Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is more than just a destination. It’s a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures in the Last Frontier. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or just looking for a scenic drive, Anchorage offers a variety of day trips that combine accessibility with awe-inspiring experiences.
I recently visited Anchorage and explored the surrounding area doing all the things…from flying over towering glaciers and viewing abundant wildlife to exploring charming mountain towns and taking adrenaline-pumping excursions. Here are some of the best day trips from Anchorage that you won’t want to miss.
This article is organized into four sections, Girdwood and Whittier southeast of Anchorage and Palmer and Talkeetna North of Anchorage. Since a lot of Alaskan adventures happen outside of town limits, these are generalized places and ideas that aren’t tied to a pinpoint destination.
Girdwood: A Mountain Town with Adventure and Charm
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For over a decade, I trained as a professional skier to be a heli-ski guide homebasing out of Girdwood. Bad genetics kept me from fulfilling that dream in my youth, but when I finally was able to visit, I realized it was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation that lived up to my wildest dreams and expectations.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes in winter, hiking through alpine meadows in summer, or simply enjoying the town’s charming atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. The town’s strong sense of community and love for the outdoors makes it a fantastic year-round destination, offering heart-pounding thrills and peaceful moments surrounded by nature and only 45 minutes from the Anchorage airport.
Turnagain Arm: A Scenic Drive with Wildlife Encounters
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Turnagain Arm is a place where nature takes center stage. The highway hugs the coastline, offering travelers a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic landscapes in Alaska. Every twist and turn reveals another jaw-dropping vista, from snow-capped peaks to shimmering waters that reflect the ever-changing sky. Whether you’re stopping at designated viewpoints or simply soaking in the scenery from your car window, this drive is an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the rugged beauty of Alaska.
Alyeska Resort: A Four-Season Wonderland
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Alyeska Resort is known for world-class skiing in the winter and incredible hiking and biking trails in the summer. Take the Alyeska Aerial Tram up 2,300 feet to the top of Mount Alyeska, offering panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding glaciers.
At the base of Mt Alyeska is Girdwood. Aside from its adventure appeal, Girdwood offers a unique small-town charm with a welcoming community. The town embraces a laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle, making it a great place to relax after a day of adventure. The blend of alpine scenery, cozy accommodations, and friendly locals makes it an excellent getaway for travelers seeking both thrill and tranquility.
Relax at the Nordic Spa
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The Nordic Spa is a 50,000 sq. ft. facility set in the stunning Chugach Mountains on the grounds of Alyeska Resort. You move between hot and cold pools, surrounded by the peace and tranquility of the northernmost rainforest. Rest and rejuvenate in saunas and steam rooms, and then complete your experience at the exfoliation cabin. If you are sore from adventuring, consider booking a massage as well. Your body will thank you!
Girdwood’s Local Arts and Dining Scene
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Beyond adventure sports, Girdwood is a hub for creativity and local culture. The town boasts several art galleries featuring Alaskan artists, and its vibrant dining scene includes must-visit spots like Jack Sprat for gourmet, locally sourced meals and The Bake Shop for their famous sourdough pancakes.
Whittier: A Hidden Gem Beneath the Mountains
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Whittier is one of Alaska’s most unique towns, just 30 minutes past Girdwood. To reach the town, you drive the Seward Highway past the headwaters of the Turnagain Arm and through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, North America’s longest tunnel.
Its stunning coastal location and fascinating history make it feel frozen in time. Whether you’re drawn by the mystery of the Begich Towers or the breathtaking beauty of Prince William Sound, Whittier offers an experience unlike any other. It’s a place where adventure and history collide, making it a captivating stop on any Alaska itinerary.
Kayak Prince William Sound
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Sea kayak tours on Prince William Sound offer an unforgettable experience. Explore calm waters with gorgeous backdrops like the Chugach Mountains, icy glaciers, and rugged coastline while watching wildlife like sea otters and orcas.
Visit Portage Glacier
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Portage Glacier is one of the most accessible and impressive glaciers in Alaska. Before the tunnel, this lake was on a portage route between Prince William Sound and Turnagain Arm. You can visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center for an educational experience about the region’s glacial history, but a trip wouldn’t be complete without a boat tour across the lake to see the glaciers themselves.
Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Nestled at the end of Turnagain Arm, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is more than just a sanctuary—it’s a place where visitors can connect with the wild heart of Alaska. Here, animals roam in spacious enclosures designed to mirror their natural habitats, and visitors can observe them up close while learning about conservation efforts. The center’s dedication to education and rehabilitation makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in preserving Alaska’s unique wildlife for future generations.
Palmer: Alaska’s Heartland
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The Matanuska-Susitna Valley, locally known as The Mat-Su, is one of Alaska’s fastest-growing regions. Wasilla might be the largest city, but Palmer is the borough seat with quaint, historic charm. It’s also home to the Alaska State Fair, where giant vegetables come out to play, including a colossal cabbage that weighed over 138 lbs and measured 7.5 feet across.
Many residents make the 45-minute commute to Anchorage for work, but visitors can take day trips to Palmer for phenomenal outdoor recreation opportunities.
Fluffy Farm Tours
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Pay homage to Palmer’s agrarian roots with a farm tour. The Musk Ox Farm allows visitors to see living relics of the Ice Age that are oh-so-cute and, in my opinion, smell better than a 100lb cabbage.
The Reindeer Farm is often considered Alaska’s best farm experience for its four-season offerings. I think it’s because of all the fluffy animals for the titular deer as well as moose, elks, yaks, alpaca, and highland cattle.
Matanuska Glacier: Walk on Ice
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The Mantanuska Glacier is slightly over an hour past Palmer on the Glenn Highway. It’s easy to access, and guided glacier treks allow you to safely explore the blue ice formations, crevasses, and meltwater streams.
For those seeking extra thrills, nearby adventure companies offer ATV tours and ziplining experiences with stunning glacier views.
Eklutna Lake: Paddle & Pedal in the Wilderness
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Just outside Palmer, Eklutna Lake is a peaceful retreat with crystal-clear waters and a dramatic mountain backdrop. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake at your own pace.
If you prefer to pedal instead of paddle, the Eklutna Lakeside Trail is perfect for biking or hiking, offering an easy, scenic route along the water’s edge.
Explore Hatcher Pass
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Hatcher Pass is a stunning mountain area north of Palmer with plenty of history and adventure. Visit the Independence Mine State Historical Park to explore the remnants of a 1930s gold mining operation, now a scenic site with informational plaques and hiking trails.
Hatcher Pass offers numerous trails with breathtaking views, including the Gold Cord Lake Trail, a short but rewarding hike to an alpine lake. The hillsides are covered in wild blueberries in late summer—perfect for foraging. In the winter, you can hit the slopes in the small but charming Skeetawk ski area.
Talkeetna: Small Town Charm & Big Mountain Views
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Talkeetna, 113 miles north of Anchorage, is a quirky little town with a big personality. It’s the gateway to Denali and offers some of the best flightseeing tours in Alaska. Opt for a glacier landing for a truly unforgettable experience.
Be sure to stroll through Talkeetna’s historic downtown, filled with charming shops and restaurants. For a relaxing adventure, take a riverboat tour or go fishing on the Susitna River.
Endless Adventures Await
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Anchorage is more than just a city—it’s the perfect starting point for countless day trips that showcase the very best of Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Whether driving along Turnagain Arm, exploring glaciers, hiking in the mountains, or getting up close with Alaska’s wildlife, each adventure offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.
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