For many, Anchorage is just a starting point for adventure in Alaska. But there are so many things to do in Anchorage Alaska; you could easily spend your entire trip in and around this city if you wanted to.
I spent a few days in the city during my trip to Alaska and I soon realized there are so many things to see in Anchorage – I honestly wished I could stay longer.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and the furthest north city in the United States. It’s actually further north than Oslo, Norway, and Helsinki, Finland.
Because of its location, some quieter regions around Anchorage have some of the best viewings of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) than many other places worldwide. And during the summer, Anchorage has up to 22 hours of daylight!
Anchorage is also an excellent starting point for hikes – I have been on a few that were just a stone’s throw from the city. The city is surrounded by some incredible mountain ranges. In fact, on a clear day, you can see up to six different mountain ranges from Anchorage, Alaska.
Flattop Mountain is a popular day hike from Anchorage with incredible views. But there are many other trails, paths, and other things to do near Anchorage that can’t be missed.
In this article, I’ll discuss the best things to do in Anchorage Alaska. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the jaw-dropping state or spend a few days exploring the remarkable nature, you’re in luck.
Ready to learn more about what to do in Anchorage, Alaska, and all the fun it offers? Let’s get started!
If you are in the planning stages of your Alaska trip, you will find my posts What To Know Before Visiting Alaska and The Best Things To Do In Alaska.
The Best Things To Do In Anchorage Alaska
Start with the Anchorage Museum
The first thing you should do on your trip to Alaska is visit the Anchorage Museum.
The Anchorage Museum is located in the heart of Anchorage. It is
“a large art, history, ethnography, ecology, and science museum…dedicated to studying and exploring the land, peoples, art, and history of Alaska.“
The Anchorage Portal
Visiting is one of the unmissable things to do in Anchorage to learn more about Alaska, and you’ll want to do this before exploring the rest of the region. By visiting the Anchorage Museum first, you’ll be able to spend the rest of your days in Alaska with a fresh understanding of the unique history and ecology of the state.
The Anchorage Museum currently has three permanent exhibitions: Alaska Exhibition, Art of the North, and Living our Cultures, Sharing our Heritage. Several revolving exhibitions focus on more specific aspects of Alaskan history and heritage.
The exhibitions depict the state and its history through various methods and perspectives.
You’ll leave the Anchorage Museum feeling much more enlightened and informed about the city, the state, and the role it plays culturally, politically, and environmentally.
You can get tickets to the Anchorage Museum directly at the door, but if you want they are also available for purchase online.
Visit the Alaskan Native Heritage Center
The Alaskan Native Heritage Center is one of the top things to see in Anchorage for museum lovers, history buffs, and travelers who want a peek into the language, art, and culture of native Alaskans.
The Alaskan Native Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization established to share information about the many different cultures, tribes, and people in Alaska with tourists and with one another. By sharing with others, one can learn more about themselves and where they come from.
The Alaskan Native Heritage Center follows the hands-on approach and includes demonstrations of native culture, like dances, games, and art. There’s even a woodland area around the building showcasing traditional dwellings. And you can talk with culture keepers one-on-one who can help explain more about the way of life.
There’s so much to see and do in the heritage center you can easily spend a few hours.
While the Anchorage Museum is a must-see for anyone before their adventure, the Alaskan Native Heritage Center is highly recommended for those who want an even deeper understanding.
Stroll along Fourth Avenue
Fourth Avenue is located in the downtown historic district of Anchorage. The 4th Avenue Theater was once the centerpiece of Fourth Avenue. It was a single-screen movie theater that was recently torn down after being vacant for over 15 years.
But despite losing the historic 4th Avenue Theater, there’s still much to see and do along Fourth Avenue.
Peratrovich Park is in the center of Fourth Avenue. It was named after Elizabeth and Roy Peratrovich, who were known for their fight for equal rights for native Alaskans. Just past Fourth Avenue, you’ll find Elderberry Park, which provides the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail access.
The Old City Hall, Log Cabin Visitor Information Center, and Anchorage Trolley Tours are all also located on Fourth Avenue.
