With its perfect blend of engaging cultural highlights, fascinating history, mouthwatering food, and easy access to stunning natural scenery, Anchorage is the perfect base for your Alaskan adventure. Whether you’re here for a few days or an extended stay, taking a scenic drive out of the city is a fantastic way to experience the wild beauty our state is famous for.
From glacial landscapes to coastal views and historic routes, a scenic day drive from Anchorage is the ideal way to find a change of scenery after immersing yourself in our city. And best of all, day drives leave plenty of room for enjoying our guided Anchorage tours before or after you hit the road!
So, fuel up, pack some snacks, and hit the road for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure! And remember, the Alaskan Sights & Bites team is always here to answer any questions you have about our tours, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Hit the Iconic Turnagain Arm Drive and Seward Highway
Considered one of the most beautiful drives in North America, the Seward Highway follows the coastline of Turnagain Arm before winding through the mountains toward Seward. The drive offers endless opportunities to stop and soak in some breathtaking scenery, including:
- Beluga Point – A prime spot to look for beluga whales in Turnagain Arm.
- McHugh Creek – A scenic stop with waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – A must-visit to see rescued Alaskan wildlife up close.
- Portage Glacier – Take a detour to visit the glacier and enjoy the visitor center.
The full drive from Anchorage to Seward takes around two-and-a-half hours one way, so the round-trip is only recommended if your stay in Alaska is on the longer side. If you’re a little more pressed for time, driving the section of the Seward Highway immediately south of Anchorage, AKA Turnagain Arm Drive, is an absolute joy to experience and a highlight of the entire route.
To experience this amazing drive without the hassle and distractions of a self-drive experience, consider our Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour with Lunch! This excursion takes you along Turnagain Arm Drive, stops off at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and so much more.
Embrace Adventure with a Drive to Matanuska Glacier
For those who love glaciers, a drive along the Glenn Highway to Matanuska Glacier is a must. The route features dramatic mountain scenery, rugged river valleys, and multiple awe-inspiring viewpoints perfect for photography. The highlight of this drive is, of course, Matanuska Glacier. While it is known as the largest glacier accessible by road in the United States, and it is viewable from the highway, that’s far from the full experience! To get up close to the glacier itself you have to follow a private road followed by a guided tour.
And you can do exactly this on our Matanuska Glacier Tour! Riding in our comfortable transportation from Anchorage to Matanuska, you’re free to soak up every second of the drive without the responsibilities of being behind the wheel, or navigating from the passenger side! And along the way, one of our storytelling guides will provide commentary that makes everything you see even more meaningful.
And then when you arrive at the glacier, you will enjoy a two-hour exploration of this ancient ice giant in the company of an expert glacier guide. Day trips from Anchorage don’t get much better than this!
Head Up Arctic Valley Road for Stunning Views
If you’re looking for a shorter but equally rewarding drive, Arctic Valley Road is a fantastic choice. This winding, unpaved route climbs high into the Chugach Mountains, offering panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding peaks from the Arctic Valley Overlook. It’s important to note that this is a dirt road; most car rental companies will not allow you to drive on roads like this. What’s more, you will also need to know how to drive downhill on a mountain road to avoid burning out your vehicle’s brakes.
This area is popular for hiking and berry picking in late summer. If you’re visiting in the fall, the tundra turns brilliant shades of red and gold, making for a spectacular sight. Bring a picnic and enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by nature just a short drive from the city.
If you follow Arctic Valley Road beyond the overlook and turn left onto Ski Bowl Road, you will reach the Summit Nike Missile Control Site, a one-time last line of defense against nuclear-armed Soviet bombers during the Cold War. While the site isn’t open to the public, you can arrange a tour via the non-profit group Friends of Nike Site Summit.
Take in the Beauty of Eklutna Lake Road (and Eklutna Lake!)
A true gem just 40 minutes from Anchorage, Eklutna Lake is a peaceful retreat surrounded by towering mountains. But the drive there is a feast for the eyes too! You can reach Eklutna Lake Road by taking either the more direct Eklutna exit or the more scenic Thunderbird Falls exit off the Glenn Highway (Highway 1) onto the Old Glenn Highway.
Whichever option you choose, you will end up on the Eklutna Lake Road. This picturesque route stretches on for 13 miles, winding through boreal forest before revealing a gorgeous turquoise lake, which is fed by Eklutna Glacier. Once there, you can rent bikes, paddle kayaks, or simply relax by the shore. The area also has several hiking trails, including Twin Peaks Trail, which offers stunning overlooks of the lake. Whether you’re after adventure or relaxation, Eklutna Lake is a perfect escape.
If you have the time, we recommend stopping to see Thunderbird Falls too. This quick, easy, and family-friendly hike takes you to Thunderbird Falls, a beautiful 200-foot waterfall! The area is one of our picks for the best places to hike in Alaska.
Step Back in Time on the Old Glenn Highway
Having mentioned the Old Glenn Highway above, this is the perfect time to highlight this route as one of the best Anchorage scenic day drives. For a leisurely journey steeped in history, you can’t go wrong with the original highway linking Anchorage to Palmer by going over the Knik River. Along the way, this charming, 19-mile backroad offers stunning views of Pioneer Peak, the Matanuska River, and the heart of Alaska’s farmland.
You can easily enjoy a few hours gliding along this quiet, scenic road, soaking up the scenery. And if you can make a day of it, there are numerous spots for a picnic, hiking, and a farm visit.
The Glenn Highway follows some sections of the Old Glenn Highway before it splits past Eklutna Village. Home to the colorful spirit houses of Alaska’s Dena’ina Athabascans, a visit here is a cultural highlight of our region. There’s also a 35-foot viewing tower at Reflections Lake, albeit this is on the Glenn Highway as opposed to the old route. But it’s still worth visiting if you’re in the area as it’s a great place to see the braided river channels and look for moose. If you follow the Old Glenn over the Knik River, you can also visit the Reindeer Farm in Butte, where you can enjoy getting up close to Alaskan reindeer and even feed them!
This drive is especially beautiful in autumn when the valley is filled with vibrant fall colors.
Relive the Gold Rush on a Drive to Hatcher Pass
A visit to Hatcher Pass is like stepping into an alpine wonderland. This scenic drive takes you into the Talkeetna Mountains, where rolling tundra, wildflower-filled meadows, and historic sites await.
Highlights along the way include:
- Independence Mine State Historical Park – Explore the remnants of a gold-mining operation from the early 1900s.
- Summit Lake – A breathtaking alpine lake perfect for photos.
- Hatcher Pass Lodge – Stop for a warm drink and enjoy the rustic mountain setting.
During summer, the wildflowers bloom in vibrant colors, while autumn brings stunning golden landscapes. If you’re comfortable with mountain driving, you can follow the unpaved summit road up to Summit Lake and even all the way through to Willow.
Explore Our City with Guided Anchorage Tours!
Be it before you hit the road, afterward, or both, let us immerse you in the place we call home on our guided Anchorage tours. Having access to jaw-dropping natural scenery while staying in a dynamic, captivating city is what makes Anchorage so unique — and we’re here to help you make the most of your time!
Browse our range of excursions and see which ones capture your imagination. And if you have any pre-booking questions, please just contact us! We’re here to help however we can.
