At the mouth of the Passage Canal in Alaska, the United States Is Whittier, which is a small yet breathtakingly beautiful community that is situated 58 miles southeast of Anchorage.
Regardless of the city’s size, there are a variety of enchanting sites to see and things to do while there.
And in this article, there is a list of fun places to visit and things to do in Whitter during your stay.
Things To Do In Whittier (AK)
Check out these places.
1. McKinley Explorer
On their rail cars, which have a capacity of 86 to 88 people, McKinley Explorer takes their visitors on an amazing excursion.
They guarantee that every passenger has a seat reserved in the vehicle by installing a glass dome window that runs the length of the vehicle.
By including foot rests and other required amenities, McKinley Explorer ensures that everyone is at ease.
For every tour, a tour guide is provided to inform the guests and address any queries they may have.
The McKinley Explorer boasts a full-service bar on the upper floor with spotless restrooms, a great restaurant, and a portion with lovely views of the outside downstairs.
2. Varly’s Swiftwater Seafood Cafe
Varly’s Swiftwater Seafood Cafe is a charming dining establishment with a relaxed atmosphere and well-appointed décor.
They provide scrumptious and nutritious meals prepared by highly trained chefs using original recipes and the finest locally sourced products.
The extensive menu at Varly’s Swiftwater Seafood Cafe includes items like the calamari steak sandwich and fries, the half-pound cheeseburger and fries, the chicken strips and fries, the chicken strip sandwich and fries, the caesar salad and roll, the crab cakes, the zucchini, the large onion rings, and other dishes.
The cafeteria serves wonderful meals that are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free as well as nice drinks to go with them.
The crew provides clients with the best customer service and filling meals while being welcoming and helpful.
3. Wild Catch Cafe
The Wild Catch Cafe is a great option for satisfying breakfast meals and offers the greatest seafood in Whittier.
The cafe uses ingredients imported from New Zealand and Australia to prepare not only breakfast meals but also lunch and dinner.
The focus of Wild Catch Cafe is on serving straightforward, delicious food in a cozy, rustic atmosphere with fantastic live music performed by excellent musicians.
They serve food such as handmade tartare sauce, clam chowder, avocado cheeseburgers, hamburgers, omelets, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, salmon filet burgers, chipotle black bean burgers, and so on.
Customers can choose from a large selection of sodas, wines, beers, bottled juices, and coffees at Wild Catch Cafe.
4. Inn At Whittier
The Inn at Whittier is a restaurant that gives visitors an incredible Alaskan dining experience that they won’t soon forget and will entice them to come back for more.
This eatery offers a relaxed ambiance with breath-taking views of both Prince William Sound and Whittier Harbor.
The extensive menu of the Inn at Whittier has dishes that are made using fresh ingredients and are typically varied based on the season.
The eatery had excellently prepared and delectable hamburgers, steaks, seafood, and other dishes in addition to vegan and gluten-free selections.
Visitors who require lodging or who merely wish to remain for a time can do so at the Inn at Whittier.
Twenty-five rooms with plush beds, TVs, microwaves, and other conveniences are available.
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5. Surprise Cove State Marine Park
Next to the well-liked family resort of Cochrane Bay is Surprise Cove State Marine Park.
There are several forested uplands in the park, which are great for hiking and backcountry camping with friends.
Seven campsites are situated around Surprise Cove State Marine Park on various types of terrain.
The most popular campsite is tucked away on the gravel beach and comfortably accommodates up to twelve tents at once.
It also has a bathroom, bear-proof lockers, a launch for small motor boats, and a place to launch kayaks.
6. Horsetail Falls Trail
In addition to the easily accessible boardwalk, the Horsetail Falls Trail is a trail that every lover of the outdoors will enjoy exploring.
Whittier Creek, numerous waterfalls, various species of flora and wildlife, blueberries, and other natural features surround the trail.
From the back of the locked metal gate, a 0.25-mile-long historic gravel road leads to the beginning of the Horsetail Falls Trail.
Additionally, when you arrive at a desk, you get to take in breathtaking views of the passageway.
The Horsetail Falls Trail is also open for camping, though there may not be enough room for you to do so.
7. The Lu Young Public Beach
When you want to relax and unwind, especially on a hot summer day, the Lu Young Public Beach is the ideal location.
All you require to unwind and have a
a fantastic time while taking in the picturesque vistas of mountains and forests and the lovely melodic sounds of the waves.
For those who want to enjoy a romantic picnic with loved ones, the Lu Young Public Beach has a variety of picnic spots with plenty of picnic tables and BBQ grills.
8. Prince William Sound Museum
The Prince William Sound Museum was founded to commemorate the many Alaskan stories, and it’ll teach you stuff you didn’t know.
Despite being modest, this museum is packed with a variety of collections of items and displays that provide information about Whittier’s past.
