Top Alaska Day Trips

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

Immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness on a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Aboard a warm and spacious vessel, cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and try your luck spotting wildlife like whales, sea lions, and birds. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard and visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for great views of seabird rookeries.

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).

Venture away from the light pollution of Fairbanks, without worrying about navigating the snowy roads, with this aurora-chasing tour. Travel from your hotel in a heated van in search of the colorful natural phenomenon. Learn about the aurora and Alaskan culture from your guide, enjoy a twilight campfire meal, and even get tips on how to capture the northern lights on your camera.

Experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes without planning a complex route from Anchorage on your own. This group tour combines glacier views, mountain scenery, wildlife encounters, and historic stops into one well-rounded day through Chugach National Forest and beyond. Along the way, your guide shares local insight and photography tips to help you get more out of the experience and your photos.

Make your round-trip transfer between Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier hassle-free with this shuttle service. Discover the beauty of the glacier and its trails at a leisurely pace. Plus, during the drive each way, pick up historical fun facts and restaurant recommendations from the driver.

Explore beyond Fairbanks city limits—and enjoy an exciting but relaxing array of activities at the Chena Hot Springs Resort—on this small-group tour. Admire ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum, unwind in the resort’s hot mineral springs, and upgrade to enjoy drinks or a meal on site. If the conditions are right, you can then cap off the experience with a northern lights viewing before returning to your hotel.

Discover the highlights of Skagway and Alaska’s gold rush history on this tour. Wind through the downtown area and visit the Gold Rush Cemetery, where you hear tales about Frank Reed and Soapy Smith. Aboard a comfortable mini-bus with large windows, travel along White Pass Summit and soak up views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Marvel at the surreal landscape of Tormented Valley. Stop frequently along the way for photo ops and wildlife viewings. Please note that you will need your passport, don't forget it!

Denali can be hard to visit during the snowy winter months if you travel on your own. This tour from Fairbanks makes visiting the park a breeze, thanks to round-trip transportation from Fairbanks and the chance to explore the park in a specialized Search and Rescue SHERP (an all-terrain amphibious vehicle suited to extreme conditions, with an include stop for lunch along the way (at your own expense).

Soak. Glow. Dream. Your evening begins with a scenic drive from Fairbanks into Alaska’s wilderness to Chena Hot Springs Resort. Upon arrival, enjoy time at the famous Ice Museum, featuring glowing ice sculptures and frozen artistry. Afterward, guests may choose to dine at the resort restaurant (optional; food and drinks not included) skip dinner to enjoy extended soak time. Guests who bring snacks or choose light options will have more time in the hot springs. Relax in the outdoor mineralrich hot springs under open sky surrounded by steam, forest, and stillness. After your soak, we’ll travel to prime Aurora viewing locations to give you the best chance to witness the Northern Lights. While the aurora cannot be guaranteed, your guide will closely monitor conditions and share local knowledge and stories throughout the night. Pick-up is between 4:30–5:30 PM depending on weather. Return is as late as 2:00 AM, with flexibility to stay out later if the Northern Lights are especially strong.

View Denali from the air on this small-group flight over the Alaskan wilderness, and see the rugged landscape from a whole new perspective that most tourists miss. Soar over rivers, valleys, and glaciers, and experience landing on and walking atop a glacier. Pickup, drop-off, headset, and live commentary are all included for an even more seamless experience.

Door to Door Service and Experience with our guided tour pick up in Anchorage. All gear needed is supplied, as well as snacks and water. You will experience a Dog Sledding Experience with Professional Mushers Guests work directly with experienced mushers and energetic sled dogs, with opportunities to ride or drive the sled themselves — depending on comfort level — for a truly immersive experience. Designed for Comfort, Ease, and Access Hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary gear, and expert local guides are included. The logistics are handled so guests can fully focus on the experience.

