Anchorage

Locals like to say that Anchorage is only 30 minutes from Alaska: wedged between 5000ft peaks and an inlet filled with salmon and whales, the Big Apple of the north is unlike any other city.

At first glance the traffic, strip malls and suburban sprawl can feel off-putting. But inside those strip malls are top-notch restaurants serving fresh seafood and locally grown produce, and the two roads that lead in and out of town spool right into some of the most majestic wilderness in the world. This is a city where bears are seen wandering bike paths, moose munch on neighborhood gardens, and locals pull salmon from a creek within blocks of hotels and office buildings.

Dive into this city of parks, museums and restaurants and you'll see why almost half the state's population calls it home.

Explore Anchorage

Anchorage Museum
This world-class facility is Anchorage’s cultural jewel. The West Wing, a four-story, shimmering, mirrored facade, adds 80,000 sq ft to what was already…
Alaska Native Heritage Center
If you can't travel to the Bush region to experience Native Alaska culture firsthand, visit this 26-acre center and see how humans survived – and thrived …
Kincaid Park
At the western ‘nose’ of the peninsula and southern terminus of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is this beloved 1400-acre park populated by…
Alaska Zoo
The unique wildlife of the Arctic is on display at this zoo, the only one in North America that specializes in northern animals, including snow leopards,…
Oscar Anderson House
Housed in the city’s oldest wooden-framed home, this little museum overlooks the delightful Elderberry Park. Anderson was the 18th American settler to set…
F
Far North Bicentennial Park
Comprising 4000 acres of forest and muskeg in east central Anchorage, this park features 20 miles of trails. In the center of the park is the Bureau of…
I
Imaginarium Discovery Center
Inside the Anchorage Museum, this award-winning center features creative, hands-on Alaska-themed exhibits that include live marine animals in a touch tank…
Ship Creek Viewing Platform
From mid- to late summer, king, coho and pink salmon spawn up Ship Creek, the historical site of Tanaina Indian fish camps. At the overlook you can cheer…
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
On the south shore of Lake Hood (the world’s busiest floatplane lake), this museum is a tribute to Alaska’s colorful Bush pilots and their faithful planes…

Anchorage Museum
This world-class facility is Anchorage’s cultural jewel. The West Wing, a four-story, shimmering, mirrored facade, adds 80,000 sq ft to what was already…
Alaska Native Heritage Center
If you can't travel to the Bush region to experience Native Alaska culture firsthand, visit this 26-acre center and see how humans survived – and thrived …
Kincaid Park
At the western ‘nose’ of the peninsula and southern terminus of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is this beloved 1400-acre park populated by…
Alaska Zoo
The unique wildlife of the Arctic is on display at this zoo, the only one in North America that specializes in northern animals, including snow leopards,…
Oscar Anderson House
Housed in the city’s oldest wooden-framed home, this little museum overlooks the delightful Elderberry Park. Anderson was the 18th American settler to set…
F
Far North Bicentennial Park
Comprising 4000 acres of forest and muskeg in east central Anchorage, this park features 20 miles of trails. In the center of the park is the Bureau of…
I
Imaginarium Discovery Center
Inside the Anchorage Museum, this award-winning center features creative, hands-on Alaska-themed exhibits that include live marine animals in a touch tank…
Ship Creek Viewing Platform
From mid- to late summer, king, coho and pink salmon spawn up Ship Creek, the historical site of Tanaina Indian fish camps. At the overlook you can cheer…
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
On the south shore of Lake Hood (the world’s busiest floatplane lake), this museum is a tribute to Alaska’s colorful Bush pilots and their faithful planes…

Latest Stories from Anchorage

Beaches Wilderness in the city: the best parks in Anchorage
Feb 20, 2022 • 7 min read
Anyone who visits Alaska’s largest city will want to read our guide to the best parks in Anchorage for cycling, wildlife spotting, skiing and more.
Wildlife & Nature Anchorage's best museums showcase seaplanes, Alaska Native art and much more
Feb 12, 2022 • 6 min read
Before heading out in to the Alaska wilderness, learn about the art, culture and history of the Last Frontier at these top Anchorage museums.
Wildlife & Nature Immerse yourself in Alaska’s beauty with these outdoor adventures in Anchorage
Dec 13, 2021 • 5 min read
You don't have to go far from Anchorage to taste the wilderness. Whales, moose, glaciers, and more can be found mere steps outside the city.
Art and Culture Anchorage brings cosmopolitan flair to the edge of Alaska’s wilderness
Dec 13, 2021 • 5 min read
Anchorage's residents work hard but play harder. Take advantage of the fun at breweries, galleries, museums, and restaurants across the city.
History The best time to visit Anchorage
Feb 23, 2021 • 5 min read
We've got the scoop on what Anchorage is like month to month, from winter snow sports to summer wildlife viewing.
Sports 5 Alaska adventures that offer a new perspective
Nov 1, 2019 • 6 min read
A slew of adventures, including heli-biking down an active volcano provide sweeping views from above, will give you a deep appreciation for the 49th state.
History How to spend two days in Anchorage, Alaska
Oct 28, 2019 • 4 min read
Follow this weekend itinerary to sample the best of what this northern frontier city – the largest in the vast state of Alaska – has to offer.
Food Adventures in Anchorage: exploring Alaska's city in the wilderness
Nov 14, 2018 • 5 min read
Visitors are drawn to Alaska’s biggest city for its perfect blend of outdoor opportunities and urban advantages. Bring your hiking boots and build up a…

Planning Toolkit

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Add visiting these must-see local hot spots and culture centers to your next travel itinerary.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.
Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Add visiting these must-see local hot spots and culture centers to your next travel itinerary.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.
Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Anchorage.

See
Anchorage Museum
This world-class facility is Anchorage’s cultural jewel. The West Wing, a four-story, shimmering, mirrored facade, adds 80,000 sq ft to what was already…
See
Alaska Native Heritage Center
If you can't travel to the Bush region to experience Native Alaska culture firsthand, visit this 26-acre center and see how humans survived – and thrived …
See
Kincaid Park
At the western ‘nose’ of the peninsula and southern terminus of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is this beloved 1400-acre park populated by…
See
Alaska Zoo
The unique wildlife of the Arctic is on display at this zoo, the only one in North America that specializes in northern animals, including snow leopards,…
See
Oscar Anderson House
Housed in the city’s oldest wooden-framed home, this little museum overlooks the delightful Elderberry Park. Anderson was the 18th American settler to set…
See
Far North Bicentennial Park
Comprising 4000 acres of forest and muskeg in east central Anchorage, this park features 20 miles of trails. In the center of the park is the Bureau of…
See
Imaginarium Discovery Center
Inside the Anchorage Museum, this award-winning center features creative, hands-on Alaska-themed exhibits that include live marine animals in a touch tank…
See
Ship Creek Viewing Platform
From mid- to late summer, king, coho and pink salmon spawn up Ship Creek, the historical site of Tanaina Indian fish camps. At the overlook you can cheer…
See
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
On the south shore of Lake Hood (the world’s busiest floatplane lake), this museum is a tribute to Alaska’s colorful Bush pilots and their faithful planes…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Anchorage with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.