Looking to explore the best of Alaska but not sure where to start? Want to see wildlife or visit some remote areas without having to plan complicated itineraries? Or planning an Alaska cruise and want to add a few inland adventures before or after your trip?
Good news – you can experience some of Alaska’s most epic sights and adventures by using Anchorage as your home base and making day trips.
While Anchorage might feel like a small and somewhat unassuming town, it’s the perfect base for excursions. It’s actually the only place in Alaska where you could stay for a few weeks and fill each day with different adventures.
That said, with tons of options to choose from, it might be daunting to decide what’s worth your time the most. So in this guide, we only feature THE VERY BEST day trips from Anchorage that showcase the most breathtaking landscapes, iconic wildlife, and unforgettable adventures. From glacier hikes and flightseeing excursions to Northern Lights and wildlife viewing, these epic day trips let you experience the best that Alaska has to offer without the hassle of intense planning.
Good to know: For each of the day trips featured in this article, you’ll find practical tips, including the season when it can be done, how to get there, tour options, and whether guided pick-up/drop-off services are available.
TIP: If you are wondering where to stay in Anchorage, based on my personal experience, I highly recommend Hotel Captain Cook – it’s pretty much the best hotel in Anchorage. On a somewhat lower budget, the recently renovated Aviator Hotel is also a great option.
I stayed at both of these hotels and couldn’t fault anything. They are both located in the center, close to the museum, restaurants, and shops. I even walked to the railway station with all my luggage. Also, all guided tours offer pick-up/drop-off from the city center.
Good to know: To help you decide which excursions are worth your time the most, I ranked these day trips by listing my personal favorites first.
You really can’t go wrong with any of them and each place/activity is worth it for different reasons. In fact, some of the most popular day trip destinations near Anchorage are listed at the end. But if you are looking for the most epic experiences, start at the top of the list!
Here are some of the very best day trips from Anchorage:
1. Bear Viewing
Why go: Fly to a remote part of Alaska to spend a day observing bears in their natural habitat, fishing for salmon and roaming in the wild. Bear viewing is one of the most expensive day trips from Anchorage, but it’s also one of the most unique and awe-inspiring wildlife experiences you can have in Alaska!
Season: Bear viewing excursions from Anchorage can be done from May to the end of September. However, depending on the month, you will visit different places. For example, in July, the best place to see bears is in Katmai National Park (the famous Brooks Falls), whereas at the end of September, the best place is Lake Clark National Park. You can see an overview of the best locations per month on Rust’s website.
Best way to do this day trip: Rust’s Flying Service offers amazing bear viewing day tours from Anchorage. You can simply take a taxi/Uber to their office at Lake Hood near Anchorage Airport, or ask them to arrange a transfer from your hotel. Parking is also available if you have a car.
TIP: You can get 10% off with fullsuitcase discount code on any tour with Rust’s. Simply use one of the links above and insert ‘fullsuitcase’ code when making your online booking. This code should also work when booking on the phone (just don’t forget to mention it before you pay!).
PRO TIP: Be sure to book bear viewing tours as soon as you know your travel dates!!! If visiting in the peak summer season, you may even want to check availability first, before making other travel arrangements. Bear viewing tours, especially to Katmai National Park in July, often sell out months ahead.
My experience: I visited Alaska in September and took the Lake Clark bear viewing tour. The scenic flight from Anchorage to Crescent Lake took about 1 hour. There is a lodge at this lake where we could use bathroom facilities and later also had hot lunch (fresh salmon!). For bear viewing, we transferred to a small covered boat. We saw dozens of bears on the shores of the lake – fishing, walking around, and simply chilling with their cubs…
This is truly the most special full-day trip from Anchorage. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Denali Flightseeing
Why go: Soar over the mountains and glaciers of Alaska Range. Get close to Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak, and even land on a glacier for an unforgettable adventure. It’s a true bucket list adventure! No wonder that these scenic flights are constantly ranked as Alaska’s #1 tours.
Season: Weather-permitting, flightseeing tours from Talkeetna and also from Anchorage are available year-round. In the summer, there are multiple departures per day.
