The 15 top things to do in Anchorage, Alaska

Whether you're looking to get your boots muddy on the hiking trails that cross the Chugach Mountains, or enjoy fine dining while overlooking Cook Inlet, you'll find experiences to remember in Anchorage, Alaska.

The top things to do in Alaska's biggest city can be as rugged or as quirky as you choose. You can watch wacky races at the annual Fur Rondy festival, explore Alaska Native culture, go fishing, meet the wildlife or fill up with some of Alaska's best food and drink.

Anchorage reveals different facets of its character with the changing seasons, so pack your coziest flannels and get ready for a wild ride in one of the most interesting cities in the US. To help you plan, here are 16 of the top things to do in Anchorage.

1. Take a midnight stroll on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

There's only one place to be on a long summer night in Alaska – the iconic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Named for former Anchorage mayor and Alaskan governor, Tony Knowles, this 11-mile-long paved trail follows the shoreline southwest from Anchorage, providing unparalleled views of downtown, the Chugach Mountains, Mt McKinley and Fire Island.

The trip is much chillier in winter, but the views are arguably even more dramatic, with the city skyline framed by snow-capped peaks and sea ice. Depending on the time of year, you're likely to run into moose, sandhill cranes, bears and a whole bunch of locals along the way, so be respectful of the environment and don't get too close to either the wildlife or the treacherous mudflats – both can be very dangerous.

Planning tip: You can traverse this hilly trail on foot or on an e-bike, which can be affordably rented at Pablo's Bicycle Rentals. To stay bear-safe, carry a can of bear spray and a bear bell to make noise while you hike, to avoid bumping into wildlife unexpectedly. Seek local advice on trail conditions and wildlife before you set out.

2. Enjoy a beer flight at 49th State Brewing

Anchorage has grown into a lively hub for craft brewing, but arguably the best brews in town are served up by 49th State Brewing. Located downtown, this multilevel pub serves up stunning views of Cook Inlet alongside plates of red king crab, Alaskan king salmon and giant German pretzels, plus some of the best beer you'll ever taste, from blonde beers and pale ales to a smoked lager.

Planning tip: Choose from more than 25 craft beers on tap (try the award-winning Smōk), or order a flight to sample a series of six seasonal brews. Make reservations in advance, as this hot spot gets very crowded, particularly at weekends. Closing time is 11pm (10pm on Sunday).

3. Go urban fishing at Ship Creek

If ever there was an activity that sums up Anchorage's quirky personality – equal parts urban and untamed – it's Ship Creek. Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, this is the world's only urban king salmon (Chinook) fishery. From May to July, these giant fish can be caught by licensed fishers at access points along Ship Creek, while silver salmon (coho) can be caught in the creek from July to September.

Fishers from around the world congregate on the river's muddy shores during the second week of June for the Slam'n Salm'n Derby, bagging salmon weighing as much as 40lbs in the hope of taking home the grand prize, valued at over $6000.

Planning tip: Before you cast your line, stop by The Bait Shack to purchase a fishing license, rent gear and get tips from the locals.

4. Hike the Chugach Mountains

You'll feel the Chugach Mountains beckon as soon as you land in Anchorage, and we recommend you heed their call. Visible from anywhere in Anchorage, these rugged peaks are full of hiking trails waiting to be explored on a day out from the center.

Most visitors opt to scale the peaks via the well-trafficked Flattop Mountain Trail, a 3-mile round trip that begins with rolling hills and ends with a steep traverse up a craggy rock face. When you get to the summit, be sure to take a celebratory selfie by the flagpole.

If you're looking for more of a challenge, check out the Rabbit Lake Trail, an 8.7-mile trek alongside rushing rivers that ends in a valley in the shadow of two 5000ft peaks. At the base of the peaks is Rabbit Lake, the perfect place to cool off and rest before heading back to town.

