Anchorage isn’t just a stopover—it’s a destination in its own right. Tucked between the towering Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet, Anchorage offers a wild mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and unique local culture both in and around town.
One minute you’re watching a moose cross the road, and the next you’re sipping coffee at a cozy café. It’s a city that thrives on contrast—and invites you to dive right in. Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights in winter or salmon runs in summer, here are the best things to do in Anchorage that will keep you coming back for more.
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Anchorage Adventures in the Heart of Town
There are loads of great things to do in the heart of downtown Anchorage! Whether you are visiting for a day or a week, you can find plenty of things to keep you occupied.
Anchorage Trolly Tour
The simplest and best way to check out Anchorage on the fly is with an Anchorage Trolly Tour! This one-hour narrated tour takes you through 15-miles of historic and scenic sites. Visit Earthquake Park to commemorate the 1964 Good Friday earthquake and tsunami that devastated Anchorage. Hitting 9.2 on the Richter scale, it is the largest quake experienced in North American history.
Say hello to Captain Cook (or at least his statue), as the famous explorer overlooks the waters of Cook Inlet. Watch floatplanes take off from Lake Hood Harbor, see all sorts of wildlife at the Westchester Lagoon, check-out the Alaska Railroad Depot, and much more.
Trolleys run regularly and come with a complimentary coupon booklet worth about $200 in savings at nearby retailers. This is a wonderful and inexpensive orientation tour to the city, but do not confuse it with a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour.
Explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Rent a bike and cruise along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This scenic path hugs the coastline and winds through forests, wetlands, and parks. It is truly one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bald eagles, and even beluga whales. The trail is flat, easy, and a perfect way to soak up Anchorage’s natural beauty all year round.
You can access the trail at the extreme northeast end of West 2nd Avenue, near the railroad depot, at the extreme southwest end at Kincaid Chalet, and several points in between. There are thousands of gorgeous views just waiting for you along the trail!
Go Fishing Right in Town
You don’t need to trek into the wilderness to reel in a big one. Ship Creek, which runs through downtown Anchorage, has fabulous salmon fishing—right in the heart of the city. As the tide rolls in, anglers line the banks, hoping to hook into a prized Chinook or Coho salmon. And when the salmon run hits its peak, the creek bursts to life with excitement and friendly competition.
Locals and visitors alike cast their lines into the cold, glacial waters, timing their visits with the salmon runs for the best chance of success. Many arrive before dawn, wearing chest waders and gripping thermoses of coffee. They are ready and braced to do battle with powerful fish that fight fiercely against the current.
Fishermen celebrate their success on the spot, holding up silver-scaled trophies for photos beneath the railroad bridge or near the fish-cleaning stations. Nearby vendors sell both tackle and snacks, turning the area into a lively hub of outdoor activity. Whether you’re casting for kings or cohos, this experience is uniquely Alaskan.
Stroll and Shop Through Downtown Anchorage
From quirky gift shops to locally owned restaurants, downtown Anchorage brings out the city’s personality. Grab reindeer sausage from a street cart, browse local art galleries, and sample craft brews at a local brewery. Here are some Alaska souvenir shopping experiences you don’t want to miss!
Alaska Fur Exchange – See Woolly Mammoth tusks, beautiful walrus ivory carvings, fossils, baskets, jewelry, fur products, and a host of other treasures.
Alaska Wild Berry Products – Sample fabulous chocolate candies as you look in awe at the world’s largest chocolate waterfall located inside this Anchorage gift shop and chocolate factory. Shop for souvenirs, fudge and other candy, and homemade jams, jellies, syrups and sauces made from local Alaskan berries.
Alaska Sausage and Seafood – Sample several different types of smoked salmon and reindeer sausage at this iconic Anchorage store. Whether you want to have your own game or fish processed or prefer to explore the retail store, this is the place to go! Check out their variety of fish (fresh and dried), sausage, jerky, and other wonderful offerings.
Ulu Factory – Learn the history and watch workers build the indigenous people’s Ulu knife. This knife has been used for filleting salmon and processing game animals for thousands of years. You can select from many beautifully handcrafted styles of Ulu’s to take home with you or give as gifts. I bought several of these as gifts on my first trip to Alaska and they are absolutely the best souvenirs I have ever brought home!
More Anchorage Adventures – Just a Short Drive Away
Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., and Anchorage is the largest city in the state. But the biggest draws in Alaska are the natural wonders and wildlife found outside the cities. While there is a lot happening in the heart of Anchorage, there is a whole lot more to see and do just a short drive away.
Frank K. from Anchorage, Alaska, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Get a deeper understanding of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Watch traditional dances, learn games, and hear stories passed down for generations in the Gathering Place. Watch native artisans demonstrate and showcase their work in the Hall of Cultures. You might even get a chance to take something home! And view a variety a films to learn about the different cultures of Alaska’s Native people.
Explore life-size village replicas of Native dwellings. Learn the traditions of the Dene, Iñupiat, Sivuqam Yupigi, Yupiit, Cupiit, Unangax̂, Sugpiat, dAXunhyuu, Łingít, Xaadas, Ts’msyen peoples. Each traditional structure contains artifacts from daily life.
