Alaska, Cruise Ports, Port Adventures, Valdez, Alaska

Valdez Alaska Cruise Port Guide – Top Things to Do

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I trust.
A turquoise lake surrounded by forested hills and towering snow‑capped mountains under a bright blue sky.
Valdez is surrounded by towering mountains, calm fjords, and some of the most dramatic scenery in coastal Alaska.

Valdez is one of Alaska’s most breathtaking coastal towns, surrounded by towering mountains, deep fjords, and some of the state’s most accessible glaciers. This Valdez Alaska Cruise Port Guide highlights why travelers are drawn to its dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and peaceful small‑town charm. Whether you’re cruising through Prince William Sound, visiting the famous Worthington Glacier, or exploring the town’s rich history, Valdez offers a mix of adventure and tranquility that feels distinctly different from other Alaska ports.

This Valdez Alaska Cruise Port Guide highlights the top experiences that showcase the best of this scenic Alaska destination.

Below, you’ll find the top experiences that showcase the best of Valdez during a cruise‑port day.

1. Cruise Prince William Sound

A calm blue lake surrounded by evergreen forest and snow‑covered mountains under a clear sky in Alaska.
Prince William Sound is known for its glacier‑fed lakes, rugged mountains, and peaceful coastal scenery.

A cruise through Prince William Sound is the signature experience in Valdez, offering some of the most dramatic glacier and wildlife scenery in Alaska. Visitors glide past towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and massive tidewater glaciers like Columbia or Meares. The calm, protected waters make the journey smooth, while the abundance of wildlife—sea otters, seals, whales, and seabirds—adds constant excitement. Many tours include time spent watching glacier calving, where huge chunks of ice crash into the water. The combination of pristine landscapes and close‑up glacier views makes this one of the most unforgettable excursions in the region. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Prince William Sound cruise guide.

2. Visit Worthington Glacier

A blue‑tinted glacier beside a rocky cliff with a powerful waterfall cascading into white rapids under a bright sky.
Worthington Glacier offers dramatic views of blue ice, rugged rock, and meltwater waterfalls just off the Richardson Highway.

Worthington Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, located along the scenic Richardson Highway just outside Valdez. Visitors can walk well‑maintained trails to viewpoints overlooking the blue ice, with opportunities to see crevasses, meltwater streams, and the surrounding mountain scenery. The glacier is part of a state recreation site, making it easy to explore at your own pace. It’s a great option for travelers who want a glacier experience without a long hike or boat tour. The drive itself is stunning, passing through Thompson Pass and offering sweeping views of alpine landscapes. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Worthington Glacier guide.

3. Explore the Valdez Museum & Historical Archive

An antique forklift sitting beside the bay in Valdez, Alaska, at the former Old Town site that was destroyed in the 1964 earthquake.
This antique forklift sits along the bay in Old Valdez, a quiet reminder of the town that was destroyed in the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake and later relocated to its current site.

The Valdez Museum offers a fascinating look at the town’s history, from the 1898 Gold Rush to the 1964 earthquake and the construction of the Trans‑Alaska Pipeline. Exhibits include historic photographs, artifacts, and stories that highlight the resilience and transformation of the community. Visitors can learn about the original townsite, the devastating tsunami that reshaped the region, and the role Valdez played in Alaska’s oil industry. The museum is compact, easy to explore, and located close to the harbor, making it a convenient stop during a cruise‑port day. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Valdez Museum & Historical Archive guide.

4. Visit Solomon Gulch Hatchery

A Northern sea lion resting near the water at Solomon Gulch Hatchery in Valdez, Alaska.
A Northern sea lion lounges near the water at Solomon Gulch Hatchery, one of the best places in Valdez to spot wildlife drawn to the summer salmon run.

The Solomon Gulch Hatchery is one of Valdez’s most fascinating wildlife viewing spots, especially during salmon season. Thousands of pink and chum salmon return to the area each summer, creating incredible opportunities to watch the fish battle upstream. The abundance of salmon also attracts sea lions, seals, and bald eagles, making this a lively and photogenic stop. Visitors can explore the outdoor viewing platforms, learn about the hatchery’s role in supporting local fisheries, and enjoy the dramatic mountain backdrop. It’s an easy, quick outing close to town and a great way to experience Alaska’s wildlife up close. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Solomon Gulch Hatchery guide.

5. Explore Keystone Canyon & Its Waterfalls

Bridal Veil Falls cascading down the steep canyon walls along the Richardson Highway in Keystone Canyon near Valdez, Alaska.
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most striking sights in Keystone Canyon, tumbling down the canyon walls right beside the road to Valdez.

