Alaskans love Anchorage for its diverse cultures and easy access to the best Alaskan experiences, and so do we.
You can take day trips from this social and commercial hub to some of the most spectacular locations off the beaten path.
Read on to discover the top day trips from Anchorage worth your time and money.
Trips from Anchorage
If you have a few days to spare, Alaska has plenty to see and do. You only need a rental car, train tickets or pay for a guided tour to the various exciting locations.
Most are only a few hours away from Anchorage, ensuring you are back in the city in time for dinner.
For our last trip, we chose Anchorage as our base as we wanted to be near the hustle and bustle of the city.
It was also convenient as our large group’s hotel accommodation package was the friendliest in cost and extras.
Since everyone wanted a different Alaskan experience, we chose several day trips to explore various sights.
It was the best itinerary, from picnics at the park and visits to spectacular glaciers and water bodies to magnificent wildlife sightings.
The 9 Best Day Trips from Anchorage
When taking a day trip from Anchorage, your choice is limited to two directions. You can head north and visit the recreational lakes, scenic trails, and breathtaking parks.
Alternatively, go south for skiing, historical mining tours, guided glacier charters, or halibut fishing trips.
Here are nine of the best day trips from Anchorage from our last visit. We had more locations left on our itinerary that we couldn’t wait to explore on our next Alaskan trip.
1. Explore the crisp waters at Eklutna Lake
Paddle across the expansive Eklutna Lake on a kayak with cycling and ATV exploration options.
On a bike or ATV, go through the bordering mountain trails that you can also hike to the top.
From that vantage point, you will have a panoramic view of the glacier and surrounding scenic landscape.
How to Get There
The best way to get to Eklutna Lake from Anchorage is via a rental car. It is approximately 22 miles north of the city, along the Glenn highway. The exit to the lake is at Mile 26, with a view of the mountains.
Once you are on Eklutna Lake road, drive on for 10 miles nearer to the mountains.
While the road is easy to maneuver, it is narrow in some spots, so be careful of other road users. You will reach the lake’s recreation area, which is also the end of the road.
To access the park, pay the day parking fee and hire the kayaks, bikes, or ATVs available on site. Should you visit in summer, grab ice cream on your way out from the local store.
2. Bike across Denali National Park
Denali (Mt. McKinley Peak) is your best destination if you love the outdoors.
You’ll spend the day seeing the famous Alaskan grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.
Rent a bike and navigate the glacial river banks and dense forest vegetation trails.
How to Get There
Denali is farther from Anchorage, meaning you will spend over 4 hours driving, so leave early.
The drive down is spectacular, and if you do not have a private car, you can use the bus tours from Anchorage.
If you are catching a quick trip from the city, then flying is the fastest option. The local flight time is approximately one and a half hours, although it is the most expensive transport mode.
3. Take a Historical Trip to Crow Creek Gold Mine
Learn what it takes to mine for gold at the historic Crow Creek Gold Mine, a family-owned business.
Besides the hands-on industry tour available on reservation Wednesdays and Fridays only, you can also hike the local trails.
How to Get There
The quickest way to Crow Creek Gold Mine is if you drive yourself there. Take the south Seward highway towards Girdwood for 35 miles.
You will spot a gas station on your left as you turn into Girdwood.
Turn left and drive for 2 miles until you spot Crow Creek Road on the left. Follow it until you see the signage and mine gates, which will be on the right.
4. Cruise through Prince William Sound
If you envision the icy blue waters, glaciers of Alaska, and snow-capped mountains, then Prince William Sound is the ideal spot.
Besides the amazing tidewater glaciers, you will spot sea mammals and watch a few bold bears catch their salmon for lunch.
Since the water is calmer here, it is the perfect day cruise destination, so book one from Anchorage. For anglers, some cruise trips include a few hours of salmon fishing and kayaking.
How to Get There
Opt for a 90-minute direct self-drive to Whittier instead of the bus tours with numerous sightseeing stops.
