Usually, when Alaskans think of travel, it involves the 3,000-mile drive to Seattle or endless hours at Sea-Tac waiting for your return flight home. But have you ever asked yourself, “what are some day trips near me in Alaska?” These fantastic day trips will have you feeling like you’ve been gone for a month in just a matter of hours. Check out one of these awesome adventures and plan your weekend getaway with these spectacular Alaska day trips:

1. Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park in Wrangell
Grave Street, Grave St, Wrangell, AK 99929, USA
Joeseph/Flickr
This day trip is fun for archeology buffs and treasure hunters alike. A great place to go hunting for petroglyphs among the rocks and splash along the beach. Add in the small plane ride from Juneau and you've got a full day of adventure. Petroglyph Beach State Historical Park might be one of the most unusual beaches in Alaska.
2. Alaska Sea Life Center, Seward
Mile 0 Alaska Highway, 800 Hwy 2, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3V8, Canada
Damn Endico/Flickr
This aquarium in Seward has all the sea local creatures for you to learn about, including those that are rescued and rehabilitating. Outdoor areas house sea birds and larger mammals like the famous sea lion. Drive from anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula or from Anchorage for a fun group trip. Learn more about this epic aquarium in Alaska.
3. Pioneer Park, Fairbanks
2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
Jason Rossiter/Flickr
The peaceful Chena River running by will make you feel like you are in the Gold Rush. This park celebrates the Pioneer Days and features a historic train, art gallery, mini golf course, a vintage carousel, historic cabins and displays, a vintage theatre, an aviation museum, a mine and lots of green grass for picnicking. You can spend a day and still not be able to see and do everything, but you can try. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind park in Alaska.
4. Mendenhall Ice Caves, Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
arctic_council/Flickr
Spend the day in Juneau traveling to and exploring the ice caves! A hike across the glacier reveals these glittering caves with unreal light. This magical adventure will surely reawaken your spirit. Have you experienced the Mendenhall Ice Caves?
5. Red Onion Saloon, Skagway
2nd Avenue & Broadway, 2nd Ave & Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840, USA
Hidrocálido/Flickr
For a more adult adventure, take an air taxi from Juneau to Skagway and spend the day exploring this historic Gold Rush town. The Red Onion Brothel Museum is a hit with visitors, and you can share a drink in the old saloon for a real taste of historic Alaska. Plus, this saloon in Alaska is rumored to be haunted.

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6. Fortress of the Bear, Bear Sanctuary, Sitka
4639 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
Robert Karma/Flickr
If you are a lover of bears, then head to this bear sanctuary where volunteers and staff protect and care for bears. You will see lots and lots of brown bears and you'll never forget this incredible adventure. Learn more about this wonderful bear sanctuary in Alaska.
7. Hike up Anvil Mountain, Nome
Anvil Mountain, Alaska 99762, USA
Sir Mildred Pierce/Flickr
Anvil Mountain has a history of Nome in the structures left behind from eras gone by. Hike up Anvil Mountain from Nome for an unforgettable day trip and a history lesson, too. If you're wondering, "what are some day trips near me in Alaska?" and you happen to be nearby, Anvil Mountain is definitely worth the trip.
8. Discover the ruins of Whittier
Whittier, AK 99693, USA
Nicholas D./Flickr
These historic, dilapidated buildings are some the most interesting ruins to explore. Take a hike to the Portage Glacier nearby to complete your fun day trip. Learn more about these abandoned military barracks hiding in Alaska.
9. Zipline through the Woods, Skagway
1081 Haines Rd, Haines, AK 99827, USA
Skagway Excursions Facebook
Skagway Excursions offers an amazing day or zip lining, rock climbing and hiking in the forest. If you are in Southeast, this could be the amazing day trip in Alaska you are looking for.
10. Halibut Cove, Homer
Halibut Cove, AK, USA
Bay Roamers Water Taxi Facebook
Take a water taxi to the sparkling Halibut Cove. A day trip to beat the crowds, kick back and nurse a fishing pole all day. This is the perfect escape from real life, if just for a day.
11. Take a ride on the Alaska Railroad!
Seward, AK, USA
Alaska Railroad Facebook
Find a train depot and ride on down the line to the next spot. There are lots of options depending on where you are in the state, but the ride through Denali Park is stunning on a summer afternoon.

We hope we’ve helped provide a few answers to the question, “what are some fun Alaska day trips?” What are some other great things to do in Alaska? Have you done any of these best day trips in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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Beth C. | June 02, 2023

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