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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Alaska, USA

Nearby Destinations

Chena Hot Springs Resort: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive northeast of Fairbanks. This popular resort is known for its natural geothermal hot springs, the Aurora Ice Museum, and great opportunities for aurora viewing in winter.

North Pole: Approximately 20-30 minutes drive southeast of Fairbanks. This charming town features the Santa Claus House, where you can meet Santa, purchase Christmas-themed gifts, and send postcards postmarked from "North Pole, Alaska."

Highlights & Access

  • Chena Hot Springs: Half-day for soak and Ice Museum; a full day with other activities.
  • Overnight stay at Chena is popular for optimizing aurora viewing chances.
  • North Pole: 1-2 hours for Santa Claus House and gift shops.
  • Transportation: Self-driving or guided bus tours for easy access to these locations.

Natural Escapes

Alaska's vast wilderness is always close to Fairbanks, presenting chances to immerse yourself in nature.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Approximately 2-3 hour drive south to the park entrance from Fairbanks. A very long day trip to the park entrance area is possible.

Journey & Wonders

  • Beyond a certain point, visitors use the park's bus system.
  • The Alaska Railroad offers scenic service from Fairbanks to Denali.
  • Wildlife viewing, stunning views of Denali on clear days.

White Mountains National Recreation Area

Accessible via Steese Highway, north of Fairbanks. This area presents extensive wilderness for various activities.

Outdoor Pursuits

  • Hiking, camping, snowmobiling.
  • Dog mushing is a winter activity.
  • The area boasts remote and beautiful scenery.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Summer's Bounty

  • Salmon Runs: Seasonal salmon runs in the Chena and Tanana Rivers attract anglers.
  • Opportunities to see fish spawning in local rivers.
  • Summer weather conditions are generally mild.
  • Long daylight hours define the summer experience.

Winter's Charm

  • Winter Wonderland: Snow-covered landscapes transform the region.
  • Ideal for snow sports and outdoor photography.
  • Cold temperatures are characteristic of winter.
  • Long, dark nights are ideal for aurora viewing.

Distances & Times

  • Chena Hot Springs:1 hour 15 min drive
  • North Pole:20-30 min drive
  • Nenana:1 hour drive
  • Ester:15 min drive
  • Denali National Park:2-3 hour drive to entrance
  • Fairbanks to Anchorage:6-8 hour drive
  • Fairbanks to Anchorage:12 hour train ride
  • Arctic Circle trip:Multi-day journey

Independent Travel Insight

Self-driving offers maximum flexibility to set your own pace and explore. It can be cost-effective for groups sharing rental car expenses. Find day trips on GetYourGuide.

Cultural Excursions

Several cultural and historical sites are located just outside the immediate Fairbanks city limits.

Trans-Alaska Pipeline

A quick educational stop with interpretive displays about a massive engineering project.

Gold Dredge 8

This historic gold mining dredge features a hands-on experience, including gold panning.

Ester Gold Camp

Glimpse into early gold mining life, with historic buildings and the Golden Eagle Saloon.

Gold Rush History

This historic gold mining dredge provides a hands-on experience, including gold panning.

Experiences

  • Learn about gold mining.
  • Try your hand at gold panning.
  • Discover a remarkable historical attraction.

Historic Gold Camp Life

This historic camp offers a glimpse into early gold mining life, with historic buildings and the Golden Eagle Saloon.

Camp Features

  • Explore historic buildings.
  • Visit the Golden Eagle Saloon.
  • Step back into the past.

Distances for Cultural Sites

Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint:15 minutes drive north
Gold Dredge 8:15-20 minutes drive north
Ester Gold Camp:Near Ester, west of Fairbanks
Nenana Historical Museum:1 hour drive southwest
Pioneer Park:Within city limits
University of Alaska Museum:Within city limits

Cultural Immersion

  • Support Alaska Native cultural centers, museums, and artists.
  • Engage with local traditions and history.
  • Discover unique Alaskan perspectives.
  • Respect privacy when photographing individuals.
  • Seek authentic experiences.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, Fairbanks poses a great starting or ending point for longer regional explorations.

Extended Journeys from Fairbanks

AK

Anchorage & Southcentral

Approximately 6-8 hour drive or 12-hour train ride. Coastal scenery and glacier views.

Arc

Arctic Circle & Dalton Highway

A multi-day adventure north across the Arctic Circle via a challenging gravel road.

Loop

Classic Alaska Loop

Fly into Anchorage, explore Southcentral, proceed to Denali, then Fairbanks.

Anchorage & Southcentral Alaska

  • This extension presents a contrast of coastal scenery, glacier views, a larger city environment.
  • Access to the Kenai Peninsula for fishing, kayaking, and glacier tours.
  • Transportation: Direct flights, train service (Alaska Railroad), and long-distance bus services connect Fairbanks and Anchorage.
  • Self-driving the scenic Parks Highway is a popular option.
  • Explore more of the southcentral region.
  • Discover diverse landscapes.

Arctic Circle & Dalton Highway

  • A multi-day adventure north of Fairbanks.
  • This journey takes you across the Arctic Circle via the Dalton Highway (Haul Road).
  • The Dalton Highway is a mostly gravel road built for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
  • It poses a very remote and challenging route.
  • Frequently takes guided tours or experienced self-driving (check vehicle rental restrictions).
  • Experience true wilderness.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Classic Alaska Loop

Fly into Anchorage, explore Southcentral, take the train or drive to Denali, then continue to Fairbanks, and fly out from Fairbanks (or vice-versa).

Arctic Adventure

Combine your Fairbanks trip with a guided tour or experienced self-drive up the Dalton Highway to cross the Arctic Circle, or even further to Coldfoot or Prudhoe Bay. This is a true wilderness experience.

Explore the Kenai

From Anchorage, head to the Kenai Peninsula for fishing, glacier tours, and marine wildlife viewing. Then connect back to Fairbanks or Anchorage.

Travel Guide Recommendation

Consider a comprehensive Alaska travel guide for planning longer trips that extend beyond Fairbanks. Such guides present detailed information on routes, accommodations, and activities across the state.
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