things to do in anchorage alaska
Anchorage, Alaska, is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in Anchorage:
Explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This 11-mile coastal path offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet. It’s perfect for hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing.
Visit the Anchorage Museum: The museum showcases the art, history, and culture of Alaska, with a collection of over 45,000 objects.
Take a scenic drive to Flattop Mountain: This 3.5-mile hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Kenai Mountains.
Go dog sledding or take a snowmachine tour: Experience the thrill of mushing through Alaska’s winter landscape, pulled by a team of happy huskies.
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center: Learn about the traditions and customs of Alaska’s indigenous peoples, including the Inupiat, Yupik, and Athabascan.
Take a whale watching tour: Anchorage is a great base for whale watching, with opportunities to see humpback, orca, and gray whales in their natural habitat.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Alyeska Resort: This world-class resort offers over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Anchorage Market and Festival: Every Saturday from May to October, the market offers local produce, crafts, and food, as well as live music and entertainment.
Take a flightseeing tour: See Anchorage from a new perspective with a flightseeing tour, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Visit the Earthquake Park: This park commemorates the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, which devastated the city. It’s a great place to learn about Alaska’s geological history.
Go hiking at Kincaid Park: This 1,200-acre park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Visit the Anchorage Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden features a variety of plants and flowers, including Alaska’s native wildflowers.
Take a tour of the Anchorage Brewery: Anchorage is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries offering tours and tastings.
Visit the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts: This performing arts center hosts a variety of shows and performances, including concerts, plays, and dance recitals.
Go ice skating at the Anchorage Ice Rink: This outdoor ice rink is open from October to April and offers a fun and festive atmosphere.
Take a scenic drive to the Chugach National Forest: This beautiful forest offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as opportunities for hiking and camping.
Visit the Anchorage Farmers Market: Every Saturday from May to October, the market offers local produce, crafts, and food, as well as live music and entertainment.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This is a great way to explore the surrounding coastline and enjoy the stunning views.
Take a tour of the Anchorage Museum’s outdoor sculpture garden: This beautiful garden features over 20 sculptures by local and international artists.
- Visit the Alaska Zoo: This zoo is home to a variety of animals, including bears, moose, and wolves, as well as a beautiful botanical garden.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Anchorage, Alaska. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply exploring the city, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Alaskan city.