Anchorage

Alaska

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Backpacker hike in Chugach State Park near Anchorage, Alaska.

Backpacker hike in Chugach State Park near Anchorage, Alaska.

Why visit 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.

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Top places to visit in Anchorage

Discover the best attractions in Anchorage from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

Anchorage travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Whether you're looking to hike the rugged trails, spot some otters in the water or watch Alaska Native dance, you'll find it all in Anchorage.

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Things to Know

Visiting Alaska's biggest city is a bucket-list dream, but the wildlife encounters and views don't come cheap. Here's how to see Anchorage on a budget.

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Transportation

Given its immense size and sparse population, Anchorage is best explored by car. Yet there are other ways to get around this quirky city, too.

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Free Things to Do

A trip to Anchorage may be considered one of the more expensive, but there's plenty to do and see that's entirely free.

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Best Neighborhoods

You might be surprised by the diversity (if not the natural beauty) of Anchorage’s neighborhoods. These are six of the best ones.

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Day Trips

You might be surprised to see how much of Alaska is accessible from Anchorage.

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Best Road Trips

You might be surprised to see how much of Alaska is accessible from Anchorage.

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Money and Costs

Visiting Alaska's biggest city is a bucket-list dream, but the wildlife encounters and views don't come cheap. Here's how to see Anchorage on a budget.

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5 Shops

Anchorage is both an intro to Alaska’s arsenal of outdoor escapades and a self-contained hub of dining, art and culture.

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Accessibility

Given its immense size and sparse population, Anchorage is best explored by car. Yet there are other ways to get around this quirky city, too.

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