4 Days in Palmer Alaska: A Small Town with Big Adventures
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Palmer isn’t usually the first place people add to their Alaska itineraries. In fact, before my trip, I heard from several people that it could be skipped altogether. But after spending a few days there myself, I couldn’t disagree more. Palmer may look like a typical small town at first glance, but it quickly became one of my favorite spots in Southcentral Alaska. With unique outdoor adventures, a surprisingly fun food and drink scene, and its laid-back charm, Palmer is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy Alaska beyond the usual tourist trail.
Red cabins at Hatcher Pass Lodge
Why Visit Palmer, Alaska
The drive from Anchorage to Palmer takes about 45 minutes along the highway. It’s a simple route without much to see along the way, but once you arrive, you’ll find yourself at the gateway to some incredible adventures.
I’ll admit, my first impressions of Palmer weren’t anything special. The town itself looks pretty unassuming, and it’s easy to see why some travelers pass it by. But once I settled in and started exploring, I quickly realized Palmer has so much to offer. Between kayaking tours with glacier views, scenic hikes, and breweries with plenty of local flavor, it’s a town that really surprised me in the best way.
The only downside? The hotel scene here is limited. Most of the nicer options book up quickly, and the place I ended up with was right on the main road, which wasn’t exactly peaceful. Next time, I’d skip the in-town hotels altogether and stay at BlueWater BaseCamp, which is only 30 minutes away. The chalets there offer privacy, comfort, and that “true Alaska” feel that I wished I’d had while staying in Palmer itself.
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
After making the easy drive from Anchorage, you’ll quickly see that Palmer isn’t a place where you need to rush. The best way to start your trip is by spending your first evening enjoying the town’s food scene and soaking in its laid-back charm.
Your first evening in Palmer is the perfect chance to slow down and ease into small-town Alaska. No matter where you’re staying, whether it’s in town or at BlueWater BaseCamp nearby, you’ll want to head into downtown Palmer for dinner at Turkey Red. This cozy restaurant focuses on fresh, local ingredients, serving dishes that are both comforting and elevated. We tried the scallops, steak, and rockfish, and every bite was outstanding.
After dinner, head to Big Dipper Homemade Ice Cream for dessert. It’s a local favorite with so many flavor options that choosing just one feels impossible. Grabbing a cone here is the perfect way to cap off your first night in Palmer before resting up for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Kayaking with Adventures by True North
Start your morning surrounded by nature on this half-day kayaking tour. I’ve done several, but this half-day paddle with Adventures by True North easily stood out as one of the best.
The scenery alone is worth it. We started in the morning on Jim Lake, where the water was completely still, reflecting the mountains so perfectly it looked like a mirror. From there, we paddled slowly toward the Knik River, taking our time to chat with our guide, watch for wildlife, and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
The staff made the experience even better. They had everything you could ever need for a day on the water: gloves, hand warmers, snacks, drinks - you name it! Beyond that, they were incredibly knowledgeable about both the local area and kayaking itself, which made the tour feel professional but also relaxed and fun.
The kayaks were lightweight, which came in handy when we had to carry them into the next body of water that feeds into the Knik River. Once we reached the river itself, things got more interesting. The Knik River is braided, so the water runs low in some areas. Sometimes we’d get out and walk our kayaks, other times we’d lift ourselves over shallow sandy spots. Instead of being frustrating, it was actually fun and added to the adventure.
The highlight came when we rounded a bend and suddenly the Knik Glacier appeared in the distance. I wasn’t expecting it, and the view took my breath away. With fog rolling in from the ocean in the opposite direction, the entire scene felt surreal, almost dreamlike.
This tour is the perfect mix of peaceful paddling and unexpected adventure, and it set the tone for the rest of my time in Palmer. I recommend booking the morning tour, which starts around 9am, but they also offer an afternoon tour.
Day 3: Hiking and Brewery Tour with Revel Treks + Tours
Spend part of your third day in Palmer on a guided hike and brewery tour. I absolutely loved this tour, and the combination of experiencing the outdoors followed by a cold beer couldn’t have been better.
Visiting Hatcher Pass was high on my Alaska bucket list. I didn’t have time on my first trip in 2024, so when our guide gave us a few trail options for the day, my ears immediately perked up. We ended up choosing the Gold Cord Trail at Independence Mine, and it was everything I had hoped for and more!
The drive to the trailhead is scenic in itself. We pulled over a couple of times to snap photos and passed the iconic little red cabins of Hatcher Pass. Spoiler alert: they’re even more beautiful in person.
Gold Cord is a short, family-friendly trail at just 1.8 miles out and back, with a gentle incline at the end. It’s the kind of trail that almost anyone can enjoy, and the payoff is huge. At the top, there’s a glacier lake surrounded by mountains, and the views are absolutely stunning.
