Wedged between glorious mountain peaks and a salmon-filled inlet, Anchorage is a city like no other. It’s the largest metro area in the state but only minutes from the rugged wilderness, making it an excellent base for exploring The Last Frontier.
From glacier hikes to lake views to train rides, you will surely be surprised by all the city offers.
I lived many years in Alaska, then I spent a month living in Anchorage a couple of years ago and fell for the friendly locals, abundant cuisine options, and magnificent 360° views.
Plus, there is nothing quite like living in a large metro area while also experiencing random bears trekking through your yard!
Sure, you can fill your days in the city itself, but Anchorage is an ideal base for taking day trips to the surrounding attractions.
So in this article I’ve brought you my top picks of the best day trips from Anchorage you should add to your bucket list the next time you visit. Come join the fun!
- 1. Matanuska Glacier
- 2. Alyeska Resort
- 3. Turnagain Arm
- 4. Chugach National Forest
- 5. Portage Glacier Cruise
- 6. Independence Mine
- 7. Eklutna Lake
- 8. Seward
- 9. Katmai National Park
- 10. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- 11. Prince William Sound
- 12. Kenai Fjords National Park
- 13. Rendezvous Peak
- 14. Talkeetna
- 15. Hatcher Pass
- 16. Eagle River
- Plan a Day Trip on Your Anchorage Trip!
1. Matanuska Glacier
Adventures abound with a visit to the Matanuska Valley Glacier. At 27 miles long (43 km) and 4 miles wide (6.4 km), it is the largest car-accessible glacier in the United States.
And let me tell you this. Prepare to be awestruck!
Whether you are exploring with crampons, kayaks, or on a bush plane! The Matanuska Glacier will definitely blow you away.
Sitting just off Glenn Highway, travelers have several options for up-close viewing and walking on the ice. Nearby is the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, part of the Alaska park system. It is a nearly 300-acre park with various trails and a campground for those who want more than a day trip.
In my opinion, booking a tour is needed to visit the Matanuska Glacier. While you can visit the recreation site and view the glacier on your own, you’ll need a tour if you want your feet on the ice.
- Distance: 93 miles (149.6 km)
- How to get there: Book a tour with either a shuttle service or bush plane flyover
- Time to get there: 2 hours by car or shuttle bus
- Time to spend there: Tours will last from 1 to 4 hours, but you could easily tack on more time exploring the trails around the recreation site.
2. Alyeska Resort
Head to Girdwood on the super scenic Seward Highway, and you’ll find yourself at Alyeska Ski Resort. It is the perfect day trip for when you want a slower change of pace and a touch of luxury.
While in the area, you can visit Virgin Creek Falls, hit the world-class ski slopes, and spend time hiking the Winner Creek Trail.
However, your visit won’t be complete without a ride on the Alyeska Aerial Tram (some people consider a ride on the tram the highlight of their trip). The views of the seven nearby glaciers are breathtaking, no matter the season you visit — I was there in the spring, and it was stunning.
Once you finish exploring, sit down for a meal at the fine dining restaurant in the resort to round out your day.
Getting to Girdwood and Alyeska is part of the fun of this day trip. The Seward Highway offers views of the Turnagain Arm (see below) and the surrounding mountains.
Be sure to take a moment to stop at one of the pullouts (like Beluga Point) for a dream Alaskan photo op.
You can also choose to take the train from Anchorage to Girdwood if you don’t have personal wheels at your disposal.
- Distance: 41.9 miles (67.4 km)
- How to get there: Car or train
- Time to get there: About an hour by car and a little over an hour via train
- Time to spend there: All day!
3. Turnagain Arm
Feeding into the Gulf of Alaska, the Turnigain Arm is a waterway named after British explorer James Cook’s famous seafaring blunder. Cook had to “turn again” when he mistook the waterway for a nonexistent passage.
Turnigain Arm is a very popular day trip from the city and is well worth the rental car price. As you head down Seward Highway, you’ll see how quickly city streets fade into the wilderness and the views simply take your breath away.
While you can certainly just gawk at the views from your car window, there are plenty of places to stop for a photo opportunity, a scenic stroll, or a more strenuous hike.
Stop off at Mile 115 to enjoy the 11-mile trek called Turnagain Arm Trail — originally used by Alaskan natives. Other trails are found at Mile 112, Mile 108, and Mile 107.
