Things to Do in Fairbanks
View the Northern Lights
Visit Museums
Outdoor Activities
Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Visitors come to enjoy this spectacular natural display and partake in winter activities like snowmobiling, dog mushing, and skiing.
The northern lights occur when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions produce colorful lights, primarily green, but also red and purple hues, which can be seen in the auroral oval above the geomagnetic north.
View the Northern Lights
Visit Museums
Outdoor Activities
Fairbanks offers unique experiences year-round. Summer brings long daylight hours and warm temperatures, while winter is the peak time to view the aurora borealis. Fall and spring offer fewer crowds and moderate weather.
Stay close to museums, restaurants, and the Chena River with plenty of options from luxury hotels to family apartments.
Convenient accommodations near the airport range from budget-friendly hotels to riverfront properties.
For a serene escape, opt for cabins, lodges, or B&Bs in remote areas, perfect for aurora viewing away from city lights.
Find Fairbanks on the interactive map