Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, was founded in 1915 as a railroad construction camp during the construction of the Alaska Railroad. Today, Anchorage is a thriving metropolis that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are the 10 best things to do in Anchorage in 2024:
1. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a living museum that celebrates the cultures and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous people. Visitors can learn about the history, art, and languages of the Athabascan, Tlinglit, Haida, and Yup’ik people. The center also offers cultural demonstrations, performances, and workshops.
Location: 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage, AK 99504
Admission: $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
2. Take a wildlife viewing tour
Anchorage is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and one of the best ways to experience it is to take a wildlife viewing tour. Several companies offer tours that take visitors to areas where they can see whales, bears, moose, and other Alaskan wildlife.
Several companies offer wildlife viewing tours in Anchorage, including:
- Alaska Wildlife Tours
- Denali Wildlife Tours
- Major Marine Tours
Prices for wildlife viewing tours vary depending on the company and the length of the tour.
3. Go hiking or biking on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a 11-mile paved trail that winds along the shores of Cook Inlet. The trail is perfect for walking, running, or biking, and offers stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is located in downtown Anchorage and is accessible from several points along the waterfront.
The trail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. Visit the Alaska Museum of History and Art
The Alaska Museum of History and Art is the largest museum in Alaska, and it houses a vast collection of artifacts and artwork that tell the story of Alaska’s past and present. The museum has exhibits on Alaska’s Native cultures, its natural history, and its role in American history.
Location: 121 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12.
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
5. Go whale watching
Anchorage is a great place to go whale watching, as the waters around the city are home to a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, gray whales, and beluga whales. Several companies offer whale watching tours from Anchorage, and most tours last for several hours.
Several companies offer whale watching tours in Anchorage, including:
- Alaska Wildlife Tours
- Denali Wildlife Tours
- Major Marine Tours
Prices for whale watching tours vary depending on the company and the length of the tour.
6. Take a glacier cruise
Anchorage is also a great place to take a glacier cruise. Several companies offer cruises to glaciers in Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park. These cruises offer stunning views of glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife.
Several companies offer glacier cruises from Anchorage, including:
- Alaska Glacier Tours
- Kenai Fjords Tours
- Major Marine Tours
Prices for glacier cruises vary depending on the company and the length of the cruise.
7. Visit the Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum is a museum dedicated to the history, art, and culture of Anchorage and the surrounding area. The museum has exhibits on the city’s history, its Native cultures, and its contemporary art scene.
Location: 625 C St, Anchorage, AK 99501
Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12.
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
8. Go shopping in downtown Anchorage
Downtown Anchorage is home to a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Visitors can find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion in downtown Anchorage.
Some of the best places to shop in downtown Anchorage include:
- Fifth Avenue Mall
- Anchorage Market & Festival
- The Mall at Sears
9. Visit the Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo is home to a variety of animals from around the world, including polar bears, grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. The zoo also has a variety of educational exhibits and programs.
Location: 4731 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under 3.
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
10. Take a day trip to Denali National Park
Denali National Park is home to Mount Denali, the highest mountain in North America. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Visitors can take a day trip to Denali National Park from Anchorage, and there are several tour companies that offer day trips to the park.
Location: Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Admission: $15 per vehicle, or $10 per person for those entering on foot or by bike.
Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Culture, Best Months to Visit, Nearby Transportation, Local Food, and Best Hotels
Anchorage is a culturally diverse city with a vibrant arts scene. The city is home to several museums, theaters, and art galleries. Anchorage also has a variety of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.
The best time to visit Anchorage is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, Anchorage is a year-round destination, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in every season.
Anchorage is a major transportation hub, and it is easy to get to the city by plane, train, or car. The city is also served by a public transportation system.
Anchorage has a variety of local food options, including fresh seafood, wild game, and Alaskan Native cuisine. Some of the best places to try local food in Anchorage include:
The Flying Squirrel
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill
Some of the best hotels in Anchorage include:
The Hotel Captain Cook
The Hilton Anchorage
The Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown
Conclusion
Anchorage is a beautiful city with a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you are interested in history, art, nature, or wildlife, you are sure to find something to enjoy in Anchorage. And with its convenient location and easy access to transportation, Anchorage is a great base for exploring the rest of Alaska.
