Girdwood is a picturesque town nestled in the blissful Chugach Mountains of Alaska. The mesmerizing destination attracts outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, and food lovers alike. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and thrilling adventure, Girdwood appeals to travelers looking for an authentic Alaskan experience.
In this article, we present you with interesting things to do in Girdwood. To help you grasp the versatility of the destination, we have categorized the activities under five heads.
Girdwood is a picturesque town nestled in the blissful Chugach Mountains of Alaska. The mesmerizing destination attracts outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, and food lovers alike. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and thrilling adventure, Girdwood appeals to travelers looking for an authentic Alaskan experience.
In this article, we present you with interesting things to do in Girdwood. To help you grasp the versatility of the destination, we have categorized the activities under five heads.
Table of Contents
Enjoy the Beauty of Nature
For nature lovers, Girdwood happens to be a paradise. It offers a wide range of activities for you to engage in amidst the beautiful landscapes.
Take a Ride on the Alyeska Aerial Tramway
Alyeska Aerial Tramway brings you an opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking cable car ride. As you travel high above the mountains, take a look at the panoramic views down under. Ascending Mount Alyeska would be a memorable experience for you!
For nature lovers, this is one of the best things to do in Girdwood Alaska. Gaze into the dense forests that pamper your eyes, or enjoy the views of the sprawling glaciers and the picturesque Turnagain Arm.
The tramway operates throughout the year. So, you can choose to visit it during the summer or winter. The stunning beauty of Girdwood would captivate you in any season.
Visit the Winner Creek Trail
Willing to explore the natural wonders of Girdwood on foot? Go for the Winner Creek Trail!
The picturesque trail would take you through lush green forests. You would love the views of the tranquil streams and cascading waterfalls. The hand dram is a unique attraction of the trail. This is a unique feature that enables visitors to cross the rushing stream. The exhilarating essence of adventure would mesmerize you on your journey.
Whether you are a casual stroller or an experienced hiker, the Winner Creek Trail would make you feel the awe. You would love the serene escape into the pristine wilderness of Girdwood.
Explore Portage Glacier
The Portage Glacier lies a short drive away from Girdwood. Here, you would find a magnificent relic of the Ice Age. The grandeur of this icy wonder mesmerizes the visitors. All around you, you will find towering walls of blue ice.
The glacier is quite large, and you would love feasting your eyes on the thick chunks of eyes calving into the water. An awe-inspiring experience awaits you at Portage Glacier. In the end, you can’t help appreciating the glacial landscapes of Alaska.
Winter Activities
Girdwood transforms into a wonderland in winter. It offers a wide range of thrilling activities that can captivate you during the snowy season.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Alyeska Resort
If you happen to be a winter sports enthusiast, make sure to visit the Alyeska Resort. Among the most popular things to do in Girdwood, you can’t miss out skiing and snowboarding at this world-class ski resort.
The sheer variety of slopes would test any skill level, ranging from beginners to experienced snowboarders and skiers. Along with these winter sports activities, you would love the breathtaking mountain views and top-notch facilities. The skiing and snowboarding experience at Alyeska Resort would be unforgettable.
Dog Sledding
How about experiencing the thrill of dog sledding? The powerful Alaskan huskies would pull you along with the sledge through the snowy trails of Girdwood. The dog sledding adventure would be exhilarating, as you glide through the landscapes in winter while enjoying their company.
If you are inclined towards culture, learn about the fascinating history and traditions of dog sledding here. There’s no stopping your adrenaline rush as you glide through the pristine snow-covered terrain in Alaska.
Cross-Country Skiing
At Girdwood, you will come across a network of cross-country ski trails. This has been designed for both experienced skiers and beginners. You would love gliding through the winter landscapes on your skis as you immerse your inner soul in tranquillity.
Whether you want a challenging adventure or a leisurely ski, the trails of Girdwood would cater to your aspirations.
Summer Activities
Girdwood reveals a different scenery altogether as the snow melts away. You would love those stunning landscapes in summer as you indulge in various activities.
Rafting
How about enjoying the adrenaline rush as you go rafting down the glacial rivers? River rafting is among the best things to do in Girdwood. You would love navigating the pristine waters. The breathtaking scenery surrounded by tall mountains on all sides would bring you memorable experiences. Whether you are an experienced rafter looking for adventure or a novice, Girdwood has a wide range of rafting experiences for you.
