Day trips from Anchorage, AK
From Anchorage, Alaska
10 Amazing Destinations
Perfect for day trips
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the United States. With its strategic location, you can easily embark on day trips that offer a mix of nature, history, and adventure. From the majestic glaciers and fjords of Kenai Fjords National Park to the historic gold rush town of Skagway, there's something for every interest. Whether you're seeking wildlife encounters, scenic drives, or cultural experiences, these day trips from Anchorage promise unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the Last Frontier.
1. Kenai Fjords National Park
Located in the coastal town of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park is home to stunning fjords, glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife. Take a boat tour to explore the park's coastal waters, where you might spot humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins. On land, hike the Harding Icefield Trail for breathtaking views of the icefield and surrounding fjords.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Boat tours to see marine wildlife
- ✓Harding Icefield Trail hike
- ✓Exit Glacier nature center
- ✓Scenic drives and viewpoints
2. Denali National Park
Denali National Park is home to North America's tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). The park offers a variety of activities, including wildlife viewing, hiking, and scenic drives. Take the Denali Park Road shuttle bus to explore the park's interior and keep an eye out for grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. For a more adventurous experience, try whitewater rafting or flightseeing tours.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Denali Park Road shuttle bus tour
- ✓Wildlife viewing opportunities
- ✓Hiking trails for all skill levels
- ✓Flightseeing and rafting adventures
3. Skagway
Step back in time with a visit to the historic gold rush town of Skagway. This charming town offers a mix of history, adventure, and scenic beauty. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which preserves sites from the 1890s gold rush. Take a scenic train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, or try your hand at gold panning. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Yukon Suspension Bridge and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
- ✓White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
- ✓Gold panning experiences
- ✓Yukon Suspension Bridge and scenic views
4. Homer
Homer, located on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, is a charming coastal town known for its art scene and natural beauty. Visit the Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile-long gravel bar that offers stunning views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding mountains. Explore the local art galleries and shops, or take a kayaking tour to discover the bay's hidden coves and beaches. For a unique experience, try your hand at halibut fishing or visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay views
- ✓Local art galleries and shops
- ✓Kayaking tours and hidden coves
- ✓Halibut fishing and Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center
5. Palmer
Palmer, located in the heart of the Matanuska Valley, is a historic town with a rich agricultural heritage. Visit the Palmer Visitor Information Center to learn about the town's history and the nearby Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site. For a unique experience, try ice fishing or a sauna and polar plunge adventure. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the local farms and farmers markets, where you can sample fresh produce and homemade goods.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Palmer Visitor Information Center and Matanuska Glacier
- ✓Ice fishing and sauna experiences
- ✓Local farms and farmers markets
- ✓Historic downtown and museums
6. Seward
Seward, a coastal town located on the Kenai Peninsula, is a gateway to some of Alaska's most stunning natural attractions. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a world-class aquarium and marine research facility, or take a scenic drive along the Seward Highway for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. For a more adventurous experience, try kayaking, hiking, or wildlife viewing in the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Alaska SeaLife Center
- ✓Scenic drives along the Seward Highway
- ✓Kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing
- ✓Local shops, restaurants, and breweries
7. Girdwood
Girdwood, a charming mountain town located just 35 miles south of Anchorage, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the Alyeska Resort, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, and scenic tram rides. Explore the nearby Chugach State Park, which offers a variety of trails for all skill levels. For a unique experience, try dog sledding or snowmobiling in the winter months.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Alyeska Resort and scenic tram rides
- ✓Chugach State Park hiking and biking trails
- ✓Dog sledding and snowmobiling adventures
- ✓Local shops, restaurants, and breweries
8. Talkeetna
Talkeetna, a historic town located in the heart of the Alaska Range, is a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum to learn about the town's rich history and the nearby Denali National Park. For a unique experience, try flightseeing or heli-hiking tours to explore the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Talkeetna River and enjoy fishing, kayaking, or wildlife viewing.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Talkeetna Historical Society Museum
- ✓Flightseeing and heli-hiking tours
- ✓Talkeetna River fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing
- ✓Local shops, restaurants, and breweries
9. Wasilla
Wasilla, located in the heart of the Matanuska Valley, is a bustling town with a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. Visit the Wasilla Museum and Visitor Center to learn about the town's history and the nearby Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site. For a unique experience, try ice fishing or a sauna and polar plunge adventure. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the local farms and farmers markets, where you can sample fresh produce and homemade goods.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Wasilla Museum and Visitor Center and Matanuska Glacier
- ✓Ice fishing and sauna experiences
- ✓Local farms and farmers markets
- ✓Historic downtown and museums
10. Juneau
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile-long glacier located just outside the city, or explore the nearby Tracy Arm Fjord for a scenic cruise filled with waterfalls, icebergs, and glaciers. For a unique experience, try kayaking, hiking, or wildlife viewing in the nearby Tongass National Forest. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Alaska State Museum and learn about the state's rich history and culture.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Mendenhall Glacier and visitor center
- ✓Tracy Arm Fjord scenic cruises
- ✓Kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing in Tongass National Forest
- ✓Alaska State Museum and historic downtown
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