What to see and do in Anchorage

This Alaskan city has become an important epicenter of the region due to the number of activities it offers, so we will show you what to see and do in Anchorage to have an amazing visit. Located between the imposing Chugach Mountains and the waters of the Gulf of Alaska, you will have a unique experience that ranges from exciting outdoor adventures to a thriving cultural scene.

If you are planning a trip to Anchorage, you will find a city full of metropolitan excitement at one of the northernmost ends of the earth, but you will also find a destination with open spaces that you cannot miss and that is the gateway to the real Alaska.

Walk through downtown Anchorage

Walk through the lively streets of Fourth Avenue, where you will find a variety of shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars that reflect the cultural diversity of Anchorage.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, a stunning glass and steel building that houses fascinating exhibits about Alaska’s history, culture, and wildlife. Walk through the galleries and admire the native artwork, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits that will transport you back in time.

Another must-see is Flattop Mountain State Park, located just a few minutes from downtown. Climb to the top of this mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Anchorage, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Chugach Mountains. If you’re more adventurous, you can join a hiking tour along the trails that run through this impressive natural park.

See the sights in Anchorage from a tram

Anchorage is a city where the natural and urban mix in a magical way. So, after arriving in this small city surrounded by ice, the best way to get to know this contrast is on board a tram and in the company of a guide who you can ask questions about the historical facts that he tells you. If you decide to take part in a trolley tour of Anchorage, you will be able to see:

• Lake Hood Harbor: the city’s seaplane base, where you will observe the landing and takeoff of these aircraft. This is located next to Lake Hood and also very close to the Anchorage International Airport.
• Earthquake Park: a natural lung established in honor of the 1964 earthquake, which marked the history of the city forever. Inside you will learn more about this catastrophic event, but stay alert! More than 100 moose live on these lands, whom you will be able to spot from time to time.
• Alaska Railroad Depot: this is the train station that receives the railroads that pass through the city, being an important means of transportation in the state of Alaska.
• Captain Cook Monument: located in Resolution Park, this is a historical monument that pays tribute to Captain James Cook, an English explorer who sailed through the Pacific Ocean.

Alaskan Culture Tour

Native Alaskan culture is an integral part of Anchorage’s identity, and visiting some of the sites and attractions related to this tradition is an enriching experience. Start your tour at the Alaska Native Museum, where you can admire impressive totem poles, hear traditional stories, and learn about the arts and crafts of indigenous peoples.

Another must-see stop is Eklutna State Park, home to the Eklutna Historic Village, a native settlement dating back to the 19th century. Walk the park’s trails and visit traditional houses, graves, and totem poles that will give you a unique window into the life and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples.

Learn about the cultural offerings in Anchorage

Tour its many cultural centers. Start with the Alaska Experience Theatre at the Fourth Avenue Marketplace downtown. It features films and talks, and admission includes the documentary “1964 Earthquake Experience,” which tells the story of the terrible earthquake that devastated the city on Good Friday in 1964.

Visit Portage Glacier

With its easy access from downtown Anchorage, Portage Glacier will allow you to experience sightings and contact with this geographical formation of great value to the planet. The ice structure is located about 80 miles from Anchorage, so you’ll need to travel about an hour and a half by car to get close.

You can go through one of the trails that lead to it. In this case, the most suitable trail is the Portage Glacier Trail, in Glacier Portage State Park. You’ll walk approximately 1.5 miles along a medium-difficulty route ia, to be rewarded with an irreplaceable view of the glacier and the lake.

Enjoy the lively nightlife and food

After a day full of outdoor adventures, start your tour in the downtown area, where you will find a variety of bars, pubs and clubs offering live music, creative cocktails and an exciting atmosphere.

Keep in mind that Alaska has an interesting tradition in brewing beer and this explains the fact that the city of Anchorage is dotted with various breweries with unique options for those willing to experiment.

The active and welcoming downtown Anchorage is its main business district, where you can find a great food scene, artistic performance venues and nightlife venues that are particularly famous for their live music. To find out where to go, take a look at the places to taste the gastronomy of Anchorage.

Chugach State Park

If your spirit is as adventurous as that of the early English explorers, a must-see destination in Anchorage is Chugach State Park. This is another important natural lung of the city that occupies more than 200 thousand hectares and crosses borders.

Although you can visit on your own, one of the most comfortable ways is through a tour to Chugach State Park. In any case, you can choose to join hiking trails, go camping or kayaking in some of its lakes, go fishing, climbing and canoeing, and more.

Traveling through the suburban areas of Anchorage

Although Anchorage is a city with much to see, it also has beautiful suburban areas that deserve to be explored. One of the most popular is Eagle River, a picturesque town just 15 minutes from the city center. Here you can enjoy hiking trails, visit the Alaska Wildlife Center and explore local shops and restaurants.

Another option is to visit Palmer, a farming town just an hour from Anchorage. Known for its farms and orchards, Palmer offers the opportunity to enjoy a quieter, more rural lifestyle. Visit the Palmer Historical Museum, stroll through the Farmers Market, and enjoy panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains.

Regardless of your interests in what to see and do in Anchorage, this destination has something to offer every visitor. From exploring Native history and culture to outdoor adventures and delicious local cuisine, this city in the heart of Alaska will provide you with incredible memories.

Contact our specialists. At WeTravelUsa.com we provide you with the necessary advice to put together your travel itinerary without waste, including everything from airfare to accommodation and excursions. If you want to know more, you can subscribe to the YouTube channel and check out audiovisual content for better reference.