Discover Denali National Park in the quiet beauty of the off season on this custom full-day tour from Fairbanks for up to 6 guests, with options for groups as large as 14 on request. Travel south through interior Alaska, stopping in the historic railroad town of Nenana and watching for wildlife along the way. Depending on conditions, visit the Denali Winter Visitor Center or the historic sled dog kennels, then continue as far along the park road as weather and snow allow. Enjoy a relaxed hike if trails are clear, or go snowshoeing for an easy winter adventure. As night falls, look for the Northern Lights in or near Denali, or chase clearer skies on the drive back to Fairbanks. Tour includes round-trip transportation from most Fairbanks and North Pole lodgings within 25 miles of the airport, light snacks, hot drinks, basic aurora science, photo help, and up to 5 edited aurora portraits when conditions cooperate.

Go far off the beaten track on this small-group tour that takes you along one of the world's most isolated roads. Travel into the Alaskan wilderness along the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the way back, keep your eyes peeled for the northern lights, though the natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed.

Journey deep into the Alaska Range on an unforgettable Castner Glacier adventure from Fairbanks. Travel the scenic Richardson Highway with stops at the iconic Trans-Alaska Pipeline and a breathtaking Mt. Hayes viewpoint. Watch for moose, caribou, bald eagles, and lynx along the way before hiking through Alaska’s wilderness to Castner Glacier and exploring the ice cave. An incredible day of glaciers, mountains and wildlife. Winter Castner Glacier Hike: During the winter hike, we walk on top of a frozen creek leading towards the glacier. The hike is approximately 3 miles round trip and usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions. Please prepare for extremely cold weather and dress accordingly with warm, insulated layers, winter boots, face covering ,gloves and a hat. Fall hike: wet, muddy, rocky terrain. Waterproof gear advised. Difficulty: Moderate Licensed by Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior permit #2025-00197

While in Seward, embark on one of Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruises during a pre- or post-cruise shore excursion through Kenai Fjords National Park. Stay warm as you sail past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords, and heighten your chance of spotting whales, sea lions, and birds with the help of your captain, who puts the sights into context.

Immerse yourself in the Arctic Circle and Dalton Highway on this tour from Fairbanks. Beat vacation planning overwhelm, and leave the organization and logistics to your guide. Cover plenty of ground in a vehicle, resting your feet between stops at Finger Mountain, the Arctic Circle Monument Sign, and more. Perfect for travelers wanting to visit the Arctic Tundra on their trip to Alaska.

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.

Operated by Heart of Alaska Tours. Fairbanks City Highlight Tour stands out because it's led by passionate locals who know Fairbanks inside and out. Rather than just visiting popular landmarks, you provide an insider's perspective, sharing personal stories, lesser-known facts, and hidden gems that most visitors miss. Your small-group approach creates a personalized experience, making guests feel like they're exploring the city with a friend rather than just following a scripted tour.

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. Essential gear including Yaktrax, jacket, hat, and mitten is provided for your comfort and safety.

Discover the winter wonders of Fairbanks on this engaging 5-hour guided city highlights tour. From the festive charm of the North Pole with its iconic Santa Claus House to the fascinating insights at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, this tour offers a unique blend of holiday spirit and rich Alaskan heritage. Enjoy the breathtaking views at the University of Alaska Museum of the North, and capture the moment at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Viewpoint—all from the comfort of a heated vehicle. Ideal for small groups, this tour promises an intimate experience with personal stories and photo assistance from a knowledgeable guide. - Visit the famous Santa Claus House and meet Santa during the holiday season - Explore Alaska Native culture and history at the Morris Thompson Center - Get stunning views and insights at the University of Alaska Museum of the North - Enjoy a small group setting with a maximum of 10 guests for a personalized experience

As well as chilly snowy landscapes, Alaska is home to refreshing hot springs that cold tourists are sure to find revitalizing. Enjoy the Chena Hot Springs Resort on this private full-day experience that includes the chance to see the Northern Lights dance in the night sky. If the aurora arrives, your guide will whisk you off to a vantage point to enjoy the show.

Grab your camera and prepare to see some of winter’s best work as you venture into the Alaskan Arctic Circle and go aurora hunting, without needing to lift a finger. Capture snow-capped forests, ice fields, and gushing rivers–and, of course, that obligatory photo at the Arctic Circle sign. As the sun and moon swap shifts, get ready for a spectacular display of aurora dancing in the night sky.