North of Anchorage

Eklutna Historical Park (approx 30 min from ANC)

Visitors can take a guided tour to the old log Russian Orthodox Church, see Athabascan Spirit Houses, and visit the new Orthodox Church.  Learn about the history, culture, and customs of the Dena'ina Athabascans and Russian Orthodox traditions. Afterwards, drive to Eklutna Lake and enjoy a hike or paddle.

Independence Mine & Hatcher Pass (approx 1 hr from ANC)

Gold was discovered in 1886 just southeast of Anchorage, before the stampede of the Gold Rush drew adventurers farther north to The Last Frontier. Learn what it was like to live and work in one of Alaska’s gold mining camps and pan for gold while you are here.  Then hit the trails around Hatcher Pass to explore one of Alaska’s favorite backcountry getaways.

Musk Ox Farm (approx 45 min from ANC)

See first hand an Ice Age mammal that once roamed the earth alongside saber tooth tigers and woolly mammoths. Visitors get a close up experience with guided tours, engaging exhibits, and a gift shop featuring hand-knit qiviut items.

Matanuska Glacier (approx 2 hrs from ANC)

Drive along the Glenn Highway to the largest glacier in Alaska that can be reached by vehicle. At mile post 102 there is an access point that will allow you to drive up and park next to the glacier. Summer activities in the area include hiking, glacier trekking, and river rafting. 

South of Anchorage

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (approx 1 hr from ANC)

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Visitors may see brown bears cooling off in the water, a bull moose strutting, wood bison roaming on pastures, and more.

Portage Valley (approx 1 hr from ANC)

Part of the Chugach National Forest, Portage Valley is a great place for hiking, a “cruise” out to Portage Glacier, and salmon viewing (seasonal). Perhaps continue on and drive through the tunnel to Whittier for some sea kayaking in Prince William Sound.

Girdwood (approx 45 min from ANC)

Home of Alyeska Resort, the lowest-elevation ski resort in the world, and the resort’s Aerial Tramway. Other local recreational opportunities abound including helicopter rides, hiking, glacier walks, ATV adventures, ice climbing, and more, or pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine and explore the historic site.

Hope (approx 1 hr 45 min from ANC)

A booming gold rush town in its heyday, Hope is now a quiet, peaceful town with a fascinating historical museum and access to nearby hiking trails. The Seaview Café often features live, local music.

Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour

Take the Alaska Railroad south to Seward to spend a day cruising the waters surrounding Kenai Fjords National Park. This is a great opportunity to see humpback whales, porpoise dolphins, and puffins, as well as the tidewater glaciers. If you are feeling more adventurous, join a guided sea kayaking tour with Kayak Adventures Worldwide.

Fishing in Seward

World-class fishing for halibut and salmon can be found in Seward. There are several local fishing companies based in town that provide day trips out on the water, helping you catch Alaska’s most popular treat to travel home with.

Alaska SeaLife Center

If your travel plans include a stop in Seward, this is a must-see. Alaska’s only public aquarium is a “window on the sea.” Immerse yourself in Alaskan marine ecosystems by observing animals in naturalistic habitats. Close encounters with puffins, octopus, and sea lions are a highlight of the experience, as well as learning from the experts about Alaska’s rich seas and diverse sealife.

Other

Bear Viewing

Sign up for a flightseeing tour to view Alaska’s famous grizzly bears. Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park and Preserve and Wolverine Creek in Redoubt Bay Critical Habitat Area are top choices to set up a tour.

Flightseeing Tour around Denali

When the skies are clear and a flightseeing tour is on your Alaska itinerary, don’t wait! Get up in the skies when you get the chance for a bird’s eye view of “The High One.”