with a little planning, you can still see many of its highlights. Our Valdez Alaska travel plan combines history, wildlife, glaciers, and the scenic waterfront while leaving room to enjoy the journey.
We started our day by exploring the town and learning about its fascinating history before heading out to see salmon, glaciers, and the surrounding scenery. Along the way, we also discovered some unexpected places that made our day even more memorable.
The weather in Valdez can be unpredictable, so flexibility is important when planning how to spend a day in Valdez. The following stops are the experiences we enjoyed most during our visit and can be adapted to fit your own interests and schedule.
If you’re planning a longer Alaska road trip, be sure to check out our 10-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary, which includes Valdez along with several other incredible destinations.
Top Things to Do in Valdez in One Day: Itinerary Discovering Valdez Alaska
Start your itinerary discovering Valdez Alaska with a stop at the Valdez Visitor Center. We always like to start our day at the local visitor center, and Valdez was no exception. The Valdez Visitor Center is a great first stop for getting oriented and picking up maps, brochures, and current information about attractions and activities around town.
The staff can also offer helpful suggestions based on how much time you have and what interests you most. We found a few small exhibits about local history and wildlife worth exploring before heading out to discover Valdez for ourselves.
Must-Do Activities for Your One-Day Valdez Itinerary
The Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, but Valdez also has a fascinating history. During our one-day visit, we discovered several places that gave us a better understanding of the town and the events that shaped it.
1. Stroll Around the Original Valdez Townsite on Your Itinerary Discovering Valdez Alaska
The Old Valdez Townsite is a fascinating place to learn about the town’s history and the challenges Valdez has faced over the years. Located about four miles from the current townsite, the original community was abandoned after the devastating Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 and the tsunami that followed.
We followed the 1.7-mile winding trail on a self-guided tour. Interpretive signs along the way tell the story of the original town, including the old town hall, post office, and jail. A downloadable guide is available through the Valdez Historical Museum., and QR codes on the interpretive signs provide additional information.
One of the more unusual stories we discovered involved the Pinzon Bar. Besides being a place to socialize, it reportedly served as an unofficial headquarters for Alaska’s Democratic Party. Clinton J. Egan, brother of Alaska’s first elected governor, owned the business. Ironically, he permanently closed the bar on the same day the 1964 earthquake struck. A replica of the 40-foot bar is now displayed at the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive.
The most moving stop for us was the Valdez Memorial at the original post office site. The memorial honors those who lost their lives in the 1964 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, including victims from Valdez and Chenega. Another memorial plaque can be found at Valdez Memorial Cemetery on the Richardson Highway at Dayville Road.
2. Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery
A visit to the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery is a great addition to a one-day Valdez itinerary, especially if you’re interested in salmon and wildlife. Located just a short distance from town on Dayville Road, the hatchery is open seasonally from May through October and offers a self-guided tour explaining the life cycle of Alaska’s salmon.
Operated by the Valdez Fisheries Development Association (VFDA), the hatchery was built in 1982 and plays an important role in Alaska’s fisheries. The facility has the capacity to incubate, rear, and release hundreds of millions of salmon each year. Salmon begin arriving around mid-June, entering the facility through the fish ladder.
The returning salmon also attract plenty of wildlife. Sea lions, bald eagles, and bears are drawn to the abundance of fish, making this an especially interesting stop for wildlife watching. Bring binoculars if you have them and remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
We enjoyed walking through the exhibits and learning more about Alaska’s salmon fisheries. The hatchery collects eggs and milt from wild salmon returning to the Solomon Gulch area. The eggs are incubated at the facility, where the fish progress from eggs to fry and eventually smolt before being released into Solomon Gulch and ultimately the ocean.
One of the most interesting things we learned was how hatchery-raised salmon are identified. The facility uses otolith thermal marking, a process that creates distinctive patterns in the fish’s ear bones by exposing them to controlled temperature changes during incubation. These marks allow scientists to identify the origin of salmon when they return.
3. Guided Kayaking at Valdez Glacier
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to paddle right next to a glacier? We booked a guided kayaking tour with Anadyr Adventures at Valdez Glacier, and it was one of the highlights of our day in Valdez.
