Where to Stay When Visiting Sitka, Alaska

Few places are as rewarding to visit as Sitka. Tucked between ocean and forest, it feels alive with wildlife, local character, and the energy of a true coastal town. People come here for many reasons — to explore its trails and harbors, fish the open waters, join a small cruise, or experience our award winning wildlife film, shore excurisousn / day tours, and multi-day trips.

Sitka is compact, walkable, and centered around a main street (Lincoln St), and its working tourism harbor (Crescent Harbor).This is where most tours, boats, and local experiences begin. The right hotel or vacation rental will make it easy to reach everything you want to see, from Crescent Harbor to downtown shops and the theater. But as a small island community, Sitka has limited lodging and fills quickly during summer, so booking early makes a big difference.

Sitka offers a small but varied range of places to stay. Most options fall into two main categories — vacation homes (Sitka Travel, VRBO, and Airbnb) and downtown hotels and inns. Because Sitka is a working fishing town more than a resort destination, accommodations are comfortable and personal rather than large or flashy. The best choice often depends on how long you are staying, how many people are in your group, and how close you want to be to the harbor or town center.

In this guide, I’ll break down the main places to stay in Sitka, Alaska, and share what makes each option a good fit depending on your plans and travel style.

1. Vacation Homes & House Rentals

Staying in a home in Sitka feels different than anywhere else in Alaska. Many are tucked along forest edges or perched above the water, where the only sounds are rain on the roof and ravens in the spruce. It’s a slower, more personal way to experience the island — perfect if you’re traveling with family, carrying camera gear, or planning to stay for more than a couple of nights.

Having a kitchen helps offset the cost of eating out, which can add up quickly in a small town. It also lets you enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking fresh salmon or sipping coffee while watching the tide roll in. Most homes are owned by locals who take pride in sharing their view of Sitka, and they often include thoughtful touches like binoculars by the window or books about local wildlife.

If you prefer the comfort of a full home, Sitka Travel (sitkatravel.com) is the best starting point. They manage many of the town’s most trusted vacation rentals and often save you the added fees that come with Airbnb or Vrbo listings.

Pros

• Ideal for families, photographers, and longer stays

• Full kitchens and laundry make multi day trips easier

• Quiet settings with forest or ocean views

• Direct booking through locals like Sitka Travel avoids platform fees

Considerations

• Some rentals are outside downtown and may require a car

• Limited housekeeping during stays

• Grocery shopping and cooking required for most meals

My Favorite Vacation Rental in Sitka

Easily one of my personal favoirte places to stay in town is the Stone Lantern House. This is one of those places you remember long after leaving. Set on Cannon Island Drive, it looks out over the water with 3 ultra comfortable rooms, a private beach, and views that change with every tide. It’s about a ten minute drive from downtown — far enough to feel away from it all, but close enough for easy access to town.

2. Hotels & Inns in Town

If you want to be in the middle of it all, Sitka’s small collection of hotels puts you within walking distance of the harbor, restaurants, and the rhythm of downtown life. Staying here means waking up to the sound of gulls over Crescent Harbor and being able to walk everywhere — from coffee shops and downtown to the dock— without worrying about parking or weather.

The Sitka Hotel sits right on Lincoln Street and captures the pulse of town life. It’s a favorite for travelers who want great access to main street and food options. A few blocks away, Aspen Suites offers large, clean rooms with kitchenettes — ideal for longer stays or guests carrying camera gear, wanting to do breakfast in the room, and store gear like rain boots.

Another great option is the Southeast Resort near Crescent Harbor. It offers waterfront views with a touch more privacy and is arguably the most centrally located hotel in the area. Lastly, for those who want something simple and affordable, the Baranof Lodge on Sawmill Creek Road provides good value while still being within walking distance of town.

These hotels are amazing options in Sitka, but I will admit that if you are looking for luxury, you should stick to house rentals. Hotels here are built for convenience and accessibility and sleeping, not much more.

Pros

• Walkable access to shops, restaurants, and tour departures

• No need for a car if you stay downtown

• Easy access to Crescent Harbor and Lincoln Street

Considerations

• Summer rates often start around $200–$400 per night

• Limited number of rooms, so early booking is important

• Fewer local touches than house rentals

3. Note for Small Cruise & Expedition Travellers

For many visitors, Sitka marks the beginning or end of a journey along Alaska’s coast. Guests sailing with National Geographic Expeditions, Uncruise, The Boat Company, and Alaskan Dream Cruise often stay extra time to unwind before or after their voyage. It’s worth it — slowing down here lets you experience Sitka beyond the ship.

You can stroll Lincoln Street, visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or catch our film Sitka’s Hidden Wonders or join us for a boat tour to connect with Sitka more before heading out or home.

If you’re sailing with one of these companies, choose lodging close to the harbor or Lincoln Street as you will most likely be meeting your groups at Centennial Hall right next to Crescent Harbor.

Quick Tips

• Book downtown lodging near Centennial Hall or Crescent Harbor for easy logistics

• Most expedition transfers and gatherings start within walking distance of Lincoln Street

• Add a few buffer days before or after your voyage to explore Sitka and the surrounding environment at a relaxed pace

4. Car Rentals & Getting Around Sitka

Sitka is only about fourteen miles from end to end, but having a vehicle can open up hidden beaches, forest trails, and viewpoints that most visitors miss. Whether you need one depends on where you’re staying and how you plan to spend your days.

If you’re staying downtown, you can walk nearly everywhere — from the harbor and the National Historical Park to grocery stores and restaurants. But if your lodging is outside town or you want to photograph bears, beaches, or distant coves, a car makes things easier.

Rental vehicles are available from local agencies or through Turo, and parking is simple. Roads here are quiet, with ocean views around nearly every turn and I constantly use Turo when family comes to town to grab a car (again availability is super limited here so book in advance).

Pros

• Freedom to explore beyond town limits

• Easy parking and low traffic

• Access to scenic drives, trailheads, and beaches

Considerations

• Not necessary for downtown hotels or guided tours

• Limited rental availability in peak season — reserve early

• Gas and parking add small extra costs

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Final Thoughts

When you visit Sitka, you want to set your self up for the best time possible so hopefully this guide helped you understand where to stay and what options might be best for your visit. Here are some final thoughts.

• For convenience: stay in a downtown hotel near Crescent Harbor.
• For space and comfort: book a house rental through Sitka Travel.
• For flexibility: rent a car if you plan to explore beyond town.
• And don't forget to pack your sense of curiosity and wonder! 

If you are in the midst of planning your trip, make sure to check out our other articles on How to get to Sitka, Alaska and the Top 10 things to do in Sitka Alaska for more local tips on getting here and exploring once you arrive.

However you choose to stay, take time to experience what makes Sitka special. Watch the stories of this place come alive on screen at our wildlife film Sitka’s Hidden Wonders, or join one of our guided photography tours or multi-day wildlife Wonder Journeys to see the coast up close.

Every visit helps support local conservation and storytelling. I hope this guide helps you plan your stay and that we have a chance to meet while you are here.

Ben Hamilton

Filmmaker · Guide · Founder, Sitka Wonders