*If you have any questions that aren't answered in this post, please leave them in the comments section where I do my best to answer all Alaska related questions directly!
My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State. For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates. To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier. Where to Stay & Eat in Whittier
Getting to Whittier is fairly easy. If you're driving from the Anchorage or Seward area then you'll have to time your visit to coincide with the one way tunnel, which runs every half hour. (Take note, it goes the opposite direction every half hour, so if you miss the time you want then you'll have to wait an entire hour before you get the opportunity again.) Last time we went through the price was $13 per small vehicle. (You can check the tunnel schedule here.) If you're visiting from Valdez, then you also have the option to take the ferry, which will take a bit more planning and will end up being a bit spendier, but you can check the schedule for the ferry here.
If I'm being completely honest, I've never spent the night in Whittier. My husband Tyler and I have only ever done day trips from Anchorage, so although we can't personally recommend places to stay, we've heard that the Inn at Whittier and the Anchor Inn will be your best bets while visiting. In terms of where to eat, my top recommendation is the Swiftwater Seafood Cafe. They have the best Seafood Chowder I've ever had, and the views of the water and harbor from their outdoor seating area is beautiful! The Wild Catch Cafe is also a fun local option that we would recommend - they have teas, coffees, soups & sandwiches! The Inn at Whittier Restaurant also has some great food, with beautiful panoramic window views of the water - and it a great option if you're looking for something a bit "nicer" or "fancier" than the other options in town. If you're like me and typically have a sweet tooth, then I recommend Varley's Ice Cream (for ice cream), the Lazy Otter Cafe (also ice cream) and Sound Ideas (for fudge - my favorite flavor is their "tunnel fudge").
The best tour in Whittier :
- Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise 11 Things to Visit Whittier For
1. Phillips Cruises
Phillips Cruises out of Whittier is considered to be one of the best Glacier Cruises in all of Alaska - they claim to visit 26 in one tour! This is also the best option for visitors that are nervous about getting seasick - because it travels through Prince William Sound and is surrounded by mountains on all sides there is hardly any chance of waves or getting jostled around like some of the other boat tours in Alaska. I've also heard the wildlife viewing from this cruise is excellent! Book a Phillips Cruise here. 2. Lazy Otter Charters If you're visiting Alaska and looking for something a bit more relaxed and private, Lazy Otter Charters in Whittier might be the way to go. This water taxi service allows guests to create a more customized trip, and they also offer sea kayaking! 3. The Neighbors You might not have guessed it but the entire town of Whittier lives in one single apartment building, making the entire town of just under 300 persons "neighbors." This unique fact alone is definitely a reason to visit Whittier! 4. The Shopping Most towns in Alaska have shopping and local businesses along the main street and harbor, but Whittier has one of my favorite. Prince William Sound Salt Co. offers locally produced, ethically sourced, pure Alaskan Sea Salt. Inside their shop you can find different variations of their salt, adorable merch, and bath & body products. 5. Experience Alaska's Marine Highway Alaska's Marine Highway is unlike any other. Criss crossing primarily throughout the Southcentral and Southeast areas of Alaska, the Marine Highway allows access to areas that are otherwise unreachable by the road system. Although there are many areas you can get on and off the Marine Highway, a popular route is starting in Whittier and making your way to Valdez, just make sure you have a way to get back! The experience itself can be a bit spendy, but the views are beautiful - and it'll be an adventure unlike any other. I've heard the longest route (from Washington to Juneau) can take up to 3 days! If you plan on experiencing the Marine Highway, make sure to book ahead and check the schedule here. 6. The Jet Ski Life Whittier is one of the only areas in Alaska where you can join a Jet Ski tour! This unique family owned adventure brings you 60 miles through Prince William Sound and to the base of a glacier! The best part is they offer free photos too!
7. The Wildlife
Because Whittier sits on the waters of Prince William Sound, the waters here are often calmer than coastal towns - making it a perfect haven for marine wildlife. If you keep your eyes peeled while exploring the coast you'll often see otters and seals nearby! If you head out deeper into Prince William Sound you'll see even more! 8. Sound Cycle Bike Tours Even though bike tours are becoming more and more popular, this is an excellent way to explore a bit of Alaska without feeling rushed. If you're not too keen on getting out on the water, this is a great, easy way to get out around Whittier and still enjoy the great views! 9. The Views The views in Whittier are some of my favorite. With incredibly tall mountains and glaciers just about everywhere you look, just trust me when I say the views themselves are worth a visit. 10. The Hikes There are plenty of hikes in and around Whittier that are worth a stop. Some of my favorites are Emerald Cove Trail (a 3.3 mile hike that brings you along the coast) and the Portage Pass Trail (a 4.2 mile hike that brings you up and over to views of Portage Glacier). 11. The Waterfalls In addition to stunning hikes, the waterfalls in and around Whittier are some of the best. You can see my entire list of my favorite waterfalls in Alaska here, but two easy ones to visit in Whittier are Horsetail Falls (a 2 mile hike) and 2nd Salmon Run Falls (about a 1 mile hike). The waterfall pictured above is the 2nd Salmon Run Falls!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit -> 11 Waterfalls to Visit in Alaska -> 7 Best Tours in Alaska
Pin this Guide to Whittier for later!
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I'm Deborah👋🏼
In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. This blog and all content is free to you, however, when you purchase through referral or affiliate links on our site I may earn a small commission with no extra cost to you! --- Learn more here about our affiliates and privacy policy. --- Join Travel Payouts or Rock Porch to earn affiliates on your own sites! Planning a trip outside Alaska? Check out our blog Raarup Adventures for international vacation ideas or Deborah in Korea for adventures in South Korea! |