Alaska is an epic destination with loads of adventurous things to do. The city of Anchorage, located in the southernmost part of Alaska, is a fantastic base to start exploring this wonderful and huge state. In fact, there are loads of things to do in Anchorage itself!
Due to its location, most people who land in Anchorage do so because they are about to embark on a cruise or they are planning to explore Alaska by car. Most don’t really get to enjoy the city. Which is super understandable, but make no mistake: there is plenty to do in Anchorage itself!
Aside from being a mix of Native Alaskan and North American cultures, the city also boasts incredibly beautiful natural surroundings and has many great restaurants to choose from.
In this post, you will read about some of the best activities in Anchorage, plus other important information you should know before your trip.
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Best Time To Visit Anchorage
Anchorage can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to come is during summer. From June to August, the days are long (almost 24 hours of daylight!), the temperatures are mild and a lot is going on in terms of events and festivals.
If you don’t mind cold weather and enjoy winter sports, you can also visit Anchorage during the winter months. From December to February, you will be able to enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, dog-sledding and cross-country skiing in the Chugach Mountains.
Getting Around Anchorage
It is totally possible to explore Anchorage without a car – especially if the weather is nice!
The city is not that big and pretty much everything can be reached on foot. If you want to go further, you can always use the local bus system, which works surprisingly well.
Another good idea is renting a bike. There are many bike rental companies in Anchorage and the city even has a few great dedicated bike trails.
Where To Stay In Anchorage
There is no shortage of accommodation options in Anchorage. You can find everything from camping sites to hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs.
If you want to be close to the action, the best place to stay is in the Downtown area. This is where most of the city’s restaurants and bars are located, as well as many of the main tourist attractions.
If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, consider staying in Base Camp Hostel in Midtown. It is one of the nicest hostels I have ever stayed at.
How long should you stay in Anchorage?
I would say one or two days is more than enough to explore everything that Anchorage has to offer.
Of course, if you want to go on day trips outside of the city or go hiking in the mountains, you might want to stay longer. You don’t however need that much time to see the city itself.
10 Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska
If you’re planning on spending a few days in the city before heading off into the wild, here are some of the best things to do in Anchorage, Alaska.
1. Hike Flattop Mountain
Hiking all the way to the top of Flattop Mountain was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Anchorage.
The mountain is located only a few minutes drive away from the city center and there’s even a daily shuttle available that takes visitors from downtown to Flattop daily.
This hike is great for all levels, as it is only 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip and offers incredible views of the city. The elevation gain is considerable (1,500 feet!) and requires a little bit of climbing at the end, but it is totally manageable if you take your time – I saw kids doing it!
2. See The Art And Learn About The History Of Alaska At The Anchorage Museum
One of the best things to do in Anchorage is to learn about Alaska from the Anchorage museum.
The Anchorage Museum is top-notch and makes for an incredible activity for a rainy or chilly day.
The museum is pretty big and it`s easy to stay there for hours as there is so much to see and learn. They have an excellent exhibit on the history of Alaska, as well as a wide variety of art from both local and international artists.
My advice is to ask about the museum’s free tours when you get your ticket at the entrance, as they are extremely informative and worth taking.
3. Bike The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
If you love the trails then head to the Tony Knowles Coastal trail which is one of the best things to do in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is one of the most popular trails in the city.
This 11-mile (17.7 km) trail is perfect for both biking and hiking and takes you along the coast with stunning views of the water and the forest that surrounds it. Also, it is one of the best places to see moose in the city!
I would advise you to plan on spending at least 3 hours on this trail, as it is a bit longer than most people think and there are many pretty places to stop along the way.
4. Shop At 4th Street
4th Street is for sure the best place to shop in Anchorage, especially if you are looking for souvenirs.
This street is closed to cars and is full of small shops and booths selling everything from Alaskan paintings and sculptures to homemade jewelry and fur hats.
My favorite souvenir shops were Grizzly Gifts and Once in a Blue Moose, but you can find plenty of other great places to browse and buy.
5. Go On A Day Trip To Seward
One of the iconic things to do in Anchorage is salmon fishing.
The town of Seward is absolutely adorable located at less than 2 hours driving from Anchorage. This makes it the perfect place to visit for a day trip! If you can afford it, taking the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward is a fantastic experience.
There are plenty of things to do in Seward, such as taking a boat tour to see glaciers and wildlife, hiking to the Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park, or simply strolling around town and enjoying the views.
6. Have lunch At Snow City Café
Snow City Café might be the most popular restaurant in Anchorage.
The café has a really cozy atmosphere and the staff is super friendly, which makes it the perfect place to have a relaxed lunch, breakfast, or brunch!
Do yourself a favor and give the Ship Creek Benedict a try (it comes with house made salmon cakes, yum!)
7. Go hiking At Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is located just outside of Anchorage and it is the perfect place to go hiking in the mountains
The park has plenty of trails for all levels, as well as lakes and rivers where you can go fishing. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and you might even spot some wildlife!
Some of the most popular trails in Chugach State Park are Mount Baldy, Thunderbird Falls, and Rabbit Lake.
8. Have An Alaskan Reindeer Hot Dog!
If you are looking for the best things to do in Anchorage, Alaska, then don’t forget the Reindeer hot dogs!
You can’t come to Anchorage and not try an Alaskan reindeer hot dog! These hot dogs are super popular in the city and you will find them in many places, but I recommend getting one at Red Umbrella Reindeer on 4th Street.
They cost around 7 dollars and you can customize them as you wish. They might sound a bit weird but trust me, they are delicious!
9. See Arctic Animals At The Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo is a great place to visit, especially if you love animals and would like to see some of Alaska’s iconic wildlife up close.
The zoo is home to arctic animals such as polar bears, reindeer, lynxes, and foxes, as well as many other animals from different parts of the world.
10. Shop For Camping Gear And Outdoor Clothing At The Hoarding Marmot
One of the iconic things to do in Anchorage, Alaska is to go shopping!
If you love the outdoors, then you will definitely want to check out the Hoarding Marmot! This store is full of second-hand camping gear and outdoor clothing and is a perfect place for shopping if you are planning on doing some hiking or camping in Alaska.
There, you can find a lot of good stuff for really affordable prices.
That’s a wrap! As you can see, there are many fun things to do in Anchorage and the city is well worth the visit if you have some time to spare in Alaska.
If you have any questions or would like to share your own recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below! Thanks for reading!
About The Author
Camila Neves is a nomad and solo travel blogger from Curitiba, Brazil. She believes that the world is too big to stay in one place and has lived in places like Banff, Alaska, and now France. Her favorite things include hiking, reading, and of course, traveling!
