Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska, the largest city in the state and the gateway to the Last Frontier. This tour will take you through the places that define Anchorage — from its rugged beginnings as a railroad town to the cultural and scenic landmarks that shape the city today. Anchorage is a city of contrasts, set between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Here, skyscrapers share the skyline with snowcapped peaks, and salmon streams run right through the heart of downtown. It’s a place where you can spot a moose on the street in the morning and take in a Broadway show that evening. Our adventure begins at Ship Creek, the birthplace of Anchorage. This was the site of the original railroad construction camp in 1915, and today it’s famous for salmon fishing right in the middle of the city. From there, we’ll head to Historic 4th Avenue, Anchorage’s original Main Street, where frontier saloons, theaters, and hotels once bustled with railroad workers, and where the devastating 1964 Good Friday Earthquake left its mark. From those early foundations, we’ll follow the story of Anchorage through its parks, museums, trails, and scenic overlooks — all the way up into the mountains for our grand finale at the Flattop Mountain Scenic Overlook. So buckle in — our journey through the Queen City of the North starts now at Ship Creek.
Welcome to your ultimate Alaskan adventure! This UCPlaces self-guided driving tour begins at the serene Potter Marsh Boardwalk and follows the breathtaking Seward Highway south to the harbor town of Seward. Get ready to experience Alaska’s raw beauty, majestic landscapes, and incredible wildlife along the way. Start by exploring Potter Marsh, where boardwalk trails wind through wetlands filled with moose, eagles, and waterfowl. From there, enjoy panoramic vistas of Turnagain Arm at Beluga and Bird Points, where beluga whales often play in the tidal waters. Continue through the alpine charm of Girdwood, with its scenic tram rides, forest trails, and abundant wildlife. Marvel at glaciers and waterfalls along Portage Valley and Keystone Canyon, and take an up-close hike to Exit Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. Your journey ends at Seward Harbor, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, with fjord views, marine wildlife, and a perfect finale to your scenic drive. This route is designed to flow smoothly, minimize backtracking, and let you enjoy each stop at your own pace. From wetlands to mountains, glaciers to fjords, this tour showcases the very best of Alaska—right from your car window.