The guides provided everything we needed, including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, and led us safely through the glacial waters. We found the kayaks surprisingly stable and easy to maneuver. You do need to paddle around the icebergs and navigate carefully through the water, but that was part of what made the experience so much fun.
I always think the immense size of glaciers makes you feel tiny. Kayaking around the ice and through glacial tunnels was a completely different experience from seeing a glacier from a boat. It was life changing. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a beginner, we found this to be an unforgettable way to experience Valdez Glacier up close.
Note: The water at Valdez Glacier is freezing, so dress appropriately for kayaking. Warm, waterproof clothing, along with a hat and gloves will help keep you comfortable on the water.
4. Learn History Exploring the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive
This was our first stop after arriving in town. Located in downtown Valdez, the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive tells the story of the town, its people, and the events that shaped its history. The exhibits follow a timeline from the Alaska Native communities who lived in the area for thousands of years through Valdez’s development as a center for the fur trade, gold mining, and oil exploration.
We spent about two hours exploring the exhibits at the museum’s two locations on Egan Drive and Hazelet Avenue. The displays also highlight Valdez’s maritime heritage and its role as an important port on Prince William Sound.
Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964
One of the most compelling exhibits focuses on the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964. The magnitude 9.2 earthquake was the second-largest earthquake ever recorded and caused widespread destruction throughout Alaska. In Valdez, the violent ground shaking damaged buildings, infrastructure, and the waterfront before a series of tsunamis caused even more devastation.
The museum’s interactive exhibit brings the story to life through photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts from people who experienced the earthquake and its aftermath. Learning how the disaster changed Valdez helped us better understand why the original townsite was eventually abandoned and the community relocated.
Exxon Valdez and the Alyeska Pipeline
The museum also explores two other major events that shaped Valdez and the region. Exhibits about the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill document the environmental disaster and its profound impact on Prince William Sound and the surrounding communities.
Another exhibit focuses on the Alyeska Pipeline. Construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System began in 1974 and was completed in 1977. Stretching approximately 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, the pipeline was a remarkable engineering project that crossed some of Alaska’s most challenging terrain.
Whether you’re interested in Alaska Native history, the gold rush, maritime history, natural disasters, or the state’s oil industry, we found the museum to be an excellent introduction to the history of Valdez.
5. Trolley Tour Around Downtown Valdez
A guided trolley tour is an easy way to get an overview of Valdez while learning more about its history. We boarded the charming trolley and settled into our seats as our guide shared stories, historical facts, and local anecdotes along the way. The tour passes several points of interest, including the Valdez Small Boat Harbor, historic areas of town, and other notable landmarks.
One of our stops was the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum on the Prince William Sound College campus. The museum houses an incredible private collection of Inuit artifacts and Alaskan wildlife, including an extensive collection of taxidermy. We enjoyed getting off the trolley to explore the exhibits and learn more about Alaska’s Native cultures and wildlife.
While walking around the campus, we also discovered the Whispering Giant statue by Peter Toth. Since 1971, Toth has created his iconic “Whispering Giants” sculptures across the United States. The Valdez sculpture was his 40th and was completed in October 1981. Carved from Sitka spruce, it stands approximately 30 feet tall and weighs 85,000 pounds.
We didn’t expect to find the Whispering Giant during our trolley tour, but it turned out to be one of those unexpected discoveries that made exploring Valdez so much fun.
6. Valdez Waterfront Promenade & Small Boat Harbor
We enjoyed walking the Valdez Waterfront Promenade from the Marine Ferry Terminal toward the Small Boat Harbor. The paved pathway follows the waterfront with beautiful views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and Valdez Bay. Interpretive signs along the way provide information about the area’s history, wildlife, and geography.
We stopped at Kelsey Dock, a commercial and recreational dock that’s also popular with local anglers. We watched several people catching rockfish before continuing along the waterfront. A newer interpretive center at the dock provides information for cruise ship passengers along with several small exhibits.
The waterfront is also home to an impressive collection of public art. We came across colorful wood carvings of a jellyfish and mermaid, along with the Alaska Pipeline Memorial, also known as Workforce, by Malcolm Alexander.
