Things to do & places to visit in Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Set amid the coastal Chugach Mountains, Anchorage defies popular visions of polar ice caps and frozen tundra. It’s also warmer than you think (averaging 65 degrees in summer), making conditions ideal for sight-seeing or taking on uniquely Alaskan opportunities like arctic biking or touring the fjords of Prince William Sound. In the winter, you can ski, dogsled or do both simultaneously by "skijoring," which is cross-country skiing while being towed by a dog. Hey, it's no crazier a winter sport than the biathlon.

Anchorage municipality in Alaska, United States. Timezone: America/Anchorage, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 15:37.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (27 attractions)

5.0 Cook Inlet (602 reviews)
- Check this out on a map- it's huge.
Bodies of Water

Cook Inlet goes from "Turnagain Arm" to the wide open Pacific. The "Arm" section goes inland but it's not really navigable; it's all mud flats. The Pacific side empties into the Pacific near Homer. No wonder Captain Cook thought that this body of water would take him across to the north Atlantic. See more..
5.0 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (325 reviews)
- Great event with beautiful dogs
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We were at the celebratory start in Anchorage (March 4, 2023). Amazing atmosphere, beautiful and eager dogs, great teams and many spectators along 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage. It was cold but sunny. As the teams started out, chears and whistling and clapping started all the way out of downtown. We also tried raindeer sausage at one of the vendors. GREAT EVENT not to be missed! The restart was next day out of Willow village. See more..
5.0 Chugach State Park (181 reviews)
- Scenic views and majestic mountains
State Parks • Forests

This 495,000-acre state park includes Flattop Mountain, the most climbed mountain in Alaska. See more..
4.5 Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center (2.641 reviews)
- Nice Alaska history and culture overview
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Alaska's largest museum focusing on art, history, science and culture of Alaska. See more..
4.5 Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (1.879 reviews)
- Fun workout with the chance to see wildlife
Historic Walking Areas • Biking Trails

Popular biking trail along the coast. See more..
4.5 Alaska Native Heritage Center (1.699 reviews)
- Beautiful Native Alaskan Cultural Experience
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Educational sites

Alaskan native culture is presented through storytelling, dancing, craft-making and simulated, life-sized villages representing each of the five main indigenous groups. See more..
4.5 Alaska Railroad Depot (1.072 reviews)
- Onboard!!!
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings

Great experience sent I wanted to take a train ride while in Alaska. We rode, with guides pointing out areas along the way of interest, the staff were very helpful, the dining car had excellent food and the cafe with their hot coffee and snacks. The train was very clean with mask worn by all and sanitary precautions taken. If you've never ridden a train I encourage you to do it. I loved it!!! See more..
4.5 Flattop Mountain Trail (945 reviews)
- It’s Only Flat on the Top
Hiking Trails

This is a very popular hiking trail for couples, families, and pets. About 1/4 mile above the parking lot, you’ll come to a fork in the Blueberry Loop trail; taking the left fork is the easier path to begin your ascent and has mountain and valley views. The right fork is steeper and longer and affords city and coastal views that you will experience at higher elevations after exiting the loop trail. The trail to the top becomes more difficult negotiating the staircases to reach the Saddle, which provides great 360-degree views on a clear day. The last 1/4 mile to the top gains about 1000 feet in elevation in a slow brutal scramble over loose rocks through crevices on a poorly marked trail if you’re determined to make it to the flagpole at the top. It’s easy hiking around the “martian” surface at the top. It took us about two hours to reach the top and one-hour to hike down with rests. Expect sore muscles and joints if you’re older or out of shape. See more..
4.5 Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center (835 reviews)
- tourist info and photo-stop
Visitor Centers