At Mile 117, you’ll discover Potter Marsh. It was created in 1916 by railroad construction, but now it boasts a boardwalk perfect for birdwatching. My dad and I sat on one of the benches attempting to spy grebes, gulls, and the resident ducks.
Those with mobility challenges can find the Bird Ridge Trail at Mile 102 which has a wheelchair-accessible loop. It also has a steeper section with a 3500-foot overlook and a good spot for rock climbing.
Disclamer: The mudflats out on the Arm look like a fun place to take a stroll, but they are quite dangerous and pose a drowning hazard. People get stuck in the mud during low tide, and then they are unable to get out before high tide comes in. Do not walk on the mud flats.
- Distance: About 40 miles of the Seward Highway border Turnagan Arm, starting on the outskirts of Anchorage
- How to get there: Car or by booking a tour
- Time to get there: Many people make Beluga Point their destination while traversing the Arm. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from the city.
- Time to spend there: At least 2 hours
4. Chugach National Forest
Due to its proximity to Anchorage, the Chugach National Forest is a super affordable day trip from the city.
Full of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and lakes, it is the second largest U.S. National Forest coming in just under the Tongass National Forest on the other side of the state.
It is one of the few places you can see glaciers flow out of the mountains and down into the sea.
The Chugach National Forest offers natural beauty galore and tons of hiking trails.
You can be on the closest one roughly 20 minutes after leaving the city. However, if you don’t mind traveling a little further, there are over 200 miles of trail ways to explore.
But hiking isn’t your only option. You can bike, ride ATVs, and even kayak on a glacial lake.
Let’s not forget about the stunning Alaskan glaciers.
Bering Glacier and Bagley Icefield are larger than the country of Switzerland. And Columbia Glacier, a tidewater glacier, is one of the largest in the world!
- Distance: 59 miles (94.9 km)
- How to get there: Car, boat, or float plane
- Time to get there: The forest is 6,908,540 acres, but you can get to the nearest trail in about 20 minutes
- Time to spend there: At least 2 hours
5. Portage Glacier Cruise
You’ll find one of the state’s most popular glaciers in Portage Valley — The Portage Glacier. Six miles long and roughly ten stories tall, it spills out of the mountains into one end of Portage Lake.
Since the glacier is only about an hour from Anchorage, near the town of Whittier, it makes for an easy and affordable day trip from the city.
When you book a Portage Glacier cruise, you’ll come face to face with the shimmering blue ice. The cruises last a few hours (depending on your package) and generally operate from May through September. You can expect heated cabins, topside viewing decks, and informative narration.
If you desire a little more time near the glacier, you can forego a tour and head to the valley on your own. There are hiking trails, places for biking, and spots to hop in your kayak and paddle around.
- Distance: 60 miles (96.5 km)
- How to get there: Cruises typically offer transportation from downtown Anchorage to the boat, you can also drive to the valley or take the train to Whittier
- Time to get there: About 1.5 hours
- Time to spend there: 2+ hours
6. Independence Mine
Sitting atop Hatcher Pass, Independence Mine, now abandoned, once employed over 200 workers including 16 families.
The mine was designated as a historic site in the early 1980s, and since then, the state has attempted to preserve the handful of buildings left over from its heyday.
There are mountain peaks and tundra surrounding the area making for panoramic views, both at the mine itself and on the scenic drive to the site.
A tour of the one-and-a-half miles of paved walkways starts at the Mine Manager’s House. Here, you will find a museum and a visitor’s center. You can opt for a self-guided tour (following informational placards) or a guided tour. You can learn about gold pricing policies, life in the mines, and even visit a miner’s bunkhouse.
Dressing warmly is recommended as you’ll be at 4,000 feet where things can get chilly. And remember, Alaska law prohibits removing or disturbing historical material from its state parks.
- Distance: 59.4 miles (95.9 km)
- How to get there: Car
- Time to get there: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Time to spend there: 1-2 hours
7. Eklutna Lake
Head north out of the city for about an hour and make your way to the sparkling Eklutna Lake nestled between two peaks in Chugach State Park. It is an outdoorsy paradise no matter what season you decide to visit.
Visitors to the 7-mile turquoise lake can hike, bike, kayak, ski, sunset gaze, or take an ATV tour.
There are 27 miles of trails, including the very popular 2.5-mile Twin Peaks Trail, which takes you to a great lookout point. Bikes, kayaks, and even ATVs are available to rent.
At certain times of the year, the lake is a good spot for catching sight of the aurora borealis.
You’ll also find camping and picnic facilities to enjoy. Plus, the lake is stocked with salmon and trout for great fishing.
