Just 30 Minutes From Anchorage, Girdwood Is The Perfect Alaska Day Trip Destination
By Megan McDonald|Updated on April 22, 2024(Originally published April 20, 2022)
×
Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
If you’re looking for a day trip that’s close to Anchorage, head on out to Girdwood, Alaska for a day of fun! This small town is packed with charm and plenty to do during a visit. All you need to do is hop in your car and bring a good pair of hiking shoes to enjoy all that this town has to offer.
Girdwood is the northernmost temperate rainforest in America, and it’s an easy 30-minute drive from Anchorage.
This makes it a popular destination for day-trippers who want to come and enjoy the great skiing at Alyeska Resort or hike the nearby trails. As you'll soon discover, there are plenty of things to do in Girdwood, Alaska!
One of the top trails that’s perfect for all ages is the Winner Creek Trail.
With a rumbling creek, hand tram, and towering trees in the forest, this stunning hike takes you through some pretty gorgeous sights. And at the end, you’ll be graced with a waterfall, too!
Advertisement
Speaking of waterfalls, since Girdwood is a temperate rainforest, the Winner Creek Trail isn’t the only spot you'll find them.
There are seven hanging glaciers that you can spot with the naked eye from the top of Alyeska. And you can even hire a company to take you dogsledding on a nearby glacier. Talk about an unforgettable day trip.
Take a trip to the top of Alyeska for some stunning views.
There are plenty of trails at the top that you can take and explore. Or grab a bite to eat at Seven Glaciers Restaurant or the Bore Tide Deli. It’s a beautiful place to have a meal!
One of the most popular reasons to visit Girdwood is the incredible skiing.
Alyeska gets 643" of snow annually, and the snowing is spectacular. Make sure to hit one of the many award-winning restaurants down in town for some food after a day out exploring everything Girdwood has to offer.
As one of the most beautiful small towns in Alaska, it's just begging for a visit.
With so many things to see and do, it’s the perfect Alaska day trip destination. Who wouldn’t love to spend some time in this charming little spot?
Have you ever enjoyed a day in Girdwood, Alaska? What was your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments below! And if you need a place to stay when visiting this charming town, check out the selection of vacation rentals on Vrbo.
Want to test your. knowledge? Check out this video filled with Alaska trivia from OnlyInYourState, and don’t forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel!:
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
