Guides β€Ί Alaska β€Ί Girdwood, Alaska
City guide

Girdwood, Alaska

Girdwood is a resort town in the southern portion of Anchorage, Alaska. Located near the end of the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, Girdwood lies in a valley in the southwestern Chugach Mountains, surrounded by seven glaciers feeding into a number of creeks, which either converge within the valley or empty directly into the arm.

Type CityPopulation 1,742

Why go

  • Resort town in Alaska, United States.
  • Served by Seward Airport (SWD).

History

Girdwood is a resort town in the southern portion of Anchorage, Alaska. Located near the end of the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, Girdwood lies in a valley in the southwestern Chugach Mountains, surrounded by seven glaciers feeding into a number of creeks, which either converge within the valley or empty directly into the arm. Girdwood is typically accessed by the Seward Highway, with the main line of the Alaska Railroad paralleling the highway. By road distance, most of the community lies within 35 to 40 miles of Downtown Anchorage. The 2019 American Community Survey estimates a population of 1,742 in the valley.

Restaurants & places to go

coffee shops, cafes, coffee houses Β· girdwoodgrind.com
Indoor

20 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition β†’

Airports

Seward Airport (SWD) 58 mi to the centre
Seward, AK, US β€” Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron β€” plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Girdwood-Alyeska Airport (AQY) 1.6 mi to the centre
Girdwood, AK, US β€” Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board β€” bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Quartz Creek Airport (JLA) 38 mi to the centre
Cooper Landing, AK, US β€” Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board β€” bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Whittier Airport 19 mi to the centre
Whittier, AK, US
Outdoor
Hope Airport 16 mi to the centre
Hope, AK, US
Outdoor
Bold Airport 27 mi to the centre
Anchorage, AK, US
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping β†’
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map Β© OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather β€” check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Seward Airport (SWD); 7 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Girdwood, Alaska. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach