Things to do · Anchorage, Alaska, US

Things to Do in Anchorage

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Getting there
Anchorage is served by Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, about 7 km from downtown, with most visitors arriving on connecting flights from Seattle, Denver or Los Angeles. A smaller field, Merrill Field, sits roughly 3 km away and handles general aviation. While there is no passenger rail, the city is reachable by the Alaska Highway, a well‑maintained road that links to the rest of the state.
Who goes
Roughly two million tourists pass through Anchorage each year, drawn mainly by outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Summer months—June through August—bring the highest crowds as hikers and cruise‑ship passengers flood the area, while winter sees a noticeable dip in visitor numbers, offering a quieter experience for those who prefer solitude.
Budgeting
A careful traveler can expect to spend around $70–$100 per day (roughly $70–$100 USD), while a more comfortable pace might run about $150–$200 (≈$150–$200 USD). Accommodations and guided tours tend to be the biggest expenses, so saving on meals by shopping at local grocery stores and preparing simple breakfasts can stretch your budget further. Estimate →

  1. Anchorage Museum

    museum · 4.6 rating · $25

    The largest museum in Alaska, covering the state's art, history, science, and Native cultures with extensive exhibits and a planetarium. It is a central cultural attraction for visitors to Anchorage.

  2. Alaska Native Heritage Center

    museum · 4.7 rating · $30

    A cultural center showcasing the traditions, art, and life of Alaska's Native peoples through exhibits, demonstrations, and reconstructed traditional dwellings. Travelers visit to learn about Indigenous Alaskan cultures firsthand.

  3. Chugach State Park

    park · 4.8 rating

    One of the largest state parks in the U.S., encompassing vast mountain wilderness, hiking trails, and scenic vistas near Anchorage. A premier destination for hiking and experiencing Alaska's rugged landscape.

  4. Anchorage Depot

    attraction · 4.5 rating

    Historic downtown rail terminal and departure point for Alaska Railroad journeys.

  5. Kincaid Park

    park · 4.8 rating

    A large forested park on the coastal bluffs of Anchorage with extensive trails for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, plus moose sightings and ocean views. Travelers go for outdoor recreation and nature.

  6. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

    trail · 4.6 rating

    An 11-mile paved coastal route linking downtown Anchorage with Kincaid Park, known for Cook Inlet views, moose sightings, cycling, walking, and sunsets over the Alaska Range.

  7. Earthquake Park

    park · 4.5 rating

    A waterfront park commemorating the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, with interpretive signs and views of Cook Inlet and the Anchorage skyline. Travelers visit for the history and scenic vantage points.

  8. Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A boardwalk trail extending over the Potter Marsh wetlands for close viewing of birds, fish, and wildlife. Travelers walk it for accessible, elevated wildlife observation.

  9. Alaska Botanical Garden

    garden · 4.7 rating · $14

    A botanical garden showcasing native Alaskan and hardy northern plants across cultivated grounds and forest trails. Travelers visit for nature walks and seasonal blooms.

  10. Town Square Park

    park · 4.2 rating

    A central urban green space in downtown Anchorage known for its seasonal flower gardens and community events. Travelers stop by to relax and enjoy the landscaped grounds.

  11. Point Woronzof Park

    park · 4.7 rating

    A coastal park along Cook Inlet near Anchorage offering sweeping views of the water, distant mountains, and passing aircraft. Travelers come for sunset views and shoreline walks.

  12. Eklutna Lake

    lake · 4.7 rating

    A glacier-fed lake in Chugach State Park with a long shoreline trail, kayaking and cycling in summer, and dramatic mountain scenery about an hour from central Anchorage.

  13. Flattop Mountain

    mountain · 4.8 rating

    Anchorage’s signature summit hike, known for panoramic views over the city, Cook Inlet, and the Chugach Mountains.

  14. Eagle River Nature Center

    attraction · 4.6 rating

    A nature center in the Chugach Mountains offering interpretive exhibits and access to forest and river trails with wildlife viewing. Travelers come to hike and observe Alaskan flora and fauna in a scenic mountain setting.

  15. Spenard Farmers' Market

    market · 4.4 rating

    A lively outdoor market in Anchorage's Spenard neighborhood featuring local produce, food vendors, and crafts. Travelers visit to sample Alaskan goods and experience local community life.

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