Things To Do in Anchorage, Alaska

Activities, attractions and tours
Anchorage featuring a sunset, mountains and general coastal views

Anchorage Attractions

If you have never visited the northern city of Anchorage, Alaska, you may be expecting to see a barren wasteland complete with igloos in the middle of endless snow and ice, but this is simply not the truth. Anchorage is frequently referred to as the City of Lights and Flowers partially because of the giant size of the blossoms attained by most flowering species here.

Because the midnight sun keeps things growing around the clock, one of the main attractions in Anchorage is the cultivated vegetation. Also known as the Hanging Basket Capital of the World, Anchorage horticultural displays are a must see for every summer tourist.

There are so many things to do in Anchorage that it's difficult to list them all, and the available activities change with the seasons. For instance, Anchorage excursions during the winter months include going on dogsled tours, participating in the festivities of the annual Fur Rendezvous festival, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and watching the beginning of the Iditarod sled dog race. Winter is also the best time to meet local people because the food and dining spots are not as crowded with tourists as they are during the summer months. It is easy to take a map of Anchorage city streets and find popular places for good meals, entertainment, shopping options, and cultural exhibits. Located downtown right next to Town Square Park, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of world-class entertainment year around. The pace of life in the City of Lights and Flowers is slow and leisurely during the winter months.

Anchorage activities during the summer include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and generally enjoying the spectacular outdoor environment AK offers during this time of year. It will not be at all unusual to see people playing softball at local parks at midnight. One of the top recreation areas within the Anchorage city limits is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

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Anchorage showing marine life and a river or creek

Downtown Anchorage

3.5/5(74 area reviews)

Travelers to Downtown Anchorage praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Log Cabin Visitor Information Center and Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center.

Downtown Anchorage
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Midtown Anchorage

4/5(18 area reviews)

Midtown Anchorage is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Z.J. Loussac Library - Main Branch and Wells Fargo History Museum while in the area.

Midtown Anchorage
Virgin Creek Falls in Girdwood. Such an easy short hike in the rainforest to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Fall colors in full display.
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#Adventure #Girdwood #VirginCreekfalls

Alyeska

While visiting Alyeska, you might make a stop by sights like Girdwood Town Square and Alyeska Ski Resort.

Alyeska
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Spenard

3/5(34 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Spenard. A stop by Arctic Benson Park or Pop Carr Park might round out your trip.

Spenard
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail featuring a sunset

South Addition

If you're spending some time in South Addition, Bootlegger Cove and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail are top sights worth seeing.

South Addition
Moose on the loose!  Take a hike near the airport in Anchorage and you likely will see a moose or two.  Kincaid Park is a true gem.

Sand Lake

While visiting Sand Lake, you might make a stop by sights like Kincaid Park and Jewel Lake Park.

Sand Lake

Day trip destinations from Anchorage