A day trip from Anchorage to Whittier is one of the easiest ways to experience Alaska’s coastal beauty. Just 60 miles from the city, Whittier feels like another world. It sits on Prince William Sound, surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers. The drive there includes a trip through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, better known as the Whittier Tunnel, the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America.
Visiting Whittier for the day gives you a taste of both adventure and history. From the moment you leave Anchorage, the drive offers mountain views, wildlife spotting, and a dramatic entrance through the tunnel. Once in Whittier, you can explore the harbor, hike to waterfalls, or join a boat tour of the Sound.
The Drive from Anchorage to Whittier
The route from Anchorage follows the Seward Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic drives. The road hugs Turnagain Arm, a stretch of water known for its extreme tides and views of the Chugach Mountains. It is worth pulling over at viewpoints like Beluga Point, where you may spot whales in late summer, or Bird Point, which has interpretive signs and wide views across the Arm.
The drive from Anchorage to the Whittier Tunnel entrance takes about an hour. Factor in extra time for stops along the way, since this stretch of road is full of photo-worthy scenery.
The Whittier Tunnel
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the only road access to Whittier. At 2.5 miles long, it cuts through Maynard Mountain and is unique because cars and trains share the same single lane. Traffic is controlled by lights and schedules, with vehicles allowed through in one direction at a time.
How it works:
- The tunnel opens to cars on a set schedule, alternating between eastbound and westbound traffic.
- When a train needs to pass, vehicle traffic pauses.
- The inside of the tunnel is narrow, with fans and lights guiding the way.
The drive through takes about 10 minutes and feels like an adventure itself. The toll is about $13 for a standard car. Check the Alaska Department of Transportation website for current schedules before your trip.
Things to Do in Whittier
Though small, Whittier offers several activities that make the trip worthwhile.
Explore the Harbor
Whittier’s harbor is filled with fishing boats, tour vessels, and kayaks. Walking the docks gives you a sense of life in this small coastal town. The surrounding mountains rise dramatically from the water, making the harbor one of the most photogenic spots in town.
Take a Glacier Cruise
One of the most popular activities is joining a glacier cruise on Prince William Sound. Tours range from a few hours to a full day, taking you past tidewater glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife such as sea otters, seals, and whales. Even a shorter cruise is enough to show the beauty of the Sound.
Hike to Portage Pass
If you enjoy hiking, the Portage Pass Trail offers one of the best short hikes in Alaska. The trail climbs from Whittier up to a pass with views of Portage Glacier and Portage Lake. It is about 4 miles round trip and moderately challenging. On a clear day, the views are stunning.
Visit Local History
Whittier has a quirky history as a military port during World War II. Most of its residents live in one building, Begich Towers, a remnant of that era. The abandoned Buckner Building, once the largest building in Alaska, still stands as a ghostly reminder of Whittier’s military past.
Kayaking and Fishing
Kayak rentals and tours are available in Whittier for those who want to explore the coastline at water level. Fishing charters also operate out of the harbor, targeting salmon, halibut, and rockfish.
Practical Tips for a Day Trip
- Tunnel timing: Plan your day around the tunnel schedule. Missing an opening can mean waiting up to an hour.
- Weather: Whittier is known for being one of the wettest places in Alaska. Bring rain gear and layers, even in summer.
- Food: A few small restaurants and cafés are in town, but options are limited. Packing snacks is a good idea.
- Wildlife: Keep your eyes open for moose along the Seward Highway and sea otters in the harbor.
- Photography: The drive, the tunnel, and the harbor all offer great photo opportunities.
Best Time to Visit
The main season for Whittier visits is late May through early September. Summer offers long daylight hours and access to glacier cruises and hiking trails. Spring and autumn can still be beautiful, but weather is unpredictable and some services may be closed. In winter, the tunnel remains open, but activities in Whittier are limited.
Why Whittier Makes a Great Day Trip
Unlike some Alaska excursions that require flights or long drives, Whittier is close enough to Anchorage to fit comfortably into one day. You get a taste of coastal Alaska, a unique tunnel drive, and options for both easy exploration and outdoor adventure. It works well as a standalone trip or as part of a larger itinerary that includes Seward, Girdwood, or Kenai Peninsula stops.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
- Morning: Leave Anchorage, stop at Beluga Point and Bird Point for views
- Late morning: Arrive at the Whittier Tunnel, drive through to Whittier
- Midday: Walk the harbor, grab lunch, or start a glacier cruise
- Afternoon: Hike Portage Pass or join a kayaking trip
- Evening: Return through the tunnel and drive back to Anchorage with sunset views over Turnagain Arm
Final Thoughts
A day trip from Anchorage to Whittier is a chance to see a side of Alaska that combines history, adventure, and natural beauty. The Whittier Tunnel itself is worth the journey, and once you arrive, the harbor, glaciers, and mountains make it a memorable stop.
Whether you choose a glacier cruise, a hike, or just a stroll along the docks, Whittier delivers more than you expect from such a small town. It is an easy and rewarding trip that shows why Alaska’s landscapes are unlike anywhere else.
