- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Anchorage
Anchorage began in 1914 as a tent city for the Alaska Railroad. Its modern, practical architecture is a direct result of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, which leveled much of the original downtown. A key part of any Anchorage tourist guide is seeing the Oscar Anderson House, a rare survivor, contrasted with the rebuilt city. Look for the subtle seismic retrofitting on newer buildings, a testament to resilience.
Anchorage is an urban hub within the vast Chugach State Park. You can see moose along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or hike Flattop Mountain for panoramic views. In winter, the aurora borealis is often visible just outside the city. A lesser-known spot is Kincaid Park, a former Cold War missile site now offering prime sunset and wildlife watching.
The local cuisine is defined by wild-caught seafood like salmon and halibut, often prepared simply to highlight freshness. Reindeer sausage is a unique local staple found at downtown food stalls. Beyond the food, Anchorage has a thriving craft beer scene. For an authentic taste, seek out birch syrup from a local market, a distinctly Alaskan flavor not found on most menus.
- AnchorageUnited States
- AnchorageUnited States
- AnchorageUnited States
- AnchorageUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- May-Junmild, blooming flowers, fewer tourists
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourist season
- Sep-Octcooling down, fall colors, fewer crowds
- Nov-Aprcold, snowy, limited daylight
- #LayeredClothing
- #WaterproofJacket
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunglasses
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #TonyKnowlesCoastalTrail
- #AlaskaNativeHeritageCenter
- #AnchorageMuseum
- #FlattopMountain
- #PointWoronzofPark
- #EarthquakePark
- Hike Flattop Mountain
- Visit Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Explore Anchorage Market
- Wildlife viewing at Kincaid Park
- Taste reindeer sausage
- Take a scenic flight over Denali
Recommended Hotels in Anchorage by Experience
Things to do in Anchorage
Discover
Exploring Anchorage reveals stunning sights from the vast Chugach State Park to the cultural insights at the Anchorage Museum. See glaciers from afar or walk the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a gateway to urban wilderness and wildlife.
Experience
Hike or bike Flattop Mountain for panoramic views, or experience the winter Fur Rendezvous festival. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for cultural immersion. In summer, explore the downtown market for local crafts and produce.
Chugach State Park
Vast park with hiking, wildlife viewing, and glaciers.
Anchorage Museum
Museum of Alaskan art, history, and science.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Cultural center sharing Alaska Native traditions and stories.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Scenic 11-mile coastal path for biking and walking.
Flattop Mountain Trail
Popular hike offering stunning 360-degree city views.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Sanctuary for orphaned and injured Alaskan wildlife.
Portage Glacier Cruise
Boat tour offering close-up views of an active glacier.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Arrive at Ted Stevens Int'l Airport (ANC). For the Anchorage airport to city center trip, taxis cost ~$25, or take the People Mover Bus 40. The Alaska Railroad Depot offers a scenic train to Anchorage from Seward or Fairbanks.
Getting Around
Navigate using the People Mover bus system, the main public transport in Anchorage; get a day pass for convenience. Car rental in Anchorage is essential for trips to nearby parks. Bike rentals offer access to scenic coastal trails.
Local Essentials
Crucial Anchorage travel tips for first-timers: be alert for moose when driving in Anchorage, even on city streets. Credit cards are widely accepted. Plan activities around the extreme summer daylight or limited winter sun.
Where to Stay in Anchorage
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Anchorage's culinary scene to taste fresh salmon and king crab. Don't miss local reindeer sausage. The traditional food in Anchorage is casual, reflecting an outdoorsy culture. Patrons enjoy hearty post-adventure meals.
Enjoy
Find the best restaurants in Anchorage. Eat at Moose's Tooth for legendary pizza in a loud setting, book ahead. Explore Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse's lively vibe, expect crowds. Snow City Cafe is a cozy brunch hub, join waitlist.
Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
Upscale steak and seafood with stunning inlet views.
Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria
Legendary, creative pizzas. Always bustling, expect waits.
Glacier Brewhouse
Wood-fired flavors and fresh seafood. Reservations advised.
49th State Brewing Company
Spacious brewpub with a rooftop deck. Often very busy.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Anchorage's traditions with the Fur Rendezvous, a winter festival since 1935 featuring sled dog races and snow sculptures. Experience Alaska Native culture through events like the Kivgiq messenger feast and the Charlotte Jensen Arts Market.
Enjoy
Discover Anchorage's modern creative scene through a variety of things to do. Enjoy live performances at the Anchorage Folk Festival, showcasing local and guest artists. Or, explore independent cinema at the Anchorage International Film Festival.
Fur Rendezvous Festival
Feb-March winter carnival with sled dog races & parades.
Anchorage Folk Festival
A January celebration of folk music with free performances.
Summer Solstice Festival
June event with food trucks, music, and family activities.
Anchorage Int'l Film Festival
December festival for independent films from around the world.
Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival
August event with berry picking, live music, and contests.
Alyeska Spring Carnival
April festival featuring the Slush Cup pond skimming event.
A City on the Edge of Wilderness
Anchorage is a wild place, in a good way. It's a real city but you're constantly reminded that the wilderness is right there. We biked the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and the views of the water and mountains were amazing. So accessible.
Saw the Northern Lights!
Being able to see the northern lights was incredible. I thought we'd have to travel for hours into the middle of nowhere, but the sky put on a show right outside town. A truly special experience that felt very magical.
Perfect Base for Skiing
Anchorage was a great base for our ski trip. We spent most of our time at Alyeska and the conditions were fantastic. It's so cool to ski with ocean views. The city was a perfect place to come back to for dinner and some local beer.
Interesting Downtown Area
The downtown area is super walkable with a rugged feel. We found some great local breweries and the reindeer sausage from a cart on 4th Avenue was a must-try. Such a different kind of city trip, we really enjoyed it.
So Much Wildlife!
The access to nature is unlike anywhere else. We saw a moose just walking through a neighborhood like it was nothing. It's pretty special to be that close to wildlife while staying in the city. Made the whole trip memorable.
Incredible Winter Hiking
Winter hiking up Flattop Mountain was totally worth it. The snow-covered landscape and the view over the city and the inlet were breathtaking. It's a proper workout, just make sure you have spikes for your boots! Awesome.