6 Best Day Trips From Fairbanks, Alaska

1. Chena Hot Springs Resort

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Looking to explore Chena Lake and its beautiful surroundings? Book a ticket for a day trip at Chena Hot Springs Resort and enjoy an unforgettable adventure. You can join the round-trip shuttle from the Fairbanks airport area to the resort. You will be offered a pass to the hot springs and clean towels. The fun does not end there as the resort also offers an Aurora Ice Museum Tour and Geothermal Renewable Energy Tour.

After, you can take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool or in one of the hot tubs. Meals are available at the on-site café and restaurant.

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Address: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

Website: Chena Hot Springs Resort

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 140 USD

2. Nenana

Surprise your loved ones with an exciting road trip to Nenana one of these fine days. Sitting 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) south of Fairbanks, Nenana is a beautiful city in Alaska that’s worth exploring. Here, you will find plenty of exciting things to do and see. Recognized in the National Register of Historic Sites, Alaska Railroad is one of the major attractions in this area.

The site also includes the Alaska Railroad Museum where you can learn about the history of the railroad. Other attractions on the site include Nenana Visitor Center and Alfred Starr Nenana Cultural Center.

Nenana

Address: Alaska 99760, United States of America

Website: Nenana

3. Arctic Circle Winter Fly Drive Adventure (from USD 459.0)

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Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Fairbanks by partaking in the exciting Arctic Circle Winter Fly Drive Adventure – Southbound. This is a thrilling full-day tour by plane or car which takes you through attractions such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Yukon River, and a large tract of the arctic tundra. The airborne trip allows you to enjoy sweeping views of the dramatic landscape.

Upon arrival at the Arctic Circle, you will be awarded an official Adventure Certificate for participating in this adventurous event. Don’t forget to bring some snacks as it’s going to be a long, fun-filled day for you and your loved ones.

Winter Arctic Circle Flight and Driving Tour

Duration: 12 hours

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459.0

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4. Chena Lake

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located a 27-minute drive from Fairbanks, Chena Lake Recreation Area is a great place to have outdoor fun with your loved ones. The area features two exciting parks: Lake Park and River Park. Visitors come to indulge in thrilling outdoor activities such as camping, boating, fishing, and picnicking. The area features a well-maintained playground where the little ones can jump around and enjoy themselves.

Guests can also spend time playing volleyball or enjoying self-guided hikes in the surrounding area. Other notable facilities in the area include restrooms, a horseshoe pit, and potable water stations.

Chena Lake Recreation Area

Address: 3780 Laurance Rd, North Pole, AK 99705, United States

Website: Chena Lake Recreation Area

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free for day use

5. Chatanika River

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Planning to take your loved ones on a road trip to Chatanika River? From Fairbanks, brace yourself for 41 minutes of a thrilling road experience. Your final destination should be Chatanika State Recreation Areas. Here, you can partake in fun activities such as boating, camping, hiking, and picnicking. You can also go kayaking and rafting along the Chatanika River.

During your adventure, you’re likely to come across wild animals such as moose, wolves, river otters, beavers, along with black and brown bears so best brush up on those wilderness tips. Guests can also pass their time fishing in the river.

Chatanika River

Address: Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

Website: Chatanika River

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Angel Rocks

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Perfect for hikers of all levels, Angel Rocks Trailhead is a scenic path in Angel Rocks that will fulfill your outdoor fantasies. To access the trailhead, you will have to drive about 53 miles (85.3 kilometers) from Fairbanks. The area is known for its dramatic rock formations which have been attracting tourists since time immemorial.

At the recreation area, guests will have access to a picnic area and restrooms. On one of your hikes, you might just spot bears hunting for blueberries.

Angel Rocks

Address: 15450 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States

Website: Angel Rocks

Enjoy thrilling day trips from Fairbanks

From the magical Aurora Borealis to the awestriking midnight sun, Fairbanks is a charming city with a lot of wonderful things to discover. The beautiful neighboring cities are also worth exploring, so enjoy a memorable adventure with one of the day trips from Fairbanks, above.