Planning your trip
For many, Anchorage is a jumping-off point for other Alaska destinations. Yet, this vibrant city of 300,000 has plenty to offer. The Anchorage Museum of History and Art and/or Alaska Native Heritage Center are perfect ways to learn about the state’s colorful past, cultures and people. The scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail hugs Cook Inlet for 11 miles, or take a short drive to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to meet some of the real locals, or hike up or around Flattop Mountain. Check out the great online resource, Visit Anchorage, to see all that Anchorage and the surrounding area has to offer.
Anchorage Attractions
Visit Anchorage, Alaska : This website is full of suggestions for things to do in and around Anchorage. Also, once you arrive be sure to stop by the log cabin Visitor Center on 4th Avenue to get even more ideas of things to do.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Here is everything you’d want to know about the vast land and water resources throughout the great Alaskan frontier. Also, it is full of helpful resources if you are interested in hunting, fishing or wildlife viewing.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail : An 11-mile paved trail along Cook Inlet starting from Downtown and ending at Kincaid Park. The trail runs along coastal marshes, over forested hills and even skirts the fault line of the 1964 earthquake. The trail is perfect for biking (it is easy to rent a bike here), walking and often, wildlife viewing. It’s not unusual to pass eagles, waterfowl, moose and occasionally black bears along the way.
Anchorage Museum of History and Art : This must-see museum features Alaska’s history and art, a planetarium and a children’s museum. Docents are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The gift shop is a good place to buy Native art, and the café is a nice lunch spot. It is open late, with jazz music, on the first Friday of every month.
Ship Creek : When the salmon run, anglers stand elbow to elbow in pursuit of kings or silvers in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Just a 30-minute walk from Susitna Place.
Alaska Native Heritage Center : A showcase for Native cultures of Alaska in a parklike setting, the center features dancers, craftsmen and storytellers. Hefty admission price, however, so consider a joint ticket with the Museum of History and Art. A free shuttle, with pickup points at the visitor’s center and the museum, offers transportation to and from at set times.
Alaska Native Medical Center Craft Shop: The craft shop is one of the best places in Alaska to buy Native art. Their hours are limited, so plan ahead. This state-of-the-art hospital is also like a free Native art museum. Just take the elevator to the top floor and walk down the center stairwells and hallways to view handmade Native artifacts.
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum : Located at Lake Hood, the world’s largest seaplane base, explore Alaska’s rich aviation history. There are plenty of exhibits to see, plus a Control Tower to watch float planes take-off and land.
Alaska Zoo : As the only zoo in Alaska, it has cared for the injured and orphaned wildlife of the state since 1969. Small, but nice, the zoo offers a natural setting with mostly rescued animals. Free shuttles from the Visitor Center are offered daily.
Flat Top Mountain : Flattop is Alaska’s most visited peak. Ascend the 1.5 - mile, 1,350 vertical foot trail to the rocky, football field-sized summit and take in panoramic views from Denali to the Aleutian Islands. The view is great, even if you don’t make it to the top. And if you don’t feel like climbing up hill, there is plenty of gorgeous valley hikes that start from the same parking lot.
Chugach State Park : At roughly 495,000 acres, this is one of the four largest state parks in the United States. With over 280 miles of maintained hiking trails you can find the perfect hike for your schedule and skills in some of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes, and only a short drive from Anchorage.
Alaska Botanical Garden : Beautifully cultivated gardens woven through a 110-acre spruce and birch forest. With 1,100+ species of hardy perennials and 150 native plant species, there is no better place to experience Alaska’s growing season.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center : A wildlife sanctuary that provides comfortable, permanent homes for orphaned and injured animals. The center is located on roughly 700 acres at the head of Turnagain Arm and the entrance to Portage Valley. Most of the animals are cared for in large natural habitats making viewing and photography just like in the wild.
Anchorage Trolly Tours : Book online and use coupon code “sleepinglady” to receive 10% discount on the Anchorage's Favorite Tour.