Best way to do this day trip: The best Denali flightseeing tours depart from Talkeetna, 2 hours drive from Anchorage. You can simply rent a car and drive to Talkeetna; the drive is easy and scenic, plus, you can add some stops on the way. For example, you can easily visit the Reindeer Farm in Talkeetna and/or do a summer dog sledding tour in Willow on the same day.
Alternatively, you can also get to Talkeetna from Anchorage (and back) by train, just beware that Alaska Railroad journeys book up fast and the train takes a lot longer than driving. Also, this particular stretch isn’t as scenic as the train to Seward (see #4) and renting a car will likely be cheaper, especially if you are with 2 people or more. Either way, be sure to book your flightseeing tour in advance, taking into account the time that it takes you to get there.
Flights from Anchorage: It’s also possible to book a scenic flight to Denali directly from Anchorage with Rust’s Flying Service (the same company I did the bear tour with). Also for these tours, you can get 10% off with fullsuitcase discount code. However, flying to Denali from Anchorage (vs from Talkeetna), you will spend more time flying over flatlands and less in the mountains, where the scenery is the most impressive.
My experience: I rented a car and drove to Talkeetna where I did the ‘Mountain Voyager’ flightseeing tour including a glacier landing option. You can read more about this experience, see photos, and find my tips via the link below. I also visited the reindeer farm in Talkeetna on the same day and could have easily done dog sledding as well, but I had that planned on another day.
LEARN MORE: Denali Flightseeing & Glacier Landing Experience
3. Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour (+ Palmer)
Why go: Fly over breathtaking Knik River valley, Chugach Mountains, and land on a glacier for an unforgettable adventure. If you opt for the Grand helicopter tour, you also land in the mountains and at a glacier lagoon. This is one of the most unique ways to experience Alaska’s iconic glacial landscapes, and one of the best excursions a short drive from Anchorage.
Season: Helicopter tours with Knik Glacier landing are possible year-round. In the summer, there are multiple departures per day.
Best way to do this day trip: Helicopter tours start near Palmer, 45-60 minutes drive from Anchorage (depending on which tour you book). If you don’t have a car, you can arrange the transfer directly with the local operator after you book the tour.
With a car, you can easily do a lot more in a day than just this tour. For example, visit a Reindeer Farm and/or an Musk Ox Farm in Palmer. In addition, you can also drive to Hatcher Pass and visit Independence Mine State Park or do some hiking.
My experience: I had a rental car and drove to Alaska Glacier Lodge near Palmer for this Grand helicopter tour with a company called Alaska Helicopter Tours. This lodge is so scenically located that it would have been a nice place to stay for a few nights, but I simply visited the Palmer area for a day from Anchorage. In addition to the helicopter tour, I also did this summer dog sledding tour on the same day.
LEARN MORE: What to Expect on Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour
4. Seward + Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Why go: The drive to Seward is incredibly scenic and a Kenai Fjords cruise offers the best chance to see calving glaciers and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Alaska. Plus, you can expect to see a big variety of marine wildlife including sea lions, puffins, and even whales.
Season: You can visit Seward (and find plenty to do) year-round, but Kenai Fjords cruises only run between May and early October.
Best way to visit Seward on a day trip: You can easily drive to Seward for a day (about 2.5 hours one-way). Alternatively, Alaska Railroad offers a scenic train ride from Anchorage to Seward (4.5 hours each way), arriving in time for afternoon cruises and leaving back after boat tours return. To experience the best of Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward on a day trip from Anchorage, we recommend a 6-hour cruise.
If you prefer calmer waters and opt for a 4-hour cruise, you can also spend some time exploring Seward town. If you have some time to spare, don’t miss the Alaska SeaLife Center.
TIP: Book your cruise well in advance, especially during the peak summer season. Bring something for the motion sickness – a small part of the 6-hour tour goes through some rough water.
Good to know: The majority of people visiting Seward on a day trip from Anchorage book a round-trip journey on Alaska Railroad and take the same train back after the boat tour. It’s super easy to arrange, just reserve everything well in advance!
