Anchorage in 4 Days for Friends - Scenic drive down the Seward Highway with Beluga Point stop
In Collaboration with Bindlestiff Tours. Updated on February 2, 2026.
Active 4-day camping, hiking, glacier- and wildlife-focused adventure from Anchorage to Seward — designed for friends who want a social, outdoor-packed escape with guided hikes, a wildlife/glacier boat cruise, and a full-day sea-kayak in Resurrection Bay. Small group (max 12).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Bindlestiff Tours, inspired by the tour 4 day Alaska Seward Camping Adventure from Anchorage. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Scenic drive down the Seward Highway with Beluga Point stop
- Hike Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
- Wildlife and glacier half-day boat cruise
- Full-day Resurrection Bay sea-kayak
- Camping on Seward waterfront and lively evenings in town
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Anchorage, scenic Seward Highway drive with beluga viewpoint, Exit Glacier hike, set up camp on the water's edge and group camp cookout.
Meet & Welcome — Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (Main Lobby)
Gather in the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa main lobby for a short welcome, gear check and introductions with your guide and group before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to handle parking and quick gear stowing — meet in the lobby near the front desk for easy visibility.
- Bring a small daypack with essentials (water bottle, camera, sunscreen) so you’re ready for the first stop without unloading main luggage.
- Exchange socials (phone or group chat) with your fellow travelers — great for car-share photos and evening plans.
Scenic Drive down Seward Highway — stop at Beluga Point
Depart Anchorage and drive the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm — a scenic route with possible Dall sheep and tidal flats. Short photo & lookout stop at Beluga Point.
Tips from local experts:
- Seat swap: rotate seats for the best photo angles of Turnagain Arm and to keep everyone engaged during the drive.
- Keep binoculars handy for spotting belugas in the arm and Dall sheep on cliffs — your guide will point out prime viewing zones.
- Use the Beluga Point stop for quick snacks and group photos — there’s a small pullout and viewpoint area for safe parking.
Hike Exit Glacier (Kenai Fjords National Park) — guided options (easy/moderate)
Guided hike on the Exit Glacier trail with interpretive stops to learn about glacial geology, wildlife signs and recent glacier retreat. Options for a shorter interpretive walk or a longer ridge viewpoint.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear layered breathable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes; the trail can be muddy in places in July — gaiters can help.
- Bring a camera with charged battery — great glacier photo ops at the overlook; the guide will pick the best vantage depending on group ability.
- Hydrate before you hike and use the guide’s suggested pace; this is a social hike — chat, trade snacks and enjoy the group dynamic.
Transfer to Waterfront Camp & Camp Setup (Seward Waterfront Park area)
Short transfer to the chosen waterfront camping location in Seward. Group sets up tents and communal camp area; guide runs through camp routines and camp safety.
Tips from local experts:
- Teamwork is key — split roles (tent setup, kitchen prep, water fetch) to speed setup and bond as a group.
- Pick a tent spot slightly up from the high tide line and sheltered from the prevailing wind; your guide will advise the best placement.
- Keep electronics in dry bags or sealed containers — waterfront camps can produce spray and dew in the evenings.
Group Camp Cookout — Dinner by the Water
Enjoy a relaxed camp-cooked dinner prepared with the group, share stories from the day, and toast to the trip with local beer or cider.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small camplight or headlamp for after-dinner chats — it’s a social moment and great for group photos around the cooking area.
- If you want to try local beer, ask the guide for a regional recommendation — Alaska-brewed beers pair well with campfire meals.
- Keep food secured each night (bear-aware practices). Your guide will coordinate storing food away from sleeping tents.
Day 2
Half-day wildlife & glacier boat cruise in Kenai Fjords, afternoon Tonsina Point/shore hike and evening camp cookout.
Half-day Wildlife & Glacier Boat Cruise (Kenai Fjords)
Depart Seward harbor for a guided half-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park — outstanding wildlife viewing (sea birds, otters, sea lions, possible whales) and glacier scenery with interpretive commentary.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a warm, windproof layer and a waterproof shell — even in July it can be chilly and sprayy on the water; the boat often has sheltered seating if you need a break from wind.
