Anchorage offers a surprising variety of drinking tours that go beyond just sampling local brews. Its vibrant craft beer scene is easy to explore thanks to tours that combine excellent tastings with authentic Alaskan scenery and wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or someone interested in wildlife and scenery, Anchorage has a tour that fits. For example, the Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings gets rave reviews for its well-selected breweries and lively local atmosphere, making it a great way to experience Anchorage’s beer culture firsthand.
If wildlife and scenic drives are more your style, the Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling – Winter & Summer combines wildlife viewing, a hearty meal, and a relaxed trip along Turnagain Arm. Regardless of your preference, Anchorage’s drinking tours offer a mix of culture, scenery, and fun — all in a laid-back Alaskan setting.
1. Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings
At number one, the Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings proves that you don’t need a full day to get a good taste of Anchorage’s beer scene. This four-hour tour is perfect for those who want a quick, insider look at local brewing. Your guide takes you to three top breweries, including classic spots that showcase the best of Anchorage’s craft scene. You’ll sample six different beers, paired with light snacks at one stop, giving you a full-flavored taste of what the city has to offer.
What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch. The guide shares stories about Alaska’s brewing history and the city’s unique beer culture. The transportation is comfortable and stylish, with reviews praising the hosts’ friendliness and knowledge. Guests often enjoy chatting with brewers directly, which adds an authentic and intimate feel to the experience. The tour’s price of $179 per person is reasonable considering the quality of the breweries, the included snacks, and the personalized attention. It’s ideal for beer lovers who want a concise, fun intro to Anchorage’s craft beer scene.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a lively, well-organized introduction to Anchorage breweries without committing a full day. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy meeting locals and learning about brewing on a personal level.
2. Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling – Winter & Summer
Coming in at number two, the Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling offers a different kind of drinking experience — combining wildlife, scenery, and a local brewery. Over four to five hours, this tour takes you on a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm while a guide shares stories about the region’s wildlife and environment. The highlight is the visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you see bears, moose, and caribou in natural habitats — a true Alaskan adventure.
After the wildlife encounter, the tour heads to Girdwood, where you taste beers at a local brewery with a rustic charm. The beer selection is crafted to highlight Alaska’s wilderness, which complements the day’s outdoor themes. The tour’s intimate size — with a maximum of 14 travelers — ensures a relaxed and personalized experience. Plus, a hearty, home-cooked lunch is included, so you skip the packing and just enjoy the scenery and company.
Guests appreciate the guide’s local knowledge, with reviews calling the trip “very scenic” and praising the wildlife viewing opportunities. The $195 price provides a well-rounded experience, blending wildlife, scenery, and craft beer. It’s ideal for those who want a multi-faceted Alaskan day filled with nature and taste.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in wildlife and scenic drives, combined with local beer tasting, all in a small-group setting. It’s a comprehensive way to experience Alaska’s outdoors and culture.
3. Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling
Ranking third is the Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling, which offers a slightly different take with a 4.5-hour schedule. This tour emphasizes wildlife viewing along the Seward Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic routes. After a drive that showcases stunning landscapes, you arrive at the wildlife center, where you observe bears, musk-ox, wolves, and moose in naturalistic enclosures. The wildlife encounters are educational and engaging, especially for nature lovers.
The highlight here is the combination of wildlife viewing with a delicious Alaskan lunch and craft beer at a local brewery. This tour is ideal if you want a mix of nature, food, and drink but prefer a shorter, more focused experience. It’s priced at $195 per person, which includes the scenic drive, wildlife encounters, lunch, and tastings.
While fewer reviews are available, the emphasis on scenic drives combined with wildlife and beer makes this a solid option for travelers who want variety without a longer commitment. It suits those who prefer an active outdoor experience with a relaxed ending.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want a balanced day of wildlife, scenery, and local brews, especially if short on time but still craving an immersive Alaskan experience.
How to Choose
When selecting the right Anchorage drinking tour, consider your priorities. If you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast who wants a focused brewery experience, the Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour offers a personable, in-depth look at the city’s brewing culture. For those who love wildlife and scenic drives, the Wildlife Center with Lunch & Local Beer Sampling provides a more varied day, combining nature and local flavor. If your time is tight but you still want a taste of both wildlife and beer, the third option balances both in a shorter format.
Think about your interests: Are you more into beer and socializing, or do you want wildlife sightings and stunning scenery? Budget and time constraints also matter — these tours range from about four to five hours, with prices from $179 to $195. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure you experience all that Anchorage’s lively drinking scene has to offer.
Anchorage’s drinking tours showcase a mix of craft beer, wildlife, and natural beauty, making it easy to find an experience that matches your interests. Whether you prefer sampling local brews at a brewery, exploring Alaska’s wilderness and wildlife, or combining both, these tours deliver a memorable taste of what makes Anchorage special. For an immersive, authentic experience, any of these options will add a flavorful chapter to your Alaskan adventure.