The Prince William Sound Museum houses memorabilia from World Wars I, and II, and the local rail station.
There are roughly 32 displays covering various occasions, including the building of the Whittier Tunnel.
9. Varly’s Ice Cream Parlor
Family-friendly delicacies are available at Varly’s Ice Cream Parlor, where your taste buds will be delighted.
They are also highly renowned in the city for their excellently made pizzas, which are available with a variety of toppings to suit your preferences.
Pizza options at Varly’s Ice Cream Parlor include vegetarian options, kraut pizza, meat lovers’ options, BBQ chicken, onion & jalapeno pizza, Hawaiian pizza, and more.
You’ll want to try their various flavors of ice cream, malts, shakes, soda, coffee, milk, hot tea, and other beverages.
10. Anchor Inn
The restaurant of the Anchor Inn offers delectable, healthful dishes fit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed setting.
Because people may enjoy delectable and freshly prepared dishes, many tourists and visitors gather at this restaurant.
The restaurant of the Anchor Inn serves a wide variety of foods, such as burgers, fried chicken, scallops, fried shrimp, sandwiches, baskets of halibut fish & chips, and more.
They use fresh meats that are purchased from neighborhood shops that deliver them to the restaurant every day.
11. South Esther Island State Marine Park
Visits to South Esther Island State Marine Park are a wonderful way to get to know the neighborhood. This park perfectly encapsulates the true beauty of nature.
You will have to cross Quillian Bay, which is the location of one of the largest salmon hatcheries in the world; it is a pleasant and interesting area.
The Wally Noerenberg Hatchery is the only building that is essentially permanent in the park. Pink salmon, Coho salmon, and chum salmon are three of the species it supports.
Numerous campsites can be found next to wooded areas, muskegs, and Esther Lake in South Esther Island State Marine Park.
12. Glacier Jetski Adventures
A fantastic business, Glacier Jetski Adventures was the first to offer excursions to numerous glaciers on jet skis.
Glacier Jetski Adventures is the greatest spot to go if you want to see Alaska’s glaciers and waterfalls up close.
Eco-friendly, simple to use, and wonderfully comfortable jet skis are available from Glacier Jetski Adventures for use while exploring the region.
The staff is helpful and wonderfully polite, always prepared to respond to inquiries and provide support when required.
13. Ziegler Cove State Marine Park
A relatively small cove called Ziegler Cove State Marine Park is located in the Pigot Bay mouth’s northern section.
The cove has a guided Anchorage that is bordered by spruce, alder, and muskeg that are mostly grown. You should go to Ziegler Cove State Marine Park in Whittier with your friends.
Ziegler Cove State Marine Park is a great area for the boat because it can accommodate up to four boats in its cove at once.
On the eastern side of the cove, there is a picnic area with a nice fire ring. It is located at the top of the shale pebble beach.
14. 26 Glacier Cruise by Phillips Cruises And Tours
Brad Philips founded Phillips Cruises and Tours, a business that specializes in glands in the 1950s.
When you glide over tidewater to see various marine wildlife, this company gives you a more singular experience.
Using one of their elegant, fast catamarans, Phillips Cruises and Tours takes you on a tour through the bays.
The courteous and very informed tour guides educate the visitors about the history and a variety of fascinating information about the area.
15. Decision Point State Marine Park
A well-liked location in the city with tons of entertaining activities available to both locals and tourists is Decision Point State Marine Park.
The park, which covers 460 acres and is full of natural beauty, is quite popular with kayakers and a small number of boats.
There are several campsites available in Decision Point State Marine Park for people who want to go camping with their friends or family.
Easily accessible, spotless restrooms are available, and Decision Point State Marine Park is properly cared for and maintained.
16. Crazy Rays Adventures
A well-known business, Crazy Rays Adventures, is known for providing fantastic experiences to tourists through amazing saltwater fishing excursions.
They transport guests to the waters of the glittering Prince William Sound, which provide breathtaking views of the lovely surroundings.
You will come across a wide variety of fish species on your fishing excursions, including salmon, long cod, rockfish, halibut, and others.
For those who would want to remain for a while, Crazy Rays Adventures also offers hotel packages in addition to fishing outings.
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17. Emerald Cove Trail
The 6.6-mile Emerald Cove Trail circles around numerous picturesque landmarks like glaciers, Prince William Sound, and breathtaking waterfalls.
The route is made up of a lot of little detours created by berry pickers looking for salmon berries and blueberries, which are beautiful and tasty in the late summer when they are fully mature.
The majority of hikers who use the Emerald Cove Trail do so because they want a more challenging trip.
With numerous stone stairs going to the beach, the walk begins at the edge of Shotgun Cove Road in the day-use area.