Alternatively, take the slower train for photography sessions as you meander the icy landscape. Once you get to Whittier, board the cruise boat and tour the waterway up close.
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5. Spend a Recreation and Picnic Day at Kincaid Park
Drive to Kincaid Park for a day of fun and recreation. You can talk a walk, play soccer on the grassy spots or practice archery on the range.
The lake also offers trout fishing opportunities or a lazy kayaking session. Later, bring your lunch and enjoy it in one of their quiet picnic sites.
If you visit in winter, the hiking trails and hilly terrain converts into impressive ski slopes.
How to Get There
Kincaid Park is 9.3 miles from Anchorage, about 20 minutes drive along Raspberry Road. Request the hotel to pack a lunch basket so you can spend most of the day at the park.
6. Day Hikes at Hatcher Pass
Experience the incredible Talkeetna Mountains view from Hatcher Pass and take a day hike or a slow drive with photography breaks.
From 4000 feet above, you can spot paragliders and large birds as you enjoy a packed sandwich. In winter, it is another well-loved spot for mind-blowing steep skiing.
How to Get There
Drive yourself for 59.5 miles to Hatcher Pass from Anchorage.
The drive will last slightly over an hour. While you can use any vehicle in summer, the roads are treacherous during winter, and a four-wheel vehicle is highly recommended.
7. Go Skiing at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood
As the only destination winter ski resort, Alyeska Resort in Girdwood is a must-visit if you are in Anchorage.
It is a riding paradise, boasting over 1000 acres of skiable slopes and trails. Day visitors can get tickets and passes for visitors of all ages and skill levels, including night skiing.
Which is Better for Skiing?
How to Get There
Alyeska Resort is in Girdwood, 41.9 miles from Anchorage. You can drive there for about 50 minutes along the Seward Highway.
Alternatively, take the one-hour train to Girdwood, then hire a vehicle to the resort.
8. Tour Turnagain Arm with a guide
Listed as one of Alaska’s most beautiful highway stretches, Turnagain Arm opens up to a sensational waterway.
Photographers will have a field day capturing the dramatic shore and nature with breathtaking sunsets.
How to Get There
Drive along the Seward Highway for 16 miles. The waterway borders one side of the road, the other being a mountain range with hiking trails.
9. Go Wild at Lake Clark National Park
See the wild uninhabited region at Lake Clark National Park, the ancestral home to the Dena’ina people.
From an aerial point of view, you will glimpse the massive waterfalls and a wide array of impressive mountain peaks.
How to Get There
Unfortunately, Lake Clark National Park is not on the Alaskan road system.
One can only use small charter planes to tour this wildlife preserve and the largest lake region.
The lake is about 100 miles from Anchorage, a one-hour flight time distance.
FAQs About Day Trips From Anchorage
Is Anchorage an expensive city?
While Anchorage can be expensive for a new city dweller, it is cheaper than other states. However, for travelers, the costs vary depending on the duration of your visit.
The type and variety of your experiences may also increase your costs. Look out for deals, especially early bookings for flights and accommodations, and consider visiting after the crowded summer.
How many days is enough in Anchorage?
If you want to explore Alaska’s wonders, plan for at least a 3-day trip. If you can stay for more than seven days, the better.
On average, most visitors spend 4 to 5 days, and they are plenty to explore the glaciers and expansive wildlife parks. You can also take fishing trips for a one-of-a-kind catch.
What cities are an hour away from Anchorage?
Towns an hour or less away from Anchorage during good weather are Girdwood, Eagle River, Palmer, Chugiak, Wasilla, and Indian. In summer, you can easily get further south toward Seward.
Read next – Things to do in Anchorage
Conclusion
The over half a dozen day trips from Anchorage listed above should keep you occupied throughout your stay.
Just like we did, you will leave with a few items still left on your Alaska bucket list. The good thing is you can come back and check them off next season.
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