9 Things to Do in Anchorage in Summer: My Personal Guide
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Visiting Anchorage in the summer is absolutely incredibly, especially if you live in a very warm state, like I do. My visit to Anchorage was nothing short of incredible, with countless things to so in do. There are some many things to do in Anchorage, and I cannot wait to share all of my personal experiences and tips from my trip summer trip to Anchorage, Alaska.
Now, let’s dive in!
Introduction: Things to do in Anchorage in Summer
With endless daylight in the Summer, Anchorage comes alive during the summer. With countless outdoor activities, cultural events, and activities, there are so many things to do in Anchorage in the summer. Whether this is your first time to Anchorage, or you are a frequent visitor, Anchorage always has something to do for everyone. In this guide I will share of the most amazing things to do in Anchorage in the summer, tips for your visit, and basically anything and everything you need to know about what to plan for your trip to Anchorage.
1. Hike Flattop Mountain
If you love to hike and enjoy the outdoors like me, then a hike to Flattop Mountain needs to be on your list of things to do in Anchorage. This 2.8-mile loop is one of the most popular trails just outside of Anchorage, and can be a bit challenging, but the views are more than worth it. If you are lucky and it’s a clear day, you can get a glimpse of Denali in all of her glory.
2. Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
One of my favorite things to do when I travel to a new city is to do a bike ride. Whether it’s a bike tour or you rent a bike and venture out on your own, it’s a great way to explore a new city, get some exercise in, and just enjoy the outdoors.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile trail where you will see amazing nature views and maybe even catch a moose walking by or a bald eagle flying overhead. This trail is a perfect way to explore some of Alaska’s nature beauty and see some amazing landscapes.
3. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center
If you are looking to learn more about Alaska’s history and culture, then you absolutely must add a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Here you can take a trip through 10,000 years of culture, history, dance, and exhibits.
Visiting this center is extremely educational and I learned so much after visiting. Their traditional dances and storytelling gave me such an enlightening understanding of the indigenous Alaska history and culture.
4. Explore the Anchorage Market & Festival
Whether you’re shopping for art & photography, apparel, fresh produce, exotic goods from around the world, or Alaskan souvenirs, you’ll find it at the Anchorage Market. The Anchorage Market is located in the heart of Downtown Anchorage (3rd Ave and E street) and is Alaska’s leading outdoor market. It consists of up to100 vendors and is a great place to bring family, friends and visiting tourists. It offers free and lively entertainment, great food, and a fun and safe atmosphere!
They only thing we bought at this market was some fresh fruits that we ate while we walked around. But, just checking out local vendors, and walking around, was just a nice and fun thing to do in Anchorage in the summer.
5. Discover the Alaska Botanical Garden
In my opinion, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Anchorage is the Alaska Botanical Gardens. These gardens are 110 acres, or half mile loop, and are home to hundreds of plants and flowers, are incredibly vibrant.
During my visit to these gardens, I felt a sense of peace and serenity. We walked through these tranquil gardens and just took in all of the beauty and amazing smells. IT’s important to note that these gardens are 100% outside, there are no greenhouses, and it’s actually open year-round. Though they do cover all of the plants in the winter.
If you are looking for a serene place to visit, then Alaska Botanical Garden’s is the place for you. Bonus: it’s free admission!!
6. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is home to dozens off animals including moose, bison, eagles, wolves, and beers. This conservation center is Alaska’s most visited attraction, and after my trip there, I know why! The purpose of this sanctuary is to protect Alaska’s wildlife through conservation and education.
This stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center was incredible educational, and you could hear and see the passion in the ranger’s eyes and voice when they talked about the animals, and the research going on to preserve them. This was one of my favorite things we did in Anchorage, and I highly recommend you add it to your Anchorage itinerary as well!
7. Explore Kincaid Park
Another great option to add to your itinerary, if you love the outdoors, is a visit to Kincaid Park. This 1500-acre park is the perfect spot for a hike or a bike ride. This trail offers lots of wildlife viewing opportunities, but we didn’t see any animal on our hike.
IF you love the outdoors and are looking for something free to do in Anchorage, then make sure you add Kincaid Park to your list, and enjoy everything this park has to offer.
8. Visit the Anchorage Museum
If you are into history, art, and science, and like interactive museums, then the Anchorage Museum is a great option for something to do in Anchorage in the summer. You will learn everything about Alaska culture and culture through interactive exhibits.
When I visited, I found this to be an amazing experience that allowed me to see and hear all about Alaska’s history and culture. My favorite part of the museum, the interactive exhibits. I love touching, and feeling, and learning and interacting with exhibits. These are not just for kids!
9. Take a Flightseeing Tour
If stunning views are what you are interested in, and you aren’t afraid of flights, then a must-do in my opinion in Anchorage is a helicopter ride. This ride gives you amazing views of Alaska’s landscape, glaciers, mountains, wildlife, all from the sky.
One of the best helicopter rides that I have done actually stops on a glacier and allows you to get out and explore on foot. What better way to see a glacier than land on one and walk on it!
Conclusion: Things to do in Anchorage
When planning your visit to Alaska, there are so any things to do in Anchorage in summer. Whether you want to explore outdoor activities like Flattop Moutain, of a bike ride on the Knowles Trail, there is something for everyone in Anchorage. Museums, cultural events, and conservation centers make Alaska historic and cultural. This city is full of fun and education things to do. I hope this guide has helped inspire you and helped create your Alaska itinerary for things to do in Anchorage and will make your trip even better. Anchorage is a true gem, and I would love to hear what your favorite things to do are, and your thoughts on any of these places if you visit them!