Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and a beautiful place to explore. Most people fly in and out of Anchorage or use it as a short-term base for visiting a few highlights in this part of Alaska. However, there’s so much to see and do that you should definitely consider spending a little more time here.
I have spent a few days in Anchorage during my trip to Alaska, and I was glad I did as there’s so much to do there! Not only I found the city interesting (I loved the Anchorage Museum), but I also went on a day trip from Anchorage or two, to just explore the surroundings.
Anchorage is where you can drink some local brews, stop for moose crossing the busy roads, visit the local reindeer, and, of course, embark on some incredible day trips to nearby regions.
The city of Anchorage is resting on what used to be a massive glacier. Thousands of years ago, the glacier receded, and Anchorage developed as a major hub in Alaska. Now, the bustling city has a backdrop of the Chugach Mountain Range, and you can even see Mt. McKinley, Mt. Foraker, and other surrounding peaks on a clear day.
In this article, I’ll describe the best day trips from Anchorage – all tried and tested. These Anchorage day trips include beautiful hikes, glaciers, small towns, and other exciting visits. I’ll also give some tips, recommendations, and directions that will help you make the most of your time.
If you are spending a few days in Anchorage, my post What To See And Do In Anchorage will guide you through the best activities in the city.
Table of Contents
How To Travel Around Alaska
The best way to travel around Alaska is with your car or a rental car (I always use Discover Cars to compare the prices of car rental wherever I travel in the world). The country is large, and there’s little public transportation. While you can get around Anchorage with buses and taxis, you’ll also want off-the-beaten-path destinations.
However, if you can’t drive for whatever reason, there are still some options.
The Alaska Railroad provides transportation year-round throughout the Southcentral and Interior Alaska. There are several routes to choose from. Here’s a brief breakdown of the train destinations from Anchorage:
- Coastal Classic Train: Girdwood, Seward
- Denali Star Train: Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks
- Glacier Discover Train: Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer Whistle, Grandview
- Hurricane Turn Train (Summer): Talkeetna, Chase, Curry, Sherman, Gold Creek, Twin Bridges, Chulitna, Hurricane
- Hurricane Turn Trail (Winter): Wasilla, Talkeetna, Hurricane
- Aurora Winter Train: Wasilla, Talkeetna, Hurricane, Healy, Nenana, Fairbanks
As you can see, the Alaska Railroad has the most important stops, especially for simple day trips from Anchorage.
Another option for traveling without a car is to go with a tour company. Guided tours often arrange all transportation, entrance fees, snacks, and beverages.
Tours are typically more expensive than going on your own; however, they’re much easier, and it’s a great way to meet other travelers.
For day trips from Anchorage, I personally recommend a combination of driving, using the Alaska Railroad, and going with guided tours. Each way of transportation offers a different experience.
To better plan your trip, you should read my post The Best Alaska Travel Tips.
Best Day Trips From Anchorage
Flattop Mountain Hike
Flattop Mountain is a must-do hike for all nature lovers and explorers. And fortunately, it’s very easy to get to from Anchorage – in fact, it probably is the best day trip from Anchorage.
Flattop Mountain is one of Alaska’s most popular hikes, partly because it’s only thirty minutes outside of Anchorage and partly because it has incredible views.
It is located in Chugach State Park, and it is visible from downtown Anchorage. The hike begins at Glen Alps Trailhead.
The hike is about 5 km (3 miles) with 455 meters (1,500 ft) of elevation gain. Most of the trail is relatively easy until the final minutes, which are rather steep and rocky.
If you’re worried you won’t make it, there are some short, simple loops with similar views below Flattop Mountains.
However, if you can make it to the top of Flattop, you won’t be disappointed. Hikers are treated to glorious panoramic views, with a good view of Mt. Mckinley, the Chugach Mountains, and the Aleutian Islands.
Head to the Glen Alps Trailhead in Chugach State Park to get to Flattop Mountain. The drive should only take about thirty minutes.
If you don’t have your car, there is a shuttle service from downtown Anchorage at Downtown Bike Rental.
