Anchorage is a surprising hub for drinking tours that combine local craft beer, stunning scenery, and wildlife encounters. Unlike many places where beer tasting is confined to a crowded bar, Anchorage offers immersive experiences where you can learn about the city’s brewery culture or enjoy wildlife viewing paired with a hearty drink.
The Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour stands out for its focus on Anchorage’s thriving craft scene, while the Wildlife Center tours blend wildlife encounters with delicious local brews.
Each offers something unique—for those who appreciate good beer, wildlife, or a bit of both, Anchorage has options worth exploring.
For instance, the Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings is ideal if you want to sample some of the best local brews and learn about Alaska’s brewing history.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling tours combine wildlife watching with a relaxed taste of Alaskan craft beer and hearty meals, making them perfect for nature lovers who also enjoy a good drink. If you’re torn between wildlife and beer, both options provide a solid dose of authentic Alaskan experiences.
Quick Overview
This guide covers three top drinking tours in Anchorage, each with a different focus. The first is a half-day brewery tour that visits three top breweries. The second blends wildlife viewing with beer tasting, offering a comprehensive look at Alaska’s natural beauty and brewing scene. The third combines scenic drives and wildlife encounters with local drinking.
Whether you’re into craft beer, wildlife, or a mix of both, this list helps you pick the tour that fits your interests and schedule.
1. Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings
On this half-day tour, you’ll explore Anchorage’s beer culture firsthand, visiting three of the city’s top breweries. The guide will share insights into Alaska’s vibrant brewing scene, which has grown rapidly over the past decade. You’ll sample six different craft beers, with a variety of styles from hoppy IPAs to smooth ales—each paired with light snacks or appetizers at one brewery.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to chat with local brewers and learn about their techniques and ingredients. The upscale transportation ensures a comfortable ride between venues, and the walking portion around downtown Anchorage offers a peek at the city’s skyline and street life.
The tour is consistently rated 5/5 based on 135 reviews, with comments highlighting the knowledgeable guide Bryan and the diverse breweries visited. Many visitors say it’s a must-do for beer lovers and a great way to understand Anchorage’s social scene.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for money at $179 per person, with an engaging mix of tastings, education, and city exploration. It’s perfect for those who want a compact, social experience in Anchorage’s craft beer scene.
2. Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling – Winter & Summer
For a blend of wildlife viewing and craft beer, this tour is a fantastic choice. Starting with a comfortable drive along Turnagain Arm, you’ll arrive at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), where you can see animals like bears, moose, caribou, and wood bison in large natural habitats. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours and is included in the tour fee, making it an educational yet relaxed experience.
Afterward, the tour takes you to the Girdwood Brewing Company, known for its locally crafted beers. You’ll enjoy tastings of a variety of beers, from refreshing ales to hearty stouts, all while soaking in the rustic charm of the brewery. A home-cooked lunch completes the day, giving you a true taste of Alaskan hospitality.
The small group size (up to 14 travelers) ensures a personalized experience; reviewers praise the beautiful scenery and informative guide.
This tour is especially good for nature lovers who want to see Alaska’s wildlife up close and enjoy a relaxed beer tasting without feeling rushed. The combination of wildlife, scenic drives, and local brews makes it a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: At $195, this tour offers great value for those eager to combine wildlife, scenery, and craft beer in one trip. It’s ideal for travelers with a moderate fitness level who appreciate a comfortable pace.
3. Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling
This slightly longer tour takes you on a scenic drive along the Seward Highway to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can see bears, musk-ox, wolves, and more. The focus here is on wildlife viewing in a relaxed, natural setting.
After the wildlife encounter, you’ll enjoy lunch and a craft beer tasting at a local brewery, making it a well-balanced combination of outdoor adventure and indoor relaxation.
The drive itself offers breathtaking views, and the wildlife center provides an up-close look at animals that are hard to see in the wild. The inclusion of local beer after the wildlife experience makes this tour appealing for those who love both nature and a good drink. The 4.5-hour duration is perfect for travelers with limited time but wanting a comprehensive Alaskan day trip.
Reviewers mention the beautiful scenery and educational value of the wildlife center as highlights. The tour elevates the typical wildlife drive by adding local cuisine and craft beer, creating a memorable way to experience Alaska.
Bottom Line: For $195, this tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and craft beer. It suits travelers looking for a fuller day that combines nature and local flavor.
How to Choose Your Anchorage Drinking Tour
When selecting the best experience, consider your interests and schedule. The Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour is perfect if you mostly want to focus on beer, especially if you’re curious about Anchorage’s brewing scene and want a social, educational experience. It’s also quick and convenient for those with limited time.
If you prefer a combination of wildlife and beer, the Wildlife Center with Lunch & Beer tours are ideal. They offer a more comprehensive day, including wildlife viewing, a scenic drive, and local cuisine. The scenic drive along Turnagain Arm and animal encounters make it especially attractive for nature lovers.
Choose the Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling if you want an all-in-one experience that combines Alaska’s wildlife with its brewing culture.
Practical tips: Book early, especially in peak seasons, and plan your tour around your interests—whether that’s beer, wildlife, or both. Most tours run year-round, but check availability and weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Anchorage offers a surprisingly diverse range of drinking tours that go beyond just tasting beers. Whether you’re drawn to craft breweries, eager to see Alaska’s wildlife, or want a mix of both, there’s something here for you.
The Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour is excellent for beer enthusiasts wanting a quick, educational experience. Meanwhile, the Wildlife Center tours appeal to travelers keen on combining nature and local brews in a relaxed setting.
If you’re traveling with a small group or family, the smaller tours with personalized attention can be especially memorable. For those with limited time, the brewery-focused tour offers a fun taste of Anchorage’s craft beer scene, while wildlife lovers will appreciate the scenic drives and animal encounters.
No matter your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these authentic Alaskan experiences. Cheers to discovering Anchorage’s unique blend of beer, wildlife, and scenery!