Fairbanks Alaska in Summer: Magical Things To Do
When most people picture Alaska, they envision snow-capped mountains and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. While those are certainly quintessential Alaskan experiences, there’s a whole different kind of magic waiting to be discovered when you visit Fairbanks, Alaska in summer. Forget the long, dark winters; the Golden Heart City truly comes alive under the perpetual glow of the Midnight Sun, offering endless adventures.
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used in this post, which I do benefit from. It’s a great way to show support, if you want to!
A Quick Introduction to Fairbanks, Alaska
fairbanks is the second largest city in alaska and was a huge player in the gold rush.
You may be wondering, why visit Fairbanks, Alaska compared to the rest of the state? I got many, many reasons for you. It is one of the largest cities in Alaska, but don’t worry it still has the charming small-town vibes. You may or may not be familiar with terms used to describe regions of Alaska, but Fairbanks is located in INTERIOR Alaska. It is on the road system, meaning you can get to many other places by highway (like Anchorage)- making it more accessible. It is full of history, charm, and an endless amount of things to do, especially in summer!
chena hot springs near fairbanks, alaska
transportation to fairbanks, alaska
There are multiple options to get to Fairbanks, Alaska based on your perferred method of travel, and where you live.
by plane
For anyone that lives OUTSIDE of Alaska, flight will be necessary! You will likely fly through Seattle via Alaska Airlines. The flight from Seattle to Fairbanks is approx 3-3.5 hours. Keep in mind, it’s common in Fairbanks for flights to come and go at odd times of the day, even the middle of the night! Depending on where you live, you may consider flying another airline into Seattle and then flying Alaska Airlines from Seattle to Fairbanks.
road trip
The most common road trip to Fairbanks, Alaska would be from Anchorage or surrounding areas. The drive is about 6 hours, but is absolutely stunning, plus you get to drive past Denali National Park.
by train
If you aren’t already familiar with it, the Alaska Railroad runs from Seward through Anchorage through Denali and all the way to Fairbanks. It is an absolute stunning mode of transportation. TIP: get the GoldStar tickets for included drinks and meals and an epic glass-top view.
temperature in fairbanks alaska in summer
Fairbanks Alaska in summer is like no other. Because of it’s latitude (only about 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle), you have LONG DAYS. I was there over summer solstice in June when there is nearly 24 hours of sunlight. It gives you plenty of time to adventure, for sure! And you can use blackout curtains when you sleep.
Temperatures in Fairbanks typically are 40s-50s lows and mid 70s as a high. Summer in Fairbanks is absolutely beautiful.
Things To Do in Fairbanks, Alaska in Summer
Let’s get started discussing the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska in summer. From local festivals, farmers markets, shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities, you will never run out of things to do.
1: Take the Alaska Railroad to Denali for a Day Trip
One of my favorite things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska in Summer was riding the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park. The Alaska Railroad runs 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks. You can ride the train to Denali and back in a day in the summer, which is called the Denali Star Train. It’s a 12 hour day: 4 hours there on the train, 4 hours in the park, and 4 hours on the train back. The Gold Star Service gets you meals included there and back plus alcoholic drinks and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks PLUS epic seats with a 360 clear view and an outdoor deck. It was absolutely magical. Cost ranges from $90-$200.
2. Soak in Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs is THE BEST. I’ve been in many different hot springs across the country & beyond, and this is one of my favs. I love how its so well-immersed in nature. I did this both in the winter and summer, and both are amazing. Even during the day when it’s warm outside too, it makes your muscles feel sooooo good. Chena Hot Springs Resort is 1 hour from Fairbanks, but the drive feels quick because it’s so beautiful. Highly recommend this if you have the time to visit in Fairbanks, Alaska in summer.
3. Go on an ATV Tour
While you’re in the Chena Hot Springs area, also try out an ATV tour. You can visit the activities center to book multiple itineraries, from an Ice Museum Tour to an ATV Tour and beyond. We had an absolute blast and it was one of the our favorite things to do in Fairbanks Alaska in summer. Our guide was so fun, and the views- wow. We got to cross the water numerous times and it was exhilarating.