Keystone Canyon is one of the most scenic areas near Valdez, known for its steep rock walls, lush greenery, and dramatic waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls are the canyon’s most famous highlights, both easily accessible from the roadside and perfect for photography. The drive through the canyon is stunning, with opportunities to stop at viewpoints and short trails. Visitors can also learn about the area’s Gold Rush history, including the remains of an unfinished railroad project. The combination of natural beauty and historic intrigue makes Keystone Canyon a must‑see during any visit to Valdez. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Keystone Canyon guide.

6. Walk the Valdez Harbor & Waterfront

A rare sunny day at the Valdez Harbor in Alaska, with fishing boats and mountains reflected in the calm water.
Sunny days are rare in Valdez, making the harbor even more stunning when the mountains, boats, and calm water light up under clear blue skies.

The Valdez Harbor is a peaceful place to explore, offering views of fishing boats, calm water, and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can stroll along the docks, watch local fishermen at work, and enjoy the relaxed pace of this small coastal town. Interpretive signs share information about the harbor’s history and the role Valdez plays in Alaska’s fishing and oil industries. The waterfront is also a great spot for photography, with reflections of boats and mountains creating beautiful scenes. It’s an easy, low‑key activity that fits perfectly into a cruise‑port day. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Valdez Harbor guide.

7. Visit the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum

Alaska Native artists demonstrating traditional carving and cultural arts during an outdoor event in Alaska.
Alaska Native artists share traditional carving and cultural arts during a public demonstration—reflecting the heritage and craftsmanship celebrated inside the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum in Valdez.

The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum houses one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring traditional clothing, tools, carvings, and cultural items that highlight the history and artistry of Alaska’s Indigenous communities. The museum also includes wildlife displays and regional history exhibits, offering a well‑rounded look at life in Alaska’s interior and coastal regions. Its spacious layout and beautifully curated displays make it an engaging stop for travelers who want cultural depth alongside Valdez’s outdoor adventures. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Whitney Museum guide.

8. Explore Old Valdez Townsite

Modern Valdez, Alaska, surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound on a clear summer day.
Today’s Valdez sits in a new location chosen after the 1964 earthquake destroyed the original townsite—visitors can still explore the shoreline where Old Valdez once stood.

The Old Valdez Townsite offers a powerful look at the town’s past and the impact of the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. Interpretive signs share stories of the original community, which was destroyed by the tsunami and later relocated to safer ground. Visitors can walk through the area to see remnants of foundations, learn about the town’s resilience, and understand how the disaster reshaped Valdez. The site is quiet, reflective, and historically significant, making it a meaningful stop for travelers interested in Alaska’s human stories. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Old Valdez Townsite guide.

9. Kayak or Paddle in Valdez Harbor

Colorful kayaks tied to a dock in the calm waters of Valdez Harbor on a clear summer day.
Kayaks rest along the dock in Valdez Harbor, ready for visitors heading out to explore the calm, scenic waters of Prince William Sound.

Kayaking in Valdez Harbor offers a peaceful way to experience the town’s dramatic scenery from the water. Visitors can paddle past fishing boats, watch for sea otters and seals, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Guided tours are available for beginners, while experienced paddlers can explore farther into the fjords. The calm, protected waters make this a relaxing and scenic activity that fits well into a cruise‑port day. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Valdez kayaking guide.

10. Visit Allison Point for Wildlife Viewing

An orca breaching in the waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska, with rugged coastal mountains in the background.
Orcas are part of the diverse marine life found throughout Prince William Sound, adding to the wildlife viewing possibilities when visiting Allison Point in Valdez.

Allison Point is one of the best places near Valdez to see wildlife, especially during salmon season. The area attracts sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and sometimes even bears, all drawn by the abundance of fish. Visitors can walk along the shoreline, enjoy mountain views, and watch the lively activity in the water. It’s a quick, easy outing with excellent photo opportunities and a strong chance of spotting Alaska’s iconic wildlife. For tips, timing, and planning details, see my complete Allison Point guide.

Final Thoughts

Valdez is one of Alaska’s most scenic and peaceful coastal destinations, offering a mix of towering mountains, calm fjords, and easy access to glaciers and wildlife. This Valdez Alaska Cruise Port Guide gives you a strong foundation for planning your day, whether you’re cruising Prince William Sound, exploring waterfalls in Keystone Canyon, or learning about the town’s history and culture. With so many top attractions located close to town, it’s easy to shape your visit around your interests and timing. No matter how you spend your day, Valdez delivers a memorable blend of natural beauty, adventure, and small‑town charm that stays with you long after your trip ends.

Keep Up with Us

Posted In: Alaska, Cruise Ports, Port Adventures, Valdez, Alaska

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *