2025-04-05
Here’s an expert travel guide to the best Anchorage has to offer: suggestions of what to see and do in Anchorage, tourist attractions, restaurants and where to stay.
When I first saw the city of Anchorage on the map, I was amazed. Firstly, because it was on the other side of the world, very far away, and secondly because the streets seemed to have been drawn with a ruler and square.
Everything was very straightforward and, frankly, I thought I was going to find a city without a soul. Fortunately, I was wrong, because Anchorage turned out to be a magnificent place, with personality, and full of things to see and do.
So here are my top suggestions for what to see and do in Anchorage, based on my experience.
And to whet your appetite, I can tell you that I loved learning about the history and culture of the native peoples at the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, as well as the trip I took on the historic Alaska Railroad train.
In addition, I explored the outskirts of Anchorage on day trips to see Kenai Fjords National Park, Girdwood, Whittier, Blackstone Bay and Prince William Sound, some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
I also saw wild bears catching salmon in Lake Clark and ate delicious salmon and other delicacies…
As you can see, I think you have plenty of reasons to read on and maybe get inspired to book your next Alaskan adventure.
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Things to Do and See in Anchorage, Alaska
Learn About Alaska Native Cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an educational and cultural institution in Anchorage, Alaska, dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of the state’s 11 major Native cultural groups.
These groups include the Athabaskan, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Unangax̂ (Aleut), Alutiiq, Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Siberian Yupik, and Inupiaq peoples.
What’s particularly interesting is that the Alaska Native Heritage Center is the only statewide organization that not only represents all of Alaska’s Native cultures, but is also run by Alaska Natives.
In addition, it is one of the few tribally unaffiliated Native arts organizations that is Indigenous-led.
Its opening in 1999 was a significant milestone for Alaska’s Native cultures.
The center is located in a wooded area about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from downtown Anchorage, making it an easy addition to any things to do in Anchorage list.
What I particularly enjoyed was exploring the life-size replicas of Native villages—there are six in total.
Visitors can step inside the traditional houses and get a real sense of how these ancestral communities lived.
Each structure reflects the unique way of life of different cultural groups, such as the Dena’ina log house, the Qasgiq & Enet Yup’ik/Cup’ik, the Qargi of the Iñupiaq/St. Lawrence Island Yupik, the Ciqlluaq Sugpiaq, the Ulax̂ Unangax̂, and the Clan House & Carving Studio of the Eyak/Tlingit/Haida/Tsimshian.
It’s truly worth spending a morning or afternoon exploring every corner of this powerful place—recognized not only as a cultural center, but also as a space for healing, where communities can reconnect with their roots.
Riding the Alaska Railroad Train
The Alaska Railroad is a rail line that offers both freight and passenger services across the state of Alaska.
Its main route stretches from Seward, on the southern coast, all the way to Fairbanks, passing through Anchorage and the iconic Denali National Park.
I boarded this famous scenic train in Anchorage, and before sharing my experience, I’d like to tell you a bit about the history of the railroad.
Construction of the railroad began in 1903 and, after a few twists and turns along the way, it was completed in 1923 with the symbolic placement of a “golden spike” by President Warren G. Harding.
The truth is, the Alaska Railroad played a vital role in the state’s development, as it was one of the few ways to connect this remote region with the rest of the world.
Tickets for this scenic train ride can be purchased directly at the station, and the most popular tourist routes include:
- Denali Star – This scenic train runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks, passing through Denali National Park, home to the tallest mountain in North America.
- Coastal Classic – Operating between Anchorage and the coastal town of Seward, this route offers breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and wildlife.
- Glacier Discovery – Departing from Anchorage to Whittier, this train makes stops at scenic spots like Spencer Glacier, which can only be reached by rail.
- Aurora Winter Train – Running during the colder months, this route connects Anchorage and Fairbanks, offering snowy landscapes and, with some luck, the chance to see the northern lights.
Visiting the Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum is the largest and one of the most important museums in Alaska. It’s the perfect place for anyone wanting to dive deeper into Alaskan art, history, science, and Indigenous culture.
I recommend setting aside at least a couple of hours to explore the museum’s exhibitions at a relaxed pace.
One of the highlights is the Alaska Native Cultures gallery (Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center), where you’ll find around 600 Indigenous artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian Institution.
It showcases the traditions of Alaska’s Native peoples, including the Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Athabaskan, and others. In my opinion, this is one of the most striking and meaningful areas of the museum.
To understand the broader history of Alaska—from prehistoric times to the present day—make sure to visit the Alaska Exhibition.