Souvenir shopping along 4th Avenue
If you find yourself on 4th Avenue, you should also spend some time souvenir shopping – it’s one of the nicest things to do in Anchorage Alaska. In addition to all the historical buildings and parks, there’s a line of beautiful homemade souvenir shops.
Whether you’re looking for something simple, like magnets, postcards, t-shirts, and mugs, or something more sentimental, like handcrafted jewelry, wall decorations, and rugs, you’ll find it here.
I’d recommend sticking to locally-made souvenirs whenever possible and supporting local businesses. It’s much better for the Alaskan economy and the people when you buy souvenirs at small companies versus a large superstore or something.
4th Avenue is arguably one of the best places for shopping in all of Alaska, so leave time (and space in your luggage) for a few tokens of your trip or gifts for your family and friends back home.
Go on a Trolley Tour of Anchorage
The Trolley Tour is definitely one of the top things to do in Anchorage Alaska, and surely one of those I enjoyed the most. The tours leave from Fourth Avenue, in front of the Log Cabin.
There are two different trolley tours, one longer and one shorter.
The shorter tour is the One-Hour Trolley Tour. It includes a quick stop at all of the main historical attractions in downtown Anchorage, including Lake Hood and several scenic viewpoints.
It’s not a hop-on-hop-off style, so you can relax and enjoy the view during the trolley ride.
The longer tour – which is the one I did – is the Deluxe Trolley Tour, about two hours of exploring Anchorage on the hop-on-hop-off trolley bus. This tour stops at Lake Hood Seaplane Base Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and Point Woronzof. You’ll get 10-15 minutes to explore each stop.
Both tours come with a knowledgeable guide who walks you through everything you pass, from start to finish, and runs a live commentary while you are on the bus. You will also be able to see some wildlife during the tour (we spotted a few female moose right outside the city!).
I’d recommend the Deluxe Trolley Tour because it’s much more interactive, as you can get off the bus and explore each point of interest for a few minutes. You also visit a few exclusive spots and have more time to learn about the history of Anchorage.
Explore Anchorage Mushing District
The Anchorage Mushing District is a 4th Avenue district dedicated to the education and celebration of mushing in Alaska.
Mushing, or dog sledding, has a deep history in Alaska. While people have been using dogs for transportation for centuries, it gained rapid popularity in Alaska during the Alaskan Gold Rush in 1896.
The first dog sled race took place in Nome, Alaska, in 1906, and dog mushing was dubbed Alaska’s official state sport in 1972. The first ever Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (a well-known mushing race stretching from Anchorage to Nome) was in 1973.
You might also have seen the movie Balto. The Universal Pictures’ childhood classic is a movie about a dog named Balto, who raced from Fairbanks to Nome with a life-saving serum during a diphtheria epidemic. The film was based on a true story and is an incredible hero story in Alaskan history.
The Anchorage Mushing District pays homage to all of this and highlights the valuable impact of mushing in Alaska, and it’s one of the things to see in Anchorage.
You can identify the Mushing District by signs on the light posts, circle imprints on the sidewalk, and dedicated sculptures with mushing facts throughout.
Ride the Alaska Anchorage Railroad
The Alaska Railroad connects Seward to Fairbanks, stretching 756 km (470 miles) each way. It stops at many points of interest in Alaska, including Whittier, Talkeetna, and Denali.
If you’re planning any Anchorage day trips, consider riding the Anchorage Railroad for at least one of them.
The train ride from Anchorage Depot to Whittier Depot takes about two and a half hours each way, making it the perfect day trip if you don’t have more time for Whittier and the surrounding area.
The route between Anchorage and Whittier is called the Glacier Discovery Route. It also stops at Girdwood, Portage, Spender, and Grandview.
Talkeetna is another incredible day trip that can reached by train from Anchorage. The train ride takes about two and a half hours.
The route between Anchorage and Talkeetna is called the Denali Star Route. It also stops at Wasilla before you arrive in Talkeetna. The train continues onto Denali and Fairbanks after stopping in Talkeetna.
