Glaciers, moose sightings, and mountain views meet city comforts in this one-of-a-kind Alaskan destination. Anchorage stands out as the perfect gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and cultural explorers looking to experience the best of the Last Frontier. With daylight stretching well into the night during summer and stunning auroras lighting up the winter sky, each season offers its own unforgettable charm. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, exploring native heritage, or enjoying fresh-caught seafood, the variety of experiences will surprise you. This guide reveals the best things to do in Anchorage, making it easier to plan your adventure-packed trip.
Embark on a Glacier Cruise in Prince William Sound
Navigating the icy waters of Prince William Sound offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Alaska’s pristine beauty. Departing from Whittier, the renowned 26 Glacier Cruise by Phillips Cruises & Tours takes you on a 5.25-hour journey through glacier-carved fjords, showcasing towering glaciers and abundant marine wildlife . As you glide past massive tidewater glaciers, keep an eye out for seals lounging on icebergs and sea otters playing in the water. The cruise also provides views of nesting seabirds and the occasional whale breach. With onboard narration, passengers gain insights into the region’s geology and ecology, making it both an educational and awe-inspiring experience. The vessel’s comfortable seating and panoramic windows ensure that you won’t miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery. This glacier cruise is a must-do for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Alaska’s natural wonders.
Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Traversing the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers cyclists a scenic route from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. This paved path winds along the Cook Inlet shoreline, providing panoramic views of the Alaska Range and, on clear days, Denali. Along the way, riders pass through wooded areas, open marshlands, and coastal bluffs, with opportunities to spot moose, bald eagles, and beluga whales . The trail’s gentle terrain makes it suitable for all skill levels, and bike rentals are readily available in the city. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride or a vigorous workout, this trail offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Delving into Alaska’s rich indigenous cultures is best experienced at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. This cultural institution represents all 11 of Alaska’s major Native groups, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of their traditions, languages, and histories . Interactive exhibits, traditional dance performances, and storytelling sessions provide immersive experiences. Outside, life-sized replicas of Native dwellings from various regions showcase architectural diversity and adaptation to different environments. The center also hosts workshops where artisans demonstrate crafts like carving and beadwork. For those interested in indigenous cultures, this center serves as both an educational resource and a celebration of Alaska’s Native heritage.
Explore the Anchorage Museum
Anchorage Museum stands as a beacon of art, history, and science in Alaska’s largest city. Its diverse exhibits range from contemporary art installations to historical artifacts detailing Alaska’s past. The museum’s Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center offers insights into indigenous cultures through a vast collection of Native artifacts. Interactive science exhibits engage visitors of all ages, making it a family-friendly destination. Temporary exhibitions often feature works by Alaskan artists, providing a platform for local creativity. With its comprehensive approach to storytelling, the Anchorage Museum offers a multifaceted perspective on the state’s identity and evolution.
Experience the Fur Rendezvous Festival
Celebrating Anchorage’s pioneering spirit, the Fur Rendezvous Festival, affectionately known as “Fur Rondy,” is a winter tradition dating back to 1935. Held annually in late February, the festival features a myriad of events, from the World Championship Sled Dog Races to the Running of the Reindeer . Attendees can enjoy snow sculpture competitions, a vibrant carnival, and a grand parade showcasing local culture. The festival also hosts a fur auction, nodding to its origins when trappers would gather to sell their pelts. With its blend of traditional and contemporary events, Fur Rondy offers a unique glimpse into Alaskan life and community spirit during the winter months.
Ride the Alaska Railroad to Spencer Glacier
Embarking on the Glacier Discovery Train from Anchorage provides a scenic journey through Alaska’s wilderness, culminating at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Accessible only by rail, this remote location offers visitors a chance to hike a 1.3-mile trail leading to panoramic views of the glacier . For a more adventurous experience, guided rafting trips navigate the Placer River, weaving among icebergs calved from the glacier. The train ride itself offers breathtaking vistas of mountains, rivers, and forests, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. This excursion combines the charm of rail travel with the allure of Alaska’s natural beauty, making it a memorable day trip for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Watch the Bore Tide at Turnagain Arm
Observing the bore tide in Turnagain Arm is a natural spectacle unique to this region. Occurring during extreme tidal shifts, this phenomenon creates a wave that can reach up to 6 feet in height, traveling at speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour . Bird Point, located along the Seward Highway, offers one of the best vantage points to witness this event. Timing is crucial, as the bore tide aligns with specific lunar cycles and tidal conditions. For thrill-seekers, some even surf the wave as it rolls in. Whether you’re an avid nature observer or a casual traveler, experiencing the bore tide provides a glimpse into the dynamic forces shaping Alaska’s coastal landscapes.