Public Art and the Alaska Pipeline Memorial
The waterfront is also home to an impressive collection of public art. At Kelsey Dock, we found colorful wood carvings of a jellyfish and mermaid. The most impressive was the Alaska Pipeline Memorial, also known as Workforce, by Malcolm Alexander.
The memorial honors the thousands of workers who built the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. Located near the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal, the sculpture depicts five workers who helped make the massive project possible, including a woman teamster and an Alaska Native worker.
A plaque beside the sculpture bears the pipeline workers’ motto: “We didn’t know it couldn’t be done.” It’s a fitting tribute to the people who faced Alaska’s challenging terrain and weather to build a project that helped shape the state’s modern history.
7. Book a Fishing Charter Excursion
Valdez is renowned for its salmon and saltwater fishing, making a fishing charter another popular way to experience the area. Depending on the season, anglers can fish for salmon, halibut, rockfish, and lingcod in the waters around Prince William Sound.
If fishing is a priority for your one-day Valdez itinerary, be sure to check seasonal availability and allow enough time for a charter, as most trips take several hours.
8. A Must-Do Glacier Boat Tour of Prince William Sound
A glacier boat tour of Prince William Sound was the highlight of our time in Valdez. We booked an early tour with Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises to see Columbia Glacier, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Our tour began at 7:30 a.m. and lasted about six hours. Along the way, the guides shared fascinating information about the area’s natural and cultural history, including glacial formation and calving events. The scenery was incredible, with towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and the dramatic waters of Prince William Sound surrounding us.
Wildlife was another highlight. We watched for sea otters, seals, whales, and bald eagles throughout the trip. Be sure to bring your camera—you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture both the wildlife and spectacular scenery.
If you only have time for one major excursion in Valdez, this would be our choice.
9. Go on a Hike at Dock Point Park & Trail
If you have time for a short hike, the Dock Point Trail is an easy way to enjoy Valdez’s scenery without committing several hours to a longer trail. Located on a small peninsula near downtown, the one-mile loop typically takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.
The well-maintained trail combines gravel and boardwalk sections and offers panoramic views of the Small Boat Harbor, Duck Flats, and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. It’s an easy hike suitable for most visitors and a nice way to stretch your legs while taking in the scenery.
Note: Dock Point is next to the Small Boat Harbor and South Harbor Road. The area has ample parking, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Along the trail, interpretive signs provide information about the local flora, fauna, geology, and history, adding an educational element to the walk. The combination of scenery and easy access makes Dock Point a nice addition to a one-day itinerary in Valdez.
PRO TIP: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as conditions in Valdez can change quickly. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, especially during the summer months.
Richardson Highway Stops from Valdez
The Richardson Highway is the main road connecting Valdez with the rest of Alaska, stretching north through the interior to Fairbanks. The drive between Valdez and Glennallen is one of the most scenic stretches of the highway, with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery.
If you’re driving to or from Valdez, allow extra time for the roadside attractions along the way. We found some of our favorite views just by pulling off the highway and exploring.
1. Explore Worthington Glacier (MM 29)
Located about 28 miles east of Valdez, the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. provides easy access to one of Alaska’s spectacular glaciers. Visitors can view the glacier from the roadside or follow the trail toward the ice.
The glacier is approximately four miles long and one mile wide and sits at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. The glacier trail is a 2.3-mile loop, although conditions can vary depending on the season.
When we visited, we paid the parking fee and had the trail almost entirely to ourselves. Snow still covered much of the trail, and the only sounds we heard were the birds. It was solitude at its best.
Note: There is a day-use/parking fee at the recreation site. Picnic tables, restrooms, and a visitor center are available.
2. Drive Over Thompson Pass (MM 26)
At approximately 2,600 feet, Thompson Pass is one of the most impressive points along the Richardson Highway. The pass was named after explorer and prospector Frank Thompson, who discovered the route in 1899 while searching for gold.
Thompson Pass is famous for its incredible snowfall, averaging hundreds of inches each year. When we visited in spring, plenty of snow remained at the higher elevations. The unusually cold weather had slowed the normal spring melt, making the mountains look even more spectacular.
3. Discover the Spectacular Keystone Canyon (MM 12)
Keystone Canyon is one of the highlights of the drive into Valdez. Towering cliffs rise on either side of the highway, while waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides during the spring snowmelt.