The building is very photogenic. Great backdrop to a personalized Anchorage "postcard" or a few. The staff are very nice and helpful. They have info on Anchorage as well as other areas of Alaska especially those for which Anchorage is a jumping-off point (Denali, Kenai peninsula). See more..
4.5 Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary (715 reviews)
- Amazing Stop for Viewing Wildlife and Scenery
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Popular locale for viewing waterfowl and salmon. See more..
4.5 Alyeska Ski Area (386 reviews)
- A great day of skiing
Mountains • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Popular winter recreation resort for skiers that features 2,000 vertical feet of skiing on 27 trails. See more..
4.5 Kincaid Park (371 reviews)
- Great place for a walk or hike
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM Parks • Hiking Trails

This park offers 20 miles of cross-country skiing, hiking and bike trails. See more..
4.5 Lake Eklutna (359 reviews)
- Breathtaking views, fresh clean air
Bodies of Water

Easy drive out of Anchorage and up and around lazy winding road with a great ice cream coffee stop just before you arrive or on your way out. This is a great photo app, mindful meditative spot, or hike/bike ride location. The water is cool to the touch and soothing to look at and refresh your senses! Family or friend trips or solo visits are worth the effort to get away from the daily grind and witness the panoramic beauty of Lake Eklutna. Dress in layers accordingly and be prepared to reconnect with nature! See more..
4.5 Crow Creek Mine (328 reviews)
- Gold panning fun and a historic site
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mines

Crow Creek Mine is a family owned and operated Historical and Recreational Gold Mine. Nestled in a very beautiful mountain setting, Crow Creek Mine offers the oldest buildings in the Anchorage area, 1898, as well as some of the most popular recreational Gold Mining in all of Alaska. You will find everyone from your first time miner just hoping for a few flecks, up to actual gold miners who have been working these grounds on a very serious level. For those not intersted in the panning or sluicing experience, the property is very scenic for pictures and is a very popular wedding destination, it is even fun to just sit and watch some of the more experienced crews of miners as they work. While most visitors coming in for sightseeing or panning don't need reservations, we do offer private guided tours for those of you wanting a bit more out of your experience. Not only do you learn more about the property and gold in general, but the gold mining experience of our staff and knowledge of the property is always a big help in having a succesful outing!!! Feel free to contact us for any questions regarding our business or the Girdwood area in general. Girdwood makes for great day trips from anchorage and is on the way for anyone headed to Portage, Seward, Kenai, or Homer. Our road is a bit bumpy and unmaintained between October and May, but come June 1st every year the state does a great job of fixing it, you can always contact us for road conditions if concerned. Thanks for viewing our business, we look forward to meeting you soon, See more..
4.5 Eagle River Nature Center (288 reviews)
- Lovely Hiking Trails
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

This nature center offers hiking trails and guided walking tours. See more..
4.5 Byron Glacier Trail (278 reviews)
- Hidden treasure at the end of the trail
Hiking Trails

Easy trail the has a great reward at the end of it. If you aren’t very outdoorsy or not sure on how to navigate in the wild, it won’t matter because this trail is very easy to navigate. Just be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring the usual necessities such as water/ snacks etc. We went in November and were really glad we brought the shoe spikes. Once you get to the trail end, just follow the valley as it bends to the left and you will literally walk into the glacial ice caves. Not a bad way to spend a morning. One of the best hikes we had on our trip, definitely recommend that you make this part of your itinerary. See more..
4.5 Alaska Public Land Information Centers (265 reviews)
- Hidden gem - DO NOT MISS THIS!!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

Learn about the parks, forests, and refuges in Alaska through interactive exhibits, Junior Ranger programs, scavenger hunts, as well as free movies and presentations in the theater. During the summer there are Park Ranger-led walking tours, visits from the zoo, and other special programming. See more..
4.5 Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum (258 reviews)
- Amazing airplanes
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