The train is an incredible experience, offering beautiful mountains, glaciers, and natural Alaska views. But there’s more. The train is also rooted in Alaskan history, as it’s been around since the early 1900s. Rail travel was actually established well before car travel and is still used to this day.
Check out the Earthquake Park
The Earthquake Park is a 134-acre park right in Anchorage and paints a dramatic picture of the permanent alternations from the largest recorded earthquake in U.S. history.
On March 27th, 1964, an entire area of Anchorage slid into the water due to a magnitude 9.2 earthquake.
A sharp drop-off north of the park and other little earthquake remnants scattered around the land.
You can walk along a well-maintained trail through Earthquake Park with beautiful trees and signs explaining the tragic event. Walking the path takes about 30 minutes, but you can bring snacks and have a nice picnic in the park.
Earthquake Park is one of the stops of the Trolley Tour of Anchorage and can also be accessed through the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an eleven-mile bike trail from Anchorage and winding up the coast. It’s the most popular bike trail in Anchorage, with several other attractions, like the Earthquake Park.
The trail has incredible views of downtown Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Mt. McKinley, Sleeping Lady, and Fire Island.
The trail runs past the coast, giving you good views and access to the mud flats as the tide changes.
Once you pass Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), there’s a good chance you’ll pass by some moose and other wildlife, too.
There are several places to rent bikes for the day in Anchorage; most are near one of the entrances to the coastal trail.
You can also join this Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour, where you’ll be given a bike and all other equipment and you will be accompanied by a local guide who can teach you about each place you pass by.
Visit the Alaska Aviation Museum
For anyone interested in all things airplanes and aviation, the Alaska Aviation Museum is one of the things to see in Anchorage.
The Aviation Museum has many aircraft and artifacts with a unique backstory. The Aviation Museum is only half a mile from Ted Stevens International Airport, so it’s a great place to sit and watch the airplanes coming and going.
There’s also a live radio from the feed tower, a restoration hangar where people are working on old aircraft, a control tower to watch seaplanes land and take off, and flight simulators for those who want to go.
Dinner with sunset view at Simon and Seafort’s
Simon and Seafort’s has some of the best views of Anchorage, with some of the best meals.
The restaurant has been around for over 40 years and has earned an excellent reputation for high-quality dining, impeccable service, and great lunch deals.
They have world-class cocktails and a revolving menu based on what’s fresh and in-season. We tried the mixed appetizers and they were all delicious, and there is a great selection of wines. It’s not cheap, but worth it. Again, it’s recommended to make a reservation ahead of time.
Enjoy the most scrumptious breakfast at Snow City
Snow City Cafe is a popular downtown brunch spot serving breakfast and other menu items all day.
The food is excellent, and the service is unbeatable. And like the previous two dinner spots, Snow City Cafe uses only fresh ingredients, and everything is made from scratch.
It’s known for its tasty breakfast dishes, but everything on the menu looks mouth-watering. If you’re looking for the best breakfast in Anchorage, you must check it out yourself.
One thing to be aware of is that Snow City Cafe doesn’t take reservations. Once you get there, you can put your name on the list (they have handy iPads by the cashier’s desk). Service is quick, so you won’t be waiting long and in the meantime you can grab a coffee from the bar.
Mingle with locals at Moose Tooth
Moose Tooth is the most famous pizza joint in Anchorage. It’s located in Midtown, Anchorage, off the Old Seward Highway.
There are over 40 pizzas, each made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. And there are tons of home-brewed beers, as well. The beers are often on rotation, but you can’t go wrong with them.
Moose Tooth offers delivery and take-out, but I’d highly recommend stopping in and enjoying the lively atmosphere around the pub.
The pub is usually full of people, and while your food may take a while, you won’t notice the time passing even for a second.
Moose Tooth is also the place to go for live music. It’s the place to be during small yet well-known concerts.
Hike Flattop Mountain
Flattop Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in all of Alaska because of its incredible views and ease of access.
