Drive the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Whittier on a full-day guided tour that combines glacier viewpoints, WWII history and coastal fjords. Multiple short walks, a visit to Portage Lake and optional glacier access make this a compact introduction to Southcentral Alaska.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull out of Anchorage before dawn and the Seward Highway unwraps itself along turquoise water and razor-edged peaks. Turnagain Arm hisses at the shoreline while the vehicle climbs toward high alpine overlooks; glaciers sit like slow blue beasts in the bowl of the mountains, pressing forward into moraine and meltwater.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness able to handle several short hikes (10–30 minutes) over uneven ground and a full day in the field.
Wildlife
History
Whittier and nearby infrastructure grew around WWII military construction and later served as logistical hubs; the 1964 Good Friday earthquake left visible landscape scars still interpreted at local parks.
Conservation
Glaciers in the region are retreating; stay on designated trails, avoid taking natural artifacts and pack out all waste to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Whittier Drive and Coastal Alaska Full Day Adventure today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures vary from sea level to alpine overlooks; windproof and waterproof outer layers are essential.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear
Short hikes to glacier viewpoints and wet boardwalks demand good traction and ankle support.
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens
Wildlife and distant glacier features are best viewed with optical aid—leave close approaches to your guide.
Carry snacks and water
This is a long day with limited food stops—pack high-energy snacks and a refillable water bottle.
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against coastal drizzle, wind and glacier spray during viewpoint stops.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Provides traction on wet boardwalks, gravel trails and rocky viewpoints.
Warm insulating layer (fleece/down)
Alaska weather can cool rapidly at higher elevations—bring a midlayer you can stash in a pack.
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Helpful for viewing wildlife, glacier detail and distant coastal features without approaching them.