You have to be on an organized tour to see the Prudhoe Bay area. (Bring a photo I.D.) There is no other way. There's no point arguing about it when you get there. Most visitors get to this area by making a tour arrangment when booking a cruise (a common cruise extension.) You can also book tours in Anchorage and Fairbanks that include airfare, tour, meals and over-night in some cases. You ride around on a school-type bus. Not comfortable, but adequate. Not really handicapped accessible. You have to be able to make it up the 3 steps pretty much on your own. You will only be allowed off the bus in a couple of locations. One stop will be at the 'beach' of the Arctic Ocean. Another will be at a souvenir shop. Another may give you a few minutes to walk around on the tundra.
You will see the pipeline, pumping stations, the tundra, the Arctic Ocean, maybe caribou, oil field equipment and pingos. Pingos are small bodies of water that are all over the tundra. As the tundra is permanently frozen only a few inches below the surface, the water never soaks in.
Tours offered in high summer only. Be prepared for the possibility of light snow and cold temperatures. Often the ice doesn't 'go out' until July 4th. That is the Arctic Ocean is still frozen until the ice goes out. Wear comfortable clothing and reasonable shoes. I have seen women on the tours wearing dresses and high heels! Many companies book tours, but they are pretty much the same. There is only so much to do. The oilfield tour runs about 2.5 hours. The shuttle to the Arctic Ocean is about a one hour round trip. If you start your tour in Fairbanks or Anchorage, you may find that airfare is included in the price. Many tour operators have parkas on the buses for the use of visitors. I prefer to wear my own.