Sitka is located on the west side of Baranof Island, 4 1/2 hours by ferry from Juneau (95 air miles from Juneau), and two hours flying time from Seattle, Washington. Sitka's weather can be very unpredictable. It receives approximately 90 inches of precipitation annually and the high temperature in July and August is approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January. There is daily jet service by Alaska Airlines from hubs such as Anchorage and Seattle. The Alaska Marine Highway ferries provide year-round service for passengers and vehicles. Sitka is a popular port for cruise ships and a popular fishing destination for salmon and halibut. Once in Sitka, visitors can travel by foot, bicycle, rental car, shuttle, visitor trolley or taxi.
Attractions include Sitka National Historical Park, The Alaska Raptor Center, St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church, Isabel Miller Museum, Saint Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge (by boat tour), and Mt. Edgecomb. A floatplane flightseeing trip is a good way to see the area or there are bus, walking, or hiking tours available. The Sitka Summer Music Festival is a month-long classical chamber music festival held in June with evening concerts at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Alaska Day, October 18, is the anniversary of the formal transfer of the Territory of Alaska from Russia to the United States and includes events such as a parade and reenactment of the flag raising.
There is a Mediterranean and a Mexican restaurant in town. Other services include clothing and grocery stores, laundromats and gift shops. Accommodations are listed below.