Things to do nearBird Point

Bird Point sits roughly 25 miles south of Anchorage along one of North America's most scenic drives, the Seward Highway. The pullout and viewing platform here have long drawn travelers making the run between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, and for good reason: the vista encompasses a full sweep of Turnagain Arm, a body of water Captain James Cook famously explored in 1778 while searching for the Northwest Passage.

The tidal bore that funnels through Turnagain Arm is among the largest in the United States. As the tide shifts, a visible wave builds and rolls up the inlet, sometimes reaching a foot or more in height. The phenomenon draws photographers and curious onlookers who time their visits using tide tables available at local visitor centers.

Wildlife is a constant presence at Bird Point. Beluga whales follow salmon and eulachon runs into the arm, and sightings from the platform are common in summer. Bald eagles perch on snags above the beach, and Dall sheep occasionally pick their way across the cliffs on the opposite shore. The surrounding landscape connects to Chugach State Park, one of the largest state parks in the country.

For those continuing south, nearby Bird Glacier offers a striking side trip into the mountains. Bird Point itself requires no fee or permit, making it an accessible and rewarding stop for anyone traveling Alaska's southern road corridor.