Anchorage Tourist Attractions

Anchorage's intense tourist, fishing, oil, and natural gas industries make it a dynamic and thriving municipality. As a result of its many appealing features, it is a popular vacation spot.

With an expected population of approximately 288,000 by 2021, it easily surpasses any other city in the state.

To the east of the city are the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet to the west, both of which contribute to the city's already spectacular natural setting. There are many restaurants, cafes, museums, and galleries downtown Anchorage.

Hiking, biking, skiing, and kayaking are just some of the various outdoor pursuits available in the Anchorage area.

When preparing for your vacation, keep the following in mind:

  • Bring a warm jacket or sweater, even if you're going in the middle of summer. Don't be taken off guard by the weather; it might change quickly.
  • Those who like hiking or camping should learn about the best trails and locations. There's a wide variety of things to do in Anchorage, Alaska, so pick one that suits your style and abilities.
  • A wide variety of wildlife can be found in Anchorage. To see some of the local flora and fauna, you should inquire about the finest spots to go.

You can find additional details, as well as information on other attractions, by visiting getyourguide.com.

Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise

Experience a day packed with wildlife, glaciers, and mountains on one of the largest catamarans in the area. Learn about the room's history while viewing whales and glaciers in Resurrection Bay with a National Park Ranger.

The tour starts by exploring the fauna in Resurrection Bay's calm waters. There are often sightings of whales, sea otters, and puffins within minutes after setting sail from the harbor.

The local history, glaciers, and fjords will all be discussed by a National Park Ranger.

Enjoy a deli-style meal while at sea. Visit a tidewater glacier known for its regular calving occurrences, as enormous chunks of ice break off and crash into the water below.

The bar is fully stocked, so feel free to order an Alaskan Amber or a glacier margarita.

Anchorage: 1-Hour Trolley Tour

Tour ancient Anchorage while keeping warm inside an air-conditioned trolley with panoramic windows and a professional guide.

Walk 15 miles through the heart of Alaska's largest city. Simultaneously, an engaging and knowledgeable Alaskan guide relates the tales of the community's founding, its residents, and more.

Mysterious Earthquake Park and Westchester Lagoon, where moose and small mammals feed, are just two of the numerous highlights of this tour.

Observe the Lake Hood for plane landing and takeoff, as well as the Alaska Railroad. Take in panoramic vistas of the mountains, watch for animals, and explore old towns.

In addition, you can acquire a coupon book good for discounts at over twenty different downtown Anchorage eateries, stores, tours, and activities.

Talkeetna: Mountain Voyager with Optional Glacier Landing

You'll need to check in at a one-of-a-kind Alaskan log office before boarding your high-wing, single-engine airplane for a breathtaking aerial tour of the state.

Spend 1 hour and 15 minutes flying around Hunter, Foraker, and Denali, the three highest peaks in the Alaska Range.

Listen to the pilot's intriguing professional narrative as you fly above the vast glacier motorways below. The 45-mile-long Kahiltna Glacier in Denali National Park is a sight with its beautiful ice and rock ridges.

This trip is ideal for individuals who wish to see classic Denali sights and newer ones from the south and west. Because of the longer flight duration, you'll have more options for where to stop for the day's most incredible scenery.

Add an aircraft landing on a glacier to your trip for a more immersive experience. Feel the adrenaline as you stand among the towering peaks of the Alaska Range.

Take pictures, have fun, or enjoy the scenery while it snows. All tours take an extra 30 minutes when stopping at a glacier.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Admission Ticket

You can explore approximately 200 acres of wildlife habitats and beautiful scenery with your entry ticket.

Walk, ride, or drive the 1.5-mile loop and stop at each habitat to read more about the local flora and fauna at your own pace.

You can help preserve Alaska's wildlife by donating to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This non-profit organization provides veterinary treatment, habitat protection, and education on Alaska's unique animal species.

Portage Valley houses the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). The stunning Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm Inlet are on all sides of the city.

Explore the AWCC's 1.5-mile circuit, an ideal outing for the colder months. Cross-country skiing, fat biking, and AWCC's free kick-sled rentals are a few novel ways to explore the Center and take in the wildlife in the winter.

Take your time on a leisurely 1.5-mile circular drive around the sanctuary in your own vehicle. Witness the rescued and rehabilitated animals that the AWCC has taken in.

Anchorage: Deluxe Trolley City Tour

Take the trolley to five or more downtown Anchorage stops to learn about the city's history and natural attractions.

Travel in style and visit some of the city's most fascinating attractions, like the Lake Hood tiny airplane airfield.

The journey will take you to well-known areas like Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and Point Wornzoff.

You'll be able to hop off at each location for a few minutes to take pictures and ask your guides any questions about the area.

From Anchorage: Valley and Forest Hike with Naturalist Guide

Discover one of the most beautiful glaciated valleys in Chugach State Park.

From Anchorage, your guide will take you on a hike via the Eagle River trail network to see boreal forests and salmon streams. Snacks, drinks, and hiking gear are provided.

The first part of the trip is through the Eagle River Nature Center's path system through the woods. It lies inconspicuously along the wide Eagle River in Chugach State Park's north branch.

