Originally Posted by
Bkniaz
Looks like I am going to have a couple of nights that I may spend in Sitka Alaska.
A few questions:
1) Where would you stay, if you had 2 nights there?
2) Is there enough to keep you buys for 2 days there?
3) Any recommendations for things to do in Sitka?
This will be a side trip of a trip for 10 days in Anchorage.
I just got back from a day trip in Sitka, and will try to offer suggestions for those who search SIT or Sitka, Alaska, ideas, what to do,
:
Sitka is a fishing town, I thought it was the equivalent of a larger Homer. Thankfully its all walkable, and it took me 25 minutes from the airport to downtown. (Walking - FREE ^)
From there, there are several
National Park sites one can explore. I thought the Bishop House tour was really cool, as there was only 3 of us seeing the top floor of the canary yellow house, with much of its original furnishings, and the Bishops private chapel. Its construction was impressive as well... built by Finnish shipbuilders, it was basically a big ship ^. $4 for the 'private' tour.
Their other area is a cultural center for the Native people of the southeast, with displays, a 14 minute video, and native people working on their trades, such as carving, basket weaving, and metalworking. There is also a nice walk in the park with totem poles displayed. $4 for inside exhibits.
St. Michael's Cathedral is also a mainstay in Sitka, so stop by and check it out. Yes, its reconstructed as the original burned down in the 60's... but still worth a stop. Requested donation of $2.
Castle Hill is designated as a State Park, but has played host to various structures over the years, initially as a visual outpost for the Tlingit... then the headquarters for the Russian America company for Baranof. Then, after his retirement, Baranof's Castle (Big building for Russian America Company), and finally (these kept burning down) an Agriculture building for the govt of USA, being removed in 1950's... Its significance other then having a good view of the city itself is that's where Alaska was officially passed over to the USA. This is celebrated apparently each year in October on Seward's Day...
There are other things to do there as well that I didn't do on my 8 hour trip...
The Raptor Center proves to be interesting (they take care of injured birds)
Myriad of hiking trails
Beachcombing
And of course, if you are interested, take a boat for either sightseeing, or fishing. And since this is called Flyertalk... there is the option for fly in too on a float plane
So depending on what you want to do, and how fast you walk, (especially if you add on a day of fishing) there should be plenty to do for two days or more.