Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Fairbanks?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Fairbanks?

Many travelers spend two to four days in Fairbanks during their visit. After all, the Arctic city has plenty to explore such as the gorgeous scenery, the hiking, and the famous sights and museums.

Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior of Alaska and for many it serves as a gateway to the Arctic. It's a popular destination for seeing the northern lights, but it also has a unique culture and great hiking.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Fairbanks? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Fairbanks?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Fairbanks. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities such as the gorgeous scenery, the hiking, and the famous sights and museums. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the Arctic destination.

How to spend 3 days in Fairbanks

When visiting Fairbanks, you can't miss the Northern Lights as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

Fairbanks is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Known for it's hiking, Fairbanks sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Angel Rocks Hike and Chena Hot-Springs Soak Guided Tour ($195)
  • Winter Hiking Set for Snowshoes and Trek Poles ($22)

This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Is 4 days enough time in Fairbanks?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Fairbanks has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the gorgeous scenery, the hiking, the famous sights and museums, and the many shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

Fairbanks, Alaksa Fairbanks, Alaksa

How to spend 4 days in Fairbanks

With 4 days in Fairbanks, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Shopping in Fairbanks is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is 5 days enough time in Fairbanks?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Fairbanks. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Fairbanks as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend 5 days in Fairbanks

If you have more than 5 days in Fairbanks, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Fairbanks, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Fairbanks, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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