Location: Anchorage
Top Things to do in Anchorage
10 Nature & Parks in Anchorage That You Shouldn't Miss
Set amid the coastal Chugach Mountains, Anchorage defies popular visions of polar ice caps and frozen tundra. It’s also warmer than you think (averaging 65 degrees in summer), making conditions ideal for sight-seeing or taking on uniquely Alaskan opportunities like arctic biking or touring the fjords of Prince William Sound. In the winter, you can ski, dogsled or do both simultaneously by "skijoring," which is cross-country skiing while being towed by a dog. Hey, it's no crazier a winter sport than the biathlon.
Restaurants in Anchorage
1. North Fork Eagle River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. Eagle and Symphony Lakes
3. Cook Inlet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 588 reviews
Reviewed By AllanS923 - Peoria, United States
I have never seen anything like this. We took the road next to the Cook Inlet and drove for over 50 miles. We kept having to pull over at the pullouts in order to take pictures. I would recommend taking a guide with you who can explain everything, otherwise you wouldn't know even a fraction of the story. Or else read a lot about this area before you go. Read about the impact of the 1964 Anchorage earthquake here. Read about the tides, the Beluga Whales, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (which is also worth a visit).
4. Crow Pass National Historic Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Ferg42995 - Texas, United States
We are not hikers. We live in very flat Houston where our driveways aren't even on an incline. Flat. Flat. Flat. So this trail is considered moderate by most, but was difficult for us. That said, it was the most beautiful trail ever and was worth all of the effort to hike and the soreness the next several days! Absolutely stunning views. We started from Girdwood and hiked about 5.5 miles in to the glacier and then back. After you come out of the trees the first mile or 2, you end up with beautiful sweeping views of the mountains and valleys, lakes, waterfalls, old mining equipment, boulders, a creek, and of course, the glacier. Using the word "stunning" seems to be an understatement. Some of the trail is a bit rocky and we even had to hike through snow several times, but I can't state enough how beautiful this trail is! We even saw a mountain goat during our hike! Also, for us who are slow and inexperienced and stopped often for rest and photos, the entire 11 mile roundtrip took about 8 hours.
5. Eagle River Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
This nature center offers hiking trails and guided walking tours.
Reviewed By TLS4243 - Marinette, United States
Although the Nature Center is closed due to COVID-19, we went here to do a self guided hike. We planned on doing the Albert Loop, but it was closed because the salmon spawning brought a large influx of bear. We chose to do another trail, the Dew Mound trail and spent an enjoyable 4 hours hiking. We liked that there were multiple trails that entwined and allowed us to add on to our journey, but cut back when we became fatigued. Beautiful setting nestled amongst the mountains.
6. Kincaid Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
This park offers 20 miles of cross-country skiing, hiking and bike trails.
Reviewed By GetLostinNature
We saw moose. There are TONS of great bike trails here. A paved one and tons of unpaved mountain bike trails.
7. Portage Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,025 reviews
A popular tourist attraction.
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Named by Thomas Mendenhall in 1898, Portage Glacier sits on the edge of Portage Lake and is technically part of the Chugach National Forest. Often considered a “crown jewel” by tourists because of its relatively close proximity to Anchorage, Portage Glacier is perhaps the most visited glacier in Alaska. Accessible by boat or a brisk hike, the glacier provides us with a number of things: 1) Beautiful views and a peek into geologic history; and, 2) Clear and irrefutable evidence of global warming. I was able to view Portage Glacier via a cruise on the stylish MV Ptarmigan (hey, I like the name!). Knowing that we would get up to 300 yards away from this natural beauty was both exhilarating and exciting. After all, up until this point, I’d never had the pleasure of viewing a glacier . . . let alone up close. In this respect, the MV Ptarmigan did not disappoint. After cruising Portage Lake, we got up close and personal with the glacier. Seeing this alpine wonder at such a close distance was nothing short of breathtaking – the sunlight shone just enough for us to see the various shades of brilliant blue that make up the glacier. It was almost as if the Earth was alive and talking to us . . . just a completely surreal and unforgettable experience. On the other hand, seeing Portage Glacier was also a sobering experience. During our tour aboard the MV Ptarmigan, the knowledgeable guides noted that the glacier has been in steady retreat for well over a 50-year period. Complementing their information is a helpful resource book readily available on the tour vessel that shows – through pictures – how Portage Glacier has changed over the years. Indeed, at just under 10 kilometers in length, the glacier sounds most impressive; however, when you realize that it was once recorded at 23 kilometers in length (filling the entire Portage Valley), you are hit with an undeniable truth. What can we do to save this, and other of Earth’s natural wonders? If you’re visiting the Anchorage area, a stop at Portage Glacier is a definite “must do.” It’s beautiful, it’s educational and it highlights a contemporary conundrum. Be sure to visit this “crown jewel” before it disappears.
8. Alyeska Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
Popular winter recreation resort for skiers that features 2,000 vertical feet of skiing on 27 trails.
Reviewed By coric727 - Midland, United States
We had a great day on the mountain. Even though it was towards the end of the season the weather was beautiful and the snow held on. The resort staff was consistent with asking guests to wear masks in the buildings and in lift lines. There was a nice variety of runs with varying difficulty and terrain. We’d love to come back, the view was phenomenal and it was much easier for us, flat landers, to breathe at Alyeska’s lower altitude.
9. Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 680 reviews
Popular locale for viewing waterfowl and salmon.
Reviewed By isaw500 - Anchorage, United States
The bird watching tours are wonderful. I’ve been several times. The boardwalk is a relaxing stroll and the watching tours are informative and fun. Good views of Turnagain Arm. Worth the drive or tour bus trip. It is right at the southern edge of Anchorage. Not a far drive.
10. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,797 reviews
Popular biking trail along the coast.
Reviewed By colinun - Anchorage, United States
If you have a free day in Anchorage, or just want to explore at your own pace, do yourself a favor, and rent a bike downtown and hit the trail. The trail winds along the coast line as you head towards the airport. You will pass Westchester lagoon, a great place for bird watching, as you leave downtown, and pedal through Earthquake Park. If you go up the hill from the park, at the top you will be rewarded by tremendous panoramic views, and a great spot to watch the airplanes takeoff and land. Further down the trail is Point Woronzof Beach and the Kincaid Park. Along the way be on the lookout for some of Alaska's famous residents, bears and especially moose!
