Top Anchorage Day Trips

Immerse yourself in Alaska's stunning wilderness and wildlife on this group tour from Anchorage. Explore wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Chugash National Forest, admire glacier views, stop at a historic mining town, and more, with an optional glacier cruise in the summer. Along the way, learn more about the area and learn how to take better photos.

Be awed by supersized glaciers and the hardy wildlife of the tundra on this full-day tour through the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Departing from Anchorage, drive along a scenic byway to the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet, framed by the dramatic Chugach and Kenai mountain ranges. Cruise on the lake that laps against the ancient blue ice of Portage Glacier, stop for lunch at a cozy lodge, and get an up-close look at Alaskan wildlife such as caribou, musk ox, and lynk at a conservation center.

You don't have to travel far from Anchorage to see the abundant Alaskan wildlife. On this half-day small-group tour down the Turnagain Arm of the Gulf of Alaska, learn about the local ecosystem while looking out for wild animals as you’re driven along the scenic road. Board a boat to cruise to the Portage Glacier, and visit the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Get out of the city and discover the stunning scenery that surrounds Anchorage. This small-group tour takes you south along the Seward Highway to soak up ocean and mountain views on the way to Alyeska Ski Area where an an aerial tram takes you 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level. Afterward, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn how sanctuary cares for the Last Frontier’s injured and orphaned animals and see resident wildlife including grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and musk ox.

Learn about Anchorage’s history while cruising around town in a bus outfitted to look like a vintage trolley. Gain unique into the local history and culture of Alaska's most populous city from guides with generational ties to the region. You may even get to spot moose crossing the road and seaplanes descending on Lake Hood and Lake Spenard.

Travel north from Anchorage through the MatSu Valley to the mushing capital of the world and go for a sled dog ride! Take in the sights while you let us do the driving en route to Willow, AK where you’ll experience a real Iditarod musher’s home kennel and witness their enthusiastic canine athletes. Go for an exhilarating overland sled dog ride powered by a team of authentic Alaska Huskies, and learn all about the sport of mushing and the world famous 1000-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race. You’ll go for a dog-powered ride in a specially designed 2-person cart with your own personal musher and the chance to pet some friendly fluffy Alaska huskies! This 5+ hour round-trip adventure will be one you won’t forget. Approximately 1.5 hour drive each way with 1.5 hours at the kennel. (Wheeled carts are used in the summer & sleds are used in the winter when there is sufficient snow on the ground.) HOTEL PICKUP AVAILABLE IN WINTER ONLY; CONTACT TO ARRANGE. GROUPS OF 6< CONTACT FRONTIER TOURS TO BOOK.

Set out on a nocturnal adventure in search of the elusive northern lights with this photography-focused tour departing from Anchorage. Get picked up at your hotel and go in search of the aurora borealis with a small group. Learn new photography skills and try your hand at capturing the dazzling light show of the northern lights with your camera.

The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska's largest glacier accessible by road, and offers the most accessible areas to walk on of any glacier in Alaska. If you don't want to tackle the winter drive yourself, this guided tour can take you there and lead you on a trek across the ice.  Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Nature lovers can spend the day exploring the Matanuska Glacier on a hiking tour that traverses the glacier’s picturesque terrain. Along the way, your guide teaches you about the dynamic glacial features including seracs, moulons, and crevasses. While it is easy to get views of the glacier on your own, a guided hike on the glacier itself provides a completely different perspective of the otherworldly landscape.

A fully narrated tour by a local guide along Turnagain Arm offers stunning views of rugged mountains, glaciers, and Alaska flora and fauna (i.e., wildflowers, bald eagles, Dall sheep, beluga whales). We will stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), where visitors can get up-close viewings and pictures of Alaska's most iconic animals, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and muskox. From there, the tour will continue down the scenic Portage Valley, where visitors can take in spectacular views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, the beautiful Portage Lake, and numerous glaciers, including the Explorer and Byron Glaciers. On the return trip, visitors will enjoy a provided lunch in Girdwood, a quaint town surrounded by the northernmost temperate rainforest. Overall, a tour of Turnagain Arm, the AWCC, and Portage Valley is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Alaska and to learn about the history and culture of this incredible state.

We make it easy to see it all in one day! Relax on the coach as 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 Cruises & Tours provides a comfortable cruise and our No Seasickness Guarantee assures nervous cruisers the confidence that they will enjoy our cruise without any unpleasant effects.

See the Portage Glacier on a small-group tour from Anchorage. Follow the scenic Seward Parkway through the breathtaking landscape of the Turnagain Arm waterway, stopping at Beluga Point and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge to look for wildlife. Take a cruise on Portage Lake to observe the Portage Glacier up close, then check out wild animals that are being rehabilitated at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Stop for provided light snacks and water in the town of Girdwood near Mt. Alyeska and take in the Chugach Mountains.

The Turnagain Arm in the Gulf of Alaska boasts abundant Alaskan wildlife within easy access of Anchorage. Learn about the local ecosystem from a guide with extensive knowledge of the area as you drive down the peninsula, with opportunities to spot wild animals in their natural environment as you go. Includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a drive past the glaciers on Portage Glacier Road.

