Spring in Alaska is a bit like a bear waking up from hibernation—groggy at first, but full of excitement once it gets going. April and May in Anchorage are prime time for beating the summer crowds while still soaking up some seriously epic scenery. The snow is melting, the wildlife is waking up, and the roads are clearing for adventure. If you’re planning a trip before the peak summer rush, here’s how to make the most of this sweet shoulder season.

Cruise Turnagain Arm (but, you know, by car)
There’s no better way to ease into your Alaska trip than a scenic drive down Turnagain Arm. It’s a winding ribbon of highway between mountains and sea, where you can spot Dall sheep clinging to cliffs, bald eagles cruising the skies, and maybe even a beluga whale if you get lucky. It’s dramatic. It’s dreamy. It’s also where the GPS audio tour kicks in and starts telling you wild stories—because driving without storytelling is just commuting.

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Near the end of Turnagain Arm (on the way to Whittier or Seward), you’ll hit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is basically a rehab center for Alaska’s coolest animals. Bears, bison, moose, muskoxen—you name it. They’re all hanging out in big, beautiful enclosures where you can get pretty darn close (safely). Spring is a great time to visit because the animals are active, and the babies start showing up.

Take a Weekend Trip to Seward
Seward’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage, and trust us—it’s worth every mile. Not only is the drive gorgeous, but spring weekends are already seeing action at Kenai Fjords Tours, with boats heading out to search for whales, puffins, sea otters, and glaciers that still look like they’re straight out of a fantasy movie. You can also pop into the Alaska SeaLife Center, where rescued seals and seabirds get a second chance and your kids get some bonus science learning disguised as fun.

Hatcher Pass: Snow, Scenery, and Silence
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a snow globe, head north to Hatcher Pass. In April, the road through the pass may still be closed at the top, but you can explore the lower areas like Independence Mine and the trails near Gold Mint and Reed Lakes. If you’re into backcountry skiing or just want to stomp around in the snow and pretend you’re in an Arctic expedition movie, this is your place.

See the Mighty Matanuska Glacier
If you’re up for a longer day trip (or a comfy overnight stay at a lodge), head out the Glenn Highway to Matanuska Glacier. This thing is massive—Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier—and yes, you can walk on it. Several local guides run glacier treks, and spring is a gorgeous time to go. It’s less crowded, the ice is still thick and bright blue, and your photos will look like you used a filter (even if you didn’t).

Pro Tips from the Locals (That’s Us)

• Layers. Seriously, dress like an onion. It might be 55°F and sunny or 30°F and snowing—sometimes in the same hour.

• Many attractions are just waking up for the season, so check websites or call ahead.

• And of course, don’t forget to download your Audio Tour Alaska guide before you hit the road. It works offline (even where cell service doesn’t) and turns every drive into an unforgettable storytime with fun facts, weird history, and cool insights from folks who actually live here.

So go ahead—beat the rush, skip the lines, and explore the wild side of Anchorage while it’s still waking up. April and May are when the locals play, and now you’re in on the secret.

Before you hit the road, don’t forget to download the Audio Tour Alaska app and grab your tours early! Our spring sale is going on now, but it won’t last all summer. Tours work offline (even in the boonies), so you can adventure confidently without worrying about signal drops. Buy before you drive—then just sit back, press play, and let Alaska tell you her stories (Note–We’re working on tours up Hatcher Pass Road and to Matanuska Glacier–just not there yet).