Ally Abroad: One Perfect Day in Ketchikan, Alaska
- Ally Abroad
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
Our day in Ketchikan, Alaska, was everything we hoped an Alaskan port would be. We did an Alaskan Cruise & our first stop on the cruise was the magnificent Ketchikan, Alaska. Ketchikan has colorful waterfront views, rich Native history, incredible local food, and plenty of small town charm. Even with just one day, we packed in some of the town's most iconic stops, and every one was worth it.
Start the Morning with Coffee
The first stop of the day when we got off the ship was Salty Siren Coffee, where we grabbed our morning caffeine before exploring downtown. It was the cutest coffee shop & it was the perfect way to ease into our day. We decided to get off the ship very early as soon as we docked.
Snap a Photo at the Ketchikan Sign
No visit is complete without stopping at the famous Ketchikan sign. It's one of those classic photo spots that instantly lets everyone know you've made it to Alaska's "First City." I highly recommend you do this first thing and early in the morning. The reason is as the day goes on, the street gets way more packed with cars and people. When we were here early in the morning we had the whole street to ourselves for the perfect photo op. With the mountains and harbor nearby, it's an easy stop that's worth a few photos.
Wander Historic Creek Street
Next, we headed to the famous Creek Street, one of the most photographed places in Ketchikan. The colorful buildings perched on wooden pilings over the creek make it feel like stepping back in time.
Once the city's historic red light district, Creek Street is now filled with local shops, galleries, and scenic boardwalks.
This is what it looks like in June! Be sure to walk into all the shops & explore Creek Street! Take in the beauty and smell the fresh, crisp air.
Every corner seemed to offer another postcard-worthy view.
Dive into Alaska Native Culture
One of the highlights of our visit was the Totem Heritage Center. This small museum houses beautifully preserved 19th-century totem poles rescued from abandoned Native villages.
Walking through the exhibits gave us a much deeper appreciation for the artistry, history, and stories carved into every pole. It was one of the most meaningful stops of the day.
Grab a Sweet Treat
After all that walking, it was time for a snack! We couldn't resist stopping at Orca Corn for some freshly made kettle corn. We got the caramel crisp and it was sweet, salty, and impossible to stop eating. It was the perfect treat to enjoy while strolling through this adorable town.
Lunch at Fat Stan's Pizza
By lunchtime, we had worked up quite an appetite, so we headed to Fat Stan's Pizza. The pizza was hot, cheesy, and exactly what we needed after exploring downtown. It was honestly some of the best pizza I’ve had. It's a laid back local favorite that's perfect whether you're dining in or grabbing a quick slice before your next adventure. We decided to dine in at the bar.
End the Day with the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
We wrapped up our day with the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, and it turned out to be one of the most entertaining experiences. It is truly an Alaskan experience. You can see the mountains in the background of the show.
The competition features lumberjacks battling it out in axe throwing, log rolling, speed climbing, chopping, and sawing competitions. The crowd gets involved, there's plenty of humor, and you also learn about the important role the timber industry.
Whether you're traveling with kids or adults, it's one of those attractions that's genuinely fun for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Ketchikan completely exceeded our expectations. Between the historic streets, incredible Native culture, delicious local food, cozy coffee shops, and nonstop entertainment, it was one of our favorite ports in Alaska.
If you only have one day in Ketchikan, this itinerary is a fantastic way to experience the best the city has to offer.
Have you been to Ketchikan? I'd love to hear your favorite stops and hidden gems in the comments below!
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