Hike Flattop Mountain Trail
Ascending Flattop Mountain offers hikers panoramic views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and, on clear days, Denali. Located just a short drive from the city, this 3-mile round-trip trail gains approximately 1,500 feet in elevation, making it a moderately challenging hike . The well-maintained path includes wooden steps and rocky sections, requiring careful footing near the summit. Despite the effort, the reward is a 360-degree vista that captures the essence of Alaska’s diverse landscapes. For those seeking a shorter trek, the Blueberry Loop offers a gentler alternative with scenic overlooks. Flattop’s accessibility and stunning views make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Go Bear Viewing in Lake Clark National Park
Venturing into Lake Clark National Park provides unparalleled opportunities to observe brown bears in their natural habitat. Accessible via floatplane from Anchorage, areas like Chinitna Bay are renowned for bear viewing, especially during salmon runs when bears congregate along the shores . Guided tours ensure safety and offer insights into bear behavior and ecology. The park’s pristine landscapes, encompassing mountains, rivers, and coastlines, serve as a backdrop to this wildlife experience. Witnessing these majestic creatures up close, in such a remote and untouched setting, is a highlight for many travelers seeking authentic Alaskan adventures.
Enjoy the Midnight Sun at Kincaid Park
Experiencing the midnight sun at Kincaid Park offers a unique opportunity to enjoy extended daylight hours in Anchorage. During summer solstice, the sun barely dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the park’s trails and forests. Visitors can engage in late-evening hikes, bike rides, or simply relax while watching the sun hover near the horizon. The park’s elevated viewpoints provide panoramic vistas of the Cook Inlet and, occasionally, glimpses of Mount Susitna. This natural phenomenon not only extends recreational opportunities but also offers a surreal and memorable experience unique to Alaska’s high latitudes.
Attend the Summer Solstice Festival
Celebrating the longest day of the year, Anchorage’s Summer Solstice Festival is a vibrant event filled with music, food, and cultural activities. Held in downtown Anchorage, the festival features live performances, art displays, and family-friendly games, all under the extended daylight of the midnight sun . Local vendors offer a variety of Alaskan cuisines and crafts, providing a taste of the state’s diverse culture. The festival also includes outdoor yoga sessions, dance performances, and interactive workshops. This annual celebration not only marks a significant astronomical event but also showcases the community’s spirit and the unique lifestyle of Alaskans during the summer months.
Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) offers visitors a chance to observe native animals in spacious, natural habitats. Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, the 140-acre sanctuary is home to bears, moose, bison, wolves, and more . Educational programs and interpretive displays provide insights into the animals’ behaviors and the center’s conservation efforts. Walking and driving tours allow for flexible exploration of the grounds. For wildlife enthusiasts and families alike, AWCC offers an engaging and informative experience, highlighting the importance of protecting Alaska’s diverse fauna.
Explore Earthquake Park
Tucked into the wooded western edge of Anchorage, Earthquake Park tells the powerful story of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake—still the most powerful quake recorded in North American history. Visitors walking the paved trails through this peaceful setting can observe subtle land shifts, fallen trees, and interpretive signs that detail the seismic event’s devastation. The park overlooks the Cook Inlet, offering sweeping views of the water and Alaska Range on clear days. Beyond the scenery, the park serves as a poignant reminder of Anchorage’s resilience and geological volatility. Informational plaques help contextualize the landforms, explaining how massive ground failure reshaped the area. It’s a quiet, reflective space that blends natural beauty with historical insight, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Alaska’s geologic past. Wildlife sightings are common, and its proximity to downtown makes it an easily accessible stop for those seeking a peaceful walk with a deeper narrative layered into the landscape.
Fish at Ship Creek
Catching a wild salmon within city limits is rare in the U.S., but Anchorage makes it possible at Ship Creek. Flowing right through downtown, this urban fishery becomes a hotspot each summer during king and silver salmon runs. Locals and tourists gather along the creek’s banks with gear in hand, creating a vibrant, community-driven fishing scene. Permits are easy to obtain, and rental shops nearby offer rods, bait, and waders for all skill levels. Raised platforms make access easy, and knowledgeable staff from bait shops are often happy to offer tips. In late June, the annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby draws anglers hoping to land prize-worthy catches. The downtown location also means you can fish in the morning and enjoy local food trucks or a nearby brewery by afternoon. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, Ship Creek delivers an authentic Alaskan fishing experience right in the heart of the city.
Take a Seaplane Tour from Lake Hood
Anchorage is home to the world’s busiest seaplane base—Lake Hood—where hundreds of floatplanes take off and land daily, connecting remote corners of the state. Booking a scenic flight from here offers unmatched aerial views of Alaska’s untamed wilderness. Tour operators provide various flightseeing packages, from glacier flyovers to wildlife spotting in backcountry lakes. Within minutes, you’re soaring above snowcapped peaks, turquoise glacial pools, and sprawling tundra inaccessible by road. Pilots often narrate the journey, pointing out key landmarks and natural features while adjusting the flight path based on visibility and weather. Some tours even include glacier landings or remote lake stops. The experience is both thrilling and serene, offering a true sense of Alaska’s scale and raw beauty. For photographers and adventure seekers alike, a floatplane ride from Lake Hood is an unforgettable highlight that turns sightseeing into something spectacular and personal, far beyond a simple tourist excursion.