Best Day Trips from Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, serves as a perfect base for various exciting day trips that showcase the state’s breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife. Here are some unmissable destinations:

1. Chugach State Park (Kincaid Park)

Just a short drive from downtown Anchorage lies the vast Chugach State Park, covering over 495,000 acres of forests, mountains, and coastline. Kincaid Park, a part of this extensive park system, is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and dog mushing. Don’t miss the Eagle River Loop trail or the Flat Top Mountain hike.

2. Seward Highway Scenic Drive

The Seward Highway offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and coastline as it winds its way to Seward, a coastal community gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Highlights include the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Beluga Point, and the spectacular Harding Icefield Trail.

3. Kenai Fjords National Park

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park on a boat tour to see numerous tidewater glaciers, such as Holgate Glacier and Harlem Glacier. You might even spot wildlife like sea otters, seals, and whales.

4. Portage Valley & Portage Glacier

Head to Portage Valley and take a boat tour to Portage Glacier for an up-close view of this stunning glacier. The area also offers hiking trails, such as the easy Trail of Time or the more challenging Harding Icefield Trail. Don’t forget to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to moose, bears, and wolves.

5. Girdwood & Alyeska Resort

Located about a 40-minute drive from Anchorage, picturesque Girdwood offers year-round activities. In winter, enjoy downhill skiing at Alyeska Resort, while in summer, hike the popular Winner Creek Trail or take the tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for stunning views.

6. Turnagain Arm & Potter Marsh

Drive along Turnagain Arm to see beluga whales (when in season), and stop at Potter Marsh Boardwalk to observe wetland birds such as sandhill cranes, loons, and trumpeter swans. Keep an eye out for moose and bears as well!