Sitka, Alaska : The Guide to the Wild, Weird, and Wonderfully Historic Island City || Weezle (2025)
- WZL
- Nov 10
- 8 min read
Hungry?
Thirsty?
Sleepy?
Be Active
Go 2 Event
What is Sitka, Alaska famous for?
The heart of the Russian influence in Alaska and once served as the capital of Russian America.
Was The Proposal actually filmed in Sitka?
The Alaskan town of Sitka was actually filmed in Rockport, Mass for the Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White 2009 film The Proposal.
What is winter like in Sitka, Alaska?
Sitka's winter season is very mild; although temperatures can drop and we'll get a few inches of snow, most of the season is like Seattle's, but with more rain. While winter is technically the “slow” time of year, there are numerous community happenings that are sure to keep you busy.
Can you get to Sitka, Alaska by car?
How to get to Sitka, Alaska Sitka is located on an island in Southeast Alaska, so you can only get there by boat or flying. You cannot drive to Sitka. You can fly to Sitka on a commercial jet from Seattle (with a stop in either Juneau or Ketchikan), Anchorage (with a stop in Juneau) or from Juneau.
Key Takeaway: Sitka in 2025 is where Tlingit tradition, Russian domes, and Pacific wildness collide—think halibut ceviche for breakfast, craft beer with fishermen, hiking rainforests to totem poles, and sleeping in a seaside A-frame. This is your up-to-date, no-BS, millennial-approved guide to eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and event-hopping in Alaska’s most unique island city. Ready to spin the wheel for your next adventure? Let’s go!
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
Hungry? The Top Places to Eat in Sitka (2025 Edition)
Sitka’s food scene is as wild and eclectic as its history—think fresh-caught halibut, NY-style pizza, and breakfast with a view of volcanoes. Here’s where to fuel up:
American Food or Breakfast Spots
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Beak Restaurant | 216+ | 4.6 | Rockfish ceviche, halibut fish & chips, creative brunch | |
Highliner Coffee | 180+ | 4.6 | Breakfast, pastries, espresso, local art | |
The Galley | N/A | N/A | Black cod tips, halibut, steaks, pasta |
Key Finding: Beak is the local legend for inventive seafood and brunch, while Highliner Coffee is the go-to for cozy vibes and killer pastries.
Asian Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Asian Palace | 52+ | 4.0 | Chinese, Asian fusion, big portions | N/A |
Thai Alaska Kitchen | <100 | N/A | Pad Thai, green curry, food truck | N/A |
Middle Eastern Food
Sorry, falafel fans—Sitka’s still waiting for its first major Middle Eastern spot. If you’re a chef with a dream, this is your sign.
Mexican Food
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Pizza Express | 104+ | 4.0 | Pizza, tacos, burritos, enchiladas | |
Yuyo’s Pizza & Mexican Kitchen | <100 | 5.0 | Enchiladas, pizza, homemade sauces | N/A |
La Catrina (Food Truck) | <100 | N/A | Tacos, burritos, salsa | N/A |
European / Best Pizza
Restaurant | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Mean Queen | 254+ | 4.3 | NY-style pizza, breakfast, American fare | |
Ludvig’s Bistro | 397+ | 4.6 | Paella, seafood, house-made pasta |
Key Finding: Mean Queen is the pizza king, but Ludvig’s is the spot for a Mediterranean date night with Alaskan flair.
Thirsty? Top Places for Beer, Cocktails, and Coffee
Whether you want to sip a Kölsch with fishermen, dance at a dive, or caffeinate for your next rainforest hike, Sitka’s got you covered.
Hipster, Dive, Historical, LGBTQ+ Locations
Pioneer Bar
The “P Bar”—Sitka’s living dive legend. Fishermen, townies, and a jukebox that’s seen it all. 4.5 stars, 100+ reviews. No website, just vibes.
Ernie’s Old Time Saloon
Wood-paneled, neon-lit, and the friendliest crowd in town. 4.6 stars, 60+ reviews. All are welcome.
Mean Queen
Pizza, pool, and a “gay, disabled, and family friendly” rep. Trivia, music, and a central spot for all.
Best for Music
Bayview Pub
Live music, open mics, and panoramic views. 450+ reviews, 3.9 stars. sitkabayviewpub.com
Mean Queen
Regular events, trivia, and a welcoming crowd.
Best for Dancing
Ernie’s Old Time Saloon
The only place in town where the dance floor appears when the music’s right.
Best for Speakeasy, Brewery, or Hidden Bars
Harbor Mountain Brewing Company
Sitka’s craft beer HQ. 4.7 stars, rotating taps, trivia, and pop-up food. harbormountainbrewing.com
907 Beer Garden
Outdoor, local brews, and a perfect 5.0-star start. Chill, communal, and rising fast.