Planning tip: Though both trails are well-maintained, you still need to be on the lookout for potentially dangerous wildlife. Bears, moose and Alaska's unofficial state bird, the mosquito, are commonplace. Be sure to bring plenty of DEET-based repellent, and carry a bear bell, bear spray and extra snacks and water in case of emergencies.

5. Sail past 26 glaciers with Phillips Cruises & Tours

For a day out on the water, hop on the coach run by Phillips Cruises & Tours in Anchorage, and you'll arrive in Whittier in time to embark on the water tour of your life. On board the company's 26 Glacier Cruise, you'll cover more than 140 miles of Prince William Sound, including the scenic College and Harriman Fjords, over the space of 5.5 hours.

This is a great trip for wildlife enthusiasts, so bring your camera and keep an eye out for otters, seals, orcas, whales and puffins – lucky seafarers may also be treated to the unforgettable sight of calving glaciers. The peak time for whales in Prince William Sound is May to September.

Planning tip: It's possible to make your own way to Whittier from Anchorage by road in around 1.5 hours, but it's easier to take the 9am Phillips Cruises coach, which connects with cruise departures.

6. Observe bears, eagles, musk oxen and lynx on parade

Located about 40 minutes south of Anchorage by road, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers guaranteed (and safe) close encounters with Alaska's wildlife. More a safari park than a zoo, it's a rewarding half-day detour, home to bears, eagles, lynxes, musk oxen, foxes and caribou living in their natural habitat. Special tours of the facility are available, but most visitors choose to meander around the 1.5-mile loop track on their own.

Planning tip: On the way to or from the wildlife center, you can take a ride on the Alyeska Aerial Tram, which floats uphill from the Alyeska Resort to a viewpoint at 2300ft. The cableway is open from May to September and December to April.

7. Eat your way through Anchorage's best restaurants

Alaska is rightly famous for its seafood, easily found at the city's farmers' markets, but Anchorage is also home to Moose's Tooth Pub, a pizzeria slinging some of the most innovative pies around. However, you'll need to be prepared to wait, as they don't take reservations. Look for toppings such as reindeer sausage, steak, spicy chili and tater tots.

After you've had the best pizza in town, hit the town's fine-dining trifecta – Crow's Nest at the Hotel Captain Cook, Double Musky Inn and the Glacier Brewhouse. We recommend the king crab legs at the Crow's Nest, the pepper steak at the Double Musky and the Alaska snow-crab-stuffed roasted cod at Glacier Brewhouse.

Planning tip: Evening reservations are a good idea for any of Anchorage's top restaurants, except at Moose's Tooth, where you'll have to come early and wait your turn.

8. Celebrate the longest and shortest days of the year

Alaska is a land of extremes; in summer, some towns don't see darkness for 3 months, and in the winter, residents don't see daylight for 3 months. It was enough to inspire the graphic novel 30 Days of Night, where daylight-avoiding vampires storm the town of Utqiaġvik (Barrow) in the far north of Alaska.

In reality, these seasonal shifts are a cause for celebrations, not fright. To mark the height of the light and dark months, Anchorage hosts block parties for both the winter solstice (December 21) and summer solstice (June 21), with food, live music, beer gardens, free entertainment and local art vendors.

Planning tip: Check the listings pages on the Visit Anchorage website for events linked to both solstice celebrations.

9. Take part in one of Anchorage's longest-running traditions

The annual Fur Rendezvous – "Fur Rondy" or just "Rondy" to its friends – has been an Anchorage tradition since 1935, and the festival gets bigger and better with each passing year. Held from late February through early March, this 12-day festival features dog-sled races, ice carving and sports, as well as more eccentric activities.

Visitors need to book early at this busy time to enjoy such spectacles as locals running with reindeer, outhouse races and sliding down a ski slope on a mattress. It's worth braving the cold of an Alaskan winter to experience the kookiness at least once.

Planning tip: Book accommodations far in advance if you plan to visit during Rondy – particularly for hotels close to the race start and end points, such as the Hotel Captain Cook.

