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Alaska is one of the best choices to spend your summer vacations and there are many things to do in Anchorage, Alaska.
You can see amazing animals, learn about Alaska’s history, walk by the ocean, or even take a ride in a small plane. If you like to play outside, Anchorage is perfect for you.
You can hike up mountains, walk in beautiful woods, or even watch the water do cool tricks. And guess what? Some of the best things to do in Anchorage won’t even cost you a penny!
No matter who you are or what you like to do, Anchorage has something for you. In this blog post, I’ll share all the awesome things to do in Anchorage Alaska. Get ready for an adventure!
Things to do in Anchorage for Free
Save some money! Here are some fun things to do in Anchorage for free:
- Alaska Public Lands Information Center: This is a place where you can get maps and learn about all the different places you can go in Alaska. They can help you plan your own adventure.
2. Explore Kincaid Park: This is a big park with lots of trails to walk on. You can see animals like moose and walk through pretty woods.
3. Hike Flattop Mountain: If you like to walk, this is a fun one! You can climb up to the top of a mountain and see amazing views of the city and all the mountains around it.
4. Anchorage Market & Festival: On the weekends during the summer, you can visit this market and see lots of cool things made by local people. It’s a fun place to walk around and look.
5. Delaney Park Strip: This is a big park right in the city. You can have a picnic, play games, or just relax and enjoy the sunshine.
6. Go Bird Watching in Potter Marsh: If you like birds, this is a great place to go. You can see lots of different kinds of birds and maybe even other animals too.
7. Watch the Bore Tide: Go to Turnagain Arm and watch the water do something amazing! It’s called the bore tide and it’s like a big wave that comes in really fast.
Remember, having fun doesn’t have to cost a lot of money! These are just a few things to do in Anchorage for free. So get out there and explore!
Best things to do in Anchorage Alaska
Apart from the free things, there are many adventures and activities to do in Anchorage Alaska which I will discuss now.
1. 26 Glacier Cruise and Coach from Anchorage, Alaska
This offers an Anchorage tour combining a coach ride and a glacier cruise.
You’ll travel on the Turnagain Arm and through a tunnel, then cruise in Prince William Sound to see glaciers.
The tour includes lunch, coffee, and narration. Wildlife viewing is also possible.
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2. Anchorage to Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Value
The tour travels to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier, and other locations.
Expert guides narrate the tour and provide information about the Alaskan landscape and wildlife. The tour lasts about 6 hours.
In the winter, hotel pick-up is included, while in the summer, visitors must meet at the designated starting point.
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3. Grand Knik Helicopter Tour - 2 hours 3 landings
This tour is about a helicopter tour of glaciers near Anchorage, Alaska. The tour lasts for two hours and includes three landings on glaciers.
You will also fly over scenic mountains. This tour is a great way to see the glaciers up close and learn about them from your guide.
4. Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage
This tour offers a half-day Anchorage city tour. It covers historical sites and cultural landmarks including Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and Point Woronzof.
You will also enjoy tastings of smoked salmon and reindeer sausage, and learn about Alaska Native culture at the ULU Factory.
5. Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour
This tour is about a Matanuska Glacier hike day tour.
The tour travels from Anchorage to the Matanuska Glacier. The hike itself is guided and explores the glacier’s scenic terrain.
You’ll get lunch at a lodge overlooking the glacier. Some reviewers say the guides are knowledgeable and friendly. The tour lasts about 10 hours.
6. Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour
The tour offers a Deluxe City Tour of Anchorage in a red trolley. The tour covers Anchorage’s historical and cultural aspects, allowing riders to see some of the city’s landmarks.
You can expect to see Earthquake Park, Lake Hood Harbor, and the Alaska Railroad Depot. The tour also includes designated photo stops, where riders can get off the trolley to take pictures.
Wildlife viewing is also possible on the tour, as riders may see moose and seaplanes.
7. Go eBike Alaska on Tony Knowles Trail
This tour is about a 2-hour scenic e-bike tour along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage, Alaska.
