Top 9 best things to do in Whittier, Alaska

You don’t have to count them, but yes, there are 26 named glaciers on this route. And you’re going to see them in style. The 26 Glacier Cruise whisks you from Whittier across the glassy waters of Prince William Sound, where blue giants loom large at the end of steep fjords carved by hyperdense ice.

This one’s a double feature: a scenic drive and a glacier cruise all in one. Portage Glacier is one of the most accessible icefields in Southcentral Alaska, and the best way to experience it is by skipping across the water and going right up to it.

You’ll know you’re getting close to Whittier when you hit the tunnel. At 2.5 miles long and wide enough for just a single lane of traffic, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the closest you’ll ever get to feeling like a kidney stone. We’re talking about the longest highway/rail tunnel in North America. Highway AND rail; trains and cars really do share the same space (just not at the same time, thankfully).

Built during World War II to serve as a secret military access route, this timed, one-way tunnel is part marvel, part local legend. It’s also the only way in or out of Whittier by road — but with most guests arriving on Princess transfers, you can simply enjoy the ride without worrying about the tunnel schedule. Driving through the mountain itself adds a little subterranean suspense to your day and gives you some inside-out insight into the history that helped shape this coastal town.

If you want to meet some of Alaska’s most famous residents without heading into the backcountry, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is the place to do it. Located just outside Whittier along the Turnagain Arm, this non-profit sanctuary offers safe, spacious habitats for orphaned and injured animals. We’re talking bears, bison, moose, foxes and bald eagles (to name a few).

Boardwalk paths let you explore at your own pace, while viewing platforms give you the perfect angle for a few selfies with your new friends. The center is surrounded by mountains and feels wild in all the right ways, but it’s also easy to get to and incredibly guest-friendly. Book an excursion with Princess and enjoy the experience without having to worry about any of the logistics.

Whether you’re heading to Anchorage or just out for a few hours, the drive along Seward Highway is worth slowing down for. This stretch of road cuts between the sea and mountains of the Turnagain Arm, with craggy cliffs on one side and tidal waters on the other… plus the occasional moose or Dall sheep to mix things up.

The road is known for its jaw-dropping views and seasonal highlights. In summer, you might spot beluga whales chasing salmon in the shallows. In spring and fall, waterfalls spill down the cliffs like something out of a travel documentary. And year-round, there are pullouts where you can stop, stretch and soak it all in. And if you don’t love the idea of renting a car and having to keep your eyes on the road, you can always sign up for the Turnagain Arm & Wildlife Conservation Center excursion and let someone else take the wheel.

You don’t have to be a professional photographer to come home with frame-worthy shots… but it definitely helps to have someone show you where to stand. Local guides offer photo adventures that take you to some of the Chugach range’s most sought-after locations.

Along the way, you’ll pick up tips on lighting, composition and how to actually get that perfect glacier-reflection-in-the-water image you keep seeing on social media. Whether you’re working with professional-level equipment or just your last-generation phone, these guides tailor their advice so you can get the most out of whatever gear you’ve got.

The best part? You’re not just chasing good photos; you’re really experiencing the terrain. These tours give you access to spots most guests never find on their own, with the kind of views that make it nearly impossible to take a bad picture. If you're looking for an active outing that’s big on atmosphere and low on effort, a guided Chugach photo adventure delivers.

Before you trade in your Princess Medallion in a boarding pass, consider one last adventure. Anchorage may not have glaciers right at its doorstep, but it’s got something just as compelling — a mix of Alaska Native culture (at the Alaska Native Heritage Center), local flavor and mountain vistas to help remind you that the wilderness is never far away.

Or, if you’re planning on getting back on the ship for a back-to-back voyage, Princess excursions offer curated day-trips into Alaska’s ‘City of Lights and Flowers.’ As part of the Anchorage City Highlights & Museum excursion you’ll explore the city and visit the Anchorage museum to see a uniquely ‘Alaska’ perspective on art, artifacts and science. Or, if you want full control to plan your own afternoon, check out the Anchorage on Your Own — Roundtrip. Don’t miss the various shops and restaurants; trust us when we say you’re going to want to bring a piece of Anchorage back with you.

It’s not often you visit a place where most of the population lives under the same roof, but that’s just part of Whittier’s offbeat charm. This former military outpost has a quirky history and a working harbor where the town’s past and present sit side by side (sometimes literally).

Want top-down glacier views without the uphill climb? The Glacier Express Tram at Alyeska Resort is your ticket to the top. This aerial tramway lifts you 2,300 feet up the side of Mount Alyeska in just seven minutes, delivering panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, hanging glaciers and the forested valleys below. At the top, you’ll find an observation deck, a casual café and more photo ops than you can swipe through in one sitting. On clear days, you might even spot the ice-blue crests of distant glaciers peeking through the mountain range. 

And, wouldn’t you know it? Princess offers excursion opportunities that take you right to the top of Mt. Alyeska and beyond (by which we mean they take you to the airport once the excursion is done).

Whittier may be small, but it’s packed with big Alaska experiences: glacier cruises, wildlife encounters, WWII history and mountain views that don’t require a summit attempt. With Princess excursions, it’s easy to make the most of your time in port or stretch your journey a little longer once you’ve disembarked. 

Whittier is an important part of many Alaska cruise itineraries. Whether you're heading out or heading home, let Princess help you turn your time in Whittier into something unforgettable. And who knows? You might just find yourself daydreaming about a new life in Begich Towers… sitcom potential and all.