Things to do in Alaska, United States: The Best Day Trips from

February 24, 2022 Agatha Simes

Alaska is divided into five regions: far north, interior, southwest, south central, and inside passage. Although it takes a long time to see the entire state, you can travel through the regions by boat, car, bus, or plane. Hike through the mountains, or venture out on a deep sea fishing or whale watching excursion. Get in touch with nature by camping in the wilderness, or experience your preferred degree of class and luxury in the beautiful, active cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks. 
Restaurants in Alaska

1. Matanuska Glacier Private Tour

Greatland Adventures
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Visit Alaska's largest road accessible glacier on this wonderful full day tour. Glacier Park Entrance Fee Included.

Inclusions: Round Trip Private Transportation from Anchorage, Hotel Pickup, Services of Professional Local Guide, Glacier Travel Equipment-Ice Cleats, Safety Helmets, Warm Winter Clothing and Boots

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By joylB2976LX

We had a great experience with Greatland Adventures. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. Would 100% recommend to anyone interested in a glacier tour and I would definitely book with them for any future trips to Anchorage.

2. Fairbanks to Delta Junction: Beauty of the North Tour

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This tour will take you from Fairbanks to Summit Lake with various stops on the way and will give you a view into a side of Alaska that is normally reserved for Alaskan Residents. Stops will include but are not limited: • The Knotty Shop • Big Delta State Historical Park • Trans-Alaskan Pipeline • Sullivan's Roadhouse • Restaurant in Delta Junction • Summit Lake. Make sure to dress weather appropriate and we recommend to wear some sturdy shoes to be able enjoy this trip. This small-group tour is limited to eight people, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Inclusions: Snacks, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (inside city limits of Fairbanks/North Pole), Transport by air-conditioned van, Fuel surcharge, National Park fees, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By dharani-ms

We had a blast on our maiden snowmobile trip. Jarod was awesome. He helped us get the right gear and showed us a good time.

3. Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Dream

Aurora In Alaska
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Our Chena Hot Springs / Northern Lights Alaska Tours begin right at your Fairbanks hotel, so you don’t need to plan how to get to us and you will save additional taxi costs. Only 60 miles from Fairbanks, this world-renowned resort offers an afternoon of rest and relaxation in the historical location discovered by natives and early miners. Enjoy the mineral hot springs in a beautiful natural setting and experience the dancing of the northern lights. Enjoy fine dining, Rustic Bar, and Café The world’s largest year-round ice museum and bar is your first stop at the hot springs. Created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow the ice museum contains spectacular ice carvings for your enjoyment. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the restaurant. Apple Martini drinks at Ice Bar are available for purchase. Seeing the aurora is not guarantee.

Inclusions: Transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Bathing Towel / Swimsuite , Warm Cloths

Reviewed By lcalixto808

We're avid aurora hunters, and read University of Alaska's aurora forecast and noticed that Saturday was going to be a KP of 5 and the weather was going to be sunny all day. On a whim, we booked our flight, hotel, and this specific tour. We visited Fairbanks in December 2020 and didn't get to see anything. It was very cold and the clouds were everywhere and then it started to snow, but Saturday night was a game changer. Not only were we on high elevation, but we had a good group of people, and an amazing driver/ photographer/ tour guide named Austin. He was very knowledgeable and even setup a cold and hot beverage bar, and laid out some reindeer hot dogs over a homemade camp fire. What better way to enjoy a cold evening outdoor! Be advised there is no restroom where we went, and no shelter but the van. Austin kept the van running all night so you can run in and out as you please to stay warm. Anyway, back to the aurora, at about 11pm when the sun was beautifully going down, we started to see glimpse of green, and then rings, and the dancing lines of pink, and many other colors. Photos do no justice for that very moment standing under that beautiful dancing sky. I wish I had brought a cot, or sleeping bag to just lay there and enjoy the sights. Be advised again that the aurora doesn't stay the same, it is always changing and moving; so all your photos will be different and unique. My partner and I tried to capture the pink background, but by the time the camera was setup- it was gone. It's okay though, I took a photo of it with my eyes so I'm good for the next hundred years. I would highly recommend this tour if your mission is to see the aurora borealis. Make sure you take into account the weather, kp, and duration of a tour you want to join. I would definitely book with Aurora in Alaska again.

4. Winter All-In-One

Anchorage Downtown TourGroup
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

We depart no later than one hour prior to sunrise. We cater this adventure to the Alaskan environment. Learn about the history of Anchorage. A Real Alaskan Tour Guide sharing facts and personal experiences. From downtown Anchorage, travel along the Turnagain arm to Portage Valley. Two options are available for this tour and do not have to be decided until the day of. In Winter we on use option one as option two is not open. (Opt. 1) Take a trip through a 5K one way tunnel to a former secret military base - now the City of Whittier. Have lunch on us -- fresh halibut or clam chowder. (Opt. 2 summer only) Hop aboard the m/v Ptarmigan for a one hour cruise to Portage Glacier. Next the Wildlife conservation Center. Bear, Moose, Elk, Musk-Ox, Wolves, Fox and much more. Tour into the Chugach Mountains with a spectacular view of Turnagain Arm. This tour includes a full city tour and pick-up/drop-off at location of your choice. This tour offered Private and as a group for the same price.

