You guys know that feeling when you find those places that just calm your soul? We found one of those this past weekend in Valdez, Alaska. This has been one of our Fort Wainwright bucket list trips, but we didn’t know when we’d be able to make it happen. Finally, about two months ago, we bit the bullet, bought fishing tickets, and decided to just go – despite the cost, mind you – and I’m so glad we did. We just spent one weekend in Valdez, Alaska, and I can honestly say it wasn’t enough time. We’ll need to go back. The salmon fishing charter was epic, but Valdez is just as magical, so we’re sharing where we stayed, where we played, and what makes Valdez so magical.

All About Valdez

Located about 365 miles (or 6.5 hours south) of Fairbanks lies Valdez, Alaska. Nestled on the northeast tip of the Prince William Sound, Valdez is a gem of a town, offering a unique and bustling hub for tourists and locals, alike. Most people may have heard of it in passing because of the 1964 earthquake that decimated the town or the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, but the town has rebounded from both, offering  a refuge of beauty for visitors from around the world to experience its beauty.

People flock to Valdez for a number of reasons. Glacier tours are offered by land, sea, or air. Kayaking and fishing have become synonymous with the name “Valdez,” and the winter sports are bar none, as the Chugach Mountains nearby get between 600 and 900 inches of snow each year. It’s a magical little fishing port town that’s equal parts sleepy and boisterous, beautiful and quaint.

How We Spent One Weekend in Valdez, Alaska

Because of Ryan’s TDY schedule, we knew we had a tight timeline in visiting Valdez, so one weekend is really all we had this time. And, though it wasn’t nearly enough, I’m so glad we made the long trip because it was stunning. We visited Valdez primarily for a salmon fishing adventure, and everything else was just gravy.

We made our way down early Friday morning, and we arrived in the early evening at Valdez RV Park. Our new neighbors let us borrow their camper, so we switched our reservation from tent camping at Valdez KOA Journey (due to initial inclement weather), and stayed at the RV park instead. Our schedule was packed; setting up camp, dining, fishing a full day, (hopefully) packing out our haul, more dining, and then a long drive back home…and the trip delivered in spades.

Where to Stay in Downtown Valdez

There is no shortage of places to stay in Valdez. We had a camper, so we chose to stay at Valdez RV Park, which we chose because of its walkability to the waterfront. We absolutely loved the location, and we’d stay there again in a heartbeat. There are plenty of other options of places to stay in Valdez though, including:

• Eagle’s Rest RV Park
• Bear Paw RV Park
• Valdez KOA Journey
• Best Western-Valdez Harbor Inn
• Keystone Hotel
• Mountain Sky Hotel & Suites

There are also a number of public use cabins to stay that require varying forms of transportation to access them. We were grateful for the place we picked, and we can’t recommend it enough! It cost us $130 for two nights, full hookups, and pull-through access, and it was worth every penny.

Where to Eat in Valdez, Alaska

Valdez actually has a surprisingly diverse food scene and, if staying downtown, it’s walkable and super accessible. From classic American diner fare to seafood, Mexican, rolled ice cream, and Alaskan treats, there really is something for everyone. We ate at the Fat Mermaid our first night, and before we left, we ordered from The Potato, which was amazing. Here’s where to eat in Valdez:

• The Fat Mermaid
• The Potato
• Old Town Diner
• The Nat Shack
• Poor Betty’s
• Glacier Grindz

What to Do in Valdez with Kids

Obviously, fishing is one of the biggest draws to Valdez, Alaska, but there is so much to that beautiful region of Alaska! As we drove in, Ryan and I both commented that the drive alone would have been worth it for the absolutely epic views. There are waterfalls all around, you pass the Worthington Glacier, and the thick fog gave way to huge mountains, lakes, and rolling hills all around. I wish we’d had more than one weekend in Valdez to explore, and I think we might have to go back before we move next year. Here are some of the best things to do in Valdez with kids:

• Visit the Solomon Gulf Hatchery
• Hike Mineral Creek Trail
• Visit Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls
• Fish from shore from Allison Point
• Explore Worthington Glacier on your way down (or back up)
• Hike and play around Blueberry Lake

Overall, our one weekend in Valdez, Alaska was just not enough; we would’ve loved to spend a whole week exploring. Yes. It’s that beautiful. If you can’t afford to do a fishing charter, I promise you that the drive and a weekend camping down there is worth it just to visit. From the food trucks downtown to the waterfront views, soaring mountains and endless waterfalls, Valdez is perfection.