Dutch Harbor: The End of the Road

Many cruise ships stop in Dutch Harbor for the day, so if you are adventurous and want to venture out, I highly recommend it. There isn't much to do on the island if you aren't there to work; however, there is great halibut and king crab fishing. Make sure you purchase a permit beforehand at the Eagle Safeway! You can also visit the World War II museum, or see local art at the Unalaska Museum. There is also a gift shop at the Grand Aleutian Hotel which features a lot of traditional Alaskan artwork for sale, so check it out! Hiking is good as well if the weather is good, and if you're lucky, you'll see the wild horses. No worries though--there are no bears on the island!

Quick Tips:

Don't bother bringing nice clothes or trying to stay clean. There are only about 4 miles of paved road, and with the constant rain/snow, you will get muddy!

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around Dutch Harbor/Unalaska is definitely by car, which can be rented at the airport. However, hitchhikers are prevalent, and taxis are easily accessible. Make sure you do not exceed the speed limit (about 15-20 mph) and stop at all stop signs, because the police force is extremely strict about this. If you are not a local, you will get pulled over rather frequently and ticketed for the even the most minor offenses. Drunk driving is not tolerated whatsoever, and you will be arrested, so please follow the rules.

The Grand Aleutian is the best place to stay in Dutch Harbor. It has a great view of the water, and the best restaurants are here. It is directly located next to both (and only) supermarkets on the island. Most other locations to stay in are worse than what U.S. citizens might refer to as a cheap roadside motels (ie: Unisea Inn or Carl's Bayview Inn). The rooms are of nice size and of decent quality, but be aware that when fishing/crabbing season is in full swing, don't be alarmed if the hallways are filled with sleeping fishermen!

After staying at the Grand Aleutian Hotel for a month, I decided to rent an apartment on the Unalaska side of the island. It was an apartment located above the garage of someone's house and was located on a mountainside with a breathtaking view of both Dutch Harbor and Unalaska. It cost $1,000 a month plus utilities, which is a bit pricey but well worth it if you plan to stay awhile.

Tino's is located on the Unalaska side of the island and is a nice family-type place. They offer a combination of American and Mexican food; however, their specialty is steak. The prices are decent, and with drinks, you'll spend about $20 a person, but it's a relaxed environment and well worth your time.

Margaret's Bay Cafe is located on the first floor of the Grand Aleutian Hotel. They offer your basic breakfast selections but add a twist of local cuisine by offering reindeer sausage. They also offer a lunch buffet, as well as menu selections. Service is usually very timely, all portions are of good size, and the prices are reasonable.

Since there are only 4 miles of road in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska, Amelia's is located on the main road on the island. The day you fly in, Amelia's will be one of the first places you'll drive past on the island. The service is extremely slow; however, the food is good, and the portions are large (most likely to accommodate hungry fisherman). Expect to spend about $20 per person if you intend to order a drink (i.e. soda, tea, coffee) with your meal.

The Unisea Sports Bar is a great location if you like to drink and eat bar-type foods: french fries, stuffed potatoes, chicken strips, nachos... They offer pool tables and music, and prices are very reasonable.

The Chart Room is one of the nicer locations to dine in Dutch Harbor. It is located on the second floor of the Grand Aleutian Hotel, is a bit more upscale, and every table has a nice view overlooking the water. Service is usually pretty fast, and meal size and quality is excellent. They have great seafood selections but also offer a wide range of choices for non-seafood lovers. An all-you-can-eat seafood buffet is offered every Wednesday night. They are only open in the evening, and it is a bit pricey. Great for business meetings/dinners!