Introduction
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and has so much to do. It’s not surprising that you would want to spend time here—it’s one of the most beautiful places in North America. From outdoor activities to museums, there is something for everyone. Here are the best things to do in Anchorage!
Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum is a great place to learn about Alaska Native history, culture, and art. It’s located at 701 W. Sixth Ave., just north of downtown Anchorage. The museum features changing exhibitions that focus on the region’s diverse cultural traditions, as well as permanent galleries dedicated to Alaska Native art and artifacts, wildlife displays, and natural science exhibits. Open seven days a week (closed Tuesdays), admission is free for children under 12 years old; adults pay $20 per person or $13 for seniors 65 and older.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a 1.5-mile path that runs along the water from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. Starting at 3rd Avenue and W Street, the trail winds through several neighborhoods and across numerous bridges before reaching its destination in Kincaid Park.
The trail is accessible year-round, even during winter storms (though you may have difficulty finding parking). It’s popular with runners, walkers, and bikers alike—especially on summer evenings when temperatures cool down a bit but remain warmer than in other parts of town.
Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo, located on the southeastern side of Anchorage near Point Woronzof, is home to more than 1,000 animals. The zoo opened in 1960 and has been open year-round ever since. In addition to its animal exhibits and conservation efforts, you can also enjoy an ice cream parlor or restaurant at the zoo or spend some time in the gift shop.
Admission prices vary depending on what time of year you visit; however general admission is typically between $17-$30 per person (children under 2 are free). Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours during summer months (June-August) until 6 p.m.; check online before visiting if you plan on going during peak tourist season because it gets very busy!
Earthquake Park
The Earthquake Park is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The park offers a great view of Anchorage, and it’s known for its Last Alaskan Earthquake statue.
In 1964, Alaska experienced one of the largest earthquakes in its history: an 8.3 magnitude earthquake that hit on Good Friday. The earthquake caused massive damage to infrastructure and displaced thousands of Alaskans from their homes, often permanently. It also created Earthquake Lake itself by releasing underground water into Cook Inlet—a phenomenon that’s still happening today!
To commemorate this event, there’s a statue at Earthquake Park that depicts an old woman holding up her hands as if she were caught unaware by an earthquake (or maybe just surprised?). There are also two fountains nearby which represent how much water came rushing out during the quake: one small fountain surrounded by flowers represents normal groundwater while another larger fountain represents the amount of water released during this particular event.
The Lake Hood Floatplane Harbor
- Lake Hood is the world’s busiest floatplane base and is located in Anchorage, Alaska.
- Lake Hood serves as an airport for general aviation and commercial airline service, with more than 200 aircraft based there. General aviation aircraft are stored in a variety of locations around the lake, including on parking ramps, tied down on floats, or hung in two large buildings on shore.
- The airport was established by residents of Anchorage who were inspired by Lindbergh’s visit to so after he landed at nearby Ship Creek Bay on May 1st, 1929 where he was greeted by residents from across the city with flags and flowers before being taken to his hotel where he stayed for three days whilst waiting for favorable weather conditions over Cook Inlet which allowed him to fly back home via Wrangell Island where he took off again towards Seattle Washington where many people turned up at Boeing Field once again waving American flags as well as signs saying “Welcome back” which made him feel very welcome indeed upon his return home following his successful flight across America without any problems encountered during this epic journey completed without any problems whatsoever!
Town Square Park and the Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center is another great place to see the mountains. It’s a beautiful building that looks out over Town Square Park and offers a variety of concerts, performances, and events. The theater itself has an excellent view of downtown Anchorage, which makes it easy to take in all the sights while you enjoy a show. You can also take advantage of their restaurant or bar if you need something to snack on before an event starts or after it concludes!
The Imaginarium Discovery Center
Imaginarium Discovery Center is a great place to take kids, especially during the summer months when there are so many activities and trips available. The Imaginarium is located in downtown Anchorage and is open year-round, so you can visit any time of year.
It’s also a great way to spend an afternoon with your family if you live in the area or plan on visiting Anchorage soon.
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a race of 1,000 miles and has been held in Anchorage since 1973. The headquarters for this event is located a short distance from downtown Anchorage at 434 West 5th Avenue, where you can watch mushers prepare their dogs for the grueling race.
This event is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike, who come out to see the dogs and their handlers take part in training exercises that are held throughout the year on Ship Creek Trail, one mile north of downtown. These events allow you to get up close and personal with these amazing animals as well as learn more about them through demonstrations by the trainers themselves!
Portage Glacier and Whittier Tunnel
Portage Glacier is a tidewater glacier that flows into the Gulf of Alaska. The Portage Glacier Highway is a scenic route that leads to the glacier and is also known as the Seward Highway. It runs through the Portage Valley and passes through the town of Whittier. The road offers breathtaking views of glacial ice fields, including Portage Lake, which was formed by retreating glaciers.
The drive along this route takes travelers through tunnels carved into mountainsides that were once part of a military installation during World War II (when they were used as gun emplacements). There are numerous pull-off points along this stretch where you can stop to take pictures or just take in nature’s beauty.
Dimond Center Mall
Visit the Dimond Center Mall. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, this shopping mall is the largest in the state and has over 100 stores and restaurants. It’s an indoor shopping center with a gross leasable area of 1.3 million square feet. You can find everything from clothing to toys at this mall, so it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for some new gear or want to grab something for your family members back home.
Alaska Botanical Garden and Campbell Tract
The Alaska Botanical Garden and Campbell Tract are beautiful places to visit. The garden, located in the Campbell Tract, has a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, as well as shrubs. It’s best to visit during springtime when all the flowers are in bloom!
Ship Creek Fishing Area
Anchorage is a city known for its outdoor activities and natural beauty, which makes it the perfect place to go fishing. Ship Creek Fishing Area is one of the most popular spots in town for people who love to fish from shore or their boats. Located just north of downtown Anchorage, this area offers a chance to catch salmon, trout, and other species as well as enjoy hiking trails and other recreational opportunities.
Cuddy Family Midtown Park and the Quarles Skatepark in Anchorage
Cuddy Family Midtown Park is located at the corner of C Street and 5th Avenue. The park has a skatepark that is open to all ages, but you must be at least 12 years old to use the ramps.
Takeaway:
In this article, I’ve listed 14 great things to do in Anchorage. Takeaway: you should go to all of them!
Conclusion
All in all, Anchorage is a great place to visit and explore. From the mountains to the ocean, there’s something for everyone!
