Things To Do
in Fairbanks
Fairbanks is a city located in the interior of Alaska, known for its stunning natural beauty. It experiences long, cold winters with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Despite the harsh climate, Fairbanks offers a variety of outdoor activities such as dog sledding and viewing the northern lights.
The city is also home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Learn about the local history and native cultures that shape Fairbanks.
Head to the University of Alaska Museum of the North. It offers fascinating exhibits about Alaskan wildlife, history, and Native cultures.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant serving Alaskan cuisine. Consider trying reindeer sausage or fresh salmon for an authentic experience.
Begin your adventure with a hike in the Chena River State Recreation Area. Take in the stunning views while enjoying the fresh Alaskan air.
Visit Chena Hot Springs to soak in the natural mineral waters. The hot springs are perfect for relaxation after your hike.
Stay for a guided Aurora viewing tour if the skies are clear. Witnessing the northern lights is an unforgettable experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with access to national parks and outdoor activities.
- A strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Unique cultural experiences, including Indigenous heritage and local festivals.
- Long summer days with plenty of sunlight.
- Opportunities for winter sports and activities.
- Harsh winter climates with extremely cold temperatures.
- Limited access to some amenities and services compared to larger cities.
- Higher cost of living due to remote location.
- Isolation from major urban centers.
- Insects and wildlife can be a nuisance during the summer months.
Best Activities in Fairbanks
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Witness the breathtaking natural light display in the night sky
Tours
Uncover the best of Fairbanks with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Fairbanks
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Fairbanks and the surrounding landscape, ideal for capturing stunning photos.
A popular spot for viewing the Northern Lights and capturing breathtaking photos of the aurora borealis.
Provides opportunities for photographing a variety of bird species and capturing scenic shots of the wetlands.
Food in Fairbanks
Fairbanks Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savor the sweet, tender meat of Alaskan King Crab Legs, a local delicacy best enjoyed at Pike's Waterfront Lodge Restaurant overlooking the Chena River.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the smoky and savory flavors of reindeer sausage, a staple of Alaskan cuisine, offered at the popular Great Alaska Pizza Company.
Treat yourself to a slice of wild berry pie made with handpicked Alaskan berries at the Cookie Jar Restaurant, a beloved local spot.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Fairbanks better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the vibrant Golden Heart Plaza Downtown Market featuring a variety of street food vendors serving up local favorites such as salmon burgers and bison hot dogs.
Visit the Farmers' Market at Wedgewood Resort to sample fresh produce, artisanal snacks, and homemade treats that capture the essence of Fairbanks' food scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Fairbanks, it is important to show respect for the Indigenous cultures such as the Athabascan people. This includes learning about their traditions, customs, and history.
Fairbanks is known for its beautiful natural landscapes. Respecting the environment and appreciating the outdoor activities is an important cultural norm.
Fairbanks residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. Showing politeness, being friendly, and expressing gratitude are valued behaviors in this community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Fairbanks with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Fairbanks
Ensure a smooth experience
In Fairbanks, United States, tipping is customary and expected in various service industries, including restaurants, bars, and for other types of personal services. The standard tipping rate is typically around 15-20% of the bill total.
Payment for goods and services in Fairbanks is commonly made with cash, credit or debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, accept major credit cards and sometimes prefer them as a form of payment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Fairbanks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Fairbanks, with warmer weather and the iconic break-up of the ice on the rivers. It's a time when locals celebrate the return of the sun and the beginning of longer days.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Fairbanks, with the Midnight Sun drawing visitors to experience the almost 24-hour daylight. It's a great time for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Fall brings vibrant colors as the foliage changes, making it a picturesque time to visit Fairbanks. It's also a good time to see the Northern Lights as the nights become darker and longer.
Winter in Fairbanks is known for its extreme cold temperatures and the opportunity to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. It's also a popular time for winter sports such as dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.
Fairbanks at Night
Hiking in Fairbanks
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic 3.5-mile trail featuring beautiful vistas and hot springs, perfect for a day hike.
A 7-mile round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of Fairbanks and the surrounding areas, especially stunning during sunset.
A vast area with multiple trails, allowing for a range of hiking experiences along the picturesque Chena River.
A moderately challenging hike of about 6 miles, leading up to the summit with breathtaking views of the Alaskan landscape.
An easy, family-friendly trail system that provides a pleasant hiking experience within the historical Pioneer Park.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Fairbanks through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Fairbanks by plane.
Located in Anchorage, approximately 360 miles south of Fairbanks, it is the largest airport in Alaska and serves as a major international gateway.
Located adjacent to Fairbanks, while primarily serving military purposes, it accommodates some general aviation traffic.
The main airport serving Fairbanks, it provides limited international flights and connects Alaska to the mainland United States.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly of European descent, making up the largest racial demographic group in Fairbanks.
Indigenous peoples including various Alaska Native groups such as Athabaskan, Inupiat, and Yupik.
A growing demographic group in Fairbanks with roots in various Latin American countries.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, contributing to the cultural diversity in Fairbanks.
This group represents a smaller portion of the population but adds to the cultural diversity of the area.
Individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds are increasingly common in Fairbanks.
The Soul of Fairbanks
Discover the essence of Fairbanks through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Fairbanks, ice hockey has a strong following, with community leagues and youth programs available, along with collegiate teams.
Fairbanks offers excellent skiing opportunities, both downhill and cross-country, attracting enthusiasts from all around the area.
As a traditional Alaskan sport, dog mushing is highly popular in Fairbanks, with events and races attracting both participants and spectators.
American football is widely followed, with local high school teams and community leagues drawing significant community support.
Basketball is a favorite pastime in Fairbanks, with local school teams and recreational leagues catering to various age groups.
With abundant rivers and lakes, fishing is a favored outdoor activity in Fairbanks, particularly during the summer months.
Running events and marathons are popular in Fairbanks, with many residents participating in races throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fairbanks.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Visitors with vegetarian and vegan preferences can find a range of plant-based dishes at spots like The Crepery and Sipping Streams Tea Company.
Those seeking gluten-free options can delight in restaurants like Gambardella's Pasta Bella and Zach's Restaurant, both of which offer gluten-free menu items.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Fairbanks with these cultural adventures.
