Top Anchorage Day Trips

Combine a sightseeing tour and a glacier cruise into one full-day itinerary with this excursion from Anchorage. Climb aboard a comfortable coach for a narrated journey along Turnagain Arm Drive. Continue the tour on a catamaran for a smooth, scenic cruise that navigates through narrow fjords and right up to the face of massive glaciers. Admire views of Prince William Sound during the tour.

A fully narrated tour by a local guide along Turnagain Arm offers stunning views of rugged mountains, glaciers, and Alaska flora and fauna (i.e., wildflowers, bald eagles, Dall sheep, beluga whales). We will stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), where visitors can get up-close viewings and pictures of Alaska's most iconic animals, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and muskox. From there, the tour will continue down the scenic Portage Valley, where visitors can take in spectacular views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, the beautiful Portage Lake, and numerous glaciers, including the Explorer and Byron Glaciers. On the return trip, visitors will enjoy a provided lunch in Girdwood, a quaint town surrounded by the northernmost temperate rainforest. Overall, a tour of Turnagain Arm, the AWCC, and Portage Valley is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Alaska and to learn about the history and culture of this incredible state.

Prince William Sound is one of Alaska’s most beautiful areas to see the state’s massive, icy glaciers, but the best way to see them is by boat. Skip renting a boat yourself and travel safely on the sound during this Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise. Spend an afternoon with others as you take in views of the glaciers and Alaskan wildlife, too.

For a stress-free, see-it-all day, look no further than this small-group tour. Picked up from your Anchorage hotel, you’ll go for a scenic drive down the famous Turnagain Arm, stop at Explorer and Middle glaciers, cruise on Portage Lake, and finally explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you’ll see lynx, wolves, reindeer, and more. You’ll get whisked back to Anchorage down the Seward Highway for one last adventure.

The Turnagain Arm boasts abundant Alaskan wildlife within easy access of the city of Anchorage. Learn about the local ecosystem from a guide with extensive knowledge about the area as you drive down the peninsula, with opportunities to spot wild animals in their natural environment as you go. A visit to the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a drive past the glaciers on Portage Glacier Road are also included.

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.

Set out on a nocturnal adventure to see the Northern Lights with this photography-focused tour departing from Anchorage. Get picked up at your hotel and go in search of Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, with a small-group tour. Learn new photography skills and try your hand at capturing the dazzling light show of the Northern Lights with your camera.

Take a comfy seat aboard a cable car for this 1-hour Anchorage tour by trolley. As you roll along in the city, delight in sights like moose (safely) crossing the road and seaplanes descending on Lake Hood and Lake Spenard. Gain unique into the local history and culture of Alaska's most populous city from guides with generational ties to the region. Trolleys run regularly and your wallet-friendly outing comes with a complimentary coupon booklet with some $200 in travel savings.

Our Private Glacier Walk and Wildlife Adventure Tour is the perfect way to experience the unique beauty, views and experiences in just a day trip from Anchorage. We curated this tour from of favorite local experiences and guests alike- The accessibility to be able to walk just a short distance, along a beautiful river, to get up close to a Glacier is awe inspiring for locals and guests alike. *** ( Please note- during the winter months, we choose a shorter walking point because of ice/snow) We also include a guided experience at the Wildlife Conservation Center. It's guaranteed wildlife viewing of bears, elk, Moose, Wolves and more, plus it supports a great cause. At Welcome Anchorage Tours, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, which is why our private tours are led only by knowledgeable local Alaskan tour guides. To ensure your comfort and a personalized experience, we provide modern SUVs, specifically Suburbans, as the mode of transportation for the duration of the tour.

You don't have to travel far from the city to see abundant Alaskan wildlife. On this tour to Turnagain Arm, you'll earn about the local ecosystem while looking out for wild animals in their natural environment. A visit to the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a cruise to Portage Glacier are also included.

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.

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.

Busy travelers with only one day to spare can see the best of the Alaskan wilderness on a tour that combines a scenic train ride, river float, glacial lake paddle, and a visit to a wildlife conservation center. From taking photos with icebergs to seeing bears at the wildlife center, the mix of activities fulfills visitors’ Alaskan adventure dreams.

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.

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.

This Customized Anchorage to Seward Small Group Tour includes all of our favorite and behind the scene activities. We love to provide top-shelf personalized service and experiences so that you can see Alaska your way! With room for up to 12 guests, you'll travel in comfort and style in a fully equipped new Chevrolet Suburban or Mercedes Sprinter Van, complete with your very own Experienced Alaskan driver-guide. I will pick you up in Anchorage and begin the tour to Seward. Your guided tour includes a tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with over 250 acres of all the Alaska wildlife. Short break at Girdwood Station with the option to stop for lunch. In Portage Valley we will walk up to Byron Glacier and stop at the Portage Glacier Lodge. Our Turnagain Arm drive also includes stopping at Beluga Point for photos and watch for Dall Sheep and other wildlife. Ending in Seward with a drop off directly at your Cruise Ship, or hotel.

Discover the beauty of Alaska's wilderness during this half-day hiking tour in Chugach State Park. Meet your guide for a small-group hike to see Alaska's alpine forests and tundra. Learn about the local ecosystem from a naturalist guide and keep an eye out for local wildlife including bear, sheep, marmot, and birds. Experience of the thrill of 360-degree views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.

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.

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.

Your glacier tour will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature! Along with a sampling of several different locally made Alaskan Honey and wine. Experience the Matanuska Glacier like never before with our exclusive tour. Unlike other tours, we offer small group sizes, providing a more personalized and intimate adventure. The knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing the glacier's geological insights, which enrich your experience. Additionally, our tour emphasizes sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact while preserving the glacier for future generations. With safety as our top priority, we provide top-of-the line equipment and thorough safety briefings, allowing you to explore the glacier confidently. After the trip we will have a sampling of several locally made Alaskan Honey and wines! Join us for a truly unforgettable journey into the heart of Matanuska Glacier!

Embark on a mesmerizing Matanuska Glacier Hike, expertly guided for an immersive adventure through Alaska's icy wonders. With the added convenience of a panoramic bus, your journey begins in comfort, offering breathtaking views en route to the glacier. A knowledgeable guide leads you across the frozen expanse, unraveling the glacier's secrets and geological marvels. Marvel at towering ice formations and navigate crevasses, all while enjoying the luxury of transport that complements the rugged beauty. This guided trek, seamlessly blending education and exploration, promises an enriching experience as you traverse the stunning Matanuska Glacier with the expertise of a professional guide and panoramic bus transport.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure with our Whittier Cruise Transit Tour! We'll pick you up from your cruise ship in Whittier and take you on a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Alaska. We'll visit Portage Lake, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Beluga Point, Potter Marsh, and Earthquake Park, each offering unique experiences and stunning views. Our tour ends with a drop-off at your Anchorage hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Alaska's beauty. Book your Whittier Cruise Transit Tour today and experience the best of Alaska in just one day!

The opportunities for adventure in Alaska are endless, so visitors on tight schedules might have difficulty fitting in everything. You'll paddle around icebergs in Spencer Glacier Lake and enjoy views of hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and more on a train ride through Grandview, the most scenic section of the Alaska Railroad.