Alternatively, you can also opt for a one-way trip to Seward by train and book a shuttle ride back to Anchorage. It’s cheaper and also faster than the train and you will get to see somewhat different scenery than in the morning. Plus, the train normally leaves at 6pm, whereas the shuttle transfer at 7pm, giving you a bit more time to enjoy Seward (plus, you will still be back in Anchorage earlier).
LEARN MORE: Seward Day Trip itinerary
My experience: I took a scenic train ride to Seward and did a 6-hour cruise. I stayed in Seward for a few days and used the shuttle service after that.
You can find more information about my experience and the best boat tour options via the link below. And if you are also interested in staying longer, take a look at my guide to Seward for more ideas for things to do.
LEARN MORE: Kenai Fjords Cruise: Best Options Explained
5. Matanuska Glacier
Why go: Experience the thrill of walking on ice with a guided hike on Matanuska Glacier. Explore blue crevasses, sparkling ice formations, and enjoy breathtaking scenery. This is the most accessible glacier in Alaska and the tours are suitable for almost all ages (usually from 5-8 years, but double-check if traveling with kids as it might depend on the tour you book).
Season: Matanuska Glacier is one of the most popular excursions from Anchorage and tours are available year-round.
Best way to visit: There are many guided tours from Anchorage and they include the round-trip transfer to the glacier, and special equipment needed for the glacier hike. Some tours include lunch, others – locally made Alaskan Honey and wines (what’s included has impact on the price of the tour, so keep that in mind when comparing different options).
If you have a car, it’s also possible to drive to Matanuska Glacier. However, you still need a guide to walk on the glacier. In that case, be sure to book a guided tour in advance or you won’t be able to do it. Needless to say, this is a lot cheaper than paying for a full-day tour from the city and requires a lot less time. So if you have a car, this is a much better option.
My experience: I visited Matanuska Glacier with this guided tour from Anchorage. It was a full-day tour and included a delicious lunch at a local eatery overlooking the glacier. For more information and photos, please see my detailed guide via the link below.
LEARN MORE: Matanuska Glacier Tour
6. Northern Lights
Why go: Seeing the Northern Lights is one of Alaska’s bucket list experiences, and Anchorage is a good starting point for aurora chasing. While the city itself experiences some light pollution, nearby areas with darker skies offer prime viewing opportunities.
Season: September to mid-April.
Best way to see auroras: If you have a car and aurora forecast looks promising, you could simply go looking for aurora on your own. That said, if you are not keen on driving in winter conditions in the dark, it’s best to book a guided tour. Local guides have experience and will do their best to look for the best possible location for aurora viewing on that specific night. Most tours offer pick-up/drop-off from Anchorage hotels.
My experience: I had planned to do this highly-rated aurora tour from Anchorage, but I saw the Northern Lights on two nights in a row in Seward and was too tired for yet another late night, so I canceled… My friends who went had a wonderful experience and said that the tour was great.
By the way, aurora activity wasn’t high that night with nothing visible in the Anchorage area, but they drove quite far northward and saw amazing auroras. So it sure pays to go with local guides.
7. Prince William Sound Cruise
Why go: This is the best place near Anchorage where you can see multiple tidal glaciers in a short time. The Prince William Sound Cruise takes you through fjords, close to impressive glaciers, and offers excellent chances to see wildlife. The waters here are a lot calmer than in Seward and some cruise companies even have a NO sea sickness guarantee.
Season: May to early October.
How to visit: The best place for Prince William Sound cruises is Whittier, just 60 miles/+-1h15 drive from Anchorage (the other starting point is Valdez, 300 miles(!) away). When booking a cruise from Whittier, you can immediately choose an option with transfers from Anchorage included.
If you have a car, you can drive to Whittier. However, keep in mind that it’s only accessible via a one-way railway/car tunnel that opens to traffic on an alternating schedule. If driving there, be sure to check the schedule and book a time slot for the tunnel. If you book a tour with transfer included, you don’t have to worry about this.
My experience: I did this trip as part of a conference I attended. We did a 4-hour cruise (with transfer from Anchorage) and it was great despite the really bad weather we had that day. The scenery is incredible! However, by far the best option for a full-day trip is this 6-hour tour that visits 26 glaciers (also possible to book with transfers included). My friend did this 26 Glacier Cruise and she said it was epic.
