When planning your trip to Valdez, Alaska, you’ll need to know what to see and do. Luckily, there are plenty of options. The city is known as the snow capital of the United States, and has incredible views of waterfalls, glaciers, and mountains.
Shoup Glacier
If you’ve never been to Valdez, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. This city is home to incredible glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains. It’s also a popular spot for outdoor sports, such as skiing and snowmobiling. The city also has many opportunities to view northern lights.
Valdez is a beautiful coastal city in Alaska. It sits on the shore of Prince William Sound and is home to the southern terminal of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Although this city has an industrial past, it has also been a center for many other events throughout Alaska’s history. From the Gold Rush to the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Valdez has seen its share of dramatic events. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful landscape and concentration of glaciers.
The glacier is easily accessible by boat, kayak, or helicopter. It’s also possible to hike to it if you’re an experienced hiker. This 8.5-mile trek offers fabulous views and a kittiwake rookery. You can also arrange for a motorboat to take you back to Valdez from the Shoup Glacier.
Meares Glacier
Meares Glacier is a must-see while visiting Valdez. You can go whale watching on a tour and spot various species of whales as well as other marine life. You may also see bears and bald eagles. You can also enjoy a lunch on the glacier while on the tour. If you prefer to enjoy your lunch in the comfort of a local restaurant, you can choose the Fat Mermaid on North Harbor Drive. It offers a full beverage service, with 25 craft beers on tap.
While in Valdez, you can also learn about the history of the area. The city was originally located along the waterfront until the 1964 earthquake destroyed it. A tsunami also accompanied the quake, causing the town to be relocated four miles up the road. Today, the city is home to two museums. The museum is currently housed in two separate buildings, although plans are underway to build a new museum with a larger space. Exhibits include information on the pipeline and the region’s natural and cultural history. In addition, the Hazelet Avenue museum houses a 1:20 scale model of Old Town Valdez, depicting the city’s existence prior to the 1964 earthquake.
One of the best ways to experience Valdez’s natural attractions is to visit Meares Glacier. This glacier sits in the mouth of the Unakwik Inlet and is farther away from Valdez than other glaciers in the area. Day boat tours can take you close to the glacier, with many opportunities for wildlife sightings. You can also enjoy a short hike on the Dock Point Trail. The trail offers views of the harbor cove, the Duck Flats wetlands, and the rich animals of the temperate boreal rainforest.
Horsetail Falls
If you’re interested in nature, Horsetail Falls is a great place to explore. It is located on the shores of Shoup Bay and can be accessed via a trail that is wheelchair accessible. The area is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including polar bears. If you’re interested in history, make sure to check out the town’s museum and historical archive.
Located on the Richardson Highway, Horsetail Falls is a must-visit location. The waterfall drops 377 feet into Mendenhall Lake and is home to one of the first pieces of ice climbed in Valdez, Alaska. The waterfall is located approximately three quarter miles south of the active face of Mendenhall Glacier. There’s a pullout available for those who wish to climb the waterfall.
Valdez is one of the most important cities in Alaska, and there are plenty of things to do here. The town is home to several waterfalls and is surrounded by majestic mountains. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you can check out the Valdez Museum. It has exhibits on the history of the region, including early explorers, the 1898 Gold Rush, and the oil industry. Another great place to visit is Old Town Valdez.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a gorgeous natural attraction located just outside of Valdez, Alaska. Its ice caves and large icebergs make for a spectacular setting. The town itself is small but offers many fun activities for visitors, including a visit to the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive. The museum has a collection of historical artifacts and exhibits that will help you learn about Valdez’s fascinating past.
There’s also a museum in the city that has fascinating exhibits on local history and the oil industry. There are also exhibits that explore the culture of the native Alaskans and the gold rush. Admission is $5 for adults; kids under 13 are free.
Another natural attraction in Valdez is the Shoup Bay State Marine Park. It’s located about five miles southwest of the Valdez Port and is primarily accessible by boat. The park is also home to a black-legged kittiwake rookery and 150-foot tidal waves. Whether you’re a bird lover or just want to spend some time outside, you’ll find many different wildlife species here.
You’ll find many other activities and places to explore in Valdez, Alaska. The Valdez Museum is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike. And of course, don’t miss the spectacular views the area has to offer. The Chugach Mountains, with their thick snowfields and snow-capped mountain tips, surround the town and provide a unique landscape for the outdoor enthusiast. You’ll find numerous hiking trails and winter sports in this beautiful region.
Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
If you’re looking for something to do in Valdez, you’ll find a wide variety of activities. You can go ice climbing or kayaking, and there are numerous opportunities to see wildlife. There are also two museums to visit on Egan Drive, one of which is dedicated to the area’s history. The museum was founded by Joseph Bourke in 1901.
The museum features a variety of exhibits that illustrate early copper mining. Visitors can learn about the railroad that carried the rich copper ore to nearby towns, including Tacoma, Washington. The museum’s reconstructed log village and territorial schoolhouse are two other exhibits to view.
If you’re looking for a museum that offers a more hands-on experience, the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum is a must-visit. The museum has the largest collection of Native Alaskan art in the world, and the museum has recently relocated to a larger space. Aside from its exhibits, the museum also features displays about the natural history of Alaska. Visitors can also see fossils, ivory carvings, and wildlife mounts. The museum is free to visit, and there are several different tours available.
The museum opened to the public on May 27th, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays.
Old Valdez Exhibit
The Old Valdez Exhibit, located in the town’s historic downtown, is an excellent place to learn about the town’s history. The exhibit features a touch-screen kiosk that features interviews with earthquake survivors, a furnished section of the Old Town house, and exhibits about the town’s firefighting history.
Another great place to visit in Valdez is the Whitney Museum of Alaska Native Art. This museum is home to the largest collection of Alaska Native art in the world. It features beadwork, masks, and other pieces made from Alaska Native materials. The museum is located on Lowe Street in Valdez. There are guided tours of the museum available, as well as half-day and full-day excursions.
The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive are also worth a visit. You can learn more about the town’s history and the Trans-Alaska pipeline while touring the exhibits. You can also view photographs and artifacts of pioneer life.
The Valdez hatchery is another wonderful place to see wildlife. In July and September, salmon return to the hatchery and weir to spawn. You can also view the fish ladder and learn about the life cycle of salmon.