- Charge cameras and carry spare memory — wildlife encounters and glacier calving moments are prime photo opportunities for the group.
- Coordinate group shots with the guide’s help on deck (good angles on both sides of the vessel) and split snacks for the return trip.
Tonsina Point Shore Hike & Eagle Watching
Short afternoon hike to Tonsina Point to look for bald eagles feeding at low tide and enjoy the coastal scenery; social pace with photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring binoculars for eagle and sea-bird spotting — Tonsina has excellent vantage points for birdlife.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for a rocky shore hike; tide timing affects viewing spots (guide will plan around tides).
- Share spotting duties with the group and rotate who carries the camera kit so everyone gets good photos.
Camp Relax & Dinner — Second Night Camp Cookout
Return to camp, freshen up and enjoy another communal cookout. Evening is perfect for card games or swapping favorite adventure moments.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a lightweight card or travel game for group entertainment after dinner — great for breaking the ice and building rapport.
- Ask the guide about star-gazing spots around camp (long summer twilight gives unique light for evening photos).
- Toast to the day with a local spirit or treat and take a short shoreline walk as a group for golden-hour photos.
Day 3
Full-day guided sea-kayak adventure in Resurrection Bay; evening free to explore downtown Seward for dinner and local nightlife.
Full-day Sea Kayak in Resurrection Bay (guided)
All-day guided kayak excursion exploring Resurrection Bay’s dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and abundant marine life. Includes instruction, safety gear, and picnic lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear synthetic layers and a swim layer under a waterproof shell; avoid cotton. Put valuables and phones in waterproof dry bags provided or recommended by the guide.
- Practice a quick buddy-check before launch; staying in small groups makes spotting wildlife and pacing easier for friends traveling together.
- Bring motion-sickness prevention if you’re sensitive; paddling is active but the bay can sometimes swell — the guide will pick calm launch/landing spots.
Free Evening — Dinner & Drinks in Seward (Ray's Waterfront recommended)
Evening on your own to enjoy Seward’s local eateries, beers and scene. Ray’s Waterfront is a popular social spot with seafood and harbor views.
Tips from local experts:
- Make a reservation for dinner (or plan to arrive early) — summer evenings in Seward draw locals and visitors, especially after boat/kayak days.
- Try local seafood and split a few plates with the group — great way to sample more menu items and keep costs shared.
- Check with bartenders for local brews or beer flights to compare — casual, social vibe perfect after an active day.
Day 4
Pack camp, relaxed breakfast, final local sites and scenic return to Anchorage (drop-off at Sheraton ~6pm).
Camp Breakfast & Breakdown — Pack for Return
Group breakfast at camp, break down tents and gear with the guide and prepare for the return journey. Final shoreline stroll for photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack lighter items into your day bag the night before to make morning breakdown quicker and more social.
- Double-check tent areas and communal spaces for forgotten items — do a quick 'leave no trace' sweep with a buddy.
- Take a final group photo at the waterfront before leaving — golden-hour in summer can still be excellent in the morning.
Scenic return drive with Girdwood stop — Lunch at Alyeska Resort
Drive north with scenic stops; mid-day lunch break at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood to stretch legs, eat and enjoy mountain views before the final leg to Anchorage.
Tips from local experts:
- Stretch legs on the resort grounds — quick viewpoint walk is a nice change of pace after several days of seaside terrain.
- Share ride photos and swap contact details for post-trip sharing — a quick group chat is great while you’re still together.
- If anyone needs coffee or snacks for the drive, the Alyeska dining spots and market are convenient and group-friendly.
Return to Anchorage — Drop-off at Sheraton (Tour ends approx. 18:00)
Final scenic stretch back to Anchorage, arrive at the Sheraton where the tour concludes. Final farewells and luggage assistance from the guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan onward travel with buffer time; the company recommends no flights earlier than 10pm the last day — aim for flexible connections.
- Tip the guide and crew if you enjoyed the trip — 15% is a customary guideline; pool tips among the group if preferred.
- Ask the guide for local recommendations in Anchorage if you’re extending your stay — great coffee shops and breweries to keep the adventure vibe going.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 4 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Outdoor, Meal, Experience, Sport, Restaurant |