The center is located at 8800 Heritage Center Dr. You can drive there in just seven minutes from the Tikahtnu Commons. Or, take the free shuttle from the Log Cabin Visitor Center in Downtown Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Watch Wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for a rare chance to see Alaska’s iconic animals up close in a safe yet natural setting. See bears, moose, bison, wolves, and other native species in enclosures that mirror their wild habitats. Walk or drive a 1.5-mile loop to observe the animals behaving much as they would in the wild.
Educational signs and staff interactions deepen your understanding of each species’ role in Alaska’s ecosystem, making your visit both fun and informative. Most importantly, your visit supports vital conservation work. The center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals whenever possible, while also educating the public about wildlife protection.
The center is located just 47 scenic miles along the Seward Highway from Anchorage. The easiest way to visit is by car. You can even Uber or take a taxi, but arrange for your driver to wait for you on property for the return trip as all drivers are dispatched from Anchorage.
Chase the Northern Lights
Anchorage’s long winter nights offer prime conditions for aurora hunting. But the city lights get in the way. You need to get away from the city and into the dark to see the Aurora Borealis. Head out on a guided tour or drive just outside the city to escape the light pollution. When those green and purple ribbons dance across the sky, you’ll never forget it.
Take a Glacier Cruise or Flightseeing Tour
Join a Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Tour to experience majestic glaciers calving into the water. You will also see all sorts of wildlife including seals, whales, sea otters, and more along the way.
If you really want to get up close and personal, you can paddle your own kayak around icebergs in Spencer Glacier Lake. Enjoy views of hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and more as you make your way to your destination. Then get ready to be awed by the spectacular views as you paddle beside sea creatures in the majestic setting.
Check out this awesome helicopter tour with landings on Knik Glacier, where you can get out and explore the majestic glacier. It also makes two other landings. One in an alpine area and one on an ice wall. This is a truly incredible experience!
Explore the Chugach State Park
Visit Chugach State Park to escape the city without TECHNICALLY leaving it. Yes, that’s right, it is technically located in the city limits. But it is a solid 30 minutes from downtown Anchorage, placing it firmly in the “outside the city” category.
The park’s vast landscape offers quick access to rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and endless hiking trails. Whether you drive up to Glen Alps, bike the Powerline Pass, or hike Flattop, you’ll immediately immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature.
Breathe in the crisp mountain air. Spot wildlife like moose, Dall sheep, and even eagles soaring above. Trails like the Williwaw Lakes Loop or the South Fork Valley lead you through vibrant tundra and crystal-clear streams. Whether you’re out for a short walk or a full-day adventure, the terrain challenges and rewards you at every turn.
Hike Flattop Mountain
Lace up your boots and conquer one of Anchorage’s most iconic hikes. Flattop Mountain is widely regarded as the most climbed mountain in Alaska. That said, the path is rocky and steep, so it is not for everyone. But there are various loop trails below that are perfect for beginners and those with physical limitations.
If you dare climb to the top, Flattop Mountain offers sweeping views of the city, Cook Inlet, and even Denali on a clear day. The climb is steep, but it rewards you with epic photo ops and a sense of achievement. Locals love it—and you will too.
It takes about 30 minutes to get to the Glen Alps Trailhead from downtown Anchorage. Fortunately, the Flattop Mountain Shuttle will get you there and back!
Visit Potter Marsh Boardwalk
Just 15-minutes south of town, Potter Marsh provides the most accessible wildlife viewing sport in the state. This peaceful, wetlands area is fantastic for birdwatching and spotting moose. It is also a great place for spotting beavers, muskrats, bald eagles and spawning salmon.
The wonderful 1,550-foot-long viewing boardwalk winds from the parking area through the march. This creates the perfect vantage point for wildlife viewing. Be sure to bring your binoculars for best viewing. And don’t forget your camera!
In addition to insta-worthy wildlife viewing opportunities, Potter Marsh provides accessible facilities. Add this to the quick access from Anchorage and you have the perfect last-minute family friendly day-trip!
Tips for Visiting Anchorage
Where to Stay: There are several wonderful places to stay in Anchorage.
Best Time to Visit: The summer months from June to early September offer the best weather and the highest chances of spotting wildlife. These are also the months attached to cruise season. Anchorage is a really great extension to the beginning, end, or even between a cruise and a land excursion!
Packing: Bring layered clothing, rain gear, and mosquito repellent. Even in summer, temperatures can vary significantly.
Safety: The city itself is fairly safe but always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you travel. Carry bear spray when hiking and follow local guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Transportation: If you are only in Anchorage for a day or so before/after a cruise, you may be able to get by on foot and Uber. But, you will be limited to the city center. In fact, if exploring the city center is your main goal, then Uber and taxis will be your best friends. Parking is very limited in Anchorage. We circled the Trolly Tour station four times and could not find a parking space on the road or in a lot on my last visit!
Renting a car is essential for exploring the area outside of downtown. I really like to rent from Turo in Alaska!
Shopping: Anchorage is one of the best places in the state to find your Alaska souvenirs.
Ready to Roam Anchorage?
Whether you are flying through on your way to another adventure, or planning to stay a while, you should definitely take the time to check out Anchorage!
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