How to enjoy a perfect 24 hours in Anchorage

Visitors to Alaska’s biggest city are often surprised to see a modern metropolis suddenly popping into view between the snowy mountains and the chilly waters of the Cook Inlet. The word "biggest" is comparative, of course – Anchorage is home to just 291,000 people, around the same as Plano, Texas – but this enigmatic city offers a bumper serving of frontier culture and Alaskan adventure.

So what does a perfect day in Anchorage look like? Well, with 24 hours to explore, you can fit in a surprising number of interesting things to do, from local hikes, intriguing museums and encounters with Alaska Native culture to craft beers and hearty Alaskan dining. But first, perhaps we should introduce the city?

From humble beginnings in 1915 as a work camp for crews building the Alaska Railroad, Anchorage has grown into “Alaska’s largest village” – known for its diverse population and being a vital hub for commerce, transportation and governance. Indeed, most travelers to The Great Land begin and end their journey here, making this a natural place to become acquainted with Alaska's unique vibe.

Anchorage’s downtown was built as a neat grid of streets, providing easy access to quality dining and shopping and a scenic trail system skirting Cook Inlet to the west. Come in summer when the Midnight Sun is set on high beam, and you'll be able to do even more with a day in the city. Here's how to enjoy the perfect 24 hours in Anchorage.

Getting into and around Anchorage

Most travelers reach Anchorage by plane; Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, located about 5 miles south of downtown, is served by flights from cities across the US and Canada, plus a few seasonal destinations in Europe. Getting here by road from other parts of the US is trickier, involving a multi-day detour on the Alaska Hwy or Cassier Hwy through British Columbia and the Yukon in Canada. However, plenty of cruise ship passengers swing into town as part of a stop at Whittier, 60 miles south.

How to travel from the airport

From the airport, Anchorage's People Mover buses run every 15–30 minutes from around 6am to 11pm to downtown (route 40) and to the Dimond Center area south of the center (route 65). Most hotels offer airport shuttles regularly for guests; visit the kiosks near the baggage claim area to summon a ride.

Rideshares booked through Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up points at the airport's two terminals – on the upper Departures level at the South Terminal (Domestic) and on the ground level near door 2 at the North Terminal (International).

Ordinary taxis wait outside and across the street from the baggage claim area at the South Terminal and outside the lobby at the North Terminal. Shuttle Services of Alaska offers door-to-door transfers from the airport to various locations around Anchorage, including downtown hotels.

Where can I store my luggage?

Anchorage airport offers luggage storage through Huntleigh USA on level 1 in South Terminal near baggage claim area 4, but you must present a boarding pass to use the facility. If you’re spending the night in Anchorage and leaving after check-out time the following day, ask your hotel if they can store your baggage (there may be a small fee).

How should I get around the city?

Built in an orderly grid, the center of downtown Anchorage is very walkable, weather permitting, but you'll need a ride for longer trips. Rental cars are available at the airport and are handy for exploring further afield, but not really needed for a day in the city. The People Mover bus system operates 14 routes covering the city and outlying areas, with day passes available for $5 or single rides for $2.

Rideshares are another popular way to get around, and taking an Uber or Lyft can be a real help when navigating this sprawling municipality. Schedule rides ahead of time whenever possible, especially for evening trips downtown, to ensure a driver is available when requested. Ordinary taxis are also plentiful but are best booked in advance.

If you're looking for a more active way to move around the city, exploring by bike is becoming increasingly popular with visitors – at least in the summer months. Downtown Bike Rentals on 4th Ave can equip you with everything you’ll need to pedal the nearly 200 miles of paved trails winding around Anchorage; rentals come with a map, helmet and lock.

Where should I stay in Anchorage?

Anchorage has places to stay for all budgets, but it pays to book ahead for the summer peak season. Stay downtown so the main sights are in walking distance.

Looking for a boutique experience? The Copper Whale Inn is in a historic building with sweeping views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range. The inn also offers an excellent European-style continental breakfast, and assistance with planning tours and activities.

If staying in the thick of things sounds appealing, the Hotel Captain Cook is Anchorage’s most famous luxury property, with great views and respected restaurants, plus a concierge desk for booking tours. This towering modern hotel is in the heart of Anchorage, just a block from the waterfront, offering easy access to trails, restaurants, tours and activities.

What should I do with 24 hours in Anchorage?

A day and night is just enough time to get a taste for Alaska's biggest city. Arrive the night before so you can get an early start for the day's adventures, and aim to stay the following night so you can experience the city's varied nightlife.

In the morning

Between May and early September, Anchorage wakes up early as the appears over the horizon at around 4am. Most people are eager to get a jump on the day’s work and play, so the streets are always bustling, even before the work day begins. On a fleeting visit, book tours and activities in advance so you don't miss out.

Where to get breakfast

Rise and shine with a hearty breakfast at Biscuit Club, located on the lower level of the 4th Avenue Market Place. Open at 7am from Tuesday to Friday, and from 9am at weekends, it’s the perfect place to fuel up for a busy day of exploring.

