Explore Anchorage with My TrekTopia | Your Guide to the Great Alaskan Adventure

Best Things To Do In Anchorage

The mesmerizing beauty of Anchorage leaves everyone awe-struck in many ways—from the Turnagain Arm’s pristine waters to the Chugach Mountains’ majestic peaks. But the best thing about the people is their hospitality and warmth of friendly smiles in Alaska. 

Are you inspired to set on an Alaskan adventure of your own? If yes, Anchorage is a great beginning point that offers a unique combination of experiences in the city and outdoor activities. If you seek a thrilling outdoor experience, a history fanatic, or a nature lover, Anchorage offers the spark to ignite your inner explorer. Let’s take a look at the Best Things To Do in Anchorage.  

Go on a shopping spree at some unique shops loaded with locally produced handcrafted souvenirs that mirror Alaskan impressive crafts. Treat your taste buds to the delicious seafood dishes available on the carts of small street vendors, or explore the Anchorage Museum at the Ramuson Center for a lesson about the history of Anchorage. Dive deep into the rich heritage, past, and unique presence worldwide. Explore Downtown Anchorage to witness the buzz of the city. 

Anchorage also acts as an aviation center that offers a wide range of sightseeing tours in the city by flight. Fly high above the town and revel in the mesmerizing sights of the Alaskan landscape. 

Did you know Anchorage has more pilots per capita than any other city? 

Shopping in Anchorage

Downtown Anchorage has exquisite stores and beautifully decorated shops, making it a shopper’s paradise. Stores like Duane’s Antique Market and Hops Hallmark Shop are your go-to places for all your gifting needs. Suppose you’re a chocolate lover like me. In that case, you can find your feet taking you to Alaska Wild Berry Products on Juneau Street to satisfy your desire for chocolate and organic produce. Visit Alaska Fur Exchange to buy goods made with fur, which is excellent for people who love to collect unique items. 

If you want to delve deeper into the artistic vibe of Alaska, make sure to explore galleries around Anchorage. Explore art galleries like the Alaska Gallery, where works of renowned native Alaskan artists are exhibited.

Anchorage Cuisine

Anchorage is famous for its adventurous food scene. Alaskans love their game meat and seafood. Try reindeer sausage jerky on the go, or just have reindeer sausage for breakfast. Salmon is another one of the most famous and favorite meats that Alaskans prefer. Salmon can be cured, grilled, baked, or paired with delicious cream cheese. Enjoy a basket of crispy golden flaky fish and chips from the boardwalk shops or a cup of delightful coffee by Kaladi Brothers. 

Alaskan King Crab is famous for its fresh taste and delicacy. They are considered a prized delicacy and are featured on the menus of restaurants in Alaska as a star ingredient. They are best served grilled with garlic butter and a squeeze of lemon on top, garnished with chopped parsley. Visit the South Anchorage Farmers Market to experience the fresh produce and yummy treats. 

 Anchorage Nightlife 

As the sun dips below the horizon, Anchorage’s nightlife comes alive. Catch a live music performance at The Bear Tooth Theatre, a historic venue showcasing local and national acts. For a taste of Alaskan nightlife, head to the Glacier Brewhouse, a popular spot for craft beers and good company.

Anchorage’s nightlife is as vibrant as the day. The city comes alive as the sun sets behind the horizon. Anchorage has many great places to enjoy, such as The Bear Tooth Theatre, a historic venue that exhibits local acts. Go to the Glacier Brewhouse for locally produced beers and chat with locals. 

Exploring Anchorage 

Downtown Anchorage has a wealth of history, which can be explored with a walking tour. Sydney Laurence Building is an excellent example of 20th-century architecture. Explore the Glen Alps Trail in Chugach State Park, which allows hiking the most scenic views.  

Rent a bike and explore the bike paths spanning over 200 miles, making it an ideal place for cyclists. If you’re a sea lover, you will love the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail along the coast, which is suitable for an early morning bike ride with your partner. 

The Wild Side of Anchorage 

Anchorage is home to Alaska’s most amazing wonders of nature. Get ready to hike the iconic trails dotted with lush green forests decorated by cascading waterfalls in Chugach State Park and be on the lookout for Alaska’s beautiful wildlife. Anchorage’s proximity to glaciers makes it a good base camp for hiking and mountain climbing. 

Enjoy a kayaking trip along the glaciers and feel the cold shower of melted glacial water as you pass by the snowy peaks. Experience the magnificent bears in their natural habitat with the guidance of wildlife experts at the Anchorage bear viewing tour. If you are a nature enthusiast, you will love this unique experience. 

Are you a birdwatching fan? If yes, then Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatcher paradise. You can see swans, sandpipers, migratory birds, and plovers here. You can also catch a Beluga Whale dancing off the shore. 

