My friend is arriving @ Anchorage airport 10 AM. He has a job interview the next morning and flies home that afternoon. Having never been to Alaska, he'd like to get a good taste of at least one of it's memorable sites. I think seeing the Exit Glacier is quite dramatic!

Is it feasible to drive to Seward, visit the Exit Glacier, have a bite to eat in Seward and return to Anchorage by evening? Not sure how long the drive will take.

Any responses appreciated!

I don't know about going to Seward just for the day since he doesn't arrive until 10am. It's too bad he has to leave the next day. That really limits what he can see.

I don't think he has time to take one of the cruises out of Whittier because he would have to be at the tunnel at 11:30 and that would be pretty impossible with his arrival time. But, that would be my first suggestion for anyone with just a day who wants to see glaciers.

One remaining option would be Portage Glacier. He would have time to take the cruise there.

http://portageglaciercruises.com/

According to mapquest it's about 125 miles with estimated driving time of 2 hrs 24 min. So yes, it can be done round-trip in a day, especially in the summer since it won't get dark until late.

Thanks Otis & Bill! I'll give both options; how one feels and the weather can be the determinants.

I think Portage Glacier is the easiest option. The Portage cruise actually took us much closer to the glacier than the day boat trips we took out of Whittier and Seward. The park staff at Portage were also very friendly and knowledgeable.

Definitely don't try to drive to Seward and back in a day. 40 miles of that road has no shoulder and you can't plan to "make time" on it. Plus you won't have time to enjoy anything you see.

I never recommend Anchorage/Seward as a day trip. Whole reason to go there is to take advantage of the excellent touring- which needs TIME. For sightseeing, I would instead head north and do Hatcher Pass. Or Talkeetna with some flightseeing.