Alaska is a bucket-list vacation for many adventurous travelers, who pine to learn more about the state's exquisite wilderness, unique wildlife and rich history and culture. 

One of the best ways to see this stunning state is with Princess® Cruises, voted the #1 cruise line in Alaska. Offering award-winning cultural enrichment programs and shore excursions that get you up close to nature and wildlife, Princess takes you to all the state's must-see destinations.

One of those can't-miss spots is Fairbanks, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous city in central Alaska. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, with Princess.

1. See the northern lights.

The Fairbanks, Alaska, region is a prime spot to see the aurora borealis because it’s so far north and away from extensive light pollution. The northern lights bring the night sky to life in a kaleidoscope of blues, greens and pinks. It’s a bucket-list item for many people for a reason: It’s breathtaking and unforgettable. People will spend years trying to chase a glimpse of this rare phenomenon that happens because of solar storms. 

One of the best ways to experience this natural wonder is during Princess' Aurora Borealis Viewing excursion. You'll enjoy the nighttime lights show in a comfortable yurt away from city lights.\Plus, expert guides come along to explain this unique phenomenon.

A mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska, with shades of green and purple dancing across the night sky above snow-covered trees.
The Northern Lights illuminate the sky over Fairbanks, Alaska, casting vibrant green and purple hues.

2. Soak in Chena Hot Springs.

Experience the hottest attraction in Fairbanks, Alaska (literally): a dip in Chena Hot Springs. This stunning outdoor hot spring showcases the natural beauty of Alaska while providing a spa-like experience. Book Princess' hot spring excursion as a part of your cruise to indulge in this top attraction. We’ll provide the towels and parkas — you enjoy the steamy waters.

This excursion also brings you to the coolest attraction in Fairbanks: an ice museum that's a perfect contrast to the hot springs.

A view of Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks, Alaska, with steam rising from the warm water as people enjoy the outdoor pool, surrounded by snow-covered rocks and trees against a wintery backdrop.
Visitors soak in the natural warmth of Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks, Alaska.

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3. Try flightseeing.

What better way to see Alaska's jaw-dropping scenery than from above? Hop on a flightseeing plane with Princess for an airborne adventure takes you from Fairbanks to the expansive Yukon River Valley and the Arctic Circle. See the rugged and magnificent Brooks Mountain Range and pass by the vast wilderness of Gates of the Arctic National Park.

4. Enjoy unique museums.

Whether you're discovering ancient fossils, classic cars or ice sculptures, there are many opportunities to step back into Alaska’s early years as a frontier state. 

Fairbanks is home to some of the world's most unique museums. View 2,000 years of Alaska art and ancient fossils found right beneath your feet at the Museum of the North. See dozens of pre-World War II automobiles at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Find your chill at Aurora Ice Museum, the world's largest year-round ice environment full of impressive art ice and dazzling ice sculptures. 

When you visit the Aurora Ice Museum on a Princess excursion, we’ll provide you with a parka to stay warm in the coolest museum you’ve ever seen.

A colorful ice bar inside the Aurora Ice Museum near Fairbanks, Alaska, featuring ice stools and a bar counter, illuminated with pink, purple, and blue lights that give the space a surreal glow.
The enchanting ice bar at the Aurora Ice Museum near Fairbanks, Alaska.

5. Go gold panning.

Go for the gold. Dive into Alaska's history with a gold-panning excursion where you'll learn firsthand what it was like to dredge in the gold fields near Fairbanks. 

You'll also get an up-close look at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System as local experts provide a presentation about the history and operation of the pipeline to give a deeper understanding of its historical significance.

The gold-panning excursion also includes a ride on the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad, where you'll hear the conductor tell tales of prospectors who arrived by the thousands during the gold rush.

Close-up of a person's hands holding a pan filled with water and gravel while gold panning in Alaska, demonstrating the traditional method of searching for gold. The person’s gold rings add character to the scene.
A visitor tries their hand at gold panning in Alaska, swirling water and gravel in search of precious gold flakes.