Planning a later start? Enjoy brunch at Palmeira, a popular tropical fusion restaurant that goes the extra mile. Come for big meals featuring tortas (Mexican sandwiches), avocado toast, eggs and amazing smoothies. It's located on Barrow St, a short walk from downtown proper – perfect if you fancy a stroll before breakfast.

Try Alaskan salmon fishing

After breakfast, stroll down to Ship Creek near 1st Ave and watch people cast lines into the fast-flowing water in the hope of landing a chinook (May to July) or coho salmon (July to September). This is one of the most popular and convenient locations for visitors to try their hand at salmon fishing; pop into The Bait Shack to rent or buy gear and get tips and the required fishing license.

Consider a seaplane flight

There’s no better way to experience the textures of the Alaskan landscape than from a plane. Rust’s Flying Service offers flightseeing adventures by seaplane to view the waterways, glaciers and wildlife of Southcentral Alaska, departing from the seaplane terminal at Lake Hood, about 4 miles southwest of the center. Afterward, stroll down the road to the Alaska Aviation Museum, where you can view a multitude of aircraft and hear about the legendary pilots who flew them.

Or take a guided hike

If a summertime trip into the wilderness on foot sounds more enticing, book a guided trek with Go Hike Alaska. Recommended routes include their popular Valley and Forest Walk (suitable for most hikers) or the Alpine Classic Trek (if you’re looking for something more challenging). Both hikes last 4 hours and run from May to October.

An alternative DIY option is to tackle part of the 11-mile-long Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which offers unparalleled views of downtown, the Chugach Mountains, Mt McKinley and Fire Island. Pick up the trail downtown at 2nd Ave; this multi-use trail is paved and good for cycling or walking but carry bear spray and a bear bell and don't get too close to wildlife.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch toward the west end of 4th Ave at Snow City Cafe. Savor the daily soup and sandwich combo, or order a hearty salad to stay fueled for the afternoon ahead. This is where locals head for lunch, and it’s always lively, with good conversation and servers who know their community well.

In the afternoon

Use the afternoon hours to explore the downtown area between 1st Ave and 10th Ave (or consider one of the activities you didn't fit in during the morning).

Explore some of the city's museums

Start delving into Anchorage's backstory at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center on 4th Ave. With free admission and a broad collection of exhibits showcasing wildlife and outdoor recreation in Southcentral Alaska, it’s a great place to get a feel for the vast expanse of land that draws adventurers to the 49th state.

Located on C St, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is where the city and state’s most important historical relics, cultures and art are celebrated, with multiple floors of exhibits. Visit the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center for insights into the ancient traditions of Alaska Native peoples, and the Alaska Exhibition, which explores the development and protection of this unique part of the United States.

If you don't mind heading to the city outskirts, the Alaska Native Heritage Center offers more insights into Alaska Native culture. You can see Alaska Native dance and storytelling demonstrations, tour traditional-style dwellings and see Alaska Native art. It's open daily from May to September; contact the museum ahead to visit in winter.

Take a city tour

For an overview of Anchorage's highlights, take a scenic city tour with Salmon Berry Tours. You’ll visit the city’s most important cultural and historical sites, including Earthquake Park, where a 9.2 magnitude temblor lasted for over 4 minutes in 1964, causing an entire neighborhood to slide into Cook Inlet.

Have a pre-dinner drink overlooking Cook Inlet

Celebrate a day filled with adventures by stopping for a drink and snack at Simon and Seafort’s on L St, overlooking Cook Inlet. Their 2:30pm to 5:30pm happy hour is known across town for great deals on wine, beer and cocktails, which you can enjoy alongside delicious seafood-laden plates.

Alternatively, for a panoramic view, head up to the top of the Hotel Captain Cook for a drink at the Crow’s Nest, where you can rub shoulders with a who’s who of Anchorage society while sipping a cocktail and enjoying tasty small plates. Ask for a table on the north side of the bar to catch a glimpse of 20,310ft-high Denali, North America’s highest peak, in the distance.

Enjoy a slap-up Alaskan dinner

There's no need to rush dinner. In summer (late May to July), the Midnight Sun lingers long past dinner time, and most Anchorage restaurants and bars stay open late. While you'll likely need reservations for dinner between 5pm and 8pm, it's usually not difficult to find a table later in the evening.

Anchorage’s dining scene reflects a multitude of cultures and tastes. Try Tequila 61 on 4th Ave for fun Latin-fusion cuisine, craft cocktails and tequila flights. Meat eaters should swing into Club Paris on 5th Ave for dinner; this Anchorage institution has been serving swanky cocktails and steaks since 1957. Next door, Ginger specializes in Pacific Coast cuisine with an Asian twist and distinctive cocktails.

After Dark

If beer is more your poison, respected downtown brewery 49th State Brewing produces everything from pale ales to smoked lager, and it's open till 11pm, or 10pm on Sunday. Local venue Williwaw Social is an excellent last stop for post-dinner tunes, with local bands and national talent hitting the stage. It’s a great place to sample Anchorage’s party scene before heading back to your hotel and bookending the day with a good night’s sleep.