A Complete Guide to Ketchikan, Alaska

9/29/2022

**Updated : March 2023**
Use the map to see a visual of all our recommendations - click the arrow next to our photo to have a pop up list! This post may also contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase a product via these links, with no extra cost to you!

Although we were only able to visit Ketchikan, Alaska, for one day on our cruise with Royal Caribbean, we spent a lot of time asking locals for their best recommendations when visiting Ketchikan! The best part about visiting via Cruise is that the port is right in town, and the majority of everything else is within walking distance! Read on for our personal favorite places to eat, where to stay, and things to do when making a stop in Ketchikan, Alaska!

*p.s. keep your eyes peeled for the little red free coupon book stand - we didn't see it until we were leaving but I'm sure there's plenty of good deals inside! (pictured below)

Where to Stay in Ketchikan

Although we didn't have the chance to personally test out any of these lodging options, these two options are the only hotels in town. We would also recommend checking out Airbnb or VRBO as these places can fill up quickly in the warmer months, or if you're really looking for an adventure check out the Waterfall Resort Alaska or Steamboat Bay Fishing Club - each focused on luxury fishing experiences and located on their own islands outside of Ketchikan.

The Inn at Creek Street - all 7 of their buildings are located right on Creek Street, the historical boardwalk in Ketchikan, making the location great if you're looking to explore the town!
Gilmore Hotel by Wyndham - located in a more central, downtown area of Ketchikan, this boutique hotel claims to transport you back to the 1920's with all of today's modern amenities

Places to Eat in Ketchikan

Although Ketchikan is a small town in Alaska, with only just over 8,000 people, you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how many great places there are to eat or grab a drink! The only question is if they will be open or not - largely dependant on the season you're visiting. For the best bet on open businesses, visit during summer months (which also happens to be peak tourist season). Below you'll find our best recommendations for places to eat, and even further below that some places to grab a drink!

Places to Eat :

Local Grounds - a coffee shop with drinks and a small food menu
Alaska Coffee - a coffee shop with great food too! Highly recommend heading here for breakfast!
Pioneer Cafe - a local, mom & pop diner with traditional diner food
Meng & Gings - we haven't personally tried this one, but we've heard great things! They started off as a local food vendor for events like the 4th of July parade and now have their own restaurant!
Alaska Crepe Co. - a sit in (or take away) restaurant serving sweet and savory crepes! Not our favorite crepes in the world, but they'll do for a little snack!
Alaska Fish House - if there's one place you have time to stop at while in Ketchikan, then this should be the place! Located a short walk from the cruise port at the end of Main Street, they have fantastic food and drinks! Plus they have a waterfront property making for a great view.
Fat Stans - a local sports bar and pizzeria, we didn't have the chance to stop here ourselves but it was very full when we walked by!
Alaska King Crab Co. - a seafood restaurant that also comes highly recommended by locals

Places to Drink :

108 Tap House - tap house and burger bar
Sourdough Bar - for cocktails
Totem Bar - local dive bar
49er Bar - dive bar that doubles as a liquor store
Bar Harbor Ale House - craft beer and a full bar (they also have BBQ, although we haven't tried it yet)
The Asylum - local dive bar that also serves burgers
The Arctic Bar - the oldest bar in Ketchikan (!!) that is also on the waterfront of the cruise port!

Things to Do in Ketchikan

Although Ketchikan is a fairly small town in Alaska, there is surprisingly a lot to do! Again, similar to restaurants and other businesses in town, many of these may only run during warmer, summer months. Here is our list of our favorite things to do in Ketchikan!

Aleutian Ballad Crabbing Tour - we booked this through our cruise, however, we would 100% recommend! Not only is it a unique excursion you can't really do anywhere else, but we had a blast learning about the crabbing industry and hearing all their crazy crabbing stories! Highly recommend if you're interested in crabbing, or if you watch the Deadliest Catch like Tyler! :) (book your Crabbing tour here!)
Trolley Tours - only operates in the summer, but this would be a fun, easy way to see the city without too much walking!
Explore Creek Street - Creek Street isn't really a street anymore, but a historical boardwalk that surrounds the Ketchikan Creek, and was originally the town's "red light district" - nowadays it is filled with small hotel buildings owned by Creek Street Inn and small shops!
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show - although we missed this fun show, we've heard great reviews! the cost isn't too bad either for an excursion in Alaska and costs $37-$42 per adult. (book your Lumberjack Show here!)
Misty Fjords Tour - a stunning national monument that is also part of the Tongass National Forest, the best way to see it is by air! (book your Misty Fjords Tour here!)
Duck Boat Tour - try this for an easy tour out on the water and throughout town (book your Duck Boat Tour here!)
Ketchikan Sign - a great spot for a photo!
Shopping - like any cruise port, you can definitely get in your fill of shopping in Ketchikan, just head towards any of the 100 jewelry stores...