Otherwise, I recommend this Flora and Fauna Nature Walk – If you don’t want to organize transportation and the finer details, this is an excellent day trip from Anchorage to the Flattop Mountain Trail. You’ll go with a small group and learn all about the beautiful wildlife and plants along the trail.
Portage Pass Hike
If you aren’t satisfied with Flattop Mountain, try the Portage Pass Hike. It’s located in Whittier, Alaska, at the end of the Whittier Tunnel.
The hike is the best way to see the Portage Glacier. It is 6.5 km (4 miles) roundtrip, with an elevation gain of 228 meters (750 feet). While most of the hike is fairly easy, there is a very steep initial km (around 0.6 miles) which is entirely uphill, and quite steep – it’s challenging.
Depending on your skill level, the hike takes a few hours, but it’s worth it. After reaching the crest of Portage Pass, you’ll be treated to stunning views. The trail then drops to some glacier scrub and leads to Portage Lake.
Portage Glacier sits directly across Portage Lake.
You can drive to Portage Pass or take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage.
If you drive, you’ll go from Anchorage to Whittier, which takes about two hours. The road passes through Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s best scenic drives. Before the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll turn and follow directions to Portage Glacier Road.
If you take the Alaska Railroad, just hop on the train in Anchorage heading to Whittier. You can walk from the train station to the Portage Pass Trailhead; just be prepared for an additional 2 km (1.2 miles).
Anchorage Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience – This bear-viewing tour doesn’t specifically go to Portage but includes a stop near Portage Glacier, another popular attraction nearby. It goes through Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier, and a few other good spots. It also happens to be one of the best bear-viewing wildlife day trips from Anchorage.
Whittier
Whether you’re interested in Portage Pass or not, you should definitely set aside at least one day for Whittier. Whittier is a small town known as one of the best gateways to Prince William Sound.
Although thousands of travelers flock here each year to explore the natural landscape, the population of Whittier is only around 300 residents.
Most residents live in a single apartment-style complex: The Begich Towers.
Unsurprisingly, Whittier has a unique personality, friendly locals, and an exciting history.
Once in Whittier, you can explore the charming streets. But the show’s real star is the lake’s incredible beauty and surrounding mountains and forests.
You should definitely try to do some hikes while in Whittier if you have the time.
Whittier is only about a two-hour drive from Anchorage, where you’ll drive through the Turnagain Arm and the historic Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.5-mile long tunnel from the World War II era.
As previously mentioned, you can also take the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discover Train from Anchorage to Whittier. The train usually departs Anchorage in the morning and returns in the early evening, so you can easily spend the day in Whittier.
I also recommend this Roundtrip Anchorage to Whittier Wildlife/Photo Tour – Although Whittier is fairly easy to reach from Anchorage, you can also opt for a comprehensive guided tour with roundtrip transportation. This is a wonderful tour with excellent reviews. It’s a photo tour, so it will take you to the most scenic spots and viewpoints between Whittier and Girdwood, including glaciers, waterfalls, and scenic lookout spots.
Palmer
Palmer is another small town, about 68 km (42 miles) northeast of Anchorage. The small city was established as part of the New Deal during the Great Depression. The idea was to transfer struggling families in the Midwest to Palmer, Alaska, to cultivate a new agricultural economy.
Palmer is nestled in a beautiful valley, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and a fun day trip from Anchorage. But there are many other exciting things in and around the town.
For example, the Reindeer Farm is a fun activity for everyone. You can also try some locally made kombucha, admire some of the giant vegetables that grow naturally in this unique microclimate, or spend an afternoon at the raceway where locals speed past one another.
The drive to Palmer takes just under one hour. On your way to Palmer, I’d recommend taking the Old Glenn Scenic Highway. This old highway feels more like a back road, but it cuts through some beautiful parts of Alaska, where there’ll be plenty of other places to stop.
If you’d like to make a few other stops in Palmer, visit Earthquake Park, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Center.
Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing – If you’re looking for something unique and exhilarating around Palmer, you have to check out this helicopter tour from Palmer, Alaska. The 60-minute helicopter ride has the best views of Alaska wilderness, as well as the unforgettable landing on an actual glacier.