Hiking
Girdwood happens to be a paradise for hikers. It has lots of scenic trails that can unleash hidden gems and mesmerizing avenues before you. So, brace up for the adventure as you explore the rugged landscapes and dense forests. You will be hiking through the alpine meadows surrounding them. For trekkers and hikers, the landscape presents challenging summit hikes as well as leisurely strolls. If you happen to be a hiking enthusiast, don’t deprive yourself of iconic destinations like the Crow Creek Falls or the Crow Pass.
Biking
If you love motorcycles, go for a biking adventure to explore Girdwood’s diverse landscapes. Visitors can easily rent a mountain bike and cruise along the trails. This way, you can immerse yourself in the wilderness surrounding you. Lots of biking options are available in Girdwood, ranging from scenic paths to thrilling downhill rides.
You would love those winding paths along the rivers and through forests. Cyclists and bikers have ample opportunities to satisfy their adventure pangs on the trails.
Discover the Culture
Girdwood is a paradise for nature lovers, besides being a vibrant hub of culture. If you love community and culture, explore the unique atmosphere in the town and explore the cultural offerings. Don’t miss out the blueberry festival Girdwood besides exploring the recommended destinations.
Visit Girdwood Brewing Company
A visit to Girdwood Brewing Company would help you understand the beverage industry of Girdwood. This local brewery is known for its exceptional beers. The experts brew the beer with a touch of Alaskan inspiration.
Visitors are allowed inside the cozy taproom. So, you can check out the samples of a wide variety of craft beers. Besides, you can engage with passionate brewers who readily tend to share their knowledge and love for their craft.
Attend the Forest Fair
Every summer, Girdwood witnesses the celebration of the vibrant Forest Fair. This is a lively celebration involving art and music. For locals, this is a must-attend event, while visitors love to explore the local culture here.
So, you can stroll through several booths showcasing local crafts and arts. Also, don’t hesitate to taste delicious food from the vendors. The captivating performances of live musicians would immerse you in ecstasy. The Forest Fair truly reflects the vibrant spirit of Girdwood. It also brings you an opportunity to connect with the local community.
Take a Tour of the Girdwood Historic District
How about stepping back into time as you explore the Girdwood Historic District? This is a fascinating area offering an insight into the rich cultural history of the town. You would love the leisurely strolls along the quaint shops, as you admire the historic buildings. All these relics have been well-preserved, and bring you the opportunity to know the mining heritage of Girdwood. If you happen to be a history enthusiast, get back to the past as you walk down the Girdwood Historic District.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Your visit to Girdwood would remain incomplete unless you indulge in the delectable local cuisine. Ranging from innovative fusion dishes to comforting baked goods, it offers a unique culinary experience to visitors.
The Bake Shop
Visit The Bake Shop, a popular local establishment known for its toothsome pastries, freshly brewed coffee, and hearty breakfast options. Whether you treat your taste buds with a warm cinnamon roll, a flaky croissant, or a savory breakfast sandwich, you would love the taste. All these stuff are prepared using locally sourced ingredients. So, foodies must not miss out the Bake Shop during their visit to Girdwood.
Silvertip Grill
If you expect a modern twist in Alaskan food, visit Silvertip Grill, a cozy restaurant. Here, the menu includes grilled meats, fresh seafood, and creative dishes with local flavors. Particularly, you will love dishes such as reindeer sausage, Alaskan salmon, and delicious burgers.
Silvertip Grill has an inviting ambiance, and you would really love the dining experience here.
Jack Sprat
Jack Sprat is known for its innovative fusion cuisine. Here, you will savor the unique blend of international flavors with Alaskan ingredients. The dishes range from Asian-inspired stuff to classic comfort food. So, if you are looking for things to do in Girdwood Alaska, a visit to Jack Sprat is a must.
Particularly, you would love to taste dishes like reindeer curry and miso-glazed black cod. Alternatively, you can also go for flavored vegetarian options. Then there’s an extensive collection of wines and beers.
Conclusion
Girdwood in Alaska offers a diverse range of activities and experiences to visitors. Now that you are aware of the things to do in Girdwood, you can embark on your adventure! Girdwood never fails to cater to the aspirations of travelers. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, a culture lover, or a foodie, Girdwood has something in store for you. You would love the breathtaking tram rides, scenic trails, thrilling winter sports, and vibrant cultural events in Girdwood.
Pack your bags and immerse yourself in the natural beauty to experience the thrill of adventure. Girdwood awaits you with the richness of its culture and flavors of local cuisine to create a lifetime of memory.