The Alaska Aviation Museum is located in the heart of Alaska aviation. It sits on the south shore of Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world, with more than 87,000 takeoffs and landings per year. A half-mile away is Ted Stevens International Airport, the air crossroads of the world. You can watch takeoffs and landings right from the museum. The museum presents one of the finest displays of Alaskan aviation history with many interactive displays, memorabilia, photographs, films and artifacts from personal collections of Alaska's pioneer aviators. See more..
4.5 Winner Creek Trail Hand Tram (254 reviews)
- Excellent there and back trail suitable for most people
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Gently undulating, forested there and back trail, 2.5 mile each way to the hand tram. Unfortunately this is currently closed for safety upgrades but there are good river views and a few peaks at the surrounding mountains. Bug spray recommended. See more..
4.5 Point Woronzof (199 reviews)
- Nice little spot to watch planes and look for marine life
Historic Walking Areas

Busy little spot. Parking lot is usually pretty full. Had a food truck and ice cream truck to enjoy while you take in the view. You can hop on the tony knowles coastal trail from here to walk/bike. You can also watch planes fly right over your head as they take off from the Anchorage Airport. See more..
4.5 Lake Hood Harbor (187 reviews)
- Small Plane Heaven
Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks

With Lake Spenard, to which it is joined by canals, Lake Hood is considered to be the largest floatplane harbor in the world. See more..
4.5 Imaginarium Discovery Center (129 reviews)
- It's not just for kids!
Science Museums

Take the time to play with every exhibit. You will walk away with a wealth of science and physics knowledge! This place is fascinating. And don't miss the exhibit about passenger pigeons just outside the Imaginarium. See more..
4.5 Indian Valley Mine, National Historic Site (89 reviews)
- RECOMMEND STOPPING AND VISITING THIS HISTORIC SITE
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

The main cabin, which contains the gift shop, and the assay building at Indian Valley Mine has some of the oldest structures built on the Turnagain Arm, and are listed as a National Historic Site. Indian Valley Mine offers visitors the opportunity to learn gold panning and browse through two historic cabins built in the early 1900's a small museum and gift shop, or simply sit back on one of our benches and take in the panoramic view of the Turnagain Arm. See more..
4.5 Girdwood Brewing Company (87 reviews)
- Afternoon flight delight
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Enjoy local brews and epic views of the Chugach mountains at Girdwood Brewing Company. We have a beautiful timber framed taproom adorned with local art and ski relics. For those who prefer the outdoors, there’s an awesome beer garden with fire pits and plenty of seating. We offer up four core beers and a series of rotating taps. Root beer, cold brew coffee, and kombucha are available for those looking for an alcohol free beverage. Tasters and 12 ounce pours are available to drink in the taproom. If you are looking for beer to go, we fill growlers, sell 5 gallon kegs, and have 4-packs of 16 ounce cans with labels designed by Alaskan artists (for sale in the taproom only). Food trucks are on-site every day, and we have cool merchandise for you to take home. Girdwood Brewing Company is truly rooted in our community. We donate to a number of nonprofits and outdoor adventure organizations. Our brewery also provides year round employment to over a dozen locals. See more..
4.0 Alaska Zoo (1.194 reviews)
- Must see for unique Arctic animals
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos

If you've missed seeing Arctic wildlife on your Alaskan adventure, you'll find it at this small zoo, where all the animals have names. You'll see moose, caribou, sheep, wolves, musk oxen, mountain goats and several different types of bears, including polar, grizzly and black bears. See more..
4.0 The Ulu Factory (728 reviews)
- Actual production site!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Interesting to see components being made through a viewing glass. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. City transit doesn't provide front door service but not much of a walk from tourist/downtown area. Their products are sold in gift stores around town for the same cost, just beware the cheaper versions are knock-offs made overseas. Loaded up on Ulu knives for family gifts and they provided flat rate USPS shipping which was a nice convenience. Also, as a side note, these knives can't fly home in your carry-on luggage. Checked baggage ok. See more..
4.0 Earthquake Park (538 reviews)
- Earthquake Park, an Inviting but Tragic Site
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Historic Sites • Parks

A designated area of Anchorage which shows the destruction caused by the 1964 earthquake. See more..

Things to do & places to visit in Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (27 attractions)

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