Top Things to do in Girdwood
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Top 10 Things to do in Girdwood, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Girdwood, United States including Winner Creek Trail Hand Tram, Byron Glacier Trail, Portage Glacier, Alyeska Aerial Tram, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Chugach State Park, Alyeska Ski Area, Begich Boggs Visitor Center, Crow Creek Mine, Girdwood Brewing Company.
Restaurants in Girdwood
1. Winner Creek Trail Hand Tram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By jejeanne - Oahu
This trail is easy, and a lovely soft trail being in the rainforest like element. Now, I’ll say this, the trail lengths noted are deceiving. If you do the full and entire trail you are looking at close to 10miles. That includes the trails, tram and road coming back to the hotel.
2. Byron Glacier Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By Koyangi - Michigan
The trail is well-maintained, fairly flat, and only a mile one-way, so if you can walk a mile, there is no reason not to check this out. Beautiful hike, and the glacier (even though mostly melted in September) and view of the mountains at the end is spectacular- feels like you're in Middle Earth. Easy trip and pretty drive from Anchorage.
3. Portage Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 795 reviews
A popular tourist attraction.
Reviewed By Decemberborn - Kent, Washington
Came upon this little gem by accident. Our daughter was in Anchorage for a short amount of time and we were going to try and take her to see a glacier. We didn't have enough time or $ to see the ones out of Whittier and the hotel recommended somewhere else which we decided not to do. Found a brochere in the hotel lobby on this and gave them a call. We drove down there from Anchorage and picked up our tickets.
It was a short drive to the parking lot which had plenty of parking. We boarded and sat inside because it was a little breezy. Did have someone on board narrating which I personally could have done with out, but think it was required. Boat ride was real smooth despite the wind. Once the glacier came into view most people went upstairs to get a better glimpse of it. Although it was cold and windy we were able to actually see the glacier calving. There was a hands on of ice pulled out of the lake.
Not much else to do here other than the cruise to the lake and walk/drive to the visitor center.
4. Alyeska Aerial Tram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 934 reviews
Reviewed By Jake G - Palmer, Alaska
Some friends were visiting Alaska last summer and I suggested that we head south for a drive along the Turnagain Arm for the SPECTACULAR view it offers along the Seward Highway. After venturing along the twists and turns of the road and stopping to take copious amounts of pictures, we pulled into Girdwood for lunch and were pleasantly surprised to find the Alyeska Aerial Tram was operating. A trip to the top was one of the highlights of their visit!
Located 45 minutes south of Anchorage (by car), the Alyeska Aerial Tram climbs 2025 feet above the sleepy town of Girdwood into the Chugach Mountain Range along 3869 feet (1179 meters) of cable to the top of Mt. Alyeska. Two cars hold up to 60 passengers each and run opposite of each other (one starts at the top while the other starts at the bottom, passing each other at the halfway point) at a speed of up to 26 miles per hour. In the winter, it serves as one of the major ski lifts for the Alyeska Resort and in the summer, it serves as a slow-moving scenic ride that operates at half-speed. Riding on a clear day offers unbelievable views and pictures to last a lifetime! Moose, bears, glaciers, Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Moutain range, airplanes, boats, plant-life and other Alaskan goodies are possible to see from the top. Once you reach the summit, you have access to two different observation decks and numerous hiking trails (summer months only). Bathrooms are available in the Upper Tram Terminal, as is the Bore Tide Deli & Bar should you get hungry. Recently remodeled into a rustic, vintage-feeling establishment, Bore Tide offers 10 different hot and cold sandwiches (the Crab Salad Sandwich and French Dip with Au Jus are absolutely wonderful), plus a modest selection of 8 "bar snacks" (appetizers), including soups, salads, sliders, hot dogs, cheeses, hummus and more. A nice selection of cocktails, wines and beers will appeal to those looking for a more adult beverage fare.
The ride on the Tram itself is wonderful, at 7 minutes up and down in the summer (4 minutes or so in the winter), but the view from the top is the unmatched. Check the weather before you go; the tram shuts down during moderate-to-high wind periods. Also, you want to go up on a nice, clear day with cloud ceilings above 2500 feet to get the best views (though it's cool going up when ceilings are lower, as it's fun to be in the clouds!). Highly recommended for local Alaskans, skiers, and especially for visiting tourists! Bring your cameras!
5. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, research, education and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center. We have been able to provide care for hundreds of displaced animals because visitors like you have made critical contributions in the form of admission fees, donations, memberships, and gift shop. Please visit our website for more information on how you can help us make a difference.
