Fairbanks and Interior
The aurora base from late August through March. Also the midnight sun base in June, and the start of the road if you are going north.
Who it suits
Aurora first, everything else second
Fairbanks has more aurora nights than anywhere else on the North American road system. City hotels make sense for a shorter trip. Cleary Summit cabins put you 20 miles north at better latitude. Chena Hot Springs Resort is an hour out and builds the aurora-in-a-hot-spring-bath trip. The Interior is also the launchpad for the Dalton Highway to Deadhorse.
Where to stay
Hotels and aurora lodges in Fairbanks
City hotels, aurora-friendly cabins, and a few picks for longer shoulder-season stays.
Fairbanks
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Rustic resort complex with a hot springs lake and indoor pool, an ice museum and a casual restaurant. 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks.
4.2 on Google (5,723)
Fairbanks
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Old-school rooms and rustic cabins in a laid-back hotel offering a restaurant and a bar, plus mini-golf. 1850 Hoselton Rd, Fairbanks.
4.4 on Google (1,327)
Fairbanks
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center
Filling a city block, this conference hotel offers modern rooms, a fitness center and casual dining. 813 Noble St, Fairbanks.
3.8 on Google (2,049)
Fairbanks
Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks
Relaxed rooms and suites in a streamlined hotel featuring free breakfast and an airport shuttle. 433 Harold Bentley Ave, Fairbanks.
4.3 on Google (730)
Fairbanks
Borealis Basecamp
Secluded lodging in a forest, offering relaxed dome-style huts with skylights, plus a restaurant. 2640 Himalaya Rd, Fairbanks.
4.4 on Google (547)
Fairbanks
A Taste of Alaska Lodge
280-acre property where rooms feature cabin-like decor and both wildlife and Denali can be spotted. 551 Eberhardt Rd, Fairbanks.
4.9 on Google (139)
Fairbanks
Alaska Grizzly Lodge
Cozy B&B offering down-to-earth rooms (some with decks) and featuring occasional moose sightings. 1470 Westmoreland Ave, Fairbanks.
4.9 on Google (129)
Fairbanks
Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch
Located on 464 Cory Ranch Rd, Fairbanks.
4.8 on Google (99)
Fairbanks
Chena Hot Springs Resort Aurora Observation Point
Located on Fairbanks.
4.6 on Google (106)
From here you can reach
And a day trip or two
- Chena Hot Springs Resort, 60 miles northeast on Chena Hot Springs Road
- Cleary Summit aurora viewing, 20 miles north on the Steese Highway
- North Pole, 13 miles southeast, home of Santa Claus House
- Dalton Highway start, 73 miles north of Fairbanks toward Coldfoot and the Brooks Range
People also ask
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see the aurora in Fairbanks?
Cleary Summit, 20 miles north, puts you at better latitude with less light pollution. Chena Hot Springs Resort, 60 miles northeast, combines aurora viewing with hot springs.
How many nights should I book for aurora?
Minimum 3, ideally 5. Cloud cover is the killer. Extra nights give you a fair shot at at least one clear sky.
Is Fairbanks worth visiting in summer?
Yes, if midnight sun, the Alaska Railroad terminus, or the Dalton Highway interests you. Not for aurora in summer because the sky does not get dark.
What is Chena Hot Springs like?
A resort 60 miles east of Fairbanks with indoor and outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs. Aurora viewing cabins available. Reservations recommended even off-peak.
Can I drive the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks?
Yes, but it starts 73 miles north of Fairbanks and most rental companies forbid their cars on it. Book a Dalton-permitted vehicle or take a guided van trip.
Need a steer?
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