How to Spend a Week in Fairbanks, Alaska

8/16/2022

**Updated : December 2022**
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!

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What to Know Before Visiting Fairbanks

Fairbanks is located in central Alaska, and for many is a gateway to the Arctic. In addition to having a popular international airport, it is about a 6 hour drive from Anchorage (weather dependent) and has a population of about 33,000. It is a great town to explore during your trip to Alaska and has many unique experiences and great opportunities for Northern Lights viewing! We recommend visiting for about a week to get the most out of your adventures in the area! If visiting in the winter, we also highly recommend dressing with many layers as it can get quite a bit colder than Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula.

Staying in Fairbanks

The trickiest part about visiting Fairbanks is finding accommodation. In the summer we typically stayed in our rooftop tent, however during our winter months we often struggled to find a cheap, decent place to stay because it is such a hot spot for the Northern Lights. We've gathered our favorites below:

Aurora Villa - a stunning, new luxury option with windows for optimal northern lights viewing
Hotel North Pole - an extended stay lodge that even has a "Santa Suite" during the holidays
Borealis Basecamp - a truly bucket list stay in a clear dome for optimal northern lights viewing
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham - near the airport with a free shuttle
Pike's Waterfront Lodge - a popular option among local Alaskans
Chena Hot Springs Resort - a great option that is a bit out of town with many tours on the property, as well as northern lights viewing!
Bridgewater Hotel - located right downtown and operated by Wyndam, this is a great option if you're looking to stay central
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks - also located right downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks - located 7 miles from the Fairbanks airport, they also have a free shuttle
Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge - located right on the river and just a few minutes away from both the airport and the train station

Eating in Fairbanks

You'll love exploring Fairbanks if you enjoy eating at local restaurants with flare - although there are an almost endless number of eateries in the Fairbanks area, we've gathered our favorites for you to enjoy too! We 100% recommend stopping at these during your visit, they were our favorites!

Blue Roof Bistro - a local bistro that uses fresh, local ingredients and has a fun solarium for seating
Bagels and Brew Fairbanks - a great stop for (you guessed it) bagels!
The Hungry Robot - the ultimate stop for pizza! and it's not just us, Guy Fieri agrees too! (watch the video below!)
Hot Shot Sisters - fresh pressed juice, salads and wraps!
Sweet Monster AK - a super fun dessert and ice cream place!

Best Things to Do in Fairbanks

Like we mentioned earlier, there is so much to do in Fairbanks! We recommend staying for up to a week to include as many of these activities as you can! Remember that in the Winter it can get very cold, so it's important to bundle up to fully enjoy these experiences:

Northern Lights - Arguably one of the most popular things to do in Fairbanks, if you're visiting in the winter months then chasing the Northern Lights is a must. Make sure to head out of town where it's dark, wait for a clear night, and check the KP before heading out! Our favorite spot to go watch the Northern Lights in Fairbanks was at Murphy Dome!
Dog Sledding - Another great option in Fairbanks is to go dog sledding! We went when we were visiting the Chena Hot Springs, and even though it was -8 degrees Fahrenheit, we still had a blast on the 20 minute ride. Plus we got to play with the puppies beforehand while we waited!
Chena Hot Springs - One of the most popular destinations in Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is the best spot to go and relax. With no kids allowed in the outdoor springs, you'll be completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
Chena Recreation Area - On the way out to the North Pole, you'll drive by the Chena Recreation Area, known for hikes, snow shoeing, and ice fishing!
Visit the North Pole & Santa - Santa?! I know him!! ;) One of the most unique things to do is visit Santa, Mrs. Clause and all their reindeer at their home in the North Pole! You can see the Naughty and Nice list, Santa's giant sleigh, and even purchase "official" letters from Santa there!
Drive the Dalton Highway - An adventure in and of itself. The Elliot Highway from Fairbanks eventually turns into the Dalton Highway, which you can take all the way up to Deadhorse and the Arctic Ocean. Most rental car companies don't allow you to drive this, but if you do it on your own make sure to have tire patches! (You can watch our experience below - however it's important to note we do not recommend this drive in the winter!)
Stop at the Ice Museum - We didn't have the chance to do this experience ourself, however we were recommended this over and over again. Purchase tickets to see all the ice sculptures inside! (It's also worth noting that there is another Ice Museum at the Chena Hot Springs.)