The Turnagain Arm Bore Tide is a natural phenomenon that can be witnessed twice daily. The dramatic rise and fall of the tide creates an ultra-powerful wave rushing up the Cook Inlet. 

March is the month for Iditaroad. Anchorage is the starting and ending point for the legendary 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It is one of the world’s most competitive sports events. Thrill and excitement fill the air as mushers and their dogs begin this legendary race across Alaska. 

Day Trips From Anchorage

Anchorage is a great center point for accessing multiple options for day trip adventures. Discover the greatest mountain peak in North America, Denali Peak, in Denali National Park and Preserve. Embark on a picturesque train journey along the luscious woods and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Alaska. 

Seward is a beautiful little town located to the South of Anchorage. Seward lets you enjoy a wildlife cruise in the Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, you can witness the majestic glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of mesmerizing marine biodiversity. 

The route from Anchorage to Fairbanks offers an insight into Alaska’s diverse landscapes. Drive past the rolling hills through the vast, lush green forests beside Denali National Park. You just cannot miss Fairbanks while on your trip to Alaska. It is a mesmerizing town famous for its rich history and Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is also known as the Northern Lights.

Related: Road Trip to Alaska

Planning Your Anchorage Adventure

The Best Time to Visit Anchorage

The best time to visit Anchorage depends on activities. If you want to experience the midnight sun and explore the outdoors, summer is the best time as the days are long, and you can enjoy your outdoor stay for a reasonable amount of time. 

Winters transform Anchorage into a frozen wonderland, which is ideal for engaging in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and watching the northern lights. 

Best Places to Stay in Anchorage 

Anchorage has accommodation options ranging from economy hostels to luxurious boutique hotels. It’s easy to find a place that fits your preferences and budget. 

Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park is just a short distance from Downtown Anchorage and provides quite an exciting experience for anglers, spectators, and birders. 

Brooks Lodge Bear Viewing provides the best opportunities for those who want to live in the heart of the wilderness. You can take a guided tour or just take a self-guided tour. The staff is quite knowledgeable about the area and can guide you well. It also makes an excellent spot for fishing for rainbow trout.

Hotel Captain Cook is one of the finest hotels in Anchorage and Alaska. With world-class amenities and helpful staff at your service, it is an excellent place to stay while on your trip to Anchorage. The 20-storey hotel offers spectacular views of the Chugach and Denali Mountains.

Related: Everything You Need to Know to Battle Against Mosquitoes in Alaska

Festivals to Enjoy in Anchorage 

The colorful spirit of Anchorage is more than its mesmerizing landscape and thrilling adventures. The city has festivals throughout the year, giving a unique insight into Alaskan culture. 

Let’s look at some of the most popular festivals in Anchorage. 

Fur Rendezvous, held in February and also famous as Fur Rondy, is a popular festival in Alaska’s winter carnival. Enjoy the spirit of winter with events such as the Rondy Run Reindeer Race, the World Champion Sourdough Pancake Eating Contest, and ice sculpting competition.

Spring Fling Festival is held in May to celebrate the arrival of spring.  Enjoy live music, local street food, and arts and crafts. Witness the traditional “Chick Drop,” where baby chicks are parachuted from a rooftop to mark the beginning of the summer season.

Solstice Solstice Festival is held in June to Welcome the longest day of the year with a colorful downtown festival. Try delicious food, enjoy live music performances, and witness talented athletes contest in the Hero Games, a fun and challenging relay race.

Alaska State Fair is a mass-scale fair held in August. It is a must-have Alaskan experience in the nearby Mat-Su Valley. Witness livestock competitions, agricultural shows, exciting carnival rides, and live music performances. Try fair food like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos the Alaskan way!

Conclusion

Anchorage will leave you mesmerized for sure. Dive deep into Alaska’s natural wonders and discover the warmth of the local hospitality.  This ultimate guide from My TrekTopia will equip you with the knowledge to plan the most unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Get your bags ready to experience the beating heart of Alaska, Anchorage. 

FAQs

Q: What are some family-friendly activities in Anchorage?

A: Anchorage is an ideal destination to visit for families. Take a first-hand experience of the fascinating wildlife at the Alaska Zoo. Do visit the wonders of Alaska at the Alaska Experience Center. Plan a cute little picnic at Kincaid Park, or let the kids swim at the Chester Creek Greenbelt. 

Q: What’s the best way to experience Anchorage’s nightlife?

A: Enjoy a live musical performance at the Sydney Laurence Pub. Try the delicious beers and mingle with local people at the pubs. You can enjoy a comedy show or a film at one of the many theatres in Anchorage. 

Q: What should I pack for a trip to Anchorage?

A: Pack warm thermals, a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, and warm base layers for your trip to Anchorage. Packaging sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for summer is advisable. A pair of binoculars are essential to enjoy whale watching and picturesque views.