What to do and see in Anchorage, Alaska (AK): The Best Day Trips from

July 10, 2021 Cedrick Jardin

Set amid the coastal Chugach Mountains, Anchorage defies popular visions of polar ice caps and frozen tundra. It’s also warmer than you think (averaging 65 degrees in summer), making conditions ideal for sight-seeing or taking on uniquely Alaskan opportunities like arctic biking or touring the fjords of Prince William Sound. In the winter, you can ski, dogsled or do both simultaneously by "skijoring," which is cross-country skiing while being towed by a dog. Hey, it's no crazier a winter sport than the biathlon.
Restaurants in Anchorage

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. Gold Panning Self-Guided Tour

524 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Get out of the city of Anchorage and take the Turnagain Arm Shuttle to Indian Valley Gold mine. This self-guided Goldpanning adventure is an opportunity to visit a real mine that helped shape the area. The Goldpanning Tour is truly ideal for the independent traveler who enjoys breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm.This self-guided tour allows you freedom to break away from the tour groups and try your luck at Goldpanning on your own and return at select times. Your journey to Indian Valley Goldmine begins with a custom tour of Turnagain Arm and is a treat you won’t want to miss. On the way to the Indian Valley you will be traveling down Alaska’s most scenic stretch of highway known as Turnagain Arm. Your adventure includes a Turnagain Arm Tour with highlights listed below.When you are ready to continue on simply board the shuttle at the time you chose and with a confirmed seat back to Anchorage. We will be making a stop at Potter Marsh on the return journey back to Anchorage.

Inclusions: Local guide at Indian Valley Mine, Customers pay their own admission and pay dirt buckets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Customers pay their own admission

Reviewed By Ann J

We had such a great time on this tour! Ben is very passionate about his work and took us to so many places we would never have found on our own! He also ran the tour long so we could see the boretide! He insisted we would see a moose and at the end of the tour we did! This your was more like being out with a friend showing you around Anchorage!

3. Glacier Discovery Tour

Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska Planet Earth Adventures
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5.0 based on 31 reviews

This is the perfect tour for those with limited time in Alaska. Experience magnificent Portage Glacier on this full-day tour from Anchorage, as well as famous Seward Highway, America's most scenic road. Hugging the edge of Turnagain Arm, stop at lookouts like Beluga Point to try to spot all sheep then, continue on to see even more wildlife at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (seasonal). Take a 1-hour cruise on Portage Lake to see Portage Glacier calving, and see where wildlife is rehabilitated at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Later, head high up on the Chugach Mountains for amazing panoramic views of the Anchorage bowl and beyond (weather permitting) This is a 6-hr tour (approx.) Activity Level: EASY Guests should be able to walk short distances on uneven ground. Trails surfaces vary from paved to uneven natural terrain. Tour participants must be able to walk a short distance and be able to get in/out of the tour vehicle with minimal assistance.

Inclusions: Professional Local Guide, Professional photographer guide (when available), Bottled water, Light snacks, Spanish-speaking guide (when available)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Pickups from private homes, apartments or B&B's. If this is your case, please contact the supplier for the nearest pick up location

Reviewed By califyrman

Albert gave a fantastic tour, he is so knowledgeable about Alaska. He does so many other tours, we will definitely contact him when we return. The difference between this tour and others I have been on through trip advisor was, this tour was never rushed, no question went unanswered, And Albert’s love for Alaska shines through the entire tour. Thank you for the wonderful experience!

4. Alyeska Tram - A Self-Guided Tour

Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Alyeska Tram a Self-Guided Tour Get out of the city of Anchorage and take the shuttle to Girdwood/Alyeska a small quaint alpine ski village.  This self-guided Alyeska Tram ride is truly idea for the independent traveler who enjoys breathtaking views.  Your shuttle will take you directly to Girdwood where you can take the Free Glacier Valley Transit to the Alyeska Hotel and ride the Tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska and enjoy stunning hiking trails and views that will take your breath away and make your heart palpitate.

Inclusions: Shuttle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Transportation to/from Girdwood/Alyeska, Gratuities

Reviewed By Ann J

We had such a great time on this tour! Ben is very passionate about his work and took us to so many places we would never have found on our own! He also ran the tour long so we could see the boretide! He insisted we would see a moose and at the end of the tour we did! This your was more like being out with a friend showing you around Anchorage!

