Looking for a mini trip while you’re in Anchorage? Here are some great options to choose from. From sightseeing, small-town culture, to wildlife tours and gourmet food. You can truly do it all.
- Alyeska Resort / The City of Girdwood
A quick (and gorgeous) hour drive away lies the fun and adventurous town of Girdwood, home to the exquisite Alyeska Resort. A common weekend respite for Anchorage locals, Girdwood and Alyeska also claim the moniker of Alaska’s most well-known adventure town. Offering year round activities including skiing and snow sports in the Winter, and hiking and a downhill mountain bike park in the Summer. Add in luxurious accommodations, opulent dining, and their newest addition the Nordic spa, and you may never want to leave.
- Turnagain Arm
Arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country, the Turnagain Arm is an easily accessible road trip just outside of Anchorage proper. Enjoy the dramatic landscape of steep rugged mountain scapes on one side and the deep blue waters of the Cook Inlet on the other. Filling a day adventuring along this route is easy to do with scenic turn-offs, trail heads, wildlife viewing, and if you time it right – the tidal bore.
- The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Hoping, like many, while you are in Alaska to set your sights on seeing a moose, caribou, or wolf? Well, there is one easy way to help guarantee that’s the case. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center hosts many Alaskan rescue animals, and unlike some, it delivers! From baby Musk Oxs getting bottle fed, to photo ops with porcupines, this self-guided tour facility is in the heart of the Turnagain Arn.
- The City of Whittier / Prince William Sound
Quite possibly one of the most beautiful ocean inlets in the world, a true National Geographic experience awaits at Prince William Sound. Close to 150 glaciers, some flowing into the sea including broken ice sheets floating all around. Abundant wildlife. Waterfalls. Unspoiled bays. Fjords. Whales. Bears. Otters. Prince William Sound is an amazing site to be seen, and a truly Alaskan experience to be had only 2 hours away from Anchorage.
- Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier is a must-see, and an experience truly unique to Alaska. Sitting at 27 miles long and 4 miles wide, Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in the United States accessible by car. At just under 100 miles outside of Anchorage this is an easy and mind-blowing day trip adventure. The Matanuska Glacier is huge, with so much to do such as exploring glacial lakes, venturing into ice caves, or watching the experts as they scale sheer, almost vertical faces of ice with ice axes and crampons.
- Kenai Fjords National Park
In our opinion, the Kenai Fjords National Park just might be some of the most majestic and gorgeous landscapes in the entire state of Alaska. The Kenai has captured hearts and spirits for generations of travelers and Alaskan locals alike. Our preference for experiencing this exceptional natural treasure is to head South from Anchorage, and hop on a day-long cruise, which will allow up close and tranquil opportunities to connect with the inspiring landscape.
- Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake is a popular destination for Alaska locals, tucked away in the Chugach mountains, it feels like a hidden oasis that lies in a remote far off location, yet is only an hour drive from Anchorage. This gorgeous turquoise lake is created from glacial flows that rest at the basin of towering mountains. Off the lake, the surrounding area also includes more than 15 miles of trails to explore by either foot, bike or atv.
- The City of Seward
Seward is the classic Alaskan town, where you will find a quintessential mix of mountains, glaciers, ocean, fishing, hiking, kayaking and more. While Seward itself is certainly a draw, we also mention the trip to Seward as a unique and wonderful experience as well. Seward is about 130 miles outside of Anchorage, and is an unbelievably scenic drive. While the drive is only 2.5-3 hours, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time on this trip as you will want to stop often to take in the breathtaking scenery.
- City of Talkeetna
This city has the ultimate small-town Alaskan feel with the added bonus of a view of Mount Denali. You can camp, cabin, or stay at the Talkeetna Princess Lodge, any way you choose it, this tiny eclectic town will warm your heart. Have a beer at Denali Brewing Co, or some Talkeetna Spinach bread and enjoy the local scene. It may be small, and it may have had a cat as it’s honorary mayor for a few years in the 90s, but this little town will steal your heart.
- Cooper Landing
This little town on the Kanai peninsula can make for a simple getaway if you’re looking for a wilderness outlet. Paddleboard on the Kenai Lake, fish for salmon on the Kenai River, take a rafting trip down 6 mile, or enjoy a s’moar around the campfire with friends. This rustic town is the perfect escape from modern life.
Looking for more suggestions or itineraries for your next group tour in Alaska?
Contact our expert DMC staff at Toast of the Town for customized travel plans
to match your group needs and budgets.
