Turnagain Arm Drive
Turnagain Arm Drive
4.5
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The area
Neighborhood: Midtown
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456 within 3 miles
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213 within 6 miles
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4.5
12 reviews
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traveldan21
Culver City, CA836 contributions
Jul 2021
I was in Anchorage for only a few days but had an afternoon/evening free to look around. I drove my rental car down Highway 1 (Seward Highway) from Anchorage to the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood and it was spectacular. Once you get out of town, the highway hugs the coast and there are plenty of turn outs. With the tide coming in or going out fairly quickly, the scenery changes quite dramatically on the water side. The interior direction is filled with green hills, also quite beautiful.
At Girdwood, there are places to eat and stay. I recommend driving to the Alyeska Resort, a gorgeous old and probably expensive place to stay. But if you plan ahead, make reservations at the Seven Glaciers restaurant at the top of the mountain but part of the resort. With a reservation, they will let you take the Aerial Tram for free. Extraordinary views from the Tram as well as from the top stop. And, of course, through the windows of the restaurant.
If you didn't make reservations, you still may be able to ride the Tram for a fee.
See my photos for a taste of the views from the Highway and from the top of the mountain at Alyeska.
When we went, it was summertime so it stayed light until 11 o'clock or so. So, if you're there during the summer, you can even make this drive after dinner and catch a glorious sunset, too.
At Girdwood, there are places to eat and stay. I recommend driving to the Alyeska Resort, a gorgeous old and probably expensive place to stay. But if you plan ahead, make reservations at the Seven Glaciers restaurant at the top of the mountain but part of the resort. With a reservation, they will let you take the Aerial Tram for free. Extraordinary views from the Tram as well as from the top stop. And, of course, through the windows of the restaurant.
If you didn't make reservations, you still may be able to ride the Tram for a fee.
See my photos for a taste of the views from the Highway and from the top of the mountain at Alyeska.
When we went, it was summertime so it stayed light until 11 o'clock or so. So, if you're there during the summer, you can even make this drive after dinner and catch a glorious sunset, too.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sfosterphotography
Yarmouth, ME248 contributions
Jan 2020 • Business
Words cannot describe this ride. Simply beautiful and awe inspiring. It took way longer than I expected because I kept stopping for photos. Pay attention to the icy roads and know stopping distances are far longer than dry pavement.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoAlong2
Seattle, WA891 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
The highway towards Seward leaving Anchorage offers a beautiful scenic drive. Wedged between the mountains and the water, there are views of rocky cliffs, watery sand flats, and glaciers in the distance. There are several turnouts along the highway where you can view the water or walk on rocky outcrops. At times, beluga whales can be spotted in the water or mountain goats on the rocky mountainsides above. The highway follows the Turnagain Arm, a tidal inlet with highly variable water levels and fast flowing water. If you are driving toward Seward, allow extra time to enjoy the scenic stops along this highway.
Written August 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie037
South Australia844 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
If you only have a short time in Anchorage and absolute must do is the 50 mile stretch of National Scenic Byway. Incredible scenery around every corner, snow capped mountains, forests, lakes and rivers. If you time it right with the tides, also a chance to see the sea meet the river. We had driven for two weeks around Alaska and the Yukon and this was some of the the most beautiful scenery we have seen.
Written June 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica S
Canada511 contributions
Dec 2022 • Business
I did this drive on a December day with only a weak 4 hours of sunlight and it was still gorgeous! Jaw dropping views. I can’t imagine the glory in the summer.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy W
Baltimore, MD9 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Jawdropping views in every direction. Potters Marsh, bore tide, glaciers..oh my!! One of the most beautiful drives ever.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry S
60 contributions
Jun 2022
Nothing but beautiful! Catch the tide when it is coming in at the lower tide viewing locations (not Beluga Point). This trip will not disappoint
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mustangjeanne
Natrona Heights, PA474 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
This drive was one of my favorites ever. Except for the smoke from the area fires, the views were amazing!!
Written September 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara S
386 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
This is a very scenic drive from Anchorage to Seward. Beautiful snowcapped mountains, lovely wild flowers and you are lucky you might see some great wild life. Was able to get pictures of Dall sheep.
Written July 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BenjyBear
St. Albans, UK1,066 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
This is a scenic drive heading out of Anchorage toward Seward. Very scenic with water and mountains which in clear whether would be beautiful. Sadly for us there were unprecedented wildfires across Alaska during our visit and the scenery was often obscured by smoke or at best hazy.
Written July 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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