6. Chena and Tanana riverboating.

All aboard. Set sail on the Princess historic-style paddleboat to explore the Chena and Tanana rivers and see the point where they converge. During the summer, the river waters around you will teem with salmon and you can watch as they journey upstream. At the end of the day, enjoy a dogsled demonstration and a guided tour through a replica of an Athabascan Indian village.

A classic paddlewheel riverboat docked on the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska, with a bright red paddlewheel and multiple decks, surrounded by lush greenery and calm water under a clear blue sky.
A traditional paddlewheel riverboat docked along the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska.

7. Get a taste of Alaska.

Get to know Alaska better through its cuisine. Spend a day sampling all the best local dishes. When in Fairbanks, you must try the salmon. Book the Princess salmon bake excursion, where you can try all the essentials of Alaska cuisine, including slow-cooked ribs and beer-dipped cod cooked to perfection. 

For a fun lunch spot, stop in at the Pump House, a historical water-pumping station from the 1930s that served the gold-dredging operations. Today, it's a delicious eatery with Victorian gold rush décor where you can try fresh crab cakes and halibut. Or, stop in at Chena’s Alaskan Grill to sample the beer-battered halibut and local brews along the shoreline of the river. 

A close-up of a homemade Alaskan salmon pie with a slice on a plate, revealing layers of salmon and vegetables inside a golden, flaky crust. The dish is set on a wooden table with a floral napkin, fork, and a potted flower in the background, creating a warm, homestyle atmosphere.
A hearty slice of traditional Alaskan salmon pie, filled with salmon, vegetables and flaky crust, served on a cozy kitchen table.

8. Have an adventurous outdoor day.

Fairbanks is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure, whether you want to kayak on the Chena River or hit local trails for some nature time. Popular hikes include Angel Rocks Trail, Ester Dome Inner Loop, Chena River Nature Trail and Wander Lake Trail.

Or, hop on an ATV and experience 24 miles of stunning Alaska scenery with Princess' exhilarating excursion. You'll ride through a boreal forest for hours with high chances for wildlife sightings.

Two people sitting on an ATV in Alaska, watching a group of polar bears walking across a frozen landscape with snow-covered mountains in the background, capturing the rugged beauty of the Arctic environment.
Two people observe polar bears in the snowy Alaskan wilderness from an ATV.

9. Visit Pioneer Park.

Step into the past when you visit Pioneer Park, a 44-acre historical theme park in the heart of the city. See where the gold rush miners lived by exploring the town replica and authentic log cabins — complete with old mining equipment. Dive deeper into Alaska history in the replicated Native American village and the museums. Hop aboard the train that chugs through the park to see it all quickly. Don’t forget to stop in at the Bear Gallery for fine art and sculpture before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the park’s many restaurants.

A statue in Pioneer Park, Fairbanks, Alaska, depicting an indigenous family dressed in traditional attire, standing on a stone fountain with flowing water. The park's greenery and a clock tower can be seen in the background under a cloudy sky.
The iconic First Family statue at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska.

10. Enjoy wildlife viewing.

Falcons, foxes and grizzlies, oh my. You can see all of those and more by exploring Fairbanks. Hit the trails, rent a bike, or ride an ATV and get outside to see the spectacular Alaska wildlife. The best spots for animal sightings include Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary, Chena Riverwalk, Large Animal Research Station and Chena Hot Springs Road. Some of the creatures you might see include beavers, foxes, moose, wolves and caribou.

Two brown bears exploring the natural landscape in Alaska, with green foliage and towering, snow-capped mountains in the background, showcasing the region's abundant wildlife and scenic beauty.
Brown bears forage in the lush Alaskan wilderness.

Visit Fairbanks with Princess Cruises

Fairbanks, Alaska is absolutely worth visiting to see the wildlife, the stunning scenery and northern lights. You can experience a charming Alaska city or the true wilderness all from this one hub. 

Discover firsthand the wonders of Fairbanks, Alaska, and create unforgettable memories aboard a Princess Alaska Cruise.