Anchorage's most popular trail! It's 11 miles from Kincaid to Downtown Anchorage with many stops between. Rent bikes or walk parts of the trail and enjoy this local treasure. Keep your eyes peeled for moose along the trail!
Park at Flattop Trailhead and there are many options for hikes - from easy walks to more challenging climbs. Enjoy a panoramic view of Anchorage from all vantage points!
Just 40 minutes south of Anchorage, Girdwood is a fun mountain town with incredible scenery, great restaurants, and easy access to both adventure and relaxation. Take a ride up the Alyeska Aerial Tram for gorgeous views of Turnagain Arm and nearby glaciers, or spend the day hiking trails like Winner Creek Trail or the short walk to Virgin Creek Falls. Girdwood is also known for having some great restaurants. Grab breakfast or lunch at The Bake Shop, enjoy a cozy dinner at Jack Sprat or The Double Musky Inn, or take the tram up for a more fine dining experience at Seven Glaciers Restaurant. If you're looking to unwind, check out the Alyeska Nordic Spa, book a massage (or just the hydrotherapy experience!) to enjoy all of the outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms. For something more adventurous, consider a glacier or helicopter experience with Alpine Air Alaska. Girdwood is an easy and worthwhile stop during your time in Alaska.
Learn about many of the creatures that call Alaska home. Tour this 1.5mi loop on foot or by car.
An hour south of Anchorage, Whittier is known as the gateway to the Prince William Sound. If you take an Alaskan cruise, it's likely that the ship will make port here. Even if you're not planning a cruise, this quirky town is worth a visit for its amazing fudge, glacier kayaking opportunities, and deep sea fishing. While you're around Whittier, say hi to some animals at the Wilderness Conservation Center and take a quick hike at Portage Glacier. Please note that the road to Whittier travels through a timed one-way mountain tunnel. Make sure you check the tunnel schedule as you plan your travels.
Straight out of Whittier, this tour is a great, immersive way to get out and see Alaska up close! The company will provided all the outwear gear you need and also include instructions before venturing out.
1 hour and 45 minutes north of Anchorage, this pass offers some of the most stunning views. Check out some of the hiking trails in the area, or visit the Independence Mine Historical State Park. Hatcher Pass Lodge has the iconic red cabins available to stay in if you wish to extend your trip in the area.
2.5 hours from Anchorage, Seward is a beautiful coastal town and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park with stunning views, tons of marine life, and lots of fun activities on and off the water. If you want to see a big glacier up close, take the hike to Exit Glacier.
The 26 Glacier Cruise departs from Whittier to explore the waters and wild sights of Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Discover glacier-carved fjords and spectacular views around every turn. Watch for marine wildlife and migratory birds along the way.
There are plenty of fishing tours and charters along the Kenai and Russian Rivers, or you can try a self-guided fishing experience (just make sure you apply for a fishing license - you can do it online the same day you fish.) There are plenty of bait and tackle shops along the road that rent gear and/or help you ship your catches home.
4.5 hours south of Anchorage, this charming seaside town is worth the drive! Homer is the halibut fishing capital of the world, and we'd be remiss not to encourage you to take a deep sea fishing charter (Saltwater Safari and D&G Charters are great options) to catch halibut, king crab, and more. For those who haven't yet found their sea legs, Homer is a great place to spend time souvenir shopping (Alaskans wear their Salmon Sisters and AK Starfish Co. gear all year) and walking along the rocky Alaskan beaches. Head into the Salty Dawg Saloon for a drink after a long day and hang with some locals.
Take the 45-minute “Fast Ferry” from Homer to Seldovia to experience a charming and remote boardwalk community. As you cross Kachemak Bay, watch for diving seabirds, otters, or even humpback whales. Stroll along Seldovia’s bustling waterfront, visit art galleries, learn about Seldovia’s Russian origins and Native Alaska influences at the Seldovia Museum & Visitor Center, and stretch your legs on Rocky Ridge Trail, the Otter Bahn trail and Outside Beach.
About 5 hours north of Anchorage (or 8 hours via the gorgeous Alaska Railroad route), Denali National Park hosts one of the tallest mountains in the world. Spend some time exploring the park and surrounding areas – you're almost guaranteed to run into a moose, bear, or sled dog. Though the road into the park is closed beyond mile 43 through 2026, there are plenty of amazing things to do in the park before that point.
For guests who want a true Alaskan experience, take a flight-seeing tour and visit the grizzly bears of Katmai as they feast on salmon in preparation for Fat Bear Week 2025. Note that you cannot drive into this park. Fun Fact: John's Great-Grandfather, also named John Walatka, helped found Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park!
Lots of great options for glacier adventures!
While a charming town, Talkeetna also serves its purpose as an operation base for those preparing to hike Denali. The drive to and around Talkeetna often provides for the best viewing of the mountain on a rare, clear day. Enjoy the main street downtown riddled with historic shops or venture off the beaten path for the Denali Zipline Tours or even a flight seeing tour of the mountain if you dare!