Sunset at Beluga Point
1 / 10

Beluga Point Anchorage

4.7
·3k reviews·Anchorage, United States

A scenic turnout on Turnagain Arm, famous for beluga whale sightings and stunning mountain vistas. Free and easily accessible from Anchorage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-July to August, high tide

Best chance for whale sightings

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Sunset at Beluga Point

Beluga Point Anchorage

Best Time

Mid-July to August, high tide

Best chance for whale sightings

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic turnout on Turnagain Arm, famous for beluga whale sightings and stunning mountain vistas. Free and easily accessible from Anchorage.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Such a beautiful stop along Seward Highway! The views are breathtaking and there are places to walk along the rocks and near the water."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Time Your Visit for Whales

Visit during high tide in summer (mid-July to August) for the best chance to see beluga whales. :whale:

👟 Be Prepared for Terrain

Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the beach and near train tracks. Be mindful of steep inclines. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Beluga Whale Watching

Beluga Whale Watching

Turnagain Arm

Keep an eye out for these elusive white whales, especially during high tide in summer months.

TikTokInstagram
Stunning Turnagain Arm Vistas

Stunning Turnagain Arm Vistas

Overlook

Breathtaking views of the mountains across the water, offering incredible photo opportunities.

Instagram+1
Wildlife Spotting (Beyond Belugas)

Wildlife Spotting (Beyond Belugas)

Cliffs near the overlook

Occasionally, you might spot mountain goats or sheep on the surrounding cliffs.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Whale Sightings

Beluga whales are most frequently spotted in Turnagain Arm from mid-July through August, coinciding with salmon runs. Visiting during high tide can increase your chances of seeing them close to shore. Instagram+1

Accessibility and Terrain

While Beluga Point offers paved parking and interpretive signs, exploring the beach and surrounding areas involves crossing train tracks and navigating potentially steep inclines. Reddit+1 This may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Best Times

When
Mid-July to August, high tide
Why
Best chance for whale sightings
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour for stunning views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Be a HERO 👏 The @corofishingboys happened upon + rescued this beached beluga whale in Alaska #gopro #belugawhale #feelgood #animalrescue #pov
@gopro
109.7K likes • 1.6M views

🎯 Time Your Visit for Whales

Visit during high tide in summer (mid-July to August) for the best chance to see beluga whales. Instagram+1 :whale:

👟 Be Prepared for Terrain

Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the beach and near train tracks. Be mindful of steep inclines. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

oh man want 5 more?! #belugawhales #wildlifeconservation #belugasighting #babybeluga #anchoragealaska #travelalaska #alaskawildlife #visitanchorage #fyp #endangeredspecies
@cookinletbelugas
1.5K likes • 13.7K views
Want to see Beluga whales in Alaska? Check out this overlook ⬇️ 📌 Save for future planning! 📍Beluga Point • 20 minute drive from downtown Anchorage • Views of the Turnagain Arm • There is a chance to see Beluga whales! Belugas are frequently seen from mid-July through August when salmon are swimming in the Cook Inlet - be sure to keep your eyes out! • You can also sometimes view surfers catchin...
travelingbitners
163 likes • 6K views

📸 Capture the Scenery

This spot is a photographer's dream, perfect for selfies, engagement, and landscape shots. Instagram+1 :camerawithflash:

🚗 Easy Access from Anchorage

Just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, making it a convenient stop. Instagram+1 :car:

Beluga Point, Alaska. #Anchorage #Alaska #belugapoint #nature #drone #travel #travelgram #instagram #alaskatravel #visitanchorage #visitalaska #travelalaska #traveltheusa
irving_viveros
63 likes • 756 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Time Your Visit for Whales

Visit during high tide in summer (mid-July to August) for the best chance to see beluga whales. Instagram+1 :whale:

👟 Be Prepared for Terrain

Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the beach and near train tracks. Be mindful of steep inclines. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Scenery

This spot is a photographer's dream, perfect for selfies, engagement, and landscape shots. Instagram+1 :camerawithflash:

🚗 Easy Access from Anchorage

Just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, making it a convenient stop. Instagram+1 :car:

🌬️ Dress for the Weather

Conditions can change quickly; expect wind and potentially even snow, even in summer. Instagram :cloud:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning scenic views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding mountains, calling it a must-stop along the Seward Highway. The potential to spot beluga whales, especially during high tide in summer, is a major highlight. While the natural beauty is consistently praised, some note the terrain can be challenging for small children and that facilities like restrooms are absent.

"Stopped at Beluga Point, great views of the mountain range across the water. Behind you can sometimes see sheep/goats (we did not). Good spot for some selfies too. It is a pull off paved parking spot and we stopped during the week so it was not busy."

Jon Harrison

"Neat pull off on the Seward highway. Occasionally you can see marine wildlife in the turnagain arm or goats on the cliffs of the mountains. It offers great views of the mountains. You will need to walk around and go across the train tracks to get the better views. There are steep inclines so it isn’t entirely safe for small children. The views are vastly different from summer to winter."

Michael

"This is a free pull off the side of the road point of interest on Seward Highway at mile 110. This is definitely worth the stop. Great photo and video opportunities here. Tho we weren't lucky enough to spot a bugula whale, the vista is stunningly beautiful. We stopped on a cold and cloudy Tuesday afternoon. The wind was fairly strong. We spent a good 15 minutes here. Plenty of parking. There are no restrooms or permanent buildings here."

