15 Must-See Alaska Destinations You Can Reach From Anchorage

Alaska isn’t just a place—it’s an adventure waiting to happen. Towering mountains, sprawling glaciers, and untamed wildlife are all within reach, but choosing where to go first can be overwhelming. Luckily, Anchorage puts you right in the middle of it all. Get ready to explore 15 breathtaking destinations that show off the best of the Last Frontier.

Anchorage City Exploration

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Start at the Anchorage Museum, where interactive exhibits showcase Alaska’s history, Indigenous cultures, and Arctic exploration. You can visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which provides deeper insight into the traditions and lifestyles of the state’s Indigenous peoples.

Seward And Kenai Fjords National Park

The drive from Anchorage to Seward via the Seward Highway is one of the most scenic in America. It provides breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm, waterfalls, and glaciers. Once in Seward, you can tour the charming harbor town, home to the Alaska SeaLife Center, where visitors can see rescued sea animals.

Homer And Kachemak Bay

Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” Homer is a paradise for anglers. Drive along the picturesque Sterling Highway to reach this charming coastal town. From there, hop on a ferry to Kachemak Bay State Park, where you can explore lush forests on foot or kayak through stunning icebergs.

Denali National Park

Denali, North America’s tallest peak, is located in Denali National Park. Tourists get there via a scenic train ride on the Alaska Railroad or a road trip along the Parks Highway. Private vehicles are restricted beyond a certain point inside the park, so taking a park bus is best. 

Talkeetna And Flightseeing

Talkeetna, a small yet vibrant town, serves as the base camp for climbers seeking to reach Denali’s peak. Stroll through its quirky downtown, visit local shops, and stop by the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum. One of the most breathtaking experiences here is a flightseeing tour over Denali, which provides an aerial view of glacial peaks.

Whittier And Prince William Sound

A visit to Whittier requires a drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America. This small port town is the gateway to Prince William Sound, popular for its diverse marine life. Take a glacier and wildlife cruise to see the towering Blackstone. 

Matanuska Glacier

The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier, located about two hours northeast of Anchorage. This 27-mile-long glacier offers a rare chance to walk on ancient ice, with guided glacier hikes available for visitors of all skill levels. These tours provide safety equipment to help you navigate the icy terrain while learning about glacial formations.

Alyeska Resort And Girdwood

Girdwood, a charming mountain town, is known for its world-class ski resort, Alyeska Resort. The resort provides skiing and snowboarding facilities in the winter, with trails suited for beginners and experts. In the summer, you can take the Alyeska Aerial Tram up Mount Alyeska for sweeping views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding peaks.

Turnagain Arm And Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Offering dramatic coastal views, waterfalls, and frequent wildlife sightings, the Turnagain Arm drive is one of the most scenic routes in Alaska. Make time for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where rescued grizzly bears, moose, bison, and bald eagles roam freely in their natural environment.

Spencer Glacier Via Alaska Railroad

For a unique glacier experience, take the Glacier Discovery Train from Anchorage to Spencer Glacier, accessible only by train. The journey is spectacular, winding through remote scenery and offering views of mountains, rivers, and wildlife. Upon arrival, you can hop on a raft tour that takes you down the Placer River.

Eklutna Lake And Thunderbird Falls

Located less than an hour from Anchorage, Eklutna Lake offers an escape into the heart of the Chugach Mountains. This pristine glacial lake is perfect for kayaking or hiking along the Eklutna Lakeside Trail. Thunderbird Falls is a must-see, featuring a one-mile hike through a thick forest leading to a 200-foot waterfall.

Hatcher Pass And Independence Mine

A scenic drive north of Anchorage brings you to Hatcher Pass, a high-altitude paradise known for wildflowers and alpine landscapes. Stop at Independence Mine State Historical Park to tour the remnants of a once-thriving gold mining operation. The area offers hiking trails and opportunities for berry picking during late summer.

Knik River And Knik Glacier Tour

The Knik River Valley, an hour from Anchorage, provides a gateway to one of Alaska’s most breathtaking glacial backdrops. Visitors can take off-road vehicle tours or helicopter flights to reach Knik Glacier, where they can explore deep blue meltwater pools. There are frequent sightings of moose, bald eagles, and even bears.

Lake Clark National Park

The remote Lake Clark National Park is a short distance away from Anchorage. This hidden gem offers some of Alaska’s best bear-viewing opportunities, especially in Chinitna Bay. There are opportunities for world-class fishing, scenic floatplane rides, and hiking through untouched wilderness. Port Alsworth offers cozy lodges and access to the turquoise Lake Clark.

Eagle River Nature Center And Crow Pass Trail

Driving to Eagle River Nature Center from Anchorage takes only about 40 minutes. The Eagle River Nature Center offers hiking trails through lush boreal forests, with chances to spot beavers and black bears. Adventurous hikers can tackle the Crow Pass Trail, a historic route once used by gold miners.