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Things to do in
Anchorage

Our most recommended things to do in Anchorage

Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise

1. Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise

Board a stable, state-of-the-art catamaran and spend a day filled with wildlife, glaciers, mountains, and more. See whales and glaciers in Resurrection Bay and learn the history of the region from your captain. The cruise begins by searching for wildlife in the protected waters of Resurrection Bay. Whales, sea otters, and puffins are often sighted within minutes of leaving the harbor. The captain will provide information on the area's wildlife, glaciers, fjords, and history. Stop at one tidewater glacier that has frequent calving events, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. A full bar is available for those wanting to enjoy local beers and glacier cocktails. Savor a deli-style lunch on board while you cruise.

From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour

2. From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour

Embark on a guided sightseeing cruise from Seward along Resurrection Bay from Seward with guided commentary. Encounter native wildlife like whales, puffins, sea otters, and more before witnessing the natural beauty of the Kenai Fjords National Park. Benefit from a shuttle from the railroad depot or the cruise ship port. Then, head off the beaten track in search of wildlife where they often appear through Resurrection Bay. With the help of binoculars, watch as sea otters carry their pups on their bellies. Marvel at the speed of the Dall's porpoise as they surf the vessel's wake. Be awed by the size and majesty of orcas, humpbacks, and other incredible whale species, and learn about their habitat from the onboard guide. Take in the wild natural beauty of the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Admission Ticket

3. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Admission Ticket

Enjoy an admission ticket that will grant you access to over 200-acres of animal enclosures and stunning nature. Take a self-tour of the scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, by bike, or by car, while learning about the resident wildlife via interpretive signs at each animal habitat. Support the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Venture through the AWCC’s 1.5 mile loop which is the perfect adventure for the winter months. Experience unique ways to explore the Center while enjoying the wildlife in the winter include gliding on your cross country skis, riding your fat bike, or utilizing AWCC’s complimentary kick-sled rentals. Relax on board your own vehicle with a picturesque 1.5 mile loop drive around the sanctuary. See orphaned and injured animals taken in by the AWCC that have now been given a forever home.

Anchorage: 1-Hour Trolley Tour

4. Anchorage: 1-Hour Trolley Tour

Enjoy a fully narrated tour of historic Anchorage from the comfort of an enclosed, heated trolley with panoramic windows. Travel a 15-mile circuit through Alaska's largest city, while a lively and informative Alaskan guide shares the history of the city, their family stories, and more. Departing from the corner of 4th and F Street, the tour includes many highlights, such as the Mysterious Earthquake Park, and Westchester Lagoon, where waterfowl abound, and moose and small mammals forage. See the Alaska Railroad, and float planes departing from Lake Hood and Lake Spenard. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountain ranges, wildlife sightings, and historic neighborhoods In addition, get a coupon book serving more than 20 restaurants, gift shops, tours, and attractions in downtown Anchorage.

From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch

5. From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch

Experience up-close views of the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this round-trip cruise from Seward. Sail past the majestic Holgate and Aialik Glaciers and enjoy a complimentary deli lunch. Listen as the captain explains the surrounding geology and wildlife. Step aboard a stable, high-speed catamaran for a full day of exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Start your cruise in Resurrection Bay and learn about the park, the surrounding area, and wildlife from your captain. Allow your captain to take you to the best wildlife viewing areas for the opportunity to see stunning marine life including whales, otters, seals, and thousands of seabirds. Head out into the Gulf of Alaska past Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Take advantage of getting up close with 2 active tidewater glaciers, Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier as your cruise stops nearby. Watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacier ice break off and crash into the water. Experienced deckhands will secure a chunk of glacier ice to make the most amazing cocktails and glacier margaritas.

Anchorage: Deluxe Trolley City Tour

6. Anchorage: Deluxe Trolley City Tour

Learn about the rich history and natural beauty of Alaska's largest city and ride the trolley to 5+ stops throughout downtown Anchorage. Travel comfortably and take in some of the city's most exciting landmarks such as the Lake Hood small airplane airport. During the tour you will visit iconic locations such as Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and Point Wornzoff. At each stop you will get the chance to hop-off for a few minutes, take pictures and ask questions to your knowledgeable, passionate, expert local guides.

From Whittier/Anchorage: Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise

7. From Whittier/Anchorage: Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise

The 26 Glacier Cruise departs from Whittier to explore the calm waters and wild sights of Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Discover glacier-carved fjords and pristine wilderness around every turn. Watch for marine wildlife and migratory birds along the way. Travel in comfort aboard safe, modern high-speed catamarans. Prince William Sound boasts one of the world’s largest concentrations of tidewater glaciers. College Fjord and Blackstone Bay provide impressive panoramic views of spectacular glaciers flowing down from the mountains to the saltwater. As the Captain navigates a path through the ice-filled waters, watch the dynamic tidewater glaciers closely as massive chunks of ice can calve (break off) at any moment and crash to the sea with a thunderous sound. Marine wildlife and migratory birds easily outnumber people in Prince William Sound, so the odds are good that you will see a lot more than glaciers on our cruises! Sea otters are a common sight, along with harbor seals, Bald eagles, and kittiwakes. There are five species of wild Alaska salmon in the Sound. When the fish are in, the whales and bears will follow! It is not uncommon to see orca whales, humpback whales, sea lions, black bears, mountain goats, Dall’s porpoise, and migratory birds on our 26 Glacier Cruise.