John Hannan

What People Like

Breathtaking scenic views
Beluga whale sightings
Easy access from Anchorage

What People Dislike

Steep terrain
No restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Beluga Point is conveniently located about 20 minutes south of downtown Anchorage along the Seward Highway (AK-1 S). It's a popular pull-off with paved parking, easily accessible by car. Instagram+1 Many visitors drive themselves, and it's a common stop on scenic drives along Turnagain Arm. TikTok

Public transportation options directly to Beluga Point are limited. The most common way to visit is by personal vehicle or rental car. TikTok Some guided tours of Anchorage may include a stop here. Instagram

The Seward Highway (AK-1 S) is the primary route. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, offering stunning views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding mountains. TikTokInstagram

Beluga Point is approximately a 20-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), making it an easy stop upon arrival or before departure. Instagram

No, Beluga Point is a free overlook with paved parking available. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Beluga Point is a public scenic overlook and does not require any tickets or admission fees. It's a free stop for visitors. Instagram

Beluga Point is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor scenic viewpoint. However, whale watching is best during daylight hours, especially during high tide in the summer. Instagram+1

There is no entrance fee to visit Beluga Point. It's a free roadside attraction. Instagram

Yes, you can visit Beluga Point in the winter, but the scenery and experience will be vastly different. Whale sightings are unlikely, but the snow-covered landscapes can be beautiful. Instagram+1

There are no permanent buildings or restrooms at Beluga Point. Visitors should plan accordingly and use facilities before or after their visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset offers stunning light for photography. Instagram Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, allowing for more unobstructed shots. Reddit

You can capture breathtaking landscape shots of Turnagain Arm and the mountains, wildlife (if you're lucky!), and even portraits. It's a popular spot for senior photos, engagements, and family portraits. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery. If you're hoping to photograph whales or distant wildlife, a telephoto lens would be beneficial. TikTokInstagram

The main overlook provides excellent views. For different perspectives, you can carefully walk along the beach or near the train tracks, but always prioritize safety. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check current FAA guidelines and local advisories before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

🎫 🐋 Wildlife

The prime season for spotting beluga whales in Turnagain Arm is typically from mid-July through August, when salmon are running. Instagram Visiting during high tide can also increase your chances of seeing them closer to shore. Instagram

While you can see beluga whales from the shore at Beluga Point, it's important to maintain a safe and respectful distance. Never attempt to approach or feed them. TikTok

Besides beluga whales, keep an eye on the cliffs for mountain goats and sheep. Reddit Birdwatching is also popular in the area. Instagram

Even if you don't spot whales, the stunning scenery of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding mountains is well worth the visit. Reddit The area offers beautiful views year-round. Instagram

Yes, there are organizations working on beluga whale conservation in Alaska. Some local groups are dedicated to protecting these marine mammals and their habitats. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Beluga Point offers a unique opportunity for families to experience Alaskan wildlife. While the main overlook is accessible, exploring the beach area requires caution due to train tracks and steep terrain, which might be challenging for very young children. Reddit Visiting during high tide in summer offers the best chance for kids to spot beluga whales, creating an unforgettable educational moment. Instagram Pack snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Beluga Point is a fantastic free attraction for budget-conscious travelers. The scenic drive to the point is spectacular, and the opportunity to see wildlife without any cost is a major draw. Instagram Pack a picnic to enjoy the views without spending money on dining out. Reddit The main expense would be transportation to get there, making it an ideal stop for those exploring Alaska on a budget. TikTok

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Beluga Point a treasure trove of visual opportunities. The dramatic landscapes of Turnagain Arm, the potential for wildlife sightings, and the changing light conditions offer endless possibilities. Instagram+1 Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Instagram While the main overlook is great, exploring the beach and surrounding areas (safely!) can yield unique perspectives. Reddit Bring a variety of lenses, from wide-angle for landscapes to telephoto for wildlife. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Beluga Whale Watching

Beluga Point is renowned for its potential to spot beluga whales, a truly unique Alaskan experience. These intelligent, all-white marine mammals are often seen in the waters of Turnagain Arm, particularly during the summer months when salmon, their primary food source, are abundant. TikTokInstagram The best time to visit for whale sightings is generally from mid-July through August. Visiting during high tide can significantly increase your chances of seeing them closer to shore, as they follow the incoming water. Instagram While sightings are not guaranteed, the thrill of spotting these creatures in their natural habitat makes the visit memorable. TikTok

Remember that these are wild animals, and it's crucial to observe them from a respectful distance. Never attempt to approach or feed the whales. TikTok Even if you don't see any belugas, the dramatic scenery of Turnagain Arm, with its towering mountains and tidal bore, provides a spectacular backdrop. Reddit The area is also known for its potential to spot mountain goats on the steep cliffs, adding another layer of wildlife viewing opportunities. Reddit

Navigating the Turnagain Arm Scenery

The drive along the Seward Highway to Beluga Point is an attraction in itself. This route is consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the United States, offering dramatic vistas of the Chugach Mountains and the expansive Turnagain Arm. TikTokInstagram The landscape changes dramatically with the tides, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving panorama. Instagram Beluga Point itself provides a fantastic vantage point to soak in these views, with interpretive signs offering insights into the area's natural history and geology. Reddit

Beyond the main overlook, visitors can explore the beach area, though caution is advised due to the presence of train tracks and potentially steep inclines. Reddit The contrast between the rugged mountains, the vast water, and the occasional train passing by creates a unique photographic environment. TikTok Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just looking for a memorable selfie spot, Beluga Point offers ample opportunities to capture the essence of Alaska's wild beauty. Instagram+1

You may also like