Flattop Mountain is only about 30 minutes from downtown Anchorage. You can easily drive or take a shuttle to enjoy this multi-level hike. It’s one of the best things to do near Anchorage.
From Glen Alps Trailhead (where you should start the hike) to the peak of Flattop Mountain, it’s roughly 5 km (3 miles) and 455 meters (1,500 ft) of elevation gain. Most trails have a rather tricky ending to the hike, where you have to climb up a very steep portion.
It’s actually quite a challenge, and I don’t recommend doing it if you suffer from vertigo. But otherwise, once you get to the top the views are stunning.
However, there are some beginner trail loops right below Flattop Mountain for those worried about the hike.
The view along Flattop Mountain is right out of an Alaskan picture book. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of Denali (Mt. McKinley), Chugach Mountain Range, Aleutian Islands, and more.
If you don’t have your own, there’s a shuttle from downtown Anchorage (Downtown Bike Rental) to the Flattop Mountain trailhead.
Hike the Portage Pass in Whittier
The Portage Pass in Whittier is another popular hike for the more physically active and ambitious travelers and one of the best things to do near Anchorage.
The hike is about 6.5 km (4 miles), with an elevation gain of 425 meters (1,400 ft). While the hike isn’t so long, there are two rather steep parts. The views at the end are well worth the effort, though.
You’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain views encompassing Portage Glacier, with Portage Lake in front. Portage Glacier used to be massive and take up practically the entire area. However, it’s retreating due to warmer temperatures, and Portage Lake in its place is the result.
Once you reach the top of Portage Pass, you can turn around where you came from or continue down the trail to reach Portage Lake. This is a more up-close-and-person view that’s well worth the extra effort.
You can drive to the start of Portage Pass from Anchorage, which only takes about an hour and a half each way. You can also take the Alaskan Rail Road from downtown Anchorage to Whittier and walk about 2.4 km (1.5 miles) to the start of Portage Pass.
Otherwise, if you prefer someone do all the planning for you, I recommend this full-day tour from Anchorage that also stops at the Wildlife Conservation Center and includes a cruise on Portage Lake.
Check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education, conservation, and animal care of the local wildlife.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is unlike any zoo you’ve ever visited; it’s much better. The sanctuary takes on injured animals year-round, providing them with a safe space, plenty of time, and quality care during rehabilitation.
After they complete rehab, they are released back into the wild whenever possible – but at times, this simply isn’t a possibility.
Some permanent residents, including wolves, black bears, brown bears (these kinds of bears are quite common in Alaska), coyotes, moose, elk, foxes, a lynx, reindeer, bald eagles, and more, cannot be released.
You can visit the animals here, learn about each animal’s backstory and how they ended up in the conservation center, and discover more about Alaskan wildlife. It’s one of the best things to do in Anchorage with kids.
Take a day trip to Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier is another one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. It’s a 27-mile-long glacier river of ice flowing from the Chugach Mountains toward the Glenn Highway.
Matanuska Glacier is a valley glacier with several streams of ice flowing around the wide radius of the Matanuska River.
The glacier is located about two and a half hours northeast of Anchorage, making for a great day trip from Anchorage. Access is right off Glenn Highway, one of the most underrated highways in Alaska.
It’s less frequently traveled, not on the main path or railroad route. But it offers stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and Alaskan wildlife.
Access to the glacier is private, so you’ll have to stop in at the visitor center, pay a fee, and sign a waiver and you will be assigned a guide for your visit.
If you aren’t driving, you can take this Matanuska Glacier Full-Day Tour, which organizes transportation, fees, light snacks, and water and includes an educational guide to make the most of the trip.
No matter how you decide to visit Matanuska Glacier, you’re in for a real treat. The views just can’t be beaten, and the entire experience is excellent from start to finish.
My post What To See On Day Trips From Anchorage gives you more options of places to visit near the city.
Further Readings
These other posts will be useful when planning your trip to Alaska:
- How To Hike The Harding Icefield
- How To Hike The Savage Alpine Trail In Denali National Park
- A Useful Denali National Park Guide
- A Useful Guide To Seward
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