Best Sports Bar
Bayview Pub
Big screens, game-day energy, and the best beer list in town.
Mean Queen
Pool, TVs, and a lively crowd for every big game.
Best Coffee
Coffee Shop | Reviews | Stars | Specialties | Website |
Highliner Coffee Co. | 180+ | 4.6 | Espresso, pastries, local art | |
The Back Door Cafe | 80+ | 4.4 | Baked goods, cozy, behind a bookstore | N/A |
WildFlour Café & Bakery | 13+ | 4.8 | French pastries, brunch, bread | |
Sitka Flowers & The Chocolate Moose | N/A | N/A | Espresso, chocolates, flowers | N/A |
Fisheye Coffee | 67+ | 4.2 | Drive-up, espresso, smoothies | N/A |
Sleepy? Where to Crash in Sitka
From luxury island lodges to cozy B&Bs and historic hotels, Sitka’s got a bed for every budget and vibe.
Luxury Hotels
Talon Lodge & Spa
Private island, oceanfront, gourmet cuisine, spa, and fishing. 4.9/5 stars, $1,200–$2,000/night (all-inclusive). talonlodge.com
Southeast Resort (formerly Westmark Sitka)
Harbor views, modern rooms, walkable downtown. 4.2/5 stars, $220–$350/night.
Historical Hotels
Sitka Hotel and Restaurant
Gold Rush-era charm, renovated, steps from the harbor. 4.0/5 stars, $180–$250/night. sitkahotel.com
Totem Square Hotel & Marina
Waterfront, marina access, 4.1/5 stars, $160–$220/night.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels
Eagle Bay Inn
Quiet, free shuttles, 4.5/5 stars, $120–$160/night. eaglebayinn.com
Aspen Suites Hotel Sitka
Modern suites, kitchenettes, 4.6/5 stars, $150–$220/night. aspenhotelsak.com/sitka
Super 8 by Wyndham Sitka
Reliable, free breakfast, 3.8/5 stars, $110–$150/night.
Best Boutique or Bed and Breakfast Hotels
Wild Strawberry Lodge
All-inclusive fishing, hearty meals, 4.8/5 stars, $350+/night. wildstrawberrylodge.com
Longliner Lodge and Suites
Waterfront, comfy beds, 4.7/5 stars, $180–$250/night. longlinerlodge.com
Water’s Edge Bungalow
Seaside, up-close wildlife, 4.9/5 stars, $250–$350/night.
Thimbleberry Bay House
Hot tub, private beach, sleeps 9, $300–$450/night.
Raven’s Roost Cedar A-Frame Cabin
Rustic, firepit, kayak, $200–$300/night.
Best Trade Show or Conference Hotels
Aspen Suites Hotel Sitka
Business center, meeting space, 4.6/5 stars, $150–$220/night.
Southeast Resort
Meeting rooms, event space, $220–$350/night.
Totem Square Hotel & Marina
Event/meeting space, $160–$220/night.
BE ACTIVE: Where to Get Your Sweat (or Chill) On
Sitka is basically a giant outdoor gym with a side of adrenaline. Here’s how to get moving:
Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
Hames Center
30,000 sq ft, basketball, weights, cardio, climbing wall, group classes, and a community vibe. hamescenter.org
The Studio by Emily
Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, and spa services. Facebook
Sitka Total Fitness
Weights, cardio, and a friendly local crowd.
Best Golf Course
Sea Mountain Golf Course
9 holes, ocean views, “toughest 9-hole course in Alaska.” $50–$70, cart included. seamountaingolf.org
Best Hikes & Trails
Sitka National Historical Park (Totem Park):
Flat, totem-lined rainforest trails, salmon runs, and history.
Cross Trail:
8-mile gravel path, connects neighborhoods, great for running and biking.
Kaasda Héen (Indian River) Trail:
Moderate, turquoise river, waterfall, wildlife.
Harbor Mountain/Gavan Hill Trail:
Steep, alpine, panoramic views.
Mount Verstovia Trail:
Strenuous, epic vistas, summit challenge.
Thimbleberry Lake/Heart Lake Trail:
Swimming holes, boardwalks, local favorite.
Mosquito Cove & Herring Cove/Beaver Lake:
Forest, shoreline, and lake loops.
Best Ski Resorts & Winter Activities
Backcountry Skiing:
Bear Mountain, Mount Verstovia—bring your skins and avalanche gear!
Snowshoeing, ice fishing, and winter hiking are all on the menu.
Best Beaches, Lakes, and Rivers
Thimbleberry Lake & Heart Lake:
Swimming, picnics, and fishing.
Indian River:
Wildlife viewing, salmon runs, photography.
Halibut Point Recreation Area:
Beachcombing, tidepools, and picnics.
Sitka Sound:
World-class sea kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife tours.