Reviewed By CDMVaBeach - VIRGINIA BEACH
The AWCC is the place to see Alaskan wildlife without having to hunt for wildlife. The animals are treated well and in good, natural habitats. These animals would otherwise had not made it in the wild due to injuries and illnesses. All look healthy and content. The area can be driven or walked through. The gift shop is great too. Photo opportunities abound with wood bison, wolves, brown and black bear, caribou, moose, elk, deer, linx, musk ox, etc. The only thing missing was a polar bear! About 3 free eagles were sitting in trees as well. Great scenic location and beautiful mountain backdrops. I highly recommend supporting the Center and visiting these animals.
6. Chugach State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 103 reviews
This 495,000-acre state park includes Flattop Mountain, the most climbed mountain in Alaska.
Reviewed By LSUTraveller - Denham Springs, Louisiana
Nice hiking trails with lots of opportunities to see wildlife - bear, moose or sheep. Impressive overlook at Glen Alps of the Anchorage area. Can see the mountains of Lake Clark National Park to the west. One of Alaska's finest state parks.
7. Alyeska Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Popular winter recreation resort for skiers that features 2,000 vertical feet of skiing on 27 trails.
Reviewed By Ady S - Coventry, United Kingdom
Great place to go skiing or in our case boarding lots of groomed area's but particularly loved the off piste and gully's, no queue's at the lifts and sometimes had the runs to ourselves,Then there is the views over Turnagain arm unbelievable and to top it off an awesome double black diamond north face ahhh yeah.
8. Begich Boggs Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Carolyn J - Anchorage, Alaska
It has been years since I last wen to the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. I was stunned and impressed by the exhibits. For some many years, the exhibits focused on the glaciers. Now the exhibits are more comprehensive and cover everything about Portage Valley. There is a lot of interactive stuff and a lot of stuff that will engage kids. Since this is the 150th anniversary of the Cessation Treaty that resulted in the U.S. acquiring Alaska from the Russians, there was also a special exhibit on this subject. I was so glad to have stopped at the Center and my out of town guests had not initially been enthusiastic about stopping but were ecstatic by the time we left.
9. Crow Creek Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Crow Creek Mine is a family owned and operated Historical and Recreational Gold Mine. Nestled in a very beautiful mountain setting, Crow Creek Mine offers the oldest buildings in the Anchorage area, 1898, as well as some of the most popular recreational Gold Mining in all of Alaska. You will find everyone from your first time miner just hoping for a few flecks, up to actual gold miners who have been working these grounds on a very serious level. For those not intersted in the panning or sluicing experience, the property is very scenic for pictures and is a very popular wedding destination, it is even fun to just sit and watch some of the more experienced crews of miners as they work. While most visitors coming in for sightseeing or panning don't need reservations, we do offer private guided tours for those of you wanting a bit more out of your experience. Not only do you learn more about the property and gold in general, but the gold mining experience of our staff and knowledge of the property is always a big help in having a succesful outing!!! Feel free to contact us for any questions regarding our business or the Girdwood area in general. Girdwood makes for great day trips from anchorage and is on the way for anyone headed to Portage, Seward, Kenai, or Homer. Our road is a bit bumpy and unmaintained between October and May, but come June 1st every year the state does a great job of fixing it, you can always contact us for road conditions if concerned. Thanks for viewing our business, we look forward to meeting you soon,
Reviewed By RVRentalConnection - California
The Crow Creek Mine is a fun place for the entire family. It used to be a hydraulic mine, but now there are miners with pans and sleus boxes. You can go on guided trips and even guided gold panning outings. Very fun.
10. Girdwood Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
We provide fellow beer and adventure enthusiasts with fresh, flavorful craft beer.
Reviewed By IndependentTravelAK - Bartlett, Illinois
We have been to Girdwood many times, and have always found it a quaint and picturesque town with good restaurants and some excellent trails. This year we were just passing through and noticed the new brewery had opened. We just happened to be there at 11:00 am, when they open, and were greeted by friendly staff and a really cool steel and wood building. The beer was fresh, tasty, and very reasonably-priced. We did several of the "tasters", and agreed on a couple of styles to take with us in "crowlers". Growlers are great, but can be too much beer if you want a variety - once opened, they go flat pretty quickly. The much smaller crowlers (cans) mean you can share a taste of several beers, or just get everyone's individual favorite. I suspect this place will be overrun once the skiing season opens - the beer is probably better than it needs to be for the captive winter audience. But, I for one am very glad they deliver on quality! Best of luck, guys! See you next year!
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