Top Anchorage Day Trips

Glaciers and Wildlife: Super Scenic Day Tour from Anchorage

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(329)

from $235

Free Photography lessons. This photo captured using a simple cellphone.

PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage

(3,305)

from $220

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.

Aerial Tram and Wildlife Center tour from Anchorage

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).

(147)

from $199

Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour

(410)

from $177

Moose walking on sidewalk next to trolley

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.7

(2,791)

from $25

Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(408)

from $239

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.

Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour

10 hoursFree Cancellation

(448)

from $329

Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward Round Trip Same Day Return

14 hours 30 minutes

4.6

(399)

from $226

Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo

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. Led by a professional photographer guide, learn new photography skills and gain insight into the science behind the aurora borealis. No photography experience is needed to join this tour.

Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo

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.

4.7

(172)

from $315

Hatcher Pass Views, Reindeer & Iditarod Dogs, Anchorage Pick Up

Hatcher Pass Views, Reindeer & Iditarod Dogs, Anchorage Pick Up

7 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(37)

from $187

Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(169)

from $249

Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour

Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

(1)

from $40

Per group

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.

Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise and Coach Package

Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise and Coach Package

11 hoursFree Cancellation

Depart downtown Anchorage and travel along one of America’s most scenic routes — the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm — into the wilderness beyond. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre sanctuary where rescued and orphaned Alaskan animals such as brown bears, muskox, bison, wolves, and moose roam in naturalistic habitats. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Alaska’s wildlife before continuing to Portage Lake, where you’ll board the MV Ptarmigan with Portage Glacier Cruises for an unforgettable, narrated hour-long cruise among cascading waterfalls to within a few hundred feet of the towering face of Portage Glacier. You may even hear the thunderous crack of the glacier calving. This combination of wildlife viewing, scenic driving, and glacier cruising creates a compact and unforgettable Alaskan day trip, perfect for nature lovers and first-time visitors alike.

(25)

from $368

Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Discovery from Anchorage

Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Discovery from Anchorage

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.0

(7)

from $175

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.

Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(748)

from $149

Explore Chugach State Park's Eagle River trail system without the risk of getting lost when you hike on a small-group guided tour. Lovers of the outdoors won't want to miss the opportunity to hike through boreal forests and glaciated valleys, to see where salmon spawn, and to spot wildlife like bears, moose, and birds. Meet your guide at a designated spot and enjoy a moderate five-hour hike.

Summer Valley and Forest Hike

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(69)

from $179

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.

Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

(106)

from $315

Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour

Full Day Seward Tour

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $999

Per group

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover Alaska's stunning landscapes on this scenic tour from Anchorage to Seward. Stop at notable spots like Earthquake Park and Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, and enjoy breathtaking views along the National Scenic Seward Highway. Get up close with wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, then explore Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park before reaching Seward. - Travel along the picturesque National Scenic Seward Highway - Visit Earthquake Park and Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary - Encounter Alaska’s wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Explore Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park before your Seward drop-off

(79)

from $407

Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer Tour with Port Drop-Off

Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer Tour with Port Drop-Off

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Experience the breathtaking landscape of the Turnagain Arm on a half-day tour with an informative guide. Ride along the scenic Seward Parkway to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and Beluga Point, stopping for photo ops and wildlife observation. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a large nature preserve where injured animals are rehabilitated. Continue to the town of Girdwood, then travel up into the Chugach Mountains for another great vantage point on the Turnagain Arm. Includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.

(1)

from $239

View amazing vistas along the Turnagain Arm

Turnagain Arm Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

(70)

from $159

Discover Alaska’s majestic scenery and encounter the state’s Big Five with ease during a small-group tour from Anchorage to a premier conservation center. Relax and soak up the scenery during a smooth drive along Turnagain Arm while somebody else keeps their eyes on the road and shares little nuggets about the area and wildlife. Plus, delve into the local culture at a small town brewery for beer tasting.

Wildlife Center with Lunch and Local Beer Sampling

Wildlife Center with Lunch and Local Beer Sampling

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

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!

(84)

from $199

Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Transfer Tour with Port Drop-Off

Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Transfer Tour with Port Drop-Off

Bears, Trains & Icebergs Tour

(3)

from $210

Alaska Railroad Train over the Placer River Train Bridge

7 to 9 hours

4.8

(146)

from $396

1 2 3

Top Attractions in Anchorage

1 / 2

Attractions

What are people saying about Anchorage

Wildlife Center with Lunch and Local Beer Sampling

Vanessa_H, Aug 2026

This is a tour of the...

This is a tour of the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center and a lunch at a local brewery. The tour guide drives you around and tells you all about the animals while answering any questions you have. During the drive to and from he also gave us background on the area and brewery. It was a lot more of a guided tour than I had realized and I was very happy to have had someone with the knowledge of the local animals and area.

Aerial Tram and Wildlife Center tour from Anchorage

Bella_C, Aug 2026

What a memorable day we...

What a memorable day we had! David was simply amazing as our tour guide and driver! He was very knowledgeable not only of Anchorage but Alaska as a whole. He presented information about Alaska, the different scenic spots & animals in the conservation center interestingly. Thank you David!

Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour

sgnaquin, Aug 2026

An Amazing Matanuska...

An Amazing Matanuska Glacier Adventure with Bill! Our Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour with Greatland Adventures was truly one of the highlights of our Alaska trip! We were four women in our 70s, each with different levels of fitness and hiking ability, and our guide, Bill, was absolutely exceptional. He quickly assessed what each of us was comfortable doing and tailored our glacier hike so that everyone could participate, feel safe, and still have a wonderful sense of adventure. Bill was patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and incredibly attentive. He never made us feel rushed or that our ages or varying abilities were a limitation. Instead, he gave us the confidence to experience this magnificent glacier at a pace that worked for all four of us. Walking on the Matanuska Glacier was spectacular, but Bill made the experience even more memorable. His knowledge, personality, and genuine concern for our safety and enjoyment made all the difference. For anyone in their 60s, 70s or beyond who might be wondering, “Can I really do a glacier tour?” — YES! With a guide like Bill, absolutely! Thank you, Bill and Greatland Adventures, for giving four adventurous women in their 70s an Alaska memory we will be talking about for years.

Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest

Elizabeth_S, Aug 2026

Great start to our Alaska adventure

What a wonderful way to start our time in Alaska. Brooks was our guide and provided lots of history and entertaining stories that put everything we were seeing in great context. One cautionary point, which wasn’t an issue for us but could be for others, the walk in the rainforest was about 1.4 miles each way— walking on the snow made it worthwhile though!

Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour

Deborah_G, Jul 2026

Glacier and Wildlife Discovery Tour

Phil was an amazing guide for the Glacier and Wildlife Tour. He had lived in the area for many years and experienced the wilderness and all its beauty through backpacking, camping, hunting and fishing. His experience and vast knowledge of the mountains, as well as the wildlife, added personal experience to his stories that made them all the more interesting. Everything I experienced that day, from the glaciers, rivers, and mountains was something out of the movies that one needs to experience personally to believe them. Pictures don’t do the area justice! I highly recommend this tour. WELL worth the price!

Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward Round Trip Same Day Return

Kailey_G, Jul 2026

Highly Recommend!

The round-trip train ride from Anchorage to Seward was one of the highlights of our Alaska trip! The scenery along the route was absolutely breathtaking, and the guides shared so many interesting facts about the area's history, wildlife, and landmarks, making the journey both educational and entertaining. We had a great time exploring Seward before heading back, and it was the perfect way to experience this beautiful coastal town. While it's a long day, it is absolutely worth it for the incredible views and the amazing wildlife we saw along the way. If you're visiting Alaska, I highly recommend this train ride—it was an unforgettable experience!

Hatcher Pass Views, Reindeer & Iditarod Dogs, Anchorage Pick Up

Jennifer_A, Jul 2026

More than a tour- an adventure

What a fantastic experience! Don, our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable about the area’s history, people, and land, making every stop interesting and meaningful. He regularly checked in with the group to make sure guests were seeing and experiencing what mattered most to them. Personable, engaging, and easy to talk with. Don had a great sense of humor that kept the entire experience fun. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an informative, personalized, and memorable adventure!

Summer Valley and Forest Hike

Eva_V, Jul 2026

Alaskan Adventure

Felt like a real Alaskan experience walking through the beautiful forest. Didn’t see any bears but did see many signs of them, such as tracks, “scratching post with their fur”, etc. Our guide Todd was very knowledgeable and taught us about the various plants, berries, mushrooms , birds, beavers, and insects. We also took a short hike to a magnificent waterfall. Highly recommend this tour!!

Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise and Coach Package

Ruby_G, Jul 2026

Prince of sound, must see!

Prince of sound was an exceptional experience. Our driver was very helpful, knowledgeable and patient. Tour bus to Whittier was very nice and clean. Cruise was highly enjoyable. It was a 5+ hours cruise but time went by quickly. It was raining most of the day but Captain of the cruise made it highly enjoyable. He stopped at various places when he saw wildlife. Highlight of the trip was sea otters, birds, water falls, bears and the glaciers. Cruise staff were excellent. Lunch was part of the offering and was delicious. We were pleasantly surprised to see specialized drinks as options for our caffeine and alcohol intake. I highly recommend this trip.

Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

XINBO_F, May 2026

The guided glacier tour...

The guided glacier tour is suitable for a wide range of abilities with some steeper parts. We were provided with crampons and you do not necessarily need snow boots. There was little wind I felt fine without a hat. The honey and wine were a delicious treat after about 2 hrs of walking/hiking on the glacier. For ice cave experience I would wait for June/July:

Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo

Gabriel_Q, Feb 2026

Breathtaking Experience

A breathtaking and beautiful experience we will never forget. Ben was extremely patient and helpful with taking our photos, providing us tips on how to capture the lights on our cameras and providing us with knowledge on the northern lights. Erica was extremely helpful with setting up the tripod for us to take photos, as well as offering us items to keep warm. I will definitely recommend this tour and attraction to my family and friends because I had an amazing time with my girlfriend (now fiancé). We will never forget such a beautiful and wonderful time we had. Every second of it was worth it.