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, Lunch, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By ChelleJie

This was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience!!! Levy and Demetrius were very professional, super nice and hotel pick up was on time. This tour is highly recommended to any one that would like to see and experience glacier walking. Thank you guys again!

5. Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 34 reviews

Immerse yourself in Alaska’s intriguing culture and history on this small-group or private tour in Fairbanks. Browse interesting art exhibits and installations at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center and learn about the state’s important heritage at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Stop by the Yukon Quest Log Cabin for a glimpse into the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and explore Pioneer Park (seasonal), featuring several attractions that celebrate Alaska’s many notable cultural, historic and economic hallmarks. Great shopping, too. This is a small group tour, to ensure you’ll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Admission to museums (approx. USD $12 each), Gratuities

Reviewed By dharani-ms

We had a blast on our maiden snowmobile trip. Jarod was awesome. He helped us get the right gear and showed us a good time.

6. Fairbanks Autumn/Winter City Tour

1st Alaska Tours
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4.9 based on 18 reviews

Discover Fairbanks during the winter months, on this 5.5-hour tour with driver/guide. Visit the Santa Claus House, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and the Museum of the North (Monday to Saturday) or Antique Auto Museum (Sunday only). See the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and learn about the history of Alaska. 

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Museum Entrance Fee

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By judy061948

The Northern Lights were fantastic. Joe, our driver, got us in a dark place so we could see the lights better. He really cares for his passengers. Hope I can have him for my driver when I go back

7. Chena Hot Springs Tour

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
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4.8 based on 52 reviews

Come explore the famous Chena Hot Springs Resort with us, located 60 miles from downtown Fairbanks. The scenery along the road and at the Hot Springs is breathtaking and has a good possibility of wildlife sightings. Soak in the pool of the Hot Springs and take a Geothermal Energy Tour before finishing the day with a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum. Lunch at the excellent restaurant is not to be missed!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pick-up, Admission to the Ice museum and Hot Springs

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks (restaurant and cafe/snack bar is available at the location., Cocktail at the Ice museum. Can be purchased at the Resort.

Reviewed By dharani-ms

We had a blast on our maiden snowmobile trip. Jarod was awesome. He helped us get the right gear and showed us a good time.

8. Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
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4.7 based on 244 reviews

Travel along one of the world’s most isolated roads from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle on this memorable 14-hour tour through the Alaskan wilderness. In the company of an experienced guide with a passion for Alaska, journey up the Dalton Highway, passing by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, crossing the Yukon River, and reaching the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the drive back, watch for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Snacks, sandwiches, warm drinks and hotel transport are included. This tour is limited to 7 guests with our transit vans and up to 10 guests in our mini coach, ensuring you enjoy a small-group experience in one of our climate-controlled vans. Please note that we cannot guarantee the Northern Lights sightings and we can't guarantee last minute bookings. Please also note that it is mandatory for every guest to rotate seats at least a few times on this tour.

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, within city limits of Fairbanks and North Pole, free Snacks and water, free Sandwiches (vegetarian option available, please advise at time of booking), free unlimited Hot drinks, like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, personalized Arctic Circle Certificate

Exclusions: Gratuities, no gluten free or vegan meal option available. You are welcome to bring or buy your own lunch and snacks., cold weather gear

Reviewed By dharani-ms

We had a blast on our maiden snowmobile trip. Jarod was awesome. He helped us get the right gear and showed us a good time.

9. Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks

Alaska-Wildlife-Guide - Day Tours
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4.6 based on 204 reviews

Discover the ethereal beauty of Alaska’s famous celestial display, impressive ice sculptures and the state’s ancient healing waters on an evening trip from Fairbanks. Throughout the night, admire the artwork inside Aurora Ice Museum and a dip into Chena Hot Spring Resort’s outdoor mineral water baths before chasing the lights. Your guide will lead your small group out to ideal northern lights viewing locations, where you’ll wait with warm beverages for a chance at glimpsing the multicolored display in the sky. Round-trip transport from Fairbanks or North Pole hotels is included.

Inclusions: Local Guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Access to Chena Hot Springs Resort's hot springs, hot tubs and swimming area

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food & drinks

Reviewed By dharani-ms

We had a blast on our maiden snowmobile trip. Jarod was awesome. He helped us get the right gear and showed us a good time.

10. Fairbanks City Highlight Tour

1st Alaska Tours
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4.6 based on 35 reviews

Enjoy a day out on the town in Fairbanks, Alaska. Visit the main highlights and attractions in the "Golden Heart City". Travel through time as you explore the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Stop at the famous Trans-Alaska-Pipeline Viewpoint and learn how this massive project was completed. Then, head uphill to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to take in the wonders of the Museum of the North. (We'll visit Antique Auto Museum instead when the Museum of the North is not open.) Finally, end the day with a trip to the Santa Claus House in the North Pole!

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