How to Spend One Day in Skagway
If you’re wondering how to spend one day in Skagway, Alaska, you’re in the right place!
Most visitors only have one day in town while their cruise ship is in port, which means choosing the right activities matters. From riding the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to exploring Gold Rush history, hiking to waterfalls, and enjoying some of the best local food in town, there’s a lot you can fit into a single day.
I’ve lived in Skagway year-round for years, so this isn’t a generic cruise guide written by someone who visited once. This is exactly how I’d spend one day in Skagway if I wanted to experience the town’s history, scenery, food, and local charm.
If you only read one Skagway itinerary before your trip, let it be this one!
Table of Contents
- Morning: Historic Downtown & White Pass Railroad
- Lunch: Local Food Trucks
- Afternoon: Waterfalls, Trails & Shopping
- Dinner: Skagway Fish Co.
- Evening: Harbor Walk & Mountain Views
- Top Tips for Visiting Skagway
- Frequently Asked Questions
One Day in Skagway Itinerary
Morning: Historic Downtown & White Pass Railroad
Start at the Skagway Visitor Center (AB Hall)
Begin your day at the Skagway Visitor Center inside the iconic AB Hall. Grab a free town map, ask a ranger a question or two, and get your bearings before exploring Broadway.
The AB Hall itself is one of the most photographed buildings in Alaska, covered in more than 8,800 hand-nailed pieces of driftwood. Originally an Arctic Brotherhood meeting hall, it’s a piece of Skagway’s layered history you won’t want to skip.
Explore Historic Broadway in Downtown Skagway
As you wander up Broadway, keep an eye out for:
Golden North Hotel
Originally built by Skagway founder Captain William Moore, this corner building ties directly back to the earliest days of the town. Moore helped scout what would become the White Pass route—later used for the railroad.
WPYR Depot / NPS Visitor Center (2nd Ave & Broadway)
This was the original depot for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and now houses the National Park Service Visitor Center. Inside, you’ll find Gold Rush exhibits, photos, and history.
Mascot Saloon (NPS Museum Site)
A restored 1890s saloon preserved exactly as it looked during the Gold Rush. Small, free, and fun to pop into.
As you walk, stop by the post office if you want a little glimpse of local life. We don’t have street mail delivery here, so locals pick up packages daily—it’s a busy little hub.
Breakfast at Glacial Coffeehouse
Once you’re near 3rd Avenue, grab breakfast and a coffee at Glacial Coffeehouse. They serve every style of coffee and espresso imaginable, and their loaded bagels are chef’s kiss. My personal favorite is The Mabel.
Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
If you do just one excursion in Skagway, make it this one. I ride it at least once every year, and it never loses its magic.
A bit of history: Construction began on May 28, 1898. More than 1,000 men worked – often around the clock during our long summer daylight – to carve this railroad into the mountains. The first train ran on July 31, 1898. More than a century later, it’s still considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
It’s not the cheapest activity in town, but it is unforgettable. Bring your camera and prepare to be amazed.
Lunch: Local Food Trucks
For lunch, head to one of Skagway’s food trucks. They’re quick, delicious, and perfect for a busy day of exploring.
Peppers Food Truck
Excellent tacos and bowls.
Starfire Food Truck
Thai favorites with amazing Pad Thai.
Skagway Weenie Wagon
Hot dogs and reindeer dogs that always hit the spot.
None of these your jam? Check out my full guide to the best places to eat in Skagway.
Afternoon: Waterfalls, Trails & Shopping
Gold Rush Cemetery & Lower Reid Falls
Walk off lunch with a wander to the Gold Rush Cemetery. It’s about a mile from town and full of fascinating local history, including the gravesites of notable figures like Soapy Smith and Frank Reid.
Just past the cemetery is Lower Reid Falls, a peaceful, forested waterfall that feels worlds away from the bustle downtown. Smart Taxi can take you there if you’d prefer not to walk.
Yakutania Point Trail
If you want something close to town, head toward the airport and hike to Yakutania Point. It’s an easy trail with beautiful views of the inlet. This is also where locals walk their dogs, so you’ll almost certainly see a few pups along the way.
Lower Dewey Lake Trail
For a bigger challenge, hike Lower Dewey Lake. The beginning is steep and full of switchbacks, but once you reach the lake, it’s calm and beautiful. The full loop is roughly 3.6 miles, though you can shorten it to fit your schedule.
Best Shops in Skagway
Before dinner, explore a few of my favorite local shops:
Back Alley Rock Shop
A quirky little rock shop tucked off Broadway between 4th and 5th Avenue.
Buckshot & Bobbypins
Gifts, Alaska-inspired home goods, and super-friendly staff.
Bearhead Photography
Gorgeous wildlife and landscape prints that make excellent souvenirs.
Klothes Rush & Duff’s Backcountry Outfitters
My go-to place for higher-quality shirts and hoodies.
Skaguay News Depot & Books
A cozy bookstore with a fantastic Alaska section. The owner always has great recommendations.
Dinner: Skagway Fish Co.
My favorite place to eat in town is Skagway Fish Co. It’s friendly, relaxed, and consistently delicious.
Get the crab cakes to start and either the Alaskan salmon or Fish & Chips for your main course. Their sweet tea is amazing, too.
Evening: Harbor Walk & Mountain Views
After dinner, take a peaceful stroll along the small boat harbor. The mountains glow in the late evening light, and if you’re lucky, you might spot otters playing near the docks.
It’s one of my favorite ways to end a day in Skagway—quiet, scenic, and the perfect last memory before heading back onboard.
Top Tips for Visiting Skagway
- Expect unpredictable weather. Some days will be ideal temps and sunny days, others are rainy and windy.
- Dress in layers. Temperatures can change quickly depending on where you are and what excursion you’re taking.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Skagway’s boardwalks and uneven sidewalks can be surprisingly tricky—even for locals.
- Plan around cruise ship crowds. If multiple ships are in port, late afternoons and evenings are usually much calmer.
- Bring a light rain jacket. Skip the umbrella – it’ll get destroyed with our winds. Weather can change quickly, even during peak summer!
- Book popular excursions early. The White Pass train and some shore excursions can sell out well before your ship arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Skagway
Is one day enough in Skagway?
Yes. While you could easily spend multiple days exploring the area, one day is enough time to experience Skagway’s history, scenery, restaurants, and top attractions.
Can you explore Skagway without booking a cruise excursion?
Absolutely! Downtown Skagway is very walkable, and many of the town’s best attractions can be visited independently. My parents have made the trip a few times and have enjoyed all Skagway has to offer without taking a cruise.
Do you need a passport for the White Pass train?
The White Pass Summit Excursion does not require a passport. However, excursions that cross into Canada do require one!
How walkable is Skagway?
Very walkable. Most visitors can explore downtown, Broadway, restaurants, shops, and several attractions on foot.
What’s the best thing to do in Skagway?
If you only have time for one activity, I recommend riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. It’s one of the most scenic experiences in Alaska and a favorite among both visitors and locals.
One day in Skagway goes fast, but with the right plan, you’ll experience the very best of what our town has to offer – history, scenery, good food, and a little peace by the water.
I hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in our corner of Alaska.