This was my first time doing a guided hike, and I’ll admit I was a little nervous that it might feel awkward. Instead, it ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the trip. Our guide, Kierre, the owner of Revel Treks + Tours, was hands down the best guide I’ve ever had. She has a way of making you feel less like you’re on a tour and more like a friend is showing you their favorite trail, sharing stories and local knowledge along the way. I can’t recommend her tours enough. Her company also offers farm tours and even multi-day hiking trips if you’re looking for something longer.
After the hike, we headed back to Palmer for a private brewery tour at Bleeding Heart Brewery. I’d never learned much about the beer-making process before, so it was eye-opening to hear about it from start to finish. Their team is constantly experimenting with new flavors, and they’re even dabbling in wine and mead now. My favorite pour of the day was their flagship Amber, aptly named Mass Appeal, and it definitely lived up to the name.
Day 4: Paddleboarding on Knik Glacier + Moonstone Tasting Room
We saved the biggest adventure for last: paddleboarding on Knik Glacier with Outbound Heli Adventures. This tour is truly a bucket-list experience. You’ll start by gearing up in a heavy-duty dry suit, then take a helicopter ride that drops you right onto the glacier, where paddleboards are waiting.
Once on the water, the scale of the glacier hits you. I felt like I’d stepped onto another planet, the dry suits felt like moon suits, and paddling through the crevasses was both surreal and humbling. Even though I’m usually comfortable on a paddleboard, I didn’t feel steady enough to stand on this tour, so I paddled on my knees and even sat down for a bit when my knees needed a break. It didn’t take away from the experience at all; if anything, it made it easier to focus on the scenery and take it all in.
We explored winding blue channels, peeked into crevasses, and heard the glacier crack and groan around us. At the end, we paused to sip hot chocolate right on the ice, a simple touch that made the whole thing feel even more magical. Seeing Knik Glacier up close from the water is something I’ll never forget, and I can confidently say it was worth every penny. If you’re looking for something a little less adventurous, you can opt for their 90-minute sightseeing helicopter tour for stunning views from the sky.
After the tour, we swapped adrenaline for serenity at Moonstone Tasting Room, one of Palmer’s hidden gems. This spot was recommended by our guide, Kierre from Revel Treks + Tours, and it did not disappoint. The tasting room is inside a historic Alaska Railroad car with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the atmosphere is cozy yet unique. You can order local beer or wine from the counter inside, then take your glass to one of the tables in the railcar or out to the patio overlooking the farm with mountains in the distance.
We ordered a fresh, handmade pizza from the food truck parked out front and paired it with local pours. Sitting on the patio with views of the farm, pizza in hand and a glass of wine nearby, was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Palmer. It was so peaceful I could’ve stayed there for hours.
Additional Things to Do in Palmer
Four days in Palmer is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the area, but if you have more time or want to swap in different activities, there are plenty of other things to do in the area.
Explore Matanuska Glacier: Just about an hour from Palmer, this is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. You can walk right on it with a guided tour and take in the icy blue crevasses up close.
Hatcher Pass Adventures: If you love the sound of Gold Cord Trail, there are several other trails to explore, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The mountain views here are some of the best in Alaska.
Farm Tours: Palmer is known as Alaska’s farming capital. Local tour operators (like Revel Treks + Tours) offer farm visits where you can learn about the area’s agricultural roots.
Local Breweries and Taprooms: Beyond Bleeding Heart, you can also check out Matanuska Brewing and Palmer Alehouse. Both are great spots to relax with a pint and enjoy the community vibe. We visited both and really enjoyed our time at all three!
Before visiting, I’d been told more than once that Palmer was skippable. But after spending time here, I can confidently say the opposite. And, it ended up being one of my favorite towns in Alaska. Between glacier adventures, scenic hikes, cozy breweries, and hidden gems like Moonstone Tasting Room and Big Dipper Ice Cream, Palmer is full of character and experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.
What I loved most was the balance: Palmer feels small and unassuming, but it’s surrounded by some of the best outdoor access in Southcentral Alaska. Pair that with its growing food and drink scene, and you’ve got a destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary.
If you’re planning your own trip, I recommend basing yourself at BlueWater BaseCamp near Eklutna Lake for a comfortable and unique stay within easy reach of Palmer and Anchorage. Then, use this itinerary to slow down and really experience what makes this area special.
And if you’re looking for more ideas to round out your Alaska adventure, check out my guides to Bear Viewing at Lake Clark National Park from Anchorage, everything you need to know about Exploring Matanuska Glacier, and Things to Do in Downtown Anchorage. Together, they’ll help you plan the perfect Southcentral Alaska trip.
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!