5. Knik Arm Tour

Salmon Berry Travel & Tours, 515 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Salmon Berry Travel & Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This full day excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour of the Musk Ox Farm, an interpretive nature walk in the Hatcher Pass area, a farm-to-table style meal, and photo-stops along the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway! A Note on Seasonality: The outdoor activity portion of this tour is weather dependent, based on conditions. July & August: we will take an interpretive walk through the abandoned Independence Mine State Historical Park Visitor Center, led by your local guide. April - October: we will visit a local recreation area for an interpretive nature walk led by your local guide. If you prefer not to explore, we will have a campfire with s'mores and an indoor facility for your enjoyment!

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Dinner, Snacks, Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Tanya M

Traveling solo, I was skeptical and overwhelmed with options but the folks at Salmon Berry really made everything so easy! Even though I booked and rebooked tours (that was just me being indecisive!), they accommodated all my needs and even found a last minute spot for me on the Prince William Sound tour. I cannot recommend them enough! Thank you for making my Alaska trip so memorable!

6. Anchorage City Tour, Alaska Wildlife Center and a Glacier cruise adventure 6 hrs

448 F St, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Alaska Travel Services
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We will share with you a brief history of Anchorage and its modern culture, you will see why we have chosen this incredible place to live and call home. You will also catch the spirit of Alaska and fall in love with Alaska the Last Frontier. You will take home an experience of a lifetime!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Admission to the Alaska Wild Conservation Center, Admission to the 1 hour Portage glacier tour

Exclusions: Food nor Drink or meals of any kind

7. Phillips Cruises 26 Glacier Cruise & Rail - Anchorage, AK

411 W 1st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Phillips Cruises and Tours, LLC
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A one-day cruise and rail adventure featuring mountains, glaciers, wildlife from Anchorage to Whittier and return.

Inclusions: Coffee, hot tea, and ice water are available at self-serve stations., Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, Julienne vegetable salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and York Peppermint Pattie. Request Vegetarian Chili or Kids’ Meal 48 hours prior, • USB Charging Stations on the boat at every table for guest to use. Wifi is NOT available., • No Seasickness Guarantee! Our smooth cruising catamarans & the calm waters of Prince William Sound, • Restroom on board the cruise. Restroom stop on coach segment., • Smoke-free environment on coach and cruise., Captains will provide professional narration during the cruise.

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, • Gift Shop items are available for purchase on board to share with family back home., • Gratuities

Reviewed By karenalyson

Unbelievable! We took the Alaska Railroad in and out of Anchorage - you can book this as part of the cruise package. It was a super easy and stress free day tour from roughly 9:30 am to 9pm. The boat was comfortable, lunch was salmon chowder (included) that was delicious! Staff was nice and very knowledgeable. Must see!

8. Alpine Classic Trek

William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Go Hike Alaska
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This is quite-the-quintessential Alaska hiking experience. Experience the thrill of ascending to heights offering 360-degree views of the nearby Cook Inlet and interior Chugach mountains. Gaze at deep, glaciated, u-shaped valleys, and giant ridgelines defining the landscape. Imagine pristine, treeless, tundra loaded with vegetation that you can touch, taste, and feel. If you have never seen alpine before, prepare to be simply amazed. Highlights: • Trek one of Chugach State Park's finest ridgelines with a top-tier guide! • Perfect for solo travelers and couples. Challenge and reward await! • Enjoy breathtaking views of Anchorage and interior Chugach Mountains. • Learn about Alaska's alpine forests & tundra environment from a naturalist. • Opportunity for wildlife sightings including bear, sheep, marmot and birds! • Provisions include a prepacked snack, courtesy of Kat’s Epic Trail Bites, and your choice of either reindeer sausage or a cheese-stick. Can we count you in? Book now!

Inclusions: Day Packs, Trekking Poles, High-calorie trail bites & a Hunter Stick (Reindeer sausage) or cheesestick

Exclusions: No hotel, B&B, Air B&B, or other accommodation pickups., Must meet at designated meeting location or provide own transportation to trailhead.