4. See the “Love Alaska” Sign
If you haven’t heard of the “Love Alaska” sign, I highly suggest checking it out. The Love Alaska sign is located across the Chena River from Pikes Waterfront Lodge, made to look like the hollywood sign. If you paddle the river, you can get up close to it, too! There is NO TRAIL to get up close to it, but I loved our photos from afar!
5. Float the Chena River
Speaking of the Love Alaska Sign, you can also float the Chena River, which happens to go right past it. The most common float is the “Pioneer Park to Pump House Float.” This is run by Canoe Alaska, and you can rent anything from a canoe to a single or double kayak, a paddle board, or a LARGE paddle board. The float takes 2 hrs, plus or minus a bit depending on how slow you float. They pick you up from Pump House (a restaurant), and take you back to the Canoe Alaska lot. It was a beautiful float. I loved looking at all the river side houses and resorts, and the Love Alaska sign. Highly recommend adding this to your list of things to do in Fairbanks Alaska in summer.
6. Explore Downtown Shops & Restaurants
I highly recommend checking out the wonderful local shops and restaurants in Fairbanks, Alaska when you visit. Some of my favorites include The Cookie Jar Restaurant & McCafferty’s for breakfast/coffee, Humble Roots and HooDoo Brewing for drinks, Great Harvest Bread Co. for lunch, and East Ramp Pizza for dinner.
7. See Antler Arch
Another one of the most iconic Fairbanks Alaska landmarks to visit during your summer trip is the Antler Arch. This arch is located next to the Visitor Center, which honestly has the best displays of any visitor center I’ve been to. From here, you can also take a walk along the Chena River to Golden Heart Plaza and learn more about the history of Fairbanks, Alaska. Isn’t it crazy how different it looks in summer vs. winter?! Which is your favorite?
8. Enjoy Local Events
If you have the chance, I highly suggest attending a local event. I absolutely loved the community vibe. We were there for both the Winter Solstice Celebration and Summer Solstice, and it was a blast. One of the coolest events in Fairbanks in Summer is the Midnight Sun Baseball Game, held for over 100 years now. People travel all over the state, country, and beyond to see this baseball game held over midnight on Summer Solstice with NO ARTIFICIAL BASEBALL LIGHTS. It is a party, let me tell you. Thousands of people joining together having a good time. We made so many friends. I hear this is a bucket list event for baseball fans, too.
9. Walk Around Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park is a really cool park with lots to do year round in Fairbanks. It’s only a few minutes from the airport and has cute shops and restaurants in historic cabins, a historic boat, a train ride, a carousel for kids, and so much more. We stopped for ice cream on a hot day and it was wonderful!
10. Go Gold Panning
Did you know that Fairbanks, Alaska was a major player in the Gold Rush? It’s one of the reasons it is called “The Golden Heart City.” What better way to learn more than to go Gold Panning?! Gold panning is still done today and you are guaranteed gold when you go panning at The Gold Daughters. We had so much fun. I also loved the option to put your gold in a necklace when you finish- I’m actually wearing it now. Totally underestimated this experience!
10. Visit The Botanical Gardens at UAF
An underrated but epic thing to do in Fairbanks Alaska in summer is visit the Botanical Gardens at UAF. The University of Alaska- Fairbanks is country known for its research, and it shows. The Georgeson Botanical Garden was STUNNING in summer. We went when they had Music in the Park which was so cute. Highly recommend. Free to visit.
Final Thoughts about Things To Do in Fairbanks, Alaska in Summer
Fairbanks, Alaska, truly comes alive in the summer with its iconic “Midnight Sun,” offering nearly 24 hours of daylight that energizes a vibrant array of activities. From exploring gold rush history at Pioneer Park and The Gold Daughters to cruising the Chena River on a sternwheeler or on a canoe, there’s no shortage of unique Alaskan experiences. Visitors can enjoy dog sledding on wheels, visit the quirky Aurora Ice Museum, hike through the wilderness, or take a scenic flightseeing tour to the Arctic Circle. Summer also brings a calendar full of events like the Midnight Sun Festival, making Fairbanks an unforgettable destination for those seeking adventure under endless daylight.