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. In Whittier, the Glacier Quest Cruise cruises from the quaint seaside town to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales, and more! You will see several glaciers, including Tebenkof Glacier, named for Mikhail Demitrievich Tebenkof, an outstanding surveyor whose maps were the first charts of Alaska’s waters published in 1852. Northland Glacier rests majestically, clinging to the edge of the towering mountain. Blackstone and Beloit are tidewater glaciers that have carved a steep pathway to reach Prince William Sound’s saltwater. Cruise up close to these massive glaciers to watch for telltale signs of movement signaled by the distinct “pop” of glacier ice calving. Return to Anchorage by coach.

Busy travelers with only one day to spare can see the best of the Alaskan wilderness on a tour that combines a scenic train ride, river float, glacial lake paddle, and a visit to a wildlife conservation center. From taking photos with icebergs to seeing bears at the wildlife center, the mix of activities fulfills visitors’ Alaskan adventure dreams.

Discover the captivating beauty of Seward on this full-day adventure. With expert local guides, explore Alaska's stunning landscapes, including majestic glaciers, coastal views, and charming towns. Witness the breathtaking sights at Mount Alyeska, and enjoy a scenic walk along Portage Lake. An unforgettable BBQ experience awaits in summer, featuring local salmon if the weather permits. Tailored for small groups, this tour provides a personalized exploration of Seward's culture and history. - 12-hour guided tour showcasing Alaska's natural beauty - Scenic stops at Beluga Point and Mount Alyeska with tram access - Opportunity to hike to Byron Glacier and explore ice caves - Includes a chance to enjoy a BBQ with local salmon in summer

This exclusive, small-group hike on the Matanuska Glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which will leave you with a greater appreciation for one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena. Discover your inner glaciologist as you traverse across ice fields, hearing the cracking sounds of the glacier moving, and learn about the makings of the glacier in detail from your expert guide. Round off the adventure with local honey and wine tasting.

Follow the story of the Mat-Su Valley from mountain pass to hometown streets on this relaxed heritage day trip. Travel from Anchorage into Hatcher Pass to explore the preserved Independence Mine and hear how mining and early settlement shaped the region. Then return to downtown Palmer to slow down over lunch at Palmer Alehouse, with an included tasting flight (or a non-alcoholic option). With scenic views throughout and time to enjoy each stop, this tour blends history, landscape, and local flavor in one easy day.

Explore the rugged wilderness around Anchorage, Alaska with the help of your expert guide on this private tour. Sit back and relax as you go straight from your hotel to a short tour of Anchorage then onto the scenic Glenn Highway. Visit a reindeer farm before heading up into the mountains to the stunning Hatcher Pass. Your day includes a stop in Palmer and a scenic nature stroll before returning to your hotel.

From Anchorage, your day begins with a picturesque drive to the Sauderland Homestead & Alaska Zipline Adventure Park. Upon arrival, guests check in at either the horse barn or the zipline welcome center. The first activity runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a delicious deli lunch served in a spacious clear-top tent with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountain ranges. After lunch, the second activity takes place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Throughout the day, specially designed hummers transport guests between tour locations and the lunch site, ensuring a seamless experience. No matter which activities you choose, your visit highlights the heart of a working ranch operation, carefully curated to showcase the incredible natural beauty and authentic Alaskan lifestyle. This expedition is designed to share the spirit of the Sauderland homestead and the surrounding wilderness with every guest.

Join us for a photographic exploration of the stunning coastal and mountain landscapes as we explore the highlights of the Turnagain Arm. Your itinerary includes Turnagain Arm, Chugach National Forest, and Chugach State Park, with the opportunity to photograph mountain streams, waterfalls, coastal mudflats, glaciers, and both the Chugach and Kenai mountains. Depending on the season, wildlife opportunities may include bears, moose, Dall sheep, Bald eagles, and Beluga whale. Unlike other Turnagain Arm tours available in Anchorage, our tour does not go to well-known, crowded locations. Our objective is to take you off the beaten path to explore unique photo locations that provide great photo opportunities. Throughout the tour, you’ll be offered creative and technical support by your Alaska Photo Treks guide. It’s a great way to see the sights while honing your photography skills. Book it at the start of your Alaska trip and you’ll take home your best travel photos yet!

Experience the natural wonder of Alaska's Matanuska Glacier with our full-day guided tour. Beginning with a convenient pickup from downtown Anchorage, you'll embark on a scenic two-hour journey, driving through landscapes of towering mountains. Along the way, we'll stop at local eateries, offering you the chance to purchase lunch. Upon reaching the glacier, a seasoned guide will equip you with crampons, making glacier navigation safe and manageable. Then, an all-terrain vehicle will transport you to the glacier's base. Here, you'll set off on foot to explore the glacier's icy expanse, discovering fascinating ice formations and gaining insight into the glacier's natural history from your knowledgeable guide. After this unforgettable experience, we'll journey back to Anchorage, ensuring a comfortable drop-off in downtown. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty, offering an in-depth encounter with one of Alaska's most impressive glaciers.

Immerse yourself in Alaska's icy beauty—without the hassle of organizing logistics—with this small-group guided hike on Matanuska Glacier. Departing from Anchorage, enjoy the views en route to the glacier where your guide leads you across the frozen expanse, unraveling the glacier's secrets and geological marvels while you marvel at towering ice formations and navigate crevasses.