Day Trips from Anchorage to Whittier

Explore Alaska's stunning wildlife and natural beauty on this immersive tour. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears and other native animals, then journey through the scenic Portage Glacier area with high hanging glaciers , perfect for capturing breathtaking photos and, during certain seasons, witnessing the salmon spawn. Afterward, relax in Girdwood with a local brewery tour and tasting at the base of Alyeska Ski Resort. At the brewery they have some great food trucks. Seasonal highlights may include spotting Beluga whales or the captivating Bore Tide. - Wildlife viewing at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Scenic drive through Portage Glacier with photo stops - Brewery tour and tasting included (staff permitting)must have an ID for alcohol. - Snacks and water provided in the van, with hotel pick-up in Anchorage

If you're a first-time visitor or short on time, this small-group tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Anchorage and its modern culture. You'll make brief stops at sites including the Alaska Railroad Depot and Earthquake Park on your way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (admission included) and the Portage Glacier, with a total duration of about 7 to 8 hours.

Hit the road with the Alaska Self-Guided Bundle, including tours for Anchorage, Seward, Homer, and Denali. Cruise the Seward Highway for glacier views, coastal wildlife, and big mountain scenery, then follow the Sterling Highway through turquoise lakes and Kenai Peninsula towns to Homer. From Anchorage, head north on the Parks Highway via Eagle River, the Mat-Su Valley, and Talkeetna to Denali State Park and Denali National Park. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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.

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.

Turn your pre-cruise travel day into an incredible Alaskan adventure. Designed specifically for travelers heading to the Whittier Cruise Port, this seamless transfer picks you up directly from your Anchorage hotel, safely secures your heavy luggage, and delivers you straight to the ship's terminal for a stress-free boarding experience. Skip the hassle of hauling bags around downtown or waiting hours for a standard, crowded bus. Instead, ride in premium comfort while a local guide introduces you to Alaska’s stunning coastal landscapes. Along the scenic Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm, you'll visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for guaranteed close-up encounters with bears and moose, and enjoy iconic photo stops at Beluga Point and Portage Lake. We expertly monitor the strict Whittier Tunnel time slots and coordinate directly with cruise boarding schedules. Relax knowing you will arrive at the port perfectly on time—secure your hassle-free pre-cruise connection today!

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.

Escape the cruise crowds and experience authentic Alaska in one incredible day. On this small-group tour, you’ll journey from Anchorage—in luxury—to witness Byron Glacier's majesty with an easy, guided walk along the river. Then, you’ll get guaranteed wildlife encounters with bears, moose, and wolves at the Conservation Center. Local guides, hotel pickup, and thoughtful touches make this adventure effortless (and effortlessly unforgettable).

This is very much a choose your own adventure day in and around Anchorage, Alaska! We can see and do many of the popular things within driving distance of Anchorage. If you want to do a city tour combined with Potters Marsh Bird Sanctuary and then on to the Tram to the top of Alyeska resort for amazing views, then we can do that. Of if you would like to go see a few of the different cities near Anchorage we go on a city tour, and have lunch in Girdwood, checkout Whittier and go all the way around to Hope, Alaska! This is one of the best ways to truly make your own itinerary and I'll drive and narrate throughout the trip! I have done 100's of tours for multiple companies out here and aim to make your trip enjoyable and memorable! Other options include the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, or hikes near anchorage. (I know a couple great ones!) And so much more!

Explore the stunning landscapes of Alaska on a full-day tour through Whittier and along the scenic Seward Highway. Led by local guides, this immersive journey showcases breathtaking mountain views, tranquil lakes, and charming towns, all while delving into Alaska's rich history. Highlights include a visit to Portage Lake, a hike to accessible glaciers, and the chance to explore the remnants of a WWII military base. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, this trip promises a blend of adventure and discovery with several stops along the way. - Full-day tour from Anchorage, lasting approximately 10 hours - Explore Portage Lake and Glacier with hiking options - Visit historical sites and enjoy scenic views along Seward Highway - Group size limited to six for a more personalized experience

Discover the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska on this self-guided tour through Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. From the urban trails of Alaska's largest city to the towering blue ice of Exit Glacier, this tour takes you through some of North America's most spectacular wilderness. Begin in downtown Anchorage, where moose wander through city parks, then drive south along the stunning Seward Highway as it hugs the dramatic coastline of Turnagain Arm. Watch for beluga whales in the silty waters below and Dall sheep on the rocky cliffs above. Continue to the Kenai Peninsula, where ancient glaciers calve into turquoise lakes. Visit historic gold mining sites, walk among rescued wildlife at a conservation center, and stand at the edge of a glacier that has been retreating for centuries. Whether you seek adventure, wildlife encounters, or the peace of vast Alaskan landscapes, this tour delivers an authentic experience of the Last Frontier at your own pace.

Experience Alaska your way on this fully private and customizable tour. Enjoy the freedom to set your own pace, request photo stops, and personalize the day to match your interests. As your local guide and photographer, I’ll capture the highlights—scenic views, wildlife encounters, and candid group moments—then send you a curated gallery of edited photos. When people picture Alaska, they imagine wild animals, towering mountains, and endless glaciers. Turnagain Arm offers all of that—just a short, scenic drive from Anchorage. This breathtaking inlet is famous for its massive tides, rugged mountain backdrops, and the rare bore tide, where a single wave sweeps across the entire inlet. We’ll journey the Seward Highway, one of North America’s most scenic drives. The road hugs the coastline, offering endless views and chances to spot moose, bald eagles, Dall sheep, and potenitally beluga whales. With private transportation and a flexible itinerary, this is about making the most it.

Explore the natural beauty of the Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley and city of Anchorage on a customized full-day private tour with an informative guide. You can ride a tram to the top of Mt Alyeska, explore the town of Girdwood, and gaze at the Portage Glacier on an optional cruise on Portage Lake. You'll also have the chance to view Alaska's majestic wildlife at scenic viewpoints.

See the sites from Anchorage to Whittier with just your family and friends on this private tour that includes a cruise transfer. With your group of up to nine people, soak up spectacular views along Turnagain Arm, Bird Point, the Alyeska Scenic Tramway, and Portage Lake. Throughout the day, keep watch for wildlife sightings of Dall sheep, mountain goats, beluga whales, black bears and moose. You set the itinerary and schedule. This tour is available traveling from Whittier to Anchorage as well. Note: Price is per tour, not per guest. Order "1" adult for all ages and group sizes from 1 to 9 guests.

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.

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.