Seward: Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords Orca Cruise

8. Seward: Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords Orca Cruise

Enjoy an unforgettable day at sea in Seward and search for orcas. Learn all about these fascinating marine creatures from your guide. Visit Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park and admire the orcas, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Meet your guide and the crew at the Seward Harbor 360 Hotel Dock to board your cruise. Head on an adventure into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Explore the area’s orca hot spots and communicate with other vessels about recent sightings to maximize your chances of seeing orcas. Learn about these whales along the way from your knowledgeable captain and crew members, who will provide narration throughout the cruise. Hear the haunting calls of these animals for yourself through our onboard hydrophone if conditional allow. End your cruise on a high and enjoy a day out you won't forget in a hurry, if you are a fan of orcas or love marine life, then this tour is right up your street.

From Anchorage: Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience

9. From Anchorage: Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience

Experience rugged mountains, panoramic ocean views, wildlife, and amazing glaciers, all on this guided trip from Anchorage. Venture deeper into the Alaskan wilderness than a typical sightseeing tour with entry to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Chugach National Forest. Follow the sun and the wind towards the most scenic locations possible for the day of your tour. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and travel into exciting areas of the Chugach National Forest that require special permits. Spot brown bears, wolves, bison, and belugas. Enjoy live commentary and learn about the unique landscapes of Alaska from your expert guide. Discover the rich history and experience the wonders of the Ring of Glaciers. Spend the day alongside highly trained adventure guides whose sole purpose is to leave you with memories lasting a lifetime. Take advantage of complimentary photo lessons from your guide throughout the activity.

From Whittier: Glacier Quest Cruise with Onboard Lunch

10. From Whittier: Glacier Quest Cruise with Onboard Lunch

Discover the pristine beauty of Alaska’s Prince William Sound on a high-speed catamaran cruise from Whittier. Admire the sights of Blackstone Bay and keep a lookout for wildlife on a scenic cruise, while enjoying a tasty meal onboard. Start with pickup from a meeting point in Alyeska or Anchorage, or choose to make your own way to the meeting point in Whittier. Upon arrival, get checked in and then board the high-speed catamaran to set off on your adventure through Prince William Sound Cruise from this quaint seaside town of Whittier to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Admire the panoramic views of spectacular glaciers flowing down from the mountains to the saltwater. Travel in comfort aboard a secure, modern high-speed catamaran. Learn a bit more about the area and hear local stories from the live onboard commentary from a Chugach National Forest Service ranger. As the captain navigates a path through the ice-filled waters, watch the dynamic tidewater glaciers closely as massive chunks of ice can calve (break off) at any moment and crash to the sea with a thunderous sound. Keep watch for marine wildlife and migratory birds along the way, including sea otters, harbour seals, bald eagles, kittiwakes, and migratory birds. Depending on the season, you may spot whales and bears feeding on the migrating salmon population. During the cruise, enjoy a delicious meal onboard the vessel. Select from the following options: • Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Chowder served with oyster crackers, a fresh Julienne vegetable salad, a multi-grain roll, a cheddar cheese snack, a fruit snack, and a peppermint pattie. • Hearty Vegetable Chili served with oyster crackers, a fresh Julienne vegetable salad, a multi-grain roll, a cheddar cheese snack, a fruit snack, and a peppermint pattie. • No meal requested - Select this option if you are traveling with an infant or you have special dietary restrictions that cannot be accommodated by the above options. • Kids Meal (ages 2-11) featuring an all-beef hot dog, potato chips, a fruit snack, and a peppermint pattie.

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Frequently asked questions about Anchorage

What are the best day trips and excursions from Anchorage?

The best day trips and excursions from Anchorage are:

Seward

Other Sightseeing Options in Anchorage

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What people are saying about Anchorage

Overall rating

4.8
(589 reviews)

Even though the prediction to actually see the aurora on our tour was uncertain, we opted to move forward and were so glad we did. Most of our views were by camera only because the moon was bright, but around 0115 the aurora became visible to the naked eye and was awesome. Our guide was informative and helpful in directing us where and how to get best shots of the aurora. Would highly recommend!

This event exceeded my expectations! Our guide was so knowledgeable and kept our safety at the forefront of her concern, while still ensuring we had a great experience! We got great pictures and the sled ride was a treat! I would highly recommend this event to anyone. Was 500% better than the helicopter experience to Medenhal Glacier I did 15 yrs ago!

Prince was very personable and knowledgeable. He did an excellent job. The $25 1 hour shuttle tour was sold out so we bought the 1.5 hour tour that is $50/person. I thought it was a little pricey but sometimes that happens on vacation.

Matt was an excellent guide. He knew his facts and relayed them in an enjoyable manner. It was nice to have someone local driving us so we could safely view the beautiful scenery and learn quite a bit about the area.

it was rainy but got to see must of the animals...