Anchorage, Alaska, is an intriguing place that combines stunning landscapes with rich cultural experiences. Due to its size, most think it’s the state’s capital. However, that honor goes to Juneau, further south.
For those seeking adventure, Anchorage provides scenic hiking trails, opportunities to see wildlife, and numerous glaciers. The city’s extensive history and lively arts culture create an ideal spot for those who crave adventure and culture enthusiasts alike.

While Anchorage offers year-round travel, most visit in the summer for long daylight hours, warmer weather, and access to attractions that close in the winter.
From the picturesque Turnagain Arm to the scenic trails of Flattop Mountain, Anchorage offers a diverse range of activities. Join us as we explore the best of what the Anchorage area has to offer.
Exploring Anchorage’s Natural Beauty
Anchorage, like the rest of the state, offers breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures that highlight its natural beauty.
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is a vast wilderness just a short drive from downtown Anchorage. Covering over 495,000 acres, it features scenic views, hiking trails, and wildlife.

- Popular Trails: The Flattop Mountain Trail is well-known for its panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. This challenging hike, about three miles long, is a popular choice for locals.
- Wildlife Spotting: Exploring beyond the city limits, we may encounter moose, bears, and many bird species, particularly in the summer months.
The park contains an extensive shoreline to the south. It’s the perfect spot to see the endless vistas of mud flats that the area is known for. From mid-July to August, beluga whales are present in the Cook Inlet and can be seen from Beluga Point.
Portage Glacier Cruise
The Portage Glacier boat cruise allows visitors to see a glacier up close. Located about an hour from Anchorage, this cruise offers breathtaking views of ice formations and surrounding mountains.
Since cruises only run from May to September, it’s the perfect summer activity. The boat tour on the MV Ptarmigan typically lasts about an hour, and I enjoyed the voyage through the stunning waters of Portage Lake.
While not on the scale of Hubbard Glacier, visitors could witness calving glaciers. Like many glaciers in Alaska, this one is receding, but the boat maneuvered to both sides of a large rock so we could see the left and right sides of its terminus.

The most significant advantage of this excursion is its affordability, making it a good option for families or those on a budget.
Potter’s Marsh
Potter’s Marsh is an ecological gem located on the outskirts of Anchorage. This wetland area is a haven for birdwatching and exploring Alaska’s diverse wildlife.
Take a pair of binoculars and see how many species you can spot from the elevated platforms. The marsh is well laid out with boardwalks and trails, allowing us to view birds without disturbing their natural habitat.
I saw a pair of trumpeter swans, nesting bald eagles, a beautiful tree swallow, and a magpie during my visit.
When the conditions are right, hares, muskrats, salmon, and moose may be spotted. I was lucky to see a moose near the park’s entrance.

Cultural Experiences
Anchorage tourist attractions include cultural experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind. For those interested in gaining insight into Indigenous traditions and local history, this city has a treasure trove of attractions. But we are highlighting three.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
At the Alaska Native Heritage Center, we were not just visitors, but participants in the rich cultures of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples. This center doesn’t just present exhibits, it tells the stories of the Native communities through art, history, and tradition.
We learned about traditional dance performances, giving us insight into ancient practices. The outdoor areas feature rebuilt villages, allowing for a deeper understanding of the different ways of life.
Visit the Dog Mushing District
Dog mushing is a quintessential Alaskan experience, and we explored it in the Dog Mushing District. While we visited in summer, we could immerse ourselves in the winter sport and learn about its annual races: the Iditarod and the Fur Rendezvous.

The Fur Rondy Shop features the Mushing Hall of Fame, and nearby, there are bronze sculptures dedicated to mushers and their teams.
Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum is a crucial hub for learning about Alaskan history, art, and science. Here, we encounter diverse exhibitions that span centuries, celebrating Indigenous and settler histories.
Notable highlights include the extensive Alaska History gallery, where we can see artifacts and witness the state’s transformation. Engaging with contemporary Alaskan art in the museum’s exhibitions broadens our appreciation for modern creative expressions.
We also recommend checking out their special events calendar, as they often host lectures and workshops that further enrich our understanding of Alaska’s cultural landscape.
Outdoor Adventures
Anchorage offers an abundance of outdoor adventures that cater to all levels of thrill-seekers. From glacier explorations to scenic trails, our options are diverse and rewarding.
Matanuska Glacier

As one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, it takes just over two hours to reach Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage. Imagine exploring crevasses and ice formations and enjoying stunning views. But it’s best to go glacier exploring with an experienced guide.
The guided tours typically last about 2-3 hours and are suitable for various fitness levels. Safety gear, including crampons and helmets, is provided.
We recommend booking in advance, especially during summer, to secure a spot on Matanuska Glacier. Without a car, you can book a Matanska Glacier small group excursion which includes roundtrip transportation.
Tony Knowles Trail
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail stretches approximately 11 miles along the Anchorage coastline. It offers picturesque views of the ocean, mud flats, and distant mountains. While we experienced it by walking, renting a bike allows further exploration.