Hatcher Pass Hike
Hatcher Pass is a mountain pass near Palmer. This area has so many incredible trails that you can easily spend a few days exploring.
However, if you’re just looking for a day trip from Anchorage, there are several short hikes with beautiful views.
It’s important to note that the hikes in the Hatcher Pass wildlife area are only accessible a few months out of the year (usually around July-August) when the dirt road leading up to them opens up.
The most popular hike is the Apri Bowl/Hatch Peak trail. You’ll begin the hike at the Hatch Pass summit, where you can spot switchbacks up the mountain. From here, take the switchbacks up to April Bowl, where you can admire beautiful small lakes within the bowl. You can also continue up the ridgeway for a view overlooking the bowl.
Skyscraper Peak is an excellent 3.5 km (2.2 miles) roundtrip hike just before you reach Hatcher Pass. The hike takes place on an eroded small hill so that it can be dusty at points. However, it has beautiful views of a small lake and the surrounding mountains.
If you want to explore Hatcher Pass without hiking, you can also spend a little time in the town of Hatcher or visit the Independence Mine State Historical Park.
You can get to Hatcher Pass via Hatcher Pass Road (or Fishhook Road), which winds through the towns of Palmer and Willow. Hatcher Pass is approximately 97 km (60 miles) from Anchorage.
My post The Best Hikes In Alaska will inspire you with more trails to tackle during your Alaska trip.
Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise out of Whittier
Prince William Sound is a sound on the Gulf of Alaska on the south coast of Alaska.
It has 10,000 square miles of protected islands, waterways, and around 150 glaciers. One of the best ways to explore Prince William Sound is with a Glacier Cruise from Whittier, Valdez, or Cordova.
I recommend taking a glacier cruise from Whittier. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Anchorage and it goes on a beautiful part of Prince William Sound.
A glacier cruise is just as the name suggests: a small cruise ship that departs and visits many of Alaska’s most famous and largest glaciers.
Seeing the glaciers from the deck of the cruise ship is incredible. A bilingual guide explains the history and natural relevance of the sites you pass.
If you’re interested in a glacier cruise, I recommend this From Whittier/Anchorage: Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise – it is an incredible Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise. The 26-glacier cruise glides through the world’s largest concentration of tidewater glaciers and other scenic spots. The tour begins from Whittier, but it can also help arrange transportation from Anchorage.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a rescue center near Portage Valley. Its mission is to help preserve Alaska’s wildlife “through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care.”
Tourists visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center can see animals, learn about their recovery, and get involved with the conservation and preservation of Alaska’s rich wildlife.
Many rescued animals are rehabbed until they are ready to be released back into the wild. However, some permanent fixtures in the conservation center can’t be released for various reasons.
If you’re visiting Alaska to learn about and see some of its incredible wildlife, you must stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – this is an especially good day trip from Anchorage if you are traveling with children.
The center is about 80 km (50 miles) from Anchorage and takes just under an hour to drive. It’s at the entrance of Portage Valley, about 16 km (10 miles) from Girdwood, at Milepost 79 on the Seward Highway.
You can purchase your entrance tickets right at the conservation center or get them ahead of time online.
You can also visit the conservation center with a guided tour of the wilderness area. I recommend this From Anchorage: Turnagain Arm and Wildlife Center Tour – It is one of the best-guided tours that includes a tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise out of Seward
The Kenai Fjords National Park cruise out of Seward is one of the best wildlife cruises in Alaska, alongside Prince William Sound cruises.
There are several types of cruises, but most are glacier and wildlife cruises. You’ll spot whales, sea lions, sea otters, puffins, and other animals that Alaska home.
In addition to the wildlife, the captain is excellent at maneuvering the boat, bringing the cruise as close to the glaciers as possible. So, you’ll get an up-close-and-personal glimpse at the magnificent glaciers.
Another advantage is that the Kenai Fjords National Park cruise takes you deep into the national park, much further than you’d be able to hike or explore on foot. So, you’ll see much more of Alaska’s rough and rugged wildlife and forests.
