Things to Do in Anchorage: Your Ultimate Guide
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Hello, fellow travelers! If you’re anything like me, the allure of Alaska’s rugged landscapes and rich cultural tapestry calls to your adventurous spirit. Having spent considerable time in Anchorage, I’ve come to appreciate its unique blend of urban amenities and natural wonders. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, allow me to share some of my favorite experiences that truly capture the essence of this remarkable city.
Introduction
Anchorage, the “Gateway to Alaska,” blends city convenience with stunning wilderness. Surrounded by Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, it offers endless adventures for thrill-seekers and culture lovers alike. In this guide, I’ll share top things to do in Anchorage, along with insights from my own experiences.
1. Explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
One of my earliest and most cherished memories in Anchorage is walking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This scenic 11-mile paved trail runs from Kincaid Park to downtown, following the edge of Cook Inlet. Perfect for biking, walking, or capturing nature’s beauty, it offers incredible views and a chance to spot wildlife along the way.
What Makes It Special?
Unmatched Scenery: The trail provides stunning panoramic views of Cook Inlet, Denali (on a clear day), and the Chugach Mountains.
Wildlife Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bald eagles, and even beluga whales swimming in the inlet.
Seasonal Beauty: Visit in summer for lush greenery and long daylight hours, or in fall for golden foliage. In winter, the trail transforms into a snowy wonderland, ideal for cross-country skiing.
Best Stops Along the Trail:
Westchester Lagoon – A peaceful spot for birdwatching and a great place to stop for a break.
Earthquake Park – A fascinating look at the devastating 1964 Good Friday earthquake, where interpretive signs tell the story of how Anchorage’s coastline dramatically changed.
Point Woronzof – One of the best spots to watch planes take off and land at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, with epic views of the inlet and mountains.
Pro Tip: Rent a bike from one of the local shops and embark on a leisurely ride. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels.
2. Discover Alaskan History at the Anchorage Museum
On a rainy day in Anchorage, we decided to escape the drizzle and visit the Anchorage Museum. It was one of the best choices I made. More than just a place to stay dry, this museum is a must-see, offering a deep dive into Alaska’s culture, history, and art.
Why Visit?
Alaska’s Unique History: From the Gold Rush and early explorers to modern-day climate science, the museum covers a broad spectrum of Alaskan history in engaging ways.
Indigenous Culture: The museum is home to the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, which houses over 600 Native Alaskan artifacts, including intricate beadwork, traditional clothing, and hunting tools.
Hands-On Science & Exploration: The Discovery Center is a great stop for kids and curious minds, featuring interactive exhibits on the Northern Lights, glaciers, and space weather.
Don’t Miss: The “Living Our Cultures” Exhibit: This permanent exhibit showcases stories, art, and artifacts from Alaska’s Native communities, offering a deep, personal look at the traditions and resilience
3. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center
One of the most enriching and eye-opening experiences I had in Anchorage was visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Unlike a traditional museum, this center offers a fully immersive experience, where you can learn firsthand about Alaska’s Indigenous cultures through storytelling, dance, crafts, and reconstructed village sites.
What Makes It Special?
The center highlights Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups, showcasing their unique traditions, languages, and ways of life. Walking through the exhibits, I gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of Alaska’s Native peoples, who have thrived in some of the harshest environments on Earth for thousands of years.
Things You Can Experience:
Cultural Performances: One of the best experiences here is watching Native Alaskan dancers bring history to life through rhythmic movements and drumming. As I watched, I felt deeply connected to their stories—it’s truly powerful and moving.
Guided Tours & Storytelling: Expert guides, many of Native Alaskan descent, lead tours through full-scale village exhibits. Walking through an Iñupiat whaling camp or an Athabascan fish camp makes history feel real.
Hands-On Activities: For a more immersive experience, try crafting Native artwork. Skilled Indigenous artisans teach beadwork, carvings, and basket weaving, making it a hands-on way to connect with the culture.
Local Insight: Make time for a Q&A session with Native Elders—it’s a rare chance to hear stories, wisdom, and personal histories passed down through generations.
4. Experience Wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
A short, scenic drive from Anchorage along the Seward Highway brings you to one of my favorite spots—the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). This 200-acre sanctuary provides a safe, natural habitat for orphaned and injured animals, giving visitors an up-close look at Alaska’s most famous wildlife.
As someone who loves seeing animals in their natural environment, I was thrilled to observe bears, moose, wood bison, and eagles from just a few feet away. The best part? Many of these animals have been rescued, rehabilitated, and, in some cases, released back into the wild.
Wildlife You’ll See:
Wood Bison: This rare, once-extinct species has been successfully reintroduced into Alaska, thanks to conservation efforts at the center.
Brown Bears & Black Bears: Watch them roam in large enclosures, play in ponds, and even climb trees. Seeing these powerful animals up close is both exhilarating and humbling.
