Location: Valdez
Top Things to do in Valdez
The 9 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Valdez, Alaska (AK)
Valdez /vælˈdiːz/,/vəlˈdɛz/ (Alutiiq: Suacit) is a city in Valdez-Cordova Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. According to the 2010 US Census, the population of the city is 3,976. The city was named in 1790 after the Spanish Navy Minister Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán. A former Gold Rush town, it is located at the head of a fjord on the eastern side of Prince William Sound. The port did not flourish until after the road link to Fairbanks was constructed in 1899. It suffered huge damage during the 1964 Alaska earthquake, and is located near the site of the disastrous 1989 Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill. Today it is one of the most important ports in Alaska, a commercial fishing port as well as a freight terminal.
Restaurants in Valdez
1. Columbia Glacier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 242 reviews
The largest tidewater glacier in Alaska.
Reviewed By wsultemeier - Oklahoma City, United States
A remarkable day! Views, animals, kayaking, glacier, glacier ice and great guide. The equipment was exceptional as well.
2. Keystone Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 179 reviews
Area known for great river rafting.
Reviewed By andreamV2711SW
The drive around to Valdez is spectacular and I've seen lots of spectacular scenery. A must do experience. I selected January 2020 but it was actually 20+ years ago.
3. Alaska Guide Co
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Guided glacier hikes, iceberg tours, rock and ice climbing around Valdez and Worthington Glacier. Operating year round by local residents, we are experts on the area. Join us to climb inside and under a glacier or canoe inside an iceberg, our tours not only show you the best of Valdez but leave you with a sense of thrill and adventure. We also offer custom private tours, and northern lights tours.
4. Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 399 reviews
Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises has been at home in Valdez and Prince William Sound since 1971. Known then as North Star Marine Charters, Stan and Mary Helen Stephens operated fishing and hunting charters on their first vessel the 26 foot m/v Mary Helen. Seven year later in 1978, the entire family joined the business as Stan, Mary Helen and their three daughters operated their first tour to Columbia Glacier on board the m/v Vince Peede. At this time the company changed it name to Stan Stephens Charters, Inc., and to Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises in 2003. Between 1987 and today Stan, Mary Helen, their daughters and extended family (also know as co-workers) have worked to develop their operations and increased awareness of Valdez and the Sound amongst travelers. During this time the company has operated a variety of tour boats between the three larger communities of Prince William Sound; Valdez, Whittier and Cordova. In addition to operating cruises, Stan Stephens Cruises also operated Growler Island Wilderness camp located just south of Columbia Glacier for 15 years. On Good Friday 1989, life for the residents of Prince William Sound changed when the Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef. Stan's vessels were some of the first to carry response observers to the site. Due to the need for spill research, the Stephens's purchased two additional boats. It was the early days of the spill as Stan was observing the response that he dedicated the remainder of his life to working with industry to protect Prince William Sound. Today, the crew at Stan Stephens Cruises lives by Stan's example and works to share the corner of Alaska he worked so hard to protect. Since 1971 the vessels and tours that Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises have operated have changed, but the one thing that has not changed is their commitment to the customer and the company's long term dedication to the Valdez and Prince William Sound.
5. Worthington Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
An accessible glacier with a hiking trail that offers spectacular views.
Reviewed By seescokid - Grand Rapids, United States
The drive down to the Worthington glacier from Glen Ellen is awesome and the ride into Valdese the same just spectacular scenery on the most beautiful drives. A nice little stop off point and you can walk up fairly close and get a good look at the remaining glacier just an awesome place
6. Anadyr Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Half day to 7 day wilderness kayaking expeditions departing from Valdez Alaska. Glacier kayaking at it's finest with small group sizes and naturalist trained guides.
7. The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
The Valdez Museum preserves and presents the heritage and culture of Valdez, the Copper River Basin, and Prince William Sound.
Reviewed By briand790 - Denver, United States
I love this museum. It has great artifacts and is very well planned out. The museum takes you chronologically through the entire history of Valdez from native beginnings to modern life. It chronicles the development of the town and how it became a destination for living as well as visiting. Many interesting artifacts are presented that tie to the stories that are shown throughout the museum. You'll see history of the native Alaskan people, the gold miners, the development of roads and highways, the earthquake, the building of the Alaska pipeline, a sinking cruise ship rescue, the world famous oil spill, and the associated recovery that is still underway today. The staff was very nice and helpful at the museum and they have an excellent souvenir gift shop with a great selection of books and other items. I found the Shrimp Whisperer postcards and calendar here! Fun and unique items like this, not to be missed. If you are visiting Valdez, you need to stop in here for the full history of this great town. Don't forget to look out front on the lawn for the permanent resident bunnies that roam free in Valdez.
8. Lu Lu Belle Glacier Wildlife Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Join Captain Fred Rodolf on board the Lu-Lu Belle, as he takes you to the mighty Columbia Glacier, the second-largest tidewater glacier in North America and largest in Prince William Sound. Experience some of the most spectacular calving events in the world, from the decks on the Lu-Lu Belle. See for yourself as the ice falls into the sea causing thunderous explosions resulting in massive plumes of spray and wave activity. We will stay at the glacier for at least an hour to make sure you have a chance to photograph and/or record some of those amazing events.
9. Valdez Glacier Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By runningspots - New Orleans, United States
Its the best thing to see in Valdez. You can drive right up to the lake and park. A natural dam broke with week before from heavy rains. So the iceburgs were not only in the lake, they were on shore. Beautiful site even on a cloudy day. I wish now we'd have kayaked out to the glacier to view more of this beauty!
