Girdwood Alaska Guide:
What to Do, See, and Eat Near Anchorage
Girdwood is the kind of place that feels far from everything, even though it sits just 40 minutes south of Anchorage. Surrounded by glaciers, temperate rainforest, and snow-capped peaks, it works as both adventure basecamp and easy escape from the city.
"Girdwood hits different than anywhere else in Alaska," says Ben, founder of Alaska's Finest Tours and Adventures. "You get the high alpine drama without the crowds. People show up thinking it's just a ski town, then they realize it's glacier views from the brewery, trails through actual rainforest, and some of the best food between Anchorage and Seward."
Seward Highway to Girdwood: Turnagain Arm Scenic Route
The Seward Highway route along Turnagain Arm ranks among Alaska's most spectacular coastal drives. Views open up fast after leaving Anchorage at Potter Marsh, then the highway traces the water with continuous scenery: dramatic Chugach Mountains, seasonal waterfalls, and wide tidal flats that pull you toward multiple stops.
Wildlife sightings happen regularly. Watch for moose grazing roadside, Dall sheep on cliffsides, and bald eagles overhead.
Best Stops Between Anchorage and Girdwood
- Potter Marsh: Boardwalk trail through wetlands with migratory birds and mountain backdrops
- Turnagain Arm pullouts: Quick photo stops for bore tide viewing and glacier-carved landscape
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Year-round close-up viewing of bears, moose, caribou, and other Alaska wildlife
- Portage Valley: Turquoise glacial lakes, hanging glaciers, and accessible viewpoints near Portage Glacier
Things to Do at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood
Alyeska Resort anchors Girdwood with mountain access, dining, and wellness all centralized at the base of Mount Alyeska.
Top Alyeska experiences:
- Alyeska Aerial Tram: 2,300-foot ascent with panoramic views across seven glaciers, Turnagain Arm, and surrounding peaks
- Seven Glaciers Restaurant: Mountaintop fine dining accessible via tram
- Alyeska Nordic Spa: Scandinavian-inspired hot-cold therapy with outdoor hot tubs, saunas, and mountain views
Ben's tip: "If you're doing the tram, go up mid-morning before the lunch rush. You'll have the viewing platform mostly to yourself, and the light on the glaciers is perfect."
Best Hikes in Girdwood: Easy to Challenging Trails
Girdwood trails range from easy rainforest walks to challenging alpine routes.
- Winner Creek Trail: 5-mile roundtrip through lush Sitka spruce forest with hand tram river crossing
- Mount Alyeska trails: Hike up via ski slopes, ride the tram down
- Eagle Peak and Twin Peaks: Strenuous summit hikes with expansive Chugach views
- Crow Pass Trail: This is a gorgeous thru hike but you can do the shorter version and make your way up to a gorgeous lake with a small cabin and views for miles
Where to Eat and Drink in Girdwood Alaska
Small town, strong food scene.
- Girdwood Brewing Company: Craft beer brewed with glacier-fed water, mountain views from the deck
- The Bake Shop: Breakfast staple known for oversized cinnamon rolls
- The Sitzmark Bar & Grill: Casual apres-ski atmosphere and local gathering spot
- Jack Sprat and Spoonline: Creative menus highlighting Alaska ingredients
"The Bake Shop cinnamon roll is not optional," Ben adds. "I've watched people try to split one and immediately regret it. Just get your own."
Girdwood Day Trip Add-Ons: Portage Glacier and Whittier
Pair Girdwood with nearby attractions for a full-day Alaska experience:
- Portage Glacier and Byron Glacier Trail: Short walk to glacier face
- Whittier: Tunnel access to Prince William Sound, glacier cruises available
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Rehabilitation facility with guaranteed animal viewing
Roundtrip Shuttle from Anchorage to Girdwood
Prefer not to drive? Alaska's Finest Tours and Adventures offers guided Girdwood day trips with transportation, local expertise, and flexible itineraries that combine Turnagain Arm sightseeing with Alyeska activities and wildlife stops.
"We created this shuttle for people who want the full experience without the stress of navigating or timing," Ben explains. "You get the full experience of Girdwood without having to worry about the drive."