10. Ski and dine on the slopes at the Alyeska Resort

Only 20 minutes south of Anchorage and averaging 669 inches of snow annually, Alyeska Resort offers some of Alaska's best skiing. Experts will love a day out on double-black-diamond trails such as the Alyeska Chute and Max's Traverse, while beginners will want to stick to the Lower Bowl, which is jam-packed with gentle descents.

Skiing isn't the only thing this mountain offers. Alyeska is also home to the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Seven Glaciers Restaurant (be sure to stop in for at least a glass of wine) and a world-class luxury hotel, complete with a Nordic-style spa.

Planning tip: You can reach the Alyeska Resort easily by road via the scenic Seward Hwy, following the shores of the Turnagain Arm; if you don't have a hire car, taxis and rideshares (Uber and Lyft operate in Anchorage) can get you to the resort.

11. Take in a show at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts is the beating heart of Anchorage's arts scene. Working in conjunction with the Anchorage Concert Association, the PAC, as it's known, hosts internationally recognized musical shows from Broadway and beyond, as well as local talent. It also stages numerous plays, ballets and comedy acts each year, including the raunchy Puddles Pity Party, a local favorite.

Planning tip: Across the year, PAC hosts everything from opera to lively events involving the local community – check the website to see what's happening when you visit.

12. Learn about Alaska Native Culture

Anchorage is located on the homelands of the Dena'ina Athabascan people, one of 11 distinct Indigenous cultures in this part of Alaska. Learn about them all at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you can see Alaska Native dance and storytelling demonstrations, tour life-size traditional dwellings and browse authentic Alaska Native art. It's a fascinating introduction to the ancestral culture of this region, and one of the top cultural experiences for families in Alaska.

Planning tip: The center opens to the public during the summer season; if you come out of season, private tours can be scheduled from October to mid-May.

13. Engage with the Alaskan arts scene at the Anchorage Museum

The Anchorage Museum has seen significant renovations over the last few years, and it's evolved into the leading cultural center in Anchorage. Discover the story of the state at the permanent Alaska exhibition, or fall in love with the art of the north.

It's a good stop for families – kids (and the young at heart) will enjoy making gigantic bubbles, stop-motion animation and Lego sculptures in the museum's Discovery Center. Don't forget to take an out-of-this-world journey in the large planetarium.

Planning tip: The best time to visit is the first Friday of the month, when local artists take over for pop-up performances, discussions and art demonstrations.

14. Party at an Anchorage dive bar

Unlike many metropolitan cities in the Lower 48, Anchorage isn't known for its racy nightlife – in fact, people here prefer a casual evening at one of the city's many dive bars over hitting the dance floor at a fancy club. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun after dark.

One of Anchorage's most famous (and notorious) nightspots, Chilkoot Charlie's – aka Koot's – has three stages for live music and 10 bars catering to every vibe. There's even a tilted bar covered in women's underwear, and visitors are encouraged to pin theirs on the wall.

The Gaslight and Van's Dive Bar are also worth checking out – both are frequented by locals most days of the week, and there’s never a cover charge.

Planning tip: If you have the chance, catch a show by homegrown Anchorage band The Jephries for a truly authentic Alaskan experience – just be ready to join the inevitable mosh pit!

15. Take a carriage ride through Bootlegger's Cove

A favorite experience for Alaskan couples, the Horse-Drawn Carriage Company's tour through Bootlegger's Cove offers views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range. Passengers ride in an antique falling-front Brougham carriage from 1893 that seats up to 12, pulled by Percheron draft horses. Upon request, your driver will gleefully recount scandalous stories about past residents while current residents warmly wave – or even give away bouquets of fresh-cut flowers from their gardens – as you pass by.

Planning tip: As well as summer trips by horse-drawn carriage, there are trips in snowy weather by horse-drawn sleigh, for added seasonal romance.