Top Anchorage How to Get Around in 2026

Traveling from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port transforms into an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning landscapes and wildlife. This scenic transfer takes you through Turnagain Arm, where breathtaking glacier views await, along with a visit to Alaska’s renowned wildlife conservation center. Designed for cruise passengers, this tour ensures you experience the best of Southcentral Alaska while heading to your cruise terminal, maximizing your last day on land. - Enjoy a scenic drive from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port - Discover the natural beauty of Turnagain Arm and glacier views - Visit Alaska's wildlife conservation center along the way - Specifically designed for cruise passengers to enhance their journey

Alaska's largest glacier accessible by car is located just outside Anchorage, so don't miss the chance to visit during your stay. You'll head to Matanuska Glacier Park to explore this natural wonder with provided ice cleats and a guide.

Discover the picturesque scenery of Alaska aboard the Coastal Classic Train from Anchorage to Seward. Travel along the rugged coastline of the Turnagain Arm and then through Alaskan backcountry wilderness and watch for views of glaciers, steep river canyons, and waterfalls during the journey. The train arrives in Seward early in the day, leaving plenty of time to explore on your own or book other excursions.

Experience Alaska’s winter landscapes without the stress of driving in snowy conditions on a small-group tour from Anchorage. Journey along Turnagain Arm to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where a relaxed walk takes you across the grounds and past various animals. Afterward, soak up sunset views on your return to Anchorage.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Alaskan mountains, glaciers, and waters on a helicopter tour before landing on the glacier to give you a chance to explore the remote ice-covered world. A must-see for photographers and nature lovers, this corner of Alaska is one of the most glaciated places in North America and the expansiveness of the ice can only be appreciated from an aerial view.

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.

Explore Alaska’s largest city while learning about the Dena’ina Athabascan people’s rich cultural heritage. Begin with a downtown tour seeing where Anchorage started along Ship Creek, then visit the Alaska Art Alliance to observe Alaska Native artists practicing traditional carving techniques with ivory, whale bone, and baleen—skills passed down through generations. Continue to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska’s premier cultural institution, where you’ll explore exhibits, walk among traditional dwellings around Lake Tiulana, and experience live cultural demonstrations including storytelling, traditional dancing, and Native Games. This immersive journey provides authentic insights into both contemporary and traditional Alaska Native cultures. After exploring the Native Heritage Center, you will take the short trip back downtown.

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.

See the best of Anchorage's highlights in one efficient morning or afternoon tour. Learn more about the city's culture, history, and wildlife, without missing the surrounding viewpoints and scenic photo ops. Your guide knows all the best places to visit and all the most interesting things to see, leading your small-group on a concise route around the local area. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and other native wildlife species.

Experience the top attractions of Anchorage through the eyes of a local on this private guided tour. Soak up spectacular views of Anchorage from Earthquake Park and watch pilots expertly land their floatplanes on Lake Hood. At Beluga Point, watch for whales and eagles. Check out Potter’s Marsh and a wildlife refuge, and enjoy more panoramas from Flattop Mountain.

Easily as beautiful as any national park, Chugach State Park is a must-see for any Alaskan visitor—and Barbara Falls is one of its crown jewels. In winter, the crowds dissipate and the cascade freezes up, making for an incredible winter-wonderland experience (and spectacular photos). Just minutes away from the trailhead, this experience is suitable for all hikers, children, and anyone who can bundle up and appreciate Alaska’s great outdoors.

Punchbowl Glacier is only accessible by helicopter—and combining an aerial approach with a dog sledding session on the snowfield below, plus the chance to drive the sled yourself, is an experience that can't be replicated independently. This tour covers the helicopter flight to the glacier, a sled dog run across the alpine snowfield, and a guide who covers the history of the Iditarod Trail throughout.

Alaskans have been snowshoeing for millennia—try the sport when you’re here, and you’ll be a part of tradition. Your naturalist guide will meet you in Chugach State Park, showing you just how easy and rewarding snowshoeing can be. With unbelievable views of Cook Inlet, Anchorage Bowl, and likely wildlife sightings along the way, you’ll float above the snow in the park’s Glen Alps, a snowshoe lover in the making.

Matanuska Glacier is a must-visit when in Anchorage. But, without the right vehicle and equipment, it can be tricky to plan for the adventure. Skip the hassles of logistics and gear with this small-group tour that picks you up in the city and transports you to the glacier, where you can embark on a hike of a few miles.

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.

Enjoy a day at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads. This small-group tour from Anchorage allows you to relax and soak up the scenery as you journey along the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet toward the wildlife sanctuary. Learn all about the injured and orphaned wild animals in the center's care and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

Don’t let a lack of equipment prevent you from enjoying a day of fishing when in Anchorage. This fishing rental package includes chest waders, wading boots, wading belt, and heavy duty spinning rod, reel, and line. Staff will also make sure you know how to use the equipment and give you advice on where to go.

Discover the beautiful scenery of Alaska's North Anchorage area during this helicopter and dogsled tour. Soar over the Chugach Range and Knik Glacier in a helicopter as you make your way to the snow-covered Cataract Glacier. Here, a team of sled dogs is waiting to transport you across the snow for a true Alaskan experience. Keep an eye out for native animals such as moose and mountain goats throughout the aerial portion of the tour.

Meet the animals of Alaska on a half-day tour from Anchorage. Travel down the gorgeous Seward Parkway along the Turnagain Arm waterway to viewpoints including Bird Point and Beluga Point. Take in the breathtaking scenery, then continue to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Go inside the sprawling nature preserve for injured animals to view large land animals, such as fox, lynx, grizzly bear, caribou, wood bison and more up close.

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.

Avoid the disappointment of returning from your Alaska vacation with sub-par photographs. This photo safari, led by a professional photographer, helps you to improve your photography by providing technical and creative tips and tricks as you explore Anchorage's wild surroundings under the summer sunset.

Arrange for a stress-free ride from the Port of Seward to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport with this private transfer service. Meet your driver at your cruise ship terminal, and relax on the journey to the airport. These private vehicles can accommodate up to four passengers. Travel the distance from Seward to Anchorage airport in comfort and style — in a sedan, SUV or a stretch limo.

Nowhere is more fun to play in the snow than in Alaska. With this guided tour, you’ll hop on a fat bike—wider tires make traveling through snow easy—hitting the 150-mile network of multi-use trails just outside Anchorage. Zooming (or meandering!) through the forest, you’ll get an adrenaline rush, time in nature, and fresh appreciation for winter in Alaska. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Explore the snow-covered wilderness of the Glen Alps in Chugach State Park on this private advanced snowshoe tour. Follow your naturalist guide through alpine meadows and hemlock forests, admire views of Anchorage Bowl, Cook Inlet, and glacial valleys, and watch for wildlife. Snowshoes provided, with gaiters, poles, and daypack available by request.