Top Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska: Gateway Guide
Anchorage, Alaska isn’t your typical city. It’s a unique blend of urban comforts nestled right against the vast, untamed wilderness The Last Frontier is famous for. Think craft breweries and bike trails one minute, moose sightings and glacier views the next! It’s the perfect launchpad for exploring Southcentral Alaska, but don’t overlook the incredible things to do in Anchorage itself.
Whether you’re starting or ending your Alaskan adventure here, or using it as your home base, Anchorage offers a fantastic mix of culture, outdoor recreation, and easy access to jaw-dropping natural wonders.
Why Visit Anchorage?
- City Meets Wilderness: Enjoy museums, restaurants, and shops alongside stunning mountain backdrops and abundant wildlife.
- Cultural Hub: Learn about Alaska’s rich history and diverse Native cultures.
- Gateway to Adventure: It’s the perfect starting point for day trips to glaciers, mountains, and scenic coastlines.
- Accessible Nature: Amazing trails and wildlife viewing spots are right on the city’s doorstep.
Must-Do Anchorage Attractions
You don’t have to venture far to experience the best of Anchorage:
Explore Downtown & Culture
Dive into the local scene and heritage. The Anchorage Museum offers a fantastic blend of Alaskan art, history, and science under one roof. For a deeper cultural immersion, the Alaska Native Heritage Center (check seasonal hours – typically open daily summer, limited/closed winter) provides incredible insight into the traditions, languages, and resilience of Alaska’s 11 major Indigenous groups through engaging exhibits, performances, and life-sized traditional dwellings. Downtown itself is walkable, and don’t miss a stroll down to Ship Creek in the summer to see salmon fighting their way upstream right in the city!
Get Active on the Trails
Anchorage boasts an amazing network of trails. The star is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an 11-mile paved path winding along Cook Inlet from downtown. Rent a bike and enjoy stunning views of the water, mountains (including Denali on clear days!), and keep an eye out for moose or even beluga whales (in summer). Kincaid Park, at the trail’s western end, offers miles of additional wooded trails and is a well-known moose hotspot.
Wildlife Viewing Hotspots
You don’t necessarily need a remote wilderness trip to see Alaska’s iconic animals! Besides Kincaid Park and the Coastal Trail, check out:
- Potter Marsh: South of town, this boardwalk trail offers fantastic bird viewing (especially spring/summer), plus muskrats and spawning salmon.
- Beluga Point & Windy Corner (Turnagain Arm): Drive south along the scenic Seward Highway. Beluga Point is famous for potential beluga whale sightings (following fish runs), while Windy Corner offers incredible views and is one of the most accessible places to spot Dall sheep on the cliffs above.
- Eagle River Nature Center: North of Anchorage, offering trails where bears, beavers, and moose are frequently seen.
- Guaranteed Sightings: The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), an easy day trip south, provides sanctuary for orphaned/injured Alaskan wildlife like bears, moose, wood bison, wolves, and more. Many tours combine this with a trip down Turnagain Arm.
Incredible Day Trips & Excursions from Anchorage
Anchorage’s location makes it ideal for exploring further afield:
Scenic Drive South: Turnagain Arm & Portage Valley
The drive south from Anchorage along the Seward Highway is consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful. The road hugs the dramatic coastline of Turnagain Arm, with towering mountains on one side and the potentially massive tidal swings of Cook Inlet on the other. Stop at Beluga Point and Windy Corner (mentioned above), visit the AWCC, and continue to Portage Valley. Here, you can take the popular one-hour Portage Glacier Cruise aboard the MV Ptarmigan (operates May-Sept) across an iceberg-dotted lake right up to the glacier’s face.
Hike in “Anchorage’s Backyard”: Chugach State Park
This massive state park borders Anchorage, offering easily accessible wilderness and hiking. The most famous hike is Flattop Mountain Trail (starts at Glen Alps Trailhead). It’s a challenging but rewarding 1.5-mile (one-way) climb with some scrambling near the summit, offering incredible 360-degree views. Be prepared for crowds and changing weather. Numerous other trails for all levels exist within the park. Remember parking passes are often required at trailheads.
Walk on a Glacier: Matanuska Glacier
Experience the thrill of walking on ancient ice! Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, about a 2-hour drive northeast of Anchorage. Because glacier travel has inherent risks, joining a guided tour is highly recommended (and often required for access). Guides provide safety equipment (ice cleats/helmets) and lead you to explore fascinating ice formations, moulins, and crevasses safely.
Flightseeing & Train Journeys
For truly epic Alaskan perspectives, consider:
- Flightseeing: Take a small plane tour for breathtaking aerial views of glaciers, mountains, or even towards Denali National Park. Some tours include glacier landings!
- Alaska Railroad: Embark on a scenic train journey from Anchorage. Popular routes include the Coastal Classic towards Seward or the Denali Star heading north (seasonal operations).
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (May-Sept): Long daylight hours, ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, glacier cruises, wildlife viewing. Peak tourist season, book accommodations/tours well in advance.
- Winter (Oct-April): Shorter days, snow transforms the landscape. Opportunities for Northern Lights viewing (away from city lights), skiing (downhill/cross-country), snowshoeing, fat biking. The famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race officially starts in Anchorage in early March.
Tips for Visiting Anchorage
- Dress in Layers: Alaskan weather can change rapidly, regardless of the season. Layers allow you to adapt. Waterproof outer layers are essential.
- Be Wildlife Aware: Know moose and bear safety protocols, especially when hiking. Never feed wildlife. Carry bear spray on trails outside the city center and know how to use it.
- Getting Around: Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the region. However, many excellent tours handle transportation for major day trips.
- Book Ahead: Especially during the summer peak season, reserve accommodations, rental cars, and popular tours well in advance.
Your Alaskan Adventure Starts Here!
Anchorage is far more than just a stopover; it’s a vibrant city brimming with culture, outdoor activities, and access to the kind of wild, breathtaking scenery Alaska is renowned for. There are so many amazing things to do in Anchorage and the surrounding area. Use it as your comfortable basecamp, plan your excursions, and get ready for an unforgettable Alaskan journey!
Explore tours and activities to kickstart your planning below!