I recommend this From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch. It’s a 7.5-hour cruise around Kenai Fjords National Park. The tour explores glaciers, mountains, and fjords on a large catamaran boat. You’ll also likely come across sea otters, harbor seals, coastal mountain goats, sea lions, and more. The tour comes with a deli lunch and beverages.
For more activities in Seward, you will find inspiration in my post The Top Things To Do In Seward.
Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier is one of the few accessible glaciers in Alaska, making it an excellent place for glacier trekking, not to mention one of the top places to visit in Alaska.
The glacier is a massive river of ice stretching 43.4 km (27 miles) long and offers a breathtaking experience. And while the glacier is a magnificent sight for sore eyes, it’s surrounded by incredible natural landscapes.
The Chugach Mountains and lush greenery flank the glacier. One of the best reasons to visit Matanuska Glacier for hiking adventures is the weather.
The glacier naturally sends warm valley air upward, meaning this area usually has sunnier skies and slightly warmer weather.
Matanuska Glacier is about 150 km (93 miles) from Anchorage, making it one of the most accessible glacier day trips from Anchorage.
If you’d like to save yourself the hassle of navigating and coordinating, consider one of the full-day tours to Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage. I highly recommend this From Anchorage: Matanuska Glacier Full-Day Tour, which includes transportation, a ride-along on a snow machine in the summer months, glacier safety equipment, snacks, and beverages.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a small, funky town with a big personality. It is a haven for artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and creative residents.
Talkeetna is very popular as a starting point for Mt. Denali and Denali National Park, especially for climbers who must depart early to reach the summit. It’s also a great starting point for a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft aerial cruise of Mt. Denali.
But you can also easily visit for a day from Anchorage. The downtown area is relatively small but very charming. There are only two main blocks, and they’re filled with art stores, historic buildings, and restaurants.
Additionally, it’s a great place for boat tours and cruises. Talkeetna grew at the convergence of three rivers, so there are plenty of areas to explore by boat, jet ski, or kayak.
Talkeetna is approximately 185 km (115 miles) from Anchorage. The drive takes about 2 hours of driving time. You’ll drive north on the Parks Highway or Highway 3, right to Talkeetna.
The Denali Star Train on the Alaska Railroad also stops at Talkeetna.
If you’re planning on doing a flight over Denali, I highly recommend this Talkeetna: Grand Denali Flight with Optional Glacier Landing. It’s an excellent tour, with high reviews and a great crew and captain.
My post A Quirky Guide To Talkeetna will guide you through everything this small town has to offer.
Bear watching in Katmai National Park or Lake Clark
If you’re traveling to Alaska, you will definitely want to go bear-watching. Alaska has three main bear species: brown (grizzly), black, and polar. Brown bears can be found almost anywhere in Alaska.
Katmai National Park and Lake Clark are two of the best places for bear viewing.
Katmai National Park is about 540 km (290 air miles) from Anchorage and is almost exclusively accessed by plane or boat. Because it has a high concentration of bears and other wildlife, it is often called the “Land of the Giants” or “Bear Central. “
Brooks Falls, Hallo Bay, and Margot Creek are some of the park’s best bear-viewing locations. Brooks Falls is magnificent, as there are several bear-viewing platforms.
Katmai National Park is one of the most popular parks for bear-watching. However, Lake Clark is another excellent location.
Lake Clark is much less developed and offers a more intimate and natural experience. Fewer tourists also usually venture to Lake Clark for bear viewing.
The best way to get to Lake Clark is a quick one-hour flight from Anchorage.
I highly recommend this Bear Viewing Excursion and Airplane Adventure Tour – it’s an action-packed bear-viewing tour from Anchorage. The tour includes a round-trip flight from Anchorage to Lake Clark, a few hours of bear viewing, and a secluded lunch right on the lake.
Further Readings
These posts will help you plan your Alaska trip:
- How To Visit Denali National Park
- How To Hike The Savage Alpine Trail
- How To Hike The Harding Icefield
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