There is a section of the defunct Iditarod dog sledding trail along the route. That means you'll have to rely on your own two feet instead of a canine companion to get you around.

Keep pushing on through the stands of spruce and birch, and be on the lookout for any critters you might encounter.

An American dipper, a moose, and tiny creatures like the snowshoe hare and red fox are all possible sightings in an area with geothermal heat.

Part two involves a trip to Barbara Falls, a waterfall in Chugach State Park.

Half a mile in length, this segment is packed with exciting flora and fauna with photo ops galore.

Willow: Summer Dog Sledding Ride in Alaska

A two-person sled cart built for dog mushing is available for summertime sled rides near Willow. Prepare to be greeted by a guide and a kennel full of wagging tails. Try out a remote path if you need some time away from the roar of automobiles and trucks.

Later, winter sledding equipment will be displayed, and a nature walk.

Stop by and meet the dogs just an hour's drive north of Anchorage or 45 minutes north of Palmer and see their enthusiasm soar as their leader prepares the team for a hike.

Then, depending on the climate, run on private trails for one to two miles while taking in the natural surroundings. You can relax and take in the scenery because the carts are run entirely by dogs.

Keep your eyes alert because you might see a moose, fox, lynx, black bear, or bald eagle. You can stop at any time so the dogs may rest, and you can get some great pictures of them.

The dogs will likely splash around in kiddie pools and run around the kennel with boundless energy once they are returned. They will typically come up and give you a little hug before going off again. Take a break and refresh with some cookies and drink.

Take a stroll through the woods to a wooden pavilion overlooking Denali, where you'll get a firsthand look at some of the equipment used for winter training. Look at some Iditarod race sleds and maybe even hop aboard one of the runners.

Put on this year's bib for the Iditarod and pretend you're an Alaskan musher.

Hear firsthand accounts from your guide about their experiences at the track. Stop at an inside gift shop where you may browse more racing memorabilia and gear from your favorite racing teams to round out your trip.

Juneau: Alpine Wilderness Trail Ride

Take a Nordic ski run across the beautiful Fish Creek Valley at Eaglecrest. Enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your Segway. Alpine meadows with lily ponds are great places to breathe fresh air and hear soaring eagles.

Spend time learning how to use your Segway and how it interprets your movements. Once you've completed training, you'll get your own Segway and safety gear. Surprise yourself with how quickly you master riding it.

The X2's balloon tires offer a smooth and comfortable ride over the paved gravel trail. Savor the thrill of zipping past towering forests of Sitka spruce and hemlock.

Navigate tranquil alpine meadows dotted with lily ponds and framed by snow-capped mountains.

Talk with your guide to learn more about the fascinating plants and creatures that call Alaska home.

Get out, stretch your legs, and take some pictures at a few different, brief stops. With its gin-clear snow melt waters, Fish Creek is a must-see at the tour's halfway point.

The next step is to take a 10-minute stroll along the Historic Treadwell Ditch to glimpse the untouched Tongass Rainforest.

Investigate the past of Juneau and the gold rush that occurred there. Offer your tour guide and group a snack made from ingredients found in the area.

Anchorage: Botanical Garden Walking Tour

Take a guided tour around the Anchorage Botanical Garden to learn more about Alaska's native wildlife and flora. Take a walk along the concrete walkway, smell the roses, and look for native wildlife.

Meet your guide at the mailbox before venturing out to a remote section of Anchorage, where bears and moose are occasionally spotted.

As you stroll with your guide, keep an eye on the entry beds, where you'll find decorative and delicious plants. Pass through the gate and into the plaza to see one of the season's first flowers.

As you set out on the walk, share stories about the Alaska Botanic Garden's 34-year history and the hardworking volunteers and employees who made it possible.

See the study plots, gardens, and outdoor classrooms that make up the outdoor facility. The tour will conclude in the greenhouse before directing guests to the nursery and gift store for their leave.

Different flora will be in view during various times of the year, so plan accordingly. You'll learn a lot on this tour about flora and fauna of Alaska, as well as the many beautiful flowers that grow here.

From Anchorage: Matanuska Glacier Full-Day Tour

Spend a whole day traveling from Anchorage to the breathtaking Matanuska Glacier. Follow the Matanuska River upstream as you cross the Glenn Highway in the Matanuska Valley.

When the weather is fine, spectacular panoramic views will take in along the 100 miles between Anchorage and the glacier.

Before setting out on the trek, visitors must register at the Glacier Park office and use the facilities there.

  • Get in the car and head to the first lookout point for the glacier.
  • Get your protective gear, including helmets for the summer and ice spikes/crampons for the rest of the year.
  • Find a seasoned glacier guide and set off.

During the colder months of the year (late November through April), you can ride out to the stunning blue ice on sleds pulled by slow, safe snow machines.

The summer months (May–November) are the best time to go on a longer, more challenging hike.

Collect a slew of unforgettable images and stories to remember your trip by. The eight-plus-hour journey goes on, rain or shine.

The area close to the glacier usually has better weather than Anchorage does when the city is experiencing bad weather. While other trips may promise you the experience of a lifetime, this one actually delivers.

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