Reviewed By adampO4019CP

My girlfriend and I went on a hike on April 14th with Gregg. We tried the beginner's snowshoeing and boy what an astounding experience that was! If you are visiting Alaska and you want to experience the real Alaskan vibe, I would highly recommend considering them! When we started hiking, it started to snow a little which added more depth to our hike. Gregg is extremely knowledgeable about Alaska and his advice of viewing the Aurora Borealis came in very handy as we were able to finally see the lights! Next time I am back in Alaska, I am definitely going on a longer hike with GoHikeAlaska.

9. Phillips Cruises 26 Glacier Cruise & Coach - Anchorage, AK 2021

939 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Phillips Cruises and Tours, LLC
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We make it easy to see it all in one day! Relax on the coach as the driver guide narrates while you enjoy the beauty of Turnagain Arm. On the cruise get ready to view one of the largest concentration of glaciers in Alaska. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife activity changes daily and our captains may adjust the route to provide the best cruise experience while keeping your safety and comfort a top priority. We take pride in ensuring that your time with us is an enjoyable memory that becomes a favorite highlight of your Alaska vacation. We operate first-class catamarans. Due to their dual hull design, these powerful high-speed catamarans are extremely stable and able to smoothly navigate through the narrow fjords and passages that lead us to the face of massive glaciers. By operating safely and efficiently, Phillips provides a comfortable cruise and our No Seasickness Guarantee assures nervous cruisers the confidence that they will enjoy our cruise without any unpleasant effects.

Inclusions: ADA Accessibility - Please call regarding your specific needs so we can assist you., No Seasickness Guarantee - Our smooth cruising catamarans & the calm waters of Prince William Sound., Smoke-free vessels - We do not allow any form of tobacco, marijuana, vape or e-cigarettes., Captains will provide professional narration during the cruise., USB Charging Stations are available at every table for guest to use. Wifi is NOT available. , Coffee, hot tea, and ice water are available., Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, Julienne vegetable salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and York Peppermint Pattie. Request Vegetarian Chili or Kids’ Meal 48 hours prior, Restroom on board

Exclusions: Gift Shop items are available for purchase on board to share with family back home. , Warm your spirits with our signature hot drinks or try our Glacier Ice Margarita. Our full-service bar features Alaskan ales on tap, wine, a full selection of spirits and liquors., Gratuities

Reviewed By S119UHchrism

A wonderful experience. We saw sea lions, sea otters, Kittiwakes and pigeon guillemots. We also saw seals.

10. Summer Valley and Forest Hike

William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Go Hike Alaska
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Experience the wonders found in one of the Chugach State Park's fondest, glaciated valleys. On this tour, we will take you to the glorious Eagle River trail system where boreal forests, and salmon spawning streams are found. This trail network also hosts the renowned "Crow Pass", which is part of the historic Iditarod trail system once used by dog sleds and mushers. Highlights: • Experience hiking in Chugach State Park's Eagle River trail system! • Perfect for solo travelers and couples. • Enjoy breathtaking views of towering vistas. Amazing landscapes await! • Learn about Alaska's boreal forests and glaciated valleys from a skilled naturalist. • Opportunity for wildlife viewing including, salmon, bear, moose and birds. • Provisions include a prepacked snack, courtesy of Kat’s Epic Trail Bites, and your choice of either reindeer sausage or a cheese-stick. If you are looking for a moderate hike with beautiful Alaskan sights and sounds, this is your pick. Book today!

Inclusions: Day packs and trekking poles available upon request., High-calorie trail bites & a Hunter Stick (Reindeer sausage) or cheesestick

Exclusions: No hotel, B&B, Air B&B, or other accommodation pickups., Must meet at designated meeting location or provide own transportation to trailhead.

Reviewed By adampO4019CP

My girlfriend and I went on a hike on April 14th with Gregg. We tried the beginner's snowshoeing and boy what an astounding experience that was! If you are visiting Alaska and you want to experience the real Alaskan vibe, I would highly recommend considering them! When we started hiking, it started to snow a little which added more depth to our hike. Gregg is extremely knowledgeable about Alaska and his advice of viewing the Aurora Borealis came in very handy as we were able to finally see the lights! Next time I am back in Alaska, I am definitely going on a longer hike with GoHikeAlaska.

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