The Ultimate Whittier Day Trip Guide
If you are planning a trip to Alaska, a day trip to Whittier is definitely a great addition to any travel itinerary. Check out this Whittier day trip guide for my best tips on what to do, where to eat, and how to fit this trip into your Alaska vacation.
When I started planning our family vacation to Alaska, I wasn’t sure what there was to do in Whittier. But after digging a little deeper (okay, a lot of Googling and searching TikTok), I realized this little town had a lot going for it—and it ended up being a really cool part of our trip!
Related: 3 Day Kenai Fjords National Park Itinerary
Morning Stop: Portage Glacier
Before you even get to Whittier, you’ll want to make a stop at Portage Glacier—it’s basically right off the road before the tunnel.
We popped into the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center first, which is packed with cool displays about the local glaciers and wildlife. If you’ve got kids with you (or if you’re just curious like me), it’s a fun, quick stop.
Then you have two options:
The stop at the Portage Glacier is something easy you can do and spend about 1/2 hour at the Visitor Center. Plus, there are restrooms there. So, a great stop to go potty before driving through the tunnel.
If you have more time, you can book a ride on the Portage Glacier Cruise. This is a short boat ride that gets you close to the Portage Glacier. Of note, Portage Glacier has receded.. a lot, and you can’t actually see the glacier from the visitor center anymore. 20 years ago, it was right at the visitor center. Now you have to actually drive to Whittier to see the glacier.
Related: The Kenai Fjords Tours Wildlife and Glacier Cruise is Amazing!
If you want to stretch your legs, Byron Glacier Trail is a super easy and scenic walk. This is a great way to let your kids get out their wiggles before waiting in line for the Anton Anderson Tunnel drive.
Driving the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Regardless of how long you plan to spend in Whittier, it’s totally worth it to at least drive through the Anton Anderson Tunnel and have lunch in town.
Part of the fun of a Whittier day trip is actually getting there. The town is tucked away behind a mountain, and you have to drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to reach it. And let me tell you, this tunnel is no joke—it’s one lane, nearly two and a half miles long, and honestly feels a little like you’re driving into a spooky movie (think– The Stand). It’s eerie.. and kinda thrilling.
The way it works is pretty cool: cars and trucks take turns sharing the tunnel with trains. Seriously—you’re literally driving on the same tracks the Alaska Railroad uses! Traffic flows in one direction at a time, and the schedule flips every half hour or so. It’s kind of an adventure in itself.
Heads up: There’s a small toll (around $13 when we visited), and you’ll definitely want to check the tunnel schedule before you go so you don’t end up waiting an hour for the next opening. It’s all part of the Whittier experience, though—and honestly, it’s one of those only-in-Alaska moments that makes the day even more memorable.
Related: The Crow Creek Mine Experience in Girdwood is a fun way to try gold panning!
Exploring Whittier: Activities & Attractions
After crossing through the tunnel, you’ll pop out into Whittier, which is basically one big marina surrounded by mountains. You are not going to believe how beautiful this town is. I’ve visited in May and July. It was gorgeous both times. But in May.. oh my goodness.. the snow-covered mountains made it seem like Whittier was a cozy, hidden mini Switzerland.
The town of Whittier is super cute. There isn’t a ton of things to do here. You could spend an hour or so shopping for souvenirs and then eat some fresh seafood.
Honestly, the best part of checking out Whittier are the views! Walk down to the end of the pier and just soak in the view of the Prince William Sound and the Chugach Mountains.
If you’re up for a walk, the Horsetail Falls Trail is another fun little activity. It’s an easy hike, and the waterfall views are the kind of thing that make you pull out your camera about a dozen times.
Related: For an amazing animal experience, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Afternoon Adventure: 26 Glacier Cruise
This was the real showstopper of our day—the 26 Glacier Cruise with Phillips Cruises. If you want to make Whittier a day trip, this cruise is a must do!
On the tour, you board the comfortable and heated cruise ship named Klondike, and spend the afternoon in Prince William Sound. And wow—talk about feeling tiny in the best way possible. Towering glaciers, deep fjords, sea otters floating by, and even a bald eagle or two made appearances.
One thing I loved? You’re not just staring at glaciers from a distance—you get up close. Like, you can hear the ice cracking and watch pieces calve into the water (which is way more thrilling than it sounds).
Tip: If you want a window seat, book early and maybe splurge on the reserved seating upgrade. Totally worth it if you ask me. But you will also be spending a fair amount of time outside on the deck, so a window seat is not completely necessary.
Where to Eat in Whittier
My best recommendation for lunch is the Swiftwater Seafood Cafe. Halibut is the must order item for this hole in the wall restaurant. You can get halibut fish and chips, a halibut sandwhich, or halibut caesar salad. They are all delicious.
If the weather is nice you can sit outside and watch the ships in the boat harbor. Otherwise, there is seating inside (where it’s warm. ha!).
Related: Visit Seavey’s IdidaRide Sled Dog Tour in Seward to pet sled dog puppies
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Watch the Tunnel Schedule: Timing is everything with the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. It takes about an hour with no traffic to get to the tunnel entrance from Anchorage. But in the summer, I would budget at least 1.5 hours in case you get stuck in traffic.
Dress in Layers: Even in the middle of summer, it gets chilly out on the water. Bring a good jacket and maybe a hat.
Book the Cruise Early: Cruises can fill up, especially in peak summer months. If the 26 Glacier Cruise is on your must-do list, snag your tickets ahead of time.
Plan for Flexibility: Whittier’s weather, like all of Alaska, is fickle. If it’s a little misty or rainy, just roll with it—that’s part of the Alaskan experience.
Whittier, Alaska is a gorgeous Alaska coastal town. It’s definitely worth a few hours for lunch. And the 26 Glacier Cruise is one of the most memorable Alaska excursions you can take. 10/10 recommend!
Would I go back? 100%. But even if you only make it once, a day in Whittier is the kind of experience you’ll be talking about long after your trip is over.
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