Key Takeaways / Summary:

• Whittier is a unique coastal town originally developed as a military port during World War II, where most residents live together in a single building called Begich Towers.
• Traveling to the town is an adventure in itself, requiring visitors to time their arrival with a scheduled, alternating one-lane tunnel shared by both cars and trains.
• The premier attraction in the area is exploring Prince William Sound via high-speed catamaran cruises to view massive glaciers and diverse marine wildlife.

Tucked between towering mountains and the icy waters of Prince William Sound, Whittier is one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets. Many guests pass through on their way to an Alaska cruise, but this small harbor town offers much more than just a departure point. With stunning views, an intriguing history, and easy access to some of the state’s most breathtaking glaciers, Whittier should be on every traveler’s list. If you want to find the best things to do in Whittier, Alaska, this guide will help you plan a memorable adventure.

A Tiny Town With a Big Personality

Whittier has one of the quirkiest stories in all of Alaska. Originally developed as a military port during World War II, it later became known for its unique community layout. Today, most residents still live in a single building called Begich Towers. This gives Whittier its cozy nickname, “the town under one roof.”

Despite its small size, Whittier has a vibrant harbor atmosphere. Fishing boats line the marina, bald eagles soar above, and waterfalls cascade down the nearby cliffs. The town’s remote location adds to its charm and makes guests feel like they’ve found a hidden gem in Southcentral Alaska. As a gateway to Prince William Sound, Whittier offers quick access to massive glaciers, diverse sea life, and unforgettable views.

Getting to Whittier is Part of The Adventure

One memorable part of visiting Whittier is the journey itself. Most guests arrive by driving through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a unique one-lane tunnel for both cars and trains. Be sure to check the Whittier tunnel schedule before your trip! Traffic alternates directions at certain times throughout the day. Traveling through the tunnel is part of the fun, taking you directly through the mountain before revealing stunning coastal views on the other side.

Guests can also arrive by train with the iconic Alaska Railroad, which provides scenic service to Whittier during the summer months. Phillips Cruises & Tours also offers daily one-way and round-trip bus transportation from the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage and Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Whether you drive or take the train, the trip into town is part of the magic.

Top Things to Do in Whittier

By far, the premier experience in Whittier is exploring Prince William Sound by boat. A glacier and wildlife cruise with Phillips Cruises & Tours gives guests front-row access to towering tidewater glaciers, including the massive Harvard Glacier in College Fjord.

Unlike many other tour operators, Phillips Cruises & Tours uses high-speed catamarans, which provide a stable, smooth ride. This allows them to offer their famous “No Seasickness Guarantee” while exploring the calm, protected waters of the Sound. Their Captain and Crew are experts at spotting wildlife, from breaching humpback whales to the black-and-white Dall’s porpoise and playful sea otters. The captain and crew also provide educational insights into the ecosystem, making the trip as informative as it is beautiful.

Beyond the cruise, guests can find several attractions within walking distance:

• Horsetail Falls: A popular stop for photos and a short scenic walk.
• Whittier Museum: Showcases the town’s military origins and unique community life.
• The Marina: Stroll through to see the fishing fleet and active harbor.

The Phillips Cruises & Tours Difference

As a family-owned business, we are very proud of our fleet. This includes the Bravest, a vessel with a heroic history of transporting first responders during 9/11. Our boats are designed for comfort and accessibility; three of our four vessels are ADA-compliant and accessible by ramp, ensuring all guests can enjoy the beauty of Alaska.

Where to Eat and Stay in Whittier

Whittier may be small, but guests can still enjoy cozy places to eat. Fresh seafood is the highlight at local restaurants, with fish and chips remaining a favorite. Check out the Wild Catch Cafe near the port for a delicious lunch. For a caffeine fix, the Frisky Mermaid Café & Gifts is a local favorite for warm cappuccinos. They also offer homemade ice cream for those sunny summer days and hearty Salmon chowder when the breeze picks up.

For overnight stays, Whittier has small lodges that let guests enjoy the peaceful atmosphere after the day-trippers depart. The Whittier Inn is ideal for those who want more time for photography and wildlife spotting.

Sample Day Trip to Whittier From Anchorage

A day trip from Anchorage to Whittier is a seamless adventure. Start your drive early from Anchorage to enjoy the scenic Turnagain Arm and arrive in time for your tunnel crossing. Access time. The tunnel opens for 15 minutes on the half-hour to enter Whittier and then again on the hour for vehicles leaving Whittier. The first entrance opens at 5:30 am, and the last entrance closes at 11:00 pm. Once in Whittier, check in with the Kiosk Team at Phillips Cruises & Tours. Spend the afternoon on the 26 Glacier Cruise, watching for calving ice at Harvard Glacier, or explore beautiful Blackstone Bay on the shorter Glacier Quest Cruise. After returning to town, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner before heading back through the tunnel.

Make a Phillips Cruises & Tours the Centerpiece of Your Adventure

Whittier’s location makes it the perfect launch point for exploring Prince William Sound. When planning your trip, make your cruise the highlight and discover why this harbor town is the secret gateway to one of the highest concentrations of named glaciers in the world.

Book your Alaska adventure today!

Image credit: Cherise Arola