Location: Anchorage
Top Things to do in Anchorage
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska (AK)
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. Eagle and Symphony Lakes
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. Paint a Scarf Alaska
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
At Paint a Scarf Premium you’ll enjoy: • An easy, relaxing and fun painting experience in a gorgeous Alaska setting • Friendly instruction from professional silk artist Gina Murrow • Free coffee, tea and snacks • A memorable time with friends and family • Go home with a scarf to wear – and an experience to share On sunny days we paint on the deck overlooking the creek. When it’s chilly we paint indoors next to the soaring rock fireplace. Finish your experience with a tour of the artist’s loft — or dip your toes in the icy waters of our creek. We’re just 30 minutes from downtown Anchorage, nestled in a glacier-fed creek valley away from the bustle of the city.
4. Girdwood Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Enjoy local brews and epic views of the Chugach mountains at Girdwood Brewing Company. We have a beautiful timber framed taproom adorned with local art and ski relics. For those who prefer the outdoors, there’s an awesome beer garden with fire pits and plenty of seating. We offer up four core beers and a series of rotating taps. Root beer, cold brew coffee, and kombucha are available for those looking for an alcohol free beverage. Tasters and 12 ounce pours are available to drink in the taproom. If you are looking for beer to go, we fill growlers, sell 5 gallon kegs, and have 4-packs of 16 ounce cans with labels designed by Alaskan artists (for sale in the taproom only). Food trucks are on-site every day, and we have cool merchandise for you to take home. Girdwood Brewing Company is truly rooted in our community. We donate to a number of nonprofits and outdoor adventure organizations. Our brewery also provides year round employment to over a dozen locals.
Reviewed By POLYMER - Phoenix, United States
Nice place to refresh the mind in a very good local brewery, a food truck serving excellent crepes made the perfect combination for a quick lunch while exploring the area. Friendly staff and cozy atmosphere Highly recommended !
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. 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.