Moose & Musk Oxen: You’ll learn about their adaptations to the Arctic climate and how they survive Alaska’s extreme winters.
Wolves & Lynx: These elusive predators are fascinating to observe, and the AWCC provides an opportunity to see them in a way you wouldn’t in the wild.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your camera—there are some amazing photo opportunities here, especially with the rescued brown bears!
5. Savor Local Flavors at Anchorage’s Top Eateries
Exploring Anchorage works up an appetite, and I quickly discovered that the city’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes. From fresh wild-caught salmon to locally brewed craft beer, Anchorage is a hidden gem for food lovers. Here are a few places that left a lasting impression on me:
Moose’s Tooth: If you ask any local for a restaurant recommendation, Moose’s Tooth will probably be at the top of their list. This iconic pizzeria and brewery is famous for its creative pizza combinations and laid-back atmosphere. I tried the Avalanche Pizza, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, blackened chicken, bacon, and veggies—absolute perfection.
Glacier Brewhouse: For a slightly more upscale yet cozy dining experience, I recommend Glacier Brewhouse. This place has a warm, lodge-like vibe and serves some of the best wood-fired Alaskan seafood and craft beers. Their halibut and king crab legs were some of the freshest I’ve ever had.
Simon & Seaforts: For an amazing dinner with breathtaking views, Simon & Seaforts is the place to go. Overlooking Cook Inlet, this restaurant offers spectacular sunset views while serving up Alaska’s finest seafood and steak. I indulged in their crab-stuffed halibut, which was spectacular, and my nephew had the Salmon. From our booth we were able to watch the sun dip below the horizon, which was incredible
6. Visit the Alaska Aviation Museum
If you’re even remotely interested in aviation or history, the Alaska Aviation Museum is a must-visit. Located right on the shores of Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base, this museum provides a fascinating look at Alaska’s deep-rooted relationship with flight. Given the state’s vast wilderness and limited roadways, aviation has been a lifeline for many remote communities.
What You’ll See:
Vintage Aircraft: The museum houses a collection of historic bush planes, military aircraft, and floatplanes, including some dating back to World War II. One of the highlights is the Boeing B-29 Superfortress—a rare find!
Flight Simulators: If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly a bush plane, hop into a simulator and experience what pilots face when navigating Alaska’s rugged terrain.
Interactive Exhibits: Learn about legendary Alaskan pilots, including bush pilots who risked their lives to deliver mail, medical supplies, and food to isolated villages.
Insider Tip: Time your visit around noon, when you can watch real seaplanes take off and land on Lake Hood—it’s an incredible sight!
7. Relax at Kincaid Park
After a few action-packed days in Anchorage, I craved a quiet escape into nature, and Kincaid Park delivered exactly that. Spanning over 1,400 acres, this massive park feels like a hidden wilderness retreat within the city.
Things to Do in Kincaid Park:
Hiking & Biking Trails: The park has over 40 miles of trails, many offering stunning views of Cook Inlet and even the Alaska Range on clear days.
Wildlife Spotting: I wasn’t expecting to see moose wandering right on the trails, but that’s exactly what happened! The park is also home to foxes, bald eagles, and even an occasional black bear.
Beach Access: I was surprised to find a sandy beach area at the edge of the park. If the tide is out, you can walk along the shoreline for a peaceful, scenic experience.
Winter Activities: If you visit in winter, the trails transform into cross-country skiing routes, making it a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Local Insight: Visit around sunset—not only will you get golden-hour views over the inlet, but you’ll also avoid crowds.
8. Experience Anchorage on the Historic Trolley Tour
One of the best ways to get an overview of Anchorage—especially if it’s your first visit—is by hopping aboard the Anchorage Trolley Tour. This classic red and white trolley takes you on a fun, narrated ride through the city’s top landmarks while providing historical insights, local stories, and fun facts from experienced guides (many of whom are born-and-raised Alaskans).
What to Expect on the Trolley Tour:
A Guided City Adventure: The trolley winds through downtown Anchorage, Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and more, offering an insider’s look at the city’s past and present.
Wildlife Spotting: Don’t be surprised if your driver suddenly stops and points out a moose grazing by the roadside—it happens more often than you’d think!
Alaska’s History & Culture: The guides share incredible stories about Anchorage’s early pioneers, the 1964 earthquake, and even famous Alaskan legends.
Scenic Views: You’ll get fantastic views of Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and even Denali on a clear day.
Local Tip: Sit on the left side of the trolley for the best photo opportunities! If you’re visiting in summer, book your tickets early—the tours often sell out.
Conclusion: Things to do in Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska, truly has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a history lover, or simply someone looking to experience the beauty of Alaska, Anchorage offers a little bit of everything. From hiking trails with jaw-dropping views to fascinating museums and wildlife encounters, the options are endless. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore all the incredible things to do in Anchorage, Alaska—you won’t be disappointed!
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