Seward Highway Road Trip: 3-Day Adventure South from Anchorage

Day 1

Know Before You Go Bring the binoculars — you might see moose, migratory birds, Dall sheep, bald eagles, black bears, and beluga whales along the way. Featuring Wildlife Scenic Drive Historic Site Average Duration: Half to Full Day Google Street View More About Wildlife Viewing

Begin at Potter Marsh, the southern gateway to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Stroll the 1,550-foot boardwalk amid abundant wildlife and stunning vistas of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and distant Kenai Peninsula peaks. About 7 miles south, pause at Beluga Point to scan Turnagain Arm for beluga whales or watch Dall sheep on the cliffs opposite the highway. This pullout is also among the oldest archeological sites in the Upper Cook Inlet, used by Alaska Natives for millennia.

Six miles further, visit Indian Valley Mine National Historic Site, a idyllic picnic spot featuring two preserved buildings that offer a glimpse into early Anchorage-area mining life. Press on to Bird Creek to observe anglers pursuing silver salmon or tackle the moderately challenging Bird Ridge Trail for sweeping inlet views. Overnight in charming Girdwood.

Day 2

Know Before You Go Girdwood is surrounded by glaciers, making it the perfect place to catch a snowmobile, dog sled, or flightseeing tour. Featuring Hike Sightseeing Tour Historic Site Wildlife Average Duration: Full Day Discover Girdwood Glaciers

Fuel up with a fresh cinnamon roll from a local bakery and wander the scenic Winner Creek Trail or nearby paths. Explore Crow Creek Mine, boasting some of Anchorage's oldest structures and Southcentral Alaska's most productive gold operations—a prime spot to learn about the gold rush and try gold panning. Venture deeper into Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest with an air or snowmobile sightseeing tour. Soar above the valley on the Alyeska Aerial Tram. Spend another night in Girdwood.

Day 3

Know Before You Go The Trail of Blue Ice is a mostly level 5-mile path through Portage Valley, great for biking or walking, surrounded by views of glaciers. Featuring Scenic Drive Nature Center Wildlife Glacier Cruise Average Duration: Full Day Portage Valley Glaciers

Enjoy coffee and breakfast in Girdwood, then drive south on the Seward Highway to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Observe iconic Alaskan animals in their 200-acre habitat near Turnagain Arm's eastern end, including intimate bear views from the boardwalk.

Head to Portage Valley for lunch, wildlife spotting, and glacier encounters in Chugach National Forest. Hike the easy Williwaw Nature Trail, view salmon at the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, bike or walk the Trail of Blue Ice, and visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center for regional natural history insights. Trek the short, flat path to Byron Glacier, and cruise iceberg-filled Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan with Portage Glacier Cruises for a close-up of Portage Glacier.

Return to Anchorage in 1.5 hours, savoring the sunset over Turnagain Arm.

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