There, you’ll learn about Russian colonization, the American purchase, the gold rush, the discovery of oil, and the construction of the pipeline.
Take a Tour of Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the Kenai Peninsula, in Seward—south of Anchorage.
It’s an incredible protected area, and the best way to experience it is by boat, on a cruise departing from Seward Harbor.
Depending on the time of year, you might spot whales, bears, moose, eagles, and other wildlife along the way. Seeing playful sea otters in the bay and Steller sea lions basking in the sun is almost guaranteed.
However, exploring such a remote and wild region does come with a few challenges.
For instance, the sea can get choppy during the cruise, so I highly recommend taking motion sickness medication, even if you’re usually fine on boats.
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Seeing the Northern Lights in Anchorage
From September to April, there’s a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Anchorage!
Although the aurora borealis can sometimes be seen from downtown Anchorage, the best spots to view it are Eklutna Tailrace and Girdwood.
Seeing Wild Bears in Anchorage
Alaska is the only place in the U.S. where you can find black, brown, and polar bears, so make the most of your trip to Anchorage to see these magnificent animals up close.
I had the opportunity to see wild bears at Lake Clark, and it was truly special!
Since it was autumn, the bears were very active along the lake’s shore, catching salmon to eat as much as they could before hibernation.
Lake Clark is only accessible by seaplane, and the trip can be a bit expensive. However, if you don’t want to spend that much, you can still get up close to bears at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
The good news is that this place is a wildlife sanctuary, and it’s located just a few miles from downtown Anchorage.
Visit Whittier, the town where everyone lives in one building
Whittier is about an hour’s drive from downtown Anchorage, but it couldn’t be more different!
First, to get there, you must pass through a tunnel, the Whittier Tunnel or Portage Tunnel, which has only one lane, used by cars, buses, and even the train.
There are specific schedules for traveling in and out, and the tunnel closes overnight.
So, if for any reason you miss the departure time, you’ll be stuck in Whittier.
The town isn’t very large; it has a café, a few shops, and one building where all the residents live. Yes, everyone in Whittier lives in the same building.
The school, post office, hospital, and other services are also located in the same building.
This region is home to the Chugach National Forest, the second-largest forest in the United States.
In addition, Whittier is famous for cruises in Blackstone Bay, where you can explore not only the bay itself but also the Blackstone Glacier, deserted beaches, and waterfalls that flow into the sea.
👉 To visit Whittier, you need a car. See how much car rental costs.
Try Alaskan Cuisine
As expected in a coastal area, the local cuisine in Anchorage is rich in fish and seafood, such as king crab, halibut, oysters, and salmon.
Other local foods include reindeer sausage or fresh vegetables from the nearby Matanuska Valley. By the way, I’ve mentioned the giant vegetables from Palmer in another post.
Anchorage is also the perfect place to try lesser-known beers, with over a dozen breweries located in the city center.
As for restaurants, here are my recommendations:
Tent City Taphouse to try the famous local beers, paired with a juicy hamburger.
For a more sophisticated dinner, my recommendation is cocktails, sashimi, and noodles at Whiskey & Ramen.
Accommodation in Anchorage, Alaska
Choosing accommodation in Anchorage with a good location is crucial, as I believe it can make the difference between an average trip and a great one.
In fact, this decision is so important that I wrote a full article just explaining where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska!
However, if you don’t have time to read the entire post, know that I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Anchorage Downtown and had a great experience.
Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Anchorage
Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?
Yes, without a doubt, Anchorage is worth visiting in Alaska. The natural landscapes are breathtaking, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.
In fact, don’t be surprised if you spot a moose strolling through the streets of Anchorage or near the Airport, or see an eagle soaring through the city’s skies.
How Many Days Do I Need to Visit Anchorage?
I stayed for five nights in Anchorage, and honestly, I wouldn’t have minded staying longer. In fact, I didn’t get to do some activities that I find interesting, such as hiking the Matanuska Glacier Trail.
Where is Anchorage and How Do You Get There from the Airport?
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is located in the United States. Due to its remote and isolated location, it’s often the last U.S. state visited by tourists.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is about 8 km from downtown, and the most economical way to get there is by bus (around $2).
However, I preferred to take an Uber, which quickly took me to my hotel, and I paid $18.
👉Need to rent a car in Anchorage? Discovercars is my go-to — reliable and easy to book.
You May Also Like:
- Kenai Fjords National Park: A Glimpse of Glaciers and Wildlife
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: A Haven for Native Wildlife
- Explore Seward, Alaska: Best Things To Do and See
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