While you could take a dip if you wanted, just keep in mind that the water is quite cold — even on the balmiest Alaskan summer day.
- Distance: 42.2 miles (67.9 km)
- How to get there: Rent a car and drive up AK-1
- Time to get there: About an hour
- Time to spend there: 4 to 5 hours
8. Seward
If views are what you are after, Seward is your destination. Sitting on Resurrection Bay, you’ll get a panorama that includes water, mountains, forest, and crystal blue skies.
You can take the 4-hour train ride from Anchorage, or rent a car and drive the Scenic Byway for 2.5 hours.
There is plenty to do in Seward!
You’ll find a quaint downtown area, enough dining options to please the foodies in your group, nightlife, and outdoor adventures like hiking and zip lines.
You can also spend a few hours enjoying the various murals — walking tours are available at certain times of the year.
If you decide to take a hike, don’t miss the Lost Lake Trail. It offers some stunning views of the area’s alpine meadows.
- Distance: 126.5 miles (203.5 km)
- How to get there: Car or train
- Time to get there: 2.5 hours by car, 4 hours by train
- Time to spend there: All day
9. Katmai National Park
For those who have bear viewing on their bucket list, a trip to Katmai National Park is a must. Established in 1918, Katmai is home to over 2,000 bears, but the wildlife isn’t the only reason to make the trip.
There are 9,000 years worth of history in this national park, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, volcanoes, glaciers, and a dense forest.
Then, of course, there is the Alaskan wildlife. Besides bears, visitors may catch glimpses of lynxes, wolves, birds, and salmon.
The best time to see the bears is in July when they are busy feasting on the salmon teeming in the rivers. But you have a decent chance anytime between May and September.
- Distance: 290 miles (466.7 km)
- How to get there: Plane. It is not accessible by car.
- Time to get there: A little over 4 hours
- Time to spend there: As long as possible, at least 3 or 4 hours
10. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The wildlife in Alaska is truly wondrous, and the Conservation Center wants to help protect the state’s biodiversity.
The 200-acre sanctuary is home to bears, wolves, moose, and other animals that have been rescued and are no longer able to live in the wild.
The Center is located at a glorious spot on the Turnagain Arm with mountains and glaciers to fill out the views.
You can spend several hours visiting the grounds on foot, in a car, or on a guided tour. You may even get a chance to get up close and personal with a few of the Center’s residents.
Add on the Walk on the Wild Side Tour for a 1.5-hour educational walk through the Center. You’ll learn some history, hear stories about the wildlife residents, and even get a chance to feed a few of the animals.
- Distance: 49.2 miles (79.1 km)
- How to get there: Car or take the train to Girdwood
- Time to get there: 1 hour by car, 1 hour 45 minutes via train
- Time to spend there: 2+ hours
11. Prince William Sound
On the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll find Prince William Sound, over 3,000 miles of coastline. The 10,000 square miles of waterways feature 150 flowing glaciers and broken ice gently bobbing among the fjords and scattered islands.
Visiting the sound can be arranged by a boat tour company, or you can sea kayak to get even closer to the action.
The water is fairly calm, so you have a good chance of catching a glimpse of various sea creatures such as jellyfish, otters, seals, and sea lions. It is also not unheard of to see whales skimming below the surface.
There are plenty of tour companies to book your boat or your kayak. Whittier, Cordova, and Valdez can all be used as jumping-off spots to the Sound.
- Distance: 60.3 miles (97 km) to Whittier
- How to get there: Car or train
- Time to get there: 1 hour and 17 minutes in a car, 2.5 hours by train
- Time to spend there: Half and whole-day boat tours are available
12. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is a fan favorite for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Located on the Kenai Peninsula, the park boasts breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Visitors can explore the park by hiking its numerous trails, taking a boat tour to see the glaciers, or kayaking through the fjords.
The park is home to a wide variety of marine mammals, including sea otters, seals, and humpback whales. There are plenty of birds like puffins and bald eagles to see, and, of course, the bigger draw for wildlife seekers are the resident moose and black bears.
Try to be a good visitor while in the parks and minimize your impact on the wildlife by following the park’s guidelines, including packing out trash, staying on designated trails, and keeping a safe distance from any animals that cross your path.
If you feel like Kenai Fjords deserves more than a day trip, you’ll find several lodging options in and around the park, including campsites and cabins, hotels, and rustic lodges.