Listen to the soothing and rhyming sounds of the waterfalls as you hike through the rugged woodlands, taking time to also take in the stunning flora and fauna.
18. Bettles Bay State Marine Park
There is no road access to Bettles Bay State Marine Park, an undeveloped state marine park in Alaska.
A gold mine and an antique stamp press may be located in the southeast corner of the park, two historical attractions.
Outdoor enthusiasts have access to Bettles Bay State Marine Park, which features a variety of habitats including eelgrass beds, estuaries, waterfowl nesting areas, and salmon spawning areas.
Camping is not recommended due to the wetlands, which are readily swamped during high tide cycles, even if there are campgrounds here.
Preferable campsites are available at Bettles Bay State Marine Park, right on the southern beaches, not far from the Bettles Bay mouth.
The park’s paths make it a great place to go hiking.
19. Granite Bay State Marine Park
A stunning natural preservation, Granite Bay State Marine Park is made up of two bays, two protecting islands, and woodlands.
The park’s shoreline is lined with a variety of granite rocks and cliffs, making it the ideal place for trekking.
Granite Bay State Marine Park is encircled by a sizable number of hills, which provide climbers and hikers with breathtaking views from every point within the park.
This park has many campsites that are either on the cliffs, by the lake, or by the beach, making it great for both fishing and camping.
20. Whittier Harbor
An ice-free harbor called Whittier Harbor was created to meet the requirements of adventure seekers, particularly boaters in the city.
The business offers 350 slips that are perfect for berth holders who are both permanent and transitory throughout the entire year.
Customers can choose from a wide selection of boats at Whittier Harbor if they want to spend the day on the water.
The nicest way of spending the day is on the water where you can kayak, fish, water ski, and drive a boat.
21. Pegasus Ponies and Petting Zoo
The top family entertainment complex in Whittier, Pegasus Ponies and Petting Zoo, is ideal for kids of all ages.
Through a variety of thrilling events and amenities, this center provides the general public with an outstanding experience.
Pegasus Ponies & Petting Zoo teaches visitors about various animals and how to feed and care for them.
Under the supervision of trained professionals, kids and adults are both welcome to interact with the animals and play with them up close.
Pegasus Ponies & Petting Zoo provides necessary services such as digital photos, animal crafts, pony rides, and animal education programs.
Additionally, they host a variety of events, including grand openings, carnivals, birthday celebrations, church activities, company meetings, and more.
22. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
The only rail and vehicle access to Whittier is through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest roadway tunnel ever to pass through a mountain.
You will undoubtedly travel through this tunnel, which is more than two miles long, on your way to Whittier.
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which is accessible by both cars and trains, was constructed to withstand the region’s fluctuating temperatures.
Vehicles should be able to pass through the railroad track in this one-lane tunnel because it was designed that way.
23. Begich Towers
The 14-story Begich Towers provides expansive views of its surroundings, starting with the glaciers, ocean, and waterfalls.
This structure offers all necessary amenities and is accessible to both temporary and year-round residents, including vacationing tourists.
The breakfast apartments are located on the 14th and 15th floors of Begich Towers, which is often described as “a village under one roof.”
The United States Army Corps of Engineers headquarters were housed in this structure, which Anton Anderson designed in 1953.
In addition to other amenities, Begich Towers has a bakery, photo lab, four-lane bowling alley, cafeteria, theater, chapel, barbershop, radio station, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do people do in Whittier Alaska?
Some activities people do in Whittier Alaska are fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, boating, and photography.
How much does it cost to go to Whittier Alaska?
Passenger vehicles pulling trailers and larger recreational vehicles start at $22 for a single round-trip ticket.
What is unique about the town Whittier Alaska?
What is unique about Whittier Alaska is nearly all of its residents live in the same building, Begich Towers.
What is there to do between Whittier and Anchorage?
Lake Hood Seaplane Base.
Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.
Alyeska Aerial Tram.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Chugach National Forest of Alaska and the Portage Glacier.
How long is the tunnel to Whittier?
2.5 mile
Do you have to go through a tunnel to get to Whittier Alaska?
Yes, you’ll go through Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
Is there a ferry from Whittier to Valdez?
The ferry from Whittier and Valdez is one of the top 1000 crossings of the world in terms of interest from passengers.
How do people make a living in Whittier Alaska?
Most people make a living by working in commercial fishing, recreation and tourism or for the state ferry and railroad.
How often does Whittier Tunnel release?
For freezing temperatures and fixed winter openings, travel is limited to a five minute window.
How big is Whittier Alaska?
50.86 km²
Conclusion
The city should be a tourist’s paradise since it is surrounded by a variety of natural features, including coves, beaches, trails, forests, and oceans.
Just prepare to take advantage of everything the city has to offer, you would run out of things to do here, and get ready to make memories.