8. Turnagain Arm + Various Options
Why go: The drive along Turnagain Arm is one of the most scenic roads in Alaska, with stunning mountain scenery and chances to spot beluga whales from the shore. It’s just near Anchorage and it’s also possible to combine this scenic drive with several other sights and attractions nearby.
For example, you can visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you can see moose, bears, bison, and other native animals in a natural setting. Portage Glacier is just nearby and if self-driving, you can also include an excursion to Mt Alyeska, or even take a glacier landing tour with a helicopter starting from Alyeska Resort in Gridwood.
Season: Year-round.
Good to know: Turnagain Arm’s location and easy accessibility makes it one of the most popular day trip destinations from Anchorage. However, depending on your overall travel plans, there might be some overlap as you will pass this area every time you go south of the city (for example, if you take a day trip to Seward (by train or by car), or drive to Whittier).
That said, Turnagain Arm deserves some more time than just seeing it from a car or a passing train. So if you want to explore deeper, it’s definitely a good option for a day trip in its own right. Even more so if you combine it with other places.
Best way to visit: If you have a car, simply drive along Turnagain Arm, stopping at different viewpoints. Be sure to visit the wildlife center and potentially book one of the glacier excursions nearby (or combine this with Prince William Sound cruise described above).
Without a car, you can choose from a wide selection of amazing guided tours that include stops at Turnagain Arm viewpoints, the wildlife center, and other highlights like Portage Glacier. Tours vary from 3-4 hours to full day, so this area is also a good option for a half-day trip from Anchorage.
My experience: I passed Turnagain Arm quite a few times on my trip – by train on the way to Seward, by shuttle on the way back, also when driving to Whittier for the Prince William Sound cruise. I saw it in the morning, during the day, and at sunset, with blue skies and rain… The drive is always very scenic. That said, if you get a chance, try to spend a bit more time here and explore deeper.
9. Palmer Area
Why go: Located just 40 miles/45 minutes drive north of Anchorage, Palmer is a great day trip destination offering tons of options. We already mentioned Knik Glacier helicopter and Matanuska Glacier hiking tours, but there is so much more to see and do.
On the way to Palmer, you pass the stunning Mat-Su Valley. You can stop for a short walk to Thunderbird Falls, enjoy the reflections of the Mirror Lake, or take a short detour to Eklutna Lake (where you can rent kayaks, for example).
In Palmer itself, you can visit a reindeer farm and/or musk ox farm. In Willow, you can book a dog sledding experience (summer and winter). Just nearby, Hatcher Pass offers a mix of history and natural beauty, with hiking trails, mountain views, and the historic Independence Mine. There are also some adventurous ATV tours in the area.
Season: Year-round.
Best way to visit: This really depends on what exactly you want to do. If you are interested in several places/activities, then it’s best to rent a car. That way, you can combine several tours in one day and also include some photo stops along the way.
If, however, you are simply looking for a relaxing day trip not far from Anchorage, then you can also book guided tours. Some activity providers can also arrange a transfer. TIP: This private tour is one of the best options for a full-day tour, including quite a nice variety of stops in the itinerary (Mat-Su Valley, Hatcher Pass, Independence Mile, Musk Ox Farm, etc.).
My experience: Because of its proximity, I passed Palmer on several occasions, so I visited pretty much all the places and did many amazing tours in this area. If I would have to pick just one favorite, my absolute favorite was this ‘grand’ helicopter tour with three landings including the Knik Glacier (see #3 in our lit for more information). Plus, since it only takes 2 hours, it’s super easy to combine this adventure with a few other places, activities, and scenic stops near Palmer.
So, these are some of the very best day trips that you can easily do from Anchorage. As you can see, there are quite a few amazing options, and not just in the summer season.
No matter how much time you have, these day trips offer unforgettable ways to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife. Pick your adventure (or a few!) and enjoy a memorable day!
More travel inspiration for Alaska:
- Alaska Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks
- Best Things to Do in Seward + Itinerary
- Seward Day Trip from Anchorage
- Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
- Best Things to Do in Homer
- Grand Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour
- Denali Flightseeing & Glacier Landing
- What It’s Really Like to Visit Alaska in September
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