Best Fitness Coaches
Hames Center Instructors:
ACE, ACSM, yoga, Pilates, spinning, and more. Hames Center Instructors
Alicia Haseltine, PT, DPT, CMPT (Medicine by Movement Wellness and PT):
Manual PT, injury prevention, group classes, and holistic coaching.
Jay Shadowolf (Capital Fitness):
Private, one-on-one training, corrective exercise, nutrition.
Best Hunting
Sitka Black-Tailed Deer, Black Bear, Waterfowl:
Boat-based, remote, and wild. Alaska Department of Fish & Game
Guided Hunts:
Alaska Coastal Outfitters, Sitka Alaska Outfitters.
Go 2 Event: Top Event Locations for Concerts, Art, History & More
Sitka’s event scene is as eclectic as its weather. Here’s where to get your culture fix:
Best Zoos or Animals
Fortress of the Bear:
Orphaned brown bear sanctuary, raised viewing platforms, education. fortressofthebear.org
Alaska Raptor Center:
Bald eagle rehab, flight training, live raptor shows. alaskaraptor.org
Sitka Sound Science Center:
Salmon hatchery, touch tanks, marine exhibits. sitkascience.org
Wildlife Viewing Tours:
Whales, otters, sea lions—book with Sitka Alaska Outfitters or Sitka Sea Level Adventures.
Best Sporting Events or Local Sports Teams
Sitka Salmon Derby:
Annual king salmon competition, Memorial Day weekends. sitkasalmonderby.org
Sitka High Wolves & Mt. Edgecumbe Braves:
Baseball, basketball, football, and more. Local pride!
Sea Mountain Golf Course:
Tournaments, leagues, and epic views.
Best Plays or Music Venues
Sitka Performing Arts Center (SPAC):
608-seat theater, concerts, plays, dance, and more. fineartscamp.org
Harrigan Centennial Hall:
Waterfront auditorium, home to Sitka Music Festival and Alaska Day events.
Sitka Music Festival:
World-class chamber music, June festival, free community concerts. sitkamusicfestival.org
Sitka Jazz Festival:
February, three days of jazz, workshops, and student showcases.
Bayview Pub, Ernie’s, Pioneer Bar:
Live music, open mics, and local bands.
Best Art Events or Locations
Artist Cove Gallery:
Native basketry, sculpture, jewelry, and more. artistcovegallery.com
Island Artists Gallery:
Co-op, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, First Friday Art Walks.
Sitka Center for Art and Ecology:
Workshops, residencies, and the annual Art Invitational. sitkacenter.org
Alaska Storytellers:
Live performance, Tlingit and Russian history, dance, and multimedia. alaskastorytellers.com
Annual Events:
Wearable Arts Show, Arti Gras, Sitka Artisans Market.
History of the Town & What to Be Proud Of
Sitka National Historical Park:
Oldest national park in Alaska, totem poles, 1804 battle site. nps.gov/sitk
St. Michael’s Cathedral:
Iconic Russian Orthodox church, onion dome, historic icons.
Russian Bishop’s House:
Restored Russian colonial architecture, museum.
Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall:
National Historic Landmark, Tlingit culture, community events.
Sitka Historical Society & Museum:
Tlingit, Russian, and American artifacts, model of 1867 Sitka. sitkahistory.org
Sheldon Jackson Museum:
Alaska Native artifacts, regalia, and art. museums.alaska.gov
Alaska Day Festival:
October, parade, reenactments, and the state’s biggest history party.
Community Shoutouts & Local Legends
Top Real Estate Agent: Candi C. Barger, Sitka Realty—nearly 50 years of local expertise, #1 in the region.
Best Coach: Alicia Haseltine, PT, DPT, CMPT—Medicine by Movement Wellness and PT, holistic health and injury prevention.
Local Music Artist: Nicholas Galanin—Tlingit/Unangax̂ artist, musician (Ya Tseen), and international creative force.
Unique Businesses:
Abby’s Reflection Quilt & Apparel (Sitka-themed fabrics)
57 Peaks (Alaska-inspired leggings)
WinterSong Soap Company (handmade soaps, local scents)
Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company (Sitka Spruce Tip salt)
Sitka Sound Seafoods (local catch, smoked salmon)
Artist Cove Gallery (Native art)
Goldsmith Gallery (jewelry, glass wildlife)
Russian American Company (Russian crafts, matryoshka kits)
Sitka Bazaar (local jewelry, crafts)
Cabin Fever Gallery (artist-owned, local art)
Sea Mart Quality Foods (beloved local grocery)
Call to Action
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Key Finding:Sitka is the rare city where you can hike to a totem pole, eat halibut ceviche, catch a jazz concert, and kayak with whales—all in one day. The only thing missing is you.
Disclaimer Redux:
This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
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