What to do and see in Girdwood, Alaska (AK): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

August 21, 2021 Stefan Strunk

Discover the best top things to do in Girdwood, United States including Alaska Wild Guides, Chugach Adventures, Girdwood Brewing Company, Portage Glacier, Alyeska Ski Area, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Alyeska Aerial Tram, Glacier City Snowmobile Tours.
Restaurants in Girdwood

1. Alaska Wild Guides

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 89 reviews

Alaska Wild Guides

Wilderness adventure tours with snowmobiles in winter, sailing sea kayaks and jet ski tours in the summer months.

2. Chugach Adventures

Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 154 reviews

Chugach Adventures

Welcome to Chugach Adventures. We offer trips for all adventure levels, all ages & all abilities. Rafting, Iceberg Kayaking, Glacier Salmon Bakes, Helicopter Alpine Hikes, Camping Trips, Hiking Trips, & Wildlife Tours. Join us for a Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour for one of the best full day adventure tours from Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, or Whittier. Visit Spencer Glacier- one of the most easily accessible terminus glacier lakes in Southcentral Alaska.

3. Girdwood Brewing Company

2700 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK 99587 +1 907-783-2739 [email protected] http://www.girdwoodbrewing.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 64 reviews

Girdwood Brewing Company

Enjoy local brews and epic views of the Chugach mountains at Girdwood Brewing Company. We have a beautiful timber framed taproom adorned with local art and ski relics. For those who prefer the outdoors, there’s an awesome beer garden with fire pits and plenty of seating. We offer up four core beers and a series of rotating taps. Root beer, cold brew coffee, and kombucha are available for those looking for an alcohol free beverage. Tasters and 12 ounce pours are available to drink in the taproom. If you are looking for beer to go, we fill growlers, sell 5 gallon kegs, and have 4-packs of 16 ounce cans with labels designed by Alaskan artists (for sale in the taproom only). Food trucks are on-site every day, and we have cool merchandise for you to take home. Girdwood Brewing Company is truly rooted in our community. We donate to a number of nonprofits and outdoor adventure organizations. Our brewery also provides year round employment to over a dozen locals.

Reviewed By POLYMER - Phoenix, United States

Nice place to refresh the mind in a very good local brewery, a food truck serving excellent crepes made the perfect combination for a quick lunch while exploring the area. Friendly staff and cozy atmosphere Highly recommended !

4. Portage Glacier

Portage Lake Loop, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK 907 783 232 http://www.portageglaciercruises.com
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,025 reviews

Portage Glacier

A popular tourist attraction.

Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada

Named by Thomas Mendenhall in 1898, Portage Glacier sits on the edge of Portage Lake and is technically part of the Chugach National Forest. Often considered a “crown jewel” by tourists because of its relatively close proximity to Anchorage, Portage Glacier is perhaps the most visited glacier in Alaska. Accessible by boat or a brisk hike, the glacier provides us with a number of things: 1) Beautiful views and a peek into geologic history; and, 2) Clear and irrefutable evidence of global warming. I was able to view Portage Glacier via a cruise on the stylish MV Ptarmigan (hey, I like the name!). Knowing that we would get up to 300 yards away from this natural beauty was both exhilarating and exciting. After all, up until this point, I’d never had the pleasure of viewing a glacier . . . let alone up close. In this respect, the MV Ptarmigan did not disappoint. After cruising Portage Lake, we got up close and personal with the glacier. Seeing this alpine wonder at such a close distance was nothing short of breathtaking – the sunlight shone just enough for us to see the various shades of brilliant blue that make up the glacier. It was almost as if the Earth was alive and talking to us . . . just a completely surreal and unforgettable experience. On the other hand, seeing Portage Glacier was also a sobering experience. During our tour aboard the MV Ptarmigan, the knowledgeable guides noted that the glacier has been in steady retreat for well over a 50-year period. Complementing their information is a helpful resource book readily available on the tour vessel that shows – through pictures – how Portage Glacier has changed over the years. Indeed, at just under 10 kilometers in length, the glacier sounds most impressive; however, when you realize that it was once recorded at 23 kilometers in length (filling the entire Portage Valley), you are hit with an undeniable truth. What can we do to save this, and other of Earth’s natural wonders? If you’re visiting the Anchorage area, a stop at Portage Glacier is a definite “must do.” It’s beautiful, it’s educational and it highlights a contemporary conundrum. Be sure to visit this “crown jewel” before it disappears.

5. Alyeska Ski Area

1000 Arlberg Dr, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK 99587 +1 907-754-2285 http://www.alyeskaresort.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 363 reviews

Alyeska Ski Area

Popular winter recreation resort for skiers that features 2,000 vertical feet of skiing on 27 trails.

Reviewed By coric727 - Midland, United States

We had a great day on the mountain. Even though it was towards the end of the season the weather was beautiful and the snow held on. The resort staff was consistent with asking guests to wear masks in the buildings and in lift lines. There was a nice variety of runs with varying difficulty and terrain. We’d love to come back, the view was phenomenal and it was much easier for us, flat landers, to breathe at Alyeska’s lower altitude.

6. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Mile 79 Seward Highway, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK 99587 +1 907-783-0058 [email protected] http://www.alaskawildlife.org
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,506 reviews

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. 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 162gregoryw - Seattle, United States

First off the park is a rescue and the animals are there to rehabilitate them and if possible reintroduce them into the wild (though a very informative guide, Duane I think, told us most of the animals are there for life). The animals are all healthy ( discounting the permanent injury’s they sustained to be sent there) and the staff really care for them. There is a wide variety of animals including moose, deer, black bear, brown bear, porcupine, wolves, coyote, buffalo, eagle and owl. The park can be driven around however walking it is the best way as you can literally be inches from some of the animals and still be safe. It is absolutely worth the $16 per ticket. If you are in the area make the stop.

7. Alyeska Aerial Tram

1000 Arlberg Ave Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK 99587 +1 907-754-2275 http://www.alyeskaresort.com/resort/about-aerial-tram.aspx
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,352 reviews

Alyeska Aerial Tram

The Alyeska Aerial Tram is a three-to-seven minute scenic ride from The Hotel Alyeska to 2,300 ft in elevation and the top of Mt. Alyeska. From the Tram, you can see for miles in all directions – including views of the Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, and endless peaks deep into the Chugach Mountain range. Don’t forget to look down! In the summer months, moose and bear sightings are common on our aerial tram rides, too. At the Mountain Station, there is an observation deck providing even more breath-taking panoramic views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers, sparkling streams, towering spruce, and an array of wildlife. Conde Nast Traveler rated Alyeska ~ "Best view of any U.S. ski resort." The observation deck is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or a beautiful evening sunset. Telescopes are also available along the deck.

Reviewed By 412stuc - Vineland, United States

Took the tram ride up today, using the ride & dine option. Super neat place with great views of the 7 glaciers. Plenty of hiking trails if you want and with the ride & dine ticket, you get a $20 certificate for the restaurant where you can have a good lunch in a dining room with a great view. Well worth the drive.

8. Glacier City Snowmobile Tours

Excellent
78%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
5%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 59 reviews

Glacier City Snowmobile Tours

Snowmobiling tours in Alaska are a worthwhile endeavor for a wide range of people, as we find that everyone from tourists to adventure seekers enjoy roaming through the picturesque trails. Regardless of whether you join us for a Real Deal Tour or the Scenic Mountain Tour you will be treated to a unique day outdoors. Not to mention, the inner photographer in you will want to come out to snap photographs of all the beautiful areas, as your tour leader will stop at key places along the way for great photo opportunities!

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