5 Best Weekend Getaways from Anchorage, Alaska (within a 4-hour flight)
Anchorage, known in Dena'ina Athabascan as Dgheyayt’nu or Dgheyay Kaq’, is Alaska's largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. This urban hub offers big-city amenities like fine dining, museums, shops, theaters, and a vibrant music scene alongside the stunning natural backdrop of Cook Inlet's salmon-rich waters and the peaks of Chugach State Park. Anchorage is home to the University of Alaska Anchorage and over 290,000 residents who enjoy both city comforts and wilderness adventures. With a mild climate by Alaskan standards, summer temperatures range from the mid-60s to low-70s, while winter temperatures hover in the 10s and 20s. Long summer days and brief winter daylight define the city's unique seasonal rhythms.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Anchorage, Alaska area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers). It just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Fairbanks, Alaska (FAI) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Fairbanks, AK, provides a unique opportunity to experience extreme seasonal variations and natural phenomena, such as the midnight sun and the northern lights, set against a backdrop of stunning, remote wilderness.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Fairbanks
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from ANC- See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $185+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Juneau, Alaska (JNU) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
The lovely capital city of Alaska! Must visit Gustavus while you're there. Can be accessed by ferry from Juneau.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Juneau
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from ANC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $ 185+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 3 Hours 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Whales, Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, gorgeous views, intelligent individuals, and good breweries.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Seattle
When to go?
Summer (you can't really avoid the rain, but you can pray)
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ANC- See flight deals
Alaska from ANC- See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $ 310+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.
Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) - 3 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
Vancouver boasts a stunning blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty. It offers visitors a unique experience of world-class dining, diverse cultures, and abundant outdoor activities all in one place.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Vancouver
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from ANC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $ 530+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Portland, Oregon (PDX) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing. Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Portland
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from ANC- See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $ 365+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