Trek Anchorage Alaska and Pablo’s Bike Rentals offer plenty of options. The latter even has electric tandem, kid trailers, and fat-tire bikes.
The trail is relatively level, making it accessible for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Bikers share the trail with walkers and rollerbladers, so being aware of trail traffic is essential.
4-Wheel/ATV
For those craving excitement, 4-wheeling or ATV adventures around Anchorage deliver adrenaline-packed experiences. Guided tours travel around Eklutna Lake and through Chugach State Park.
The length of tours varies from a couple of hours to half-day experiences. Our ATV adventure in Alaska was a thrilling experience that I can’t wait to do again.

ATV excursions are suitable for all ages, and riders are grouped based on experience. Be prepared to get dirty, dusty, or even a bit muddy. After my tour, my black jacket looked brown and needed a good wipe-down.
Family-Friendly Anchorage Attractions
Anchorage isn’t just for couples and solo travelers. It offers incredible opportunities for families to connect with nature and enjoy local culture. Here are some additional activities that are suitable for families.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is not just a place for families but everyone. It is home to rescued animals such as bears, moose, bison, wolves, and elk.
The highlight for me was the brown bears, who put on a show for the visitors. The black bears mainly stayed hidden amongst the bushes and trees in a nearby enclosure.

Be sure to look inside the buildings. During my visit,a barn housed some baby moose and a lynx.
Admission to the park is minimal, but we spent hours exploring by vehicle and on foot. While most visitors want to see wildlife in their natural habitat, the sanctuary allows for close encounters but with safety in mind.
The center hosts special events, including wildlife presentations, which provide valuable insights into conservation efforts. These events emphasize environmental awareness, making them perfect for family outings that are both fun and educational.
Anchorage Trolley Tour
The Anchorage Trolley Tour offers a fun and informative way to discover the city. The vintage trolley guided tour travels to key attractions, historical sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Take the one-hour tour if you have toddlers or go for the deluxe two-hour excursion that covers more areas. Highlights include the Alaskan Railroad, Earthquake Park, Captain Cook Monument, and Point Woronzof.

The Anchorage Trolley runs a winter tour, too, and includes a stop to see a 30-foot snowman!
Ride The Alaskan Railroad
Riding the Alaskan Railroad is a unique way to enjoy Alaska’s stunning landscapes. The journey to Whittier or Seward and back takes little time but offers a scenic way to enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and rivers.
The family-friendly environment onboard includes comfortable seating and dining options. Families can enjoy large windows, making it easy to spot wildlife and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
Complimentary Activities In Anchorage
For those on a budget, Anchorage offers a variety of activities without spending a dime.
Visit Star The Reindeer

One of the highlights of Anchorage is the chance to see a Reindeer up close. Star the Reindeer, a beloved symbol of Anchorage, resides on the corner of “I” Street and West 10th Avenue.
During my visit, the owner came outside and brought Star to the front for a better view. On weekends, he sometimes walks the reindeer through Delaney Park across the street.
Browse Anchorage’s Street Artwork
Anchorage is home to an array of public art, including stunning murals and sculptures. We found some random murals strolling through downtown. The “Greetings from Alaska” painting might be one of the most Instagram spots, but I was attracted to others.
The Wyland Whaling Wall is impressive, spanning a 400-foot wall. Wyland, a wildlife activist, is known for his massive whale murals around the world.
However, the piece that caught my eye was a collage mural created by Juneau artist Daniel DeRoux. The 40′ x 20′ artwork is made from 512 small pictures and dominates the side of a parking garage on 7th Avenue.

Look beyond the four featured men to find many other people, animals, and places. I honestly wished it wasn’t one story off the ground because I wanted a closer look.
See Engine 556
Engine 556 is a historic steam engine built in 1943 for the US Army. Now a prominent tourist attraction, it stands by Delaney Park on E Street and W 9th Avenue.
The engine ferried passengers between Seward and Anchorage and onto Fairbanks for thirteen years. Not particularly environmentally friendly, the locomotive burned 10,000 pounds of coal to travel 120 miles.
Today, the decommissioned black engine sits in a park, surrounded by scenic views. Visiting Engine 556 highlights the connection between Anchorage’s history and modernity.
