Fairbanks Travel Guide + 13 Things to Do in Fairbanks (2026)
Updated January 2026
Fairbanks, Alaska’s “Golden Heart City” at 65°N, shines year-round: chase the aurora borealis under dark winter skies or revel in 24-hour midnight sun summers. As Interior Alaska’s hub, it blends gold rush history, Indigenous culture, outdoor adventures, and world-class northern lights viewing.
Top Things to Do in Fairbanks
- Explore Downtown & Chena Riverwalk — Stroll historic streets and the 3.5-mile paved trail along the Chena River.
- Soak at Chena Hot Springs — Relax in natural mineral pools (~106°F); prime for winter aurora viewing (~90min drive).
- Riverboat Discovery Tour — Cruise the Chena on an authentic sternwheeler; visit an Athabascan village.
- Hunt the Northern Lights — Aurora season: Aug 21–Apr 21 (peak Sep/Mar). Head outside city limits for dark skies.
- Aurora Ice Museum — Year-round carved ice sculptures; sip appletinis in ice glasses.
- Pioneer Park — Gold rush-era buildings, museums, mini-golf, and train rides.
- Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum — 80+ vintage cars.
- Museum of the North (UAF) — Alaska history, wildlife, art; new planetarium opens spring 2026.
- Santa Claus House (North Pole) — Christmas year-round (~20min drive).
- Tanana Lakes Recreation Area — Summer beach/swim spot.
- Kayak/Canoe Chena River — Rentals available.
- Morris Thompson Cultural Center — Indigenous exhibits & visitor info.
Getting to Fairbanks
- Fly → Fairbanks International (FAI); direct from Anchorage, Seattle, some international.
- Drive → From Anchorage (~7-8hrs via Parks Hwy); Denali (~2hrs).
- Train → Alaska Railroad from Anchorage/Denali.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Billie’s Backpackers.
- Midrange: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge.
- Luxury/Aurora: Borealis Basecamp (igloos); Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Best Eats
Lemongrass (Thai), Cookie Jar (breakfast), Hilltop Truck Stop (sourdough pancakes), Pagoda (Chinese).
Day Trips & Hikes
- Arctic Circle (~5hrs north; tours available).
- Denali National Park (~2hrs).
- Hikes: Angel Rocks (3.5mi loop), Granite Tors (15mi), Wickersham Dome.
Fairbanks delivers authentic Alaskan experiences—plan for extremes! Questions on 2026 aurora tours or itineraries? Comment below!