Location: Anchorage
Top Things to do in Anchorage
10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By GirlOH - Dayton, United States
Attending the start of the race twice has been a highlight. I never would have thought it is as reasonably priced as it is to attend the start. All the participants are so nice and their dogs are so well cared for. Attend the mushers' banquet and autograph time beforehand. This is like attending dinner with both teams and Hall of Fame members the night before the Super Bowl.
2. 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).
3. Alaska Native Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,621 reviews
Alaskan native culture is presented through storytelling, dancing, craft-making and simulated, life-sized villages representing each of the five main indigenous groups.
Reviewed By IllinoisKate1
So much to see and learn at the Native Center. Reception desk will provide the schedule for the day. Admission $24.95 Adults. Straight ahead is the Gathering Place where you can watch Native Dance and Game demonstrations.Very entertaining and learned about each of the 5 culture groups in Alaska. Be sure to take the guided tour through the different villages on site and learn about their cultures. Guided village site tours are at 10:15, 12:15, 2:00 and 3:30. Theater offers introductory film. Heritage Nanvaq Café on site has breakfast and lunch items. This was one of our most memorable attractions in Alaska. Heritage Center, Wild life conservation, Railroad and flying to Denali were all worth the time and cost. Thank you!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Alaska Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,488 reviews
Completed in 1923, the iconic Alaska Railroad connects many of Alaska's most popular destinations: Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Seward, Whittier and the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Daily summer departures and our knowledgeable Alaskan reservationists make it easy to plan everything from day trips to multi-day Alaska vacations including excursions and accommodations -- all using the Alaska Railroad to traverse this great land. Choose from two classes of passenger service: comfortable Adventure Class seating offering large picture windows, or premium GoldStar Service featuring glass-dome ceilings, all-inclusive dining and an outdoor, upper-level viewing platform. Come see why our authentic Alaskan hospitality and incredible scenery draws thousands of passengers yearly!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,555 reviews
Alaska's largest museum focusing on art, history, science and culture of Alaska.
Reviewed By bikegem - Penngrove, United States
Wow. We had a few hours to kill during Fur Rondy and decided to visit this museum and are we glad we did. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Anchorage. The art in this museum is amazing....from romantic naturalism to modern art (mostly done by Aative Alaskans), we were in awe of the depth and breadth of the collection. Especially loved the Idiot String art piece and the different paintings of the wonderful Alaskan countryside. Very skillfully displayed and arranged. The Smithsonian portion of the museum houses a very cohesive display of the different Native American Alaskan tribes, with examples of their tools, dress and artifacts, accompanied by interesting video presentations. My only complaint is that the light is very low in that portion of the museum (probably to enhance conservation) but for my old eyes, I struggled a bit. But that is just a niggly little point and shouldn't stop you from visiting! Also, the museum's restaurant and store are fabuluous!!!!
