Anchorage is the perfect Alaska getaway. Located within Denaʼina Ełnena, on the traditional homelands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna, the city combines wild Alaska beauty, convenient urban comforts, mesmerizing outdoor spaces, and captivating arts and culture. Find sparkling glaciers, incredible wildlife, vast parks and trails, and dazzling northern lights. A trip to Anchorage opens doors to the best of Alaska, all in one place
Try out the Coastal Trail. Access from 2nd Avenue and H Street or 5th Avenue and M Street. The trail runs 11 miles, but for a shorter trip, try out the stretch between downtown and Westchester Lagoon.
The Coastal Trail (access from 2nd Avenue and H Street or 5th Avenue and M Street) is also a good spot for a bike ride. Rentals by the hour are inexpensive and available from companies in downtown
Small airplane and helicopter flights are incredible. Flights from Merrill Field or Lake Hood in Anchorage take off for glaciers in the nearby Chugach Mountains, the waters of Prince William Sound, or even circle Denali by air.
The Chugach Mountains are filled with trails, and the closest are less than 20 minutes from downtown. Stretch your legs and get a stunning view of the city and the surrounding natural spaces.
Anchorage is the place to begin a railroad trip in Alaska. Trains depart daily for Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park, or Spencer Glacier in Chugach National Forest.
The northern lights are often visible from Anchorage from late September to early April. Clear skies and a good aurora forecast mean it’s a nice night to go out. Kincaid Park, Glen Alps and Point Woronzof are each at the edges of the city, and great spots to try first. A little further beyond, Eklutna Tailrace, Girdwood, and the Eagle River Nature Center are excellent options. If you need a little help chasing auroras, several companies offer viewing tours.
The Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center are the best showcase of Alaska Native cultures and Alaska history. The Anchorage Museum’s art collections (including a Smithsonian gallery) explore the whole of the state, and are the biggest in Alaska. The Alaska Native Heritage Center focuses on Native culture through live song and dance performances, as well as life-sized examples of traditional buildings. There’s a combined admission, the Culture Pass, for both attractions. There’s also a free shuttle connecting the two stops.
Day Cruises – See tidewater glaciers and wildlife including whales, seals, otters, sea lions and birds. Cruises sail daily from the port towns of Whittier and Seward, both accessible by rail or road.
Images Courtesy of Jack Bonney, Juno Kim, Ken Graham, Jody O.