- Distance: 124.9 miles (201 km)
- How to get there: Car or you can take the train to Seward and drive from there
- Time to get there: About 2 and a half hours
- Time to spend there: All day (or more!)
13. Rendezvous Peak
Rendezvous Peak is a popular hiking destination because you can start your hike from Eagle River, a suburb of Anchorage! As you head up the trail, you’ll get some awesome views of Eagle River, Symphony Lake, and the South Fork Valley.
You’ll find the trailhead off Hiland Road which can be reached from Glenn Highway. There is a parking area, but in the summer months, you’ll likely find it filled to capacity. If it is full, you are allowed to park on the road.
The best months to hit Rendezvous are between April and September. It is considered a “moderately challenging” hike according to AllTrails. You’ll get nearly 1400 feet of elevation gain, and the roundtrip loop is a little over three miles.
- Distance: 17 miles (27 km) from downtown Anchorage
- How to get there: Car
- Time to get there: (Depending on traffic) about 30 minutes
- Time to spend there: The hike will take 2-3 hours
14. Talkeetna
To really get a taste of small-town Alaskan life, head to Talkeetna a quaint hamlet about 115 miles from Anchorage. Originally a riverboat station used by miners and trappers, the town is now said to be the inspiration for the early 90s show Northern Exposure.
The vibe in Talkeetna is artsy meets outdoorsy, and it is often used as a jumping-off spot for climbers attempting Denali. You’ll find a main street lined with clapboard storefronts, historic buildings, and art galleries.
Talkeetna Riverfront Park offers views of Alaska’s highest peak on clear days, and you can find a drink waiting for you at the brewery. You can also do all the traditional Alaska activities: hiking, fishing, dog sled tours, flightseeing, etc.
Even if you aren’t trekking Denali, you can still learn about the mountain at the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station where you can check out a video program about scaling the mountain. You can also visit the Talkeetna Cemetery and see the memorial for those climbers who didn’t make it back.
- Distance: 114 miles (183.4 km)
- How to get there: Car or train
- Time to get there: 2 hours by car, 3 hours by train
- Time to spend there: All day!
15. Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is a road that runs through the mountains between Palmer and Willow, but it offers a ton of cool things to do!
Of course, you can explore the area and get in some hiking, but you can also go berry-picking, visit an abandoned mine, or have a picnic.
Locals and tourists enjoy this stretch of land nestled in the Talkeetna Mountains for the wildflower blooms in the summer months.
Even if you don’t get out of the car, the scenic views make for a great joyride.
Note: The pass is only open July – October as it can be treacherous in winter months.
Bird lovers will want to keep their eyes out for ptarmigans, falcons, and golden eagles. When the weather is right, you’ll experience panoramic views of the Alaska Range, Palmer’s Pioneer Peak, and the Chugach Range.
- Distance: 59.5 miles (95.7 km)
- How to get there: Car
- Time to get there: A little over an hour
- Time to spend there: 2-3 hours
16. Eagle River
Settled by homesteaders in the 1930s, Eagle River is located at the base of the Chugach Mountains just outside the city of Anchorage — it’s technically a suburb.
Now, there are about 30,000 people settled in the area, many of whom make the short commute to the city for work.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Eagle River!
Visit the Eagle River Nature Center to enjoy a naturalist program or catch a glimpse of the Dall sheep with their telescopes. In addition to the nature center, there are plenty of hiking options, places to kayak, and a spot for whitewater rafting.
If you are around mid-July, you can attend the Bear Paw Festival which started in 1985 and includes a parade, car show, and chili cook-off. The five-day event is great family-friendly fun.
- Distance: 15 miles (24.1 km)
- How to get there: Car
- Time to get there: 15 – 20 minutes, depending on where you are staying in the city
- Time to spend there: 4+ hours
Plan a Day Trip on Your Anchorage Trip!
Just because you planned a trip to Anchorage doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time there. Take a day trip from your Anchorage trip and hit one (or more) of these great spots around the city.
There is so much to experience in Alaska — no matter which way you set out, you’ll find spectacular views and tons of fun.
If you have limited time in Anchorage, I wouldn’t pass up a scenic drive on the Turnagain Arm as you can easily make it fit into your allotted time frame.
If you have a little more time to spare (and are visiting in the right season), Hatcher Pass should be at the top of your list.
For more adventures in the city check out my guide on the best things to do in Anchorage as well as the list of the best hotels in Anchorage.
Still planning your Alaska vacation? Check out this list of National Parks before you finalize your plans!