The canyon also has an interesting history. Captain W.R. Abercrombie of the U.S. Army named it after Pennsylvania, the “Keystone State,” in 1898. He and his men cut a trail through the canyon and over Thompson Pass that same year. During the Klondike Gold Rush, the canyon became an important transportation route for miners and prospectors traveling toward the Yukon.
The Richardson Highway passes directly through the canyon, with several roadside pullouts where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.
Bridal Veil Falls (MM 14)
Our first stop was Bridal Veil Falls, one of the most prominent waterfalls in Keystone Canyon. The water drops approximately 1,000 feet down the mountainside, resembling a bride’s veil as it cascades over the rocks.
The waterfall was especially impressive when we visited because of the spring snowmelt. Even beneath the misty, cloud-covered sky, the sheer size of the falls was hard to miss.
Horsetail Falls
A short distance farther along the highway, we stopped at Horsetail Falls. Located right beside the road, the waterfall gets its name from its resemblance to a horse’s flowing tail.
The spring snowmelt made the falls particularly impressive during our visit. A short trail climbs the mountainside, providing opportunities for closer views and photographs.
4. Explore the Old Railroad Tunnel (MM 18.9)
The Old Railroad Tunnel is easy to miss just off the Richardson Highway. The parking area is beside Rundleston Falls near the bridge crossing the Lowe River.
Hand-drilled through solid rock, the approximately 360-foot tunnel was completed in 1910 and is one of the few remaining pieces of Valdez’s railroad era. An interpretive sign at the entrance explains the tunnel’s history and the competition among companies trying to establish a route to the Copper River region.
The project was eventually abandoned after a feud between competing companies escalated into a gun battle. The story was later featured in Rex Beach’s novel The Iron Trail.
Note: The tunnel is unlit and may have water on the ground. If you decide to walk through it, bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
Best Places to Dine in Valdez
Valdez has plenty of casual places to grab a meal, especially if you’re looking for fresh seafood or something quick between adventures. These are a few of the places we tried or discovered during our visit.
- Old Town Burgers — A casual spot for lunch or dinner with a welcoming atmosphere and outdoor seating during the summer.
- The Roadside Potato Head — Located near the harbor, this small, casual restaurant serves potato-based dishes and burritos. We had discovered its sister location in McCarthy earlier in our trip.
- The Fat Mermaid — Located on the waterfront, this funky restaurant is a great place to enjoy seafood while taking in the harbor views. We stopped here for lunch and enjoyed the fish and chips.
- The Nat Shack — A seasonal food truck near the harbor serving dishes such as salmon poke bowls, Korean-style beef tacos, and Baja fish tacos. We happened to discover it during our visit and enjoyed the variety.
Best Places to Play and Stay in Valdez
If you’re spending more than one day in Valdez, you’ll find several lodging options around town and the surrounding area. Here are a few options to consider:
- Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn — Located in the heart of Valdez near the harbor, making it a convenient base for exploring town.
- Totem Hotel & Suites — A locally owned option with spacious rooms and amenities including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and breakfast.
- Keystone Hotel — A historic hotel offering a convenient downtown location and a cozy atmosphere.
- Robe Lake Lodge — Located about 10 miles from Valdez, this rustic lodge offers a more secluded setting with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Eagle’s Rest RV Park and Cabins — A good option for RV travelers, with RV sites, cabins, and tent sites.
Final Thoughts: Epic One Day Itinerary Discovering Valdez Alaska
Valdez may be a small town, but we quickly discovered there is a lot to experience here. Our itinerary Discovering Valdez Alaska gave us a fascinating look at its history, from the original townsite and the 1964 earthquake to the Alyeska Pipeline and the town’s connection to Prince William Sound.
But it was the combination of history and incredible scenery that made Valdez so memorable for us. From kayaking alongside the glacier to watching wildlife on Prince William Sound and exploring the waterfalls along the Richardson Highway, every part of the day offered something different.
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, we think Valdez deserves a place on your itinerary. One day will give you a great introduction to this remarkable coastal town, but if you have more time, there is plenty more to explore.
What would you include on your one-day Valdez itinerary? Which of these experiences would you most like to try? Let us know in the comments below!
