Overview
Unalaska is a city on the Aleutian Islands of Unalaska and Amaknak. The part of the city on Amaknak Island is known as Dutch Harbor. It is the eleventh largest city in Alaska and has 4,400 residents (2019).
3 sights · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Unalaska
Aleutian World War II National Historic Area
This site is the remains of one of four World War II-era forts constructed to defend Dutch Harbor against a potential Japanese attack. The visitor center is free; however, a Land Use Permit must be obtained to visit the …
Church of the Holy Ascension
The oldest Russian-built church still standing in the country. It was built in 1825 and then enlarged in 1894, when its floor plan was changed to a pekov (the shape of a crucifix). On Broadway overlooking the bay, the ch…
Museum of the Aleutians
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jul–Aug. Summer highs reach about 59°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DUT Tom Madsen (Dutch Harbor) Airport, Unalaska — 2 mi away. Directions
Dutch Harbor-Unalaska is best accessed by plane. Tom Madsen (Dutch Harbor) Airport (DUT) is the city's state-owned public-use airport. Ravn Alaska flies in from Anchorage and Grant Aviation from the smaller communities of Akutan, Atka, Nikolski, St. George.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $15–$15 a night (typical $108), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$180.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Aleutian World War II National Historic Area, Museum of the Aleutians
- Lunch Amelia's Restaurant
- Afternoon Church of the Holy Ascension
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Private Land
The majority of the island of Unalaska is owned by the Ounalaska Corperation, a native corporation. Hiking or camping on these areas requires a land use permit Ounalashka_Corporation Alaska_Native_corporation
Climate
Weather is Unalaska can sometimes be extreme, particularly in the winter. Storms can bring wind gusts of over 130mph and conditions can change rapidly. Proper equipment and clothing should be taken when hiking and NOAA advisories should always be considered before extended treks.
Get in
By plane
Dutch Harbor-Unalaska is best accessed by plane. Tom Madsen (Dutch Harbor) Airport (DUT) is the city's state-owned public-use airport. Ravn Alaska flies in from Anchorage and Grant Aviation from the smaller communities of Akutan, Atka, Nikolski, St. George.
By boat
The ferries of Alaska Marine Highway sail to Dutch Harbor between April and October. It's the westernmost point on the AMH, and as such Unalaska is the westernmost point in the Americas reachable by scheduled land and sea transportation.
Get around
Individual tourist transportation is usually provided by private taxis. The phone numbers are typically posted in the airport, the local bars, and in the Grand Aleutian.
See
See Aleutian World War II National Historic Area
This site is the remains of one of four World War II-era forts constructed to defend Dutch Harbor against a potential Japanese attack. The visitor center is free; however, a Land Use Permit must be obtained to visit the historic site on Mount Ballyhoo.
See Church of the Holy Ascension
The oldest Russian-built church still standing in the country. It was built in 1825 and then enlarged in 1894, when its floor plan was changed to a pekov (the shape of a crucifix). On Broadway overlooking the bay, the church and its onion domes are a photographer's delight. The church contains almost 700 pieces of art, ranging from Russian Orthodox icons and books to the largest collection of 19th-century paintings in Alaska. The best time to view the church and its icons is at 6PM on Saturday when staff members give an informal 30-minute tour just before service. Outside the church is a small graveyard, where the largest grave marker belongs to Baron Nicholas Zass. Born in 1825 in Archangel, Russia, he eventually became bishop of the Aleutian Islands and all of Alaska, before his death in 1882. Next door to the graveyard is the Bishop's House.
Eat
Eat Amelia's Restaurant
American cuisine.
Sleep
My experience
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