The tour is appropriate for most ages and fitness levels, as the e-bikes are pedal-assisted. Riders are guided by professionals who share knowledge of the area and wildlife.
The tour lasts for two hours and covers approximately 19 miles.
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8. Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour
The tour travels along the Turnagain Arm, a body of water known for its wildlife. Visitors can expect to see Dall sheep, beluga whales, and other animals in their natural habitat.
The tour also includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which provides a refuge for animals that cannot survive in the wild. Here, you can see wood bison, musk ox, and lynx.
After the wildlife center, the tour takes a boat up to Portage Glacier for a close-up view.
The tour lasts for about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
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9. Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood
This tour offers a Girdwood Small-Group Summer Dogsledding Tour with Helicopter Flight.
You can ride in a helicopter, learn about dog mushing, drive a sled, and see beautiful scenery.
10. Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour
It is a small group walking tour that combines Anchorage history with local food samplings.
The tour lasts for 3 to 4 hours and explores Anchorage through food and stories.
11. Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo
This tour offers the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. This tour departs from Anchorage, Alaska. The tour guides are professional photographers and will help you capture stunning images of the Aurora Borealis.
The tour is offered from late August to mid-April, when the Northern Lights are most visible in Alaska. The tour lasts for 4 hours and includes transportation, snacks, and warm drinks.
12. Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings
This half-day Anchorage craft brewery tour offer beer tasting and learning about Anchorage’s brewing history.
The tour includes transportation, beer samples, appetizers, and a visit to three breweries. Breweries visited on the tour may vary.
Fun Things to do in Anchorage
- Go hiking or biking on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This trail is a great way to see the beauty of Anchorage and get some exercise. You can walk, bike, or rollerblade on the trail, and there are also some great views of the mountains.
2. Take a flightseeing tour: This is a great way to see the glaciers and mountains around Anchorage from above. You can also see some of the wildlife that lives in the area.
3. Go fishing: Anchorage is a great place to go fishing for salmon, halibut, and other types of fish. You can fish from the shore or from a boat, and there are many different places to go.
4. Go to a concert or show: Anchorage has a vibrant arts scene, and there are always concerts, shows, and other events happening. You can find a list of events online or in the local newspaper.
5. Visit the Anchorage Museum: This museum has a variety of exhibits on the history, art, and culture of Alaska. You can also see some of the animals that live in Alaska.
6. Go to a sporting event: Anchorage is home to a number of professional and minor league sports teams. You can also watch college sports at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
7. Go to a bar or club: Anchorage has a lively nightlife scene, so you can find a bar or club to dance, drink, and have fun.
8. Go to a festival: Anchorage has a number of festivals throughout the year, so you can find one that interests you.
9. Take a day trip to Denali National Park: Denali National Park is home to Mount Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching in the park.
I hope this gives you some ideas for fun things to do in Anchorage.
Conclusion
So there you have it! From seeing wild animals to flying high above glaciers, Anchorage is packed with adventure. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, there’s something for every explorer.
Now it’s your turn! Which of these awesome activities are you most excited to try? Have you discovered any other hidden gems in Anchorage? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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FAQ
How do I spend my day in Anchorage?
Your Anchorage day could look like this:
- Morning: Start with a hike up Flattop Mountain for amazing views.
- Lunch: Grab a bite downtown, maybe some fresh seafood!
- Afternoon: Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears and moose.
- Evening: Take a walk on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail before enjoying dinner.
Remember to check what’s open and happening on the day you visit. There might be a fun festival or concert happening!
Is it worth visiting Anchorage?
Absolutely! Anchorage is a super cool place to visit. It’s like having a city and the wild outdoors all in one place. You can see bears and moose, hike up mountains, and then grab a yummy meal at a nice restaurant. There are lots of things to do for kids too! And if you love looking at pretty views, the mountains and the water are amazing. So, yes, it’s totally worth visiting Anchorage! You’ll have so much fun.
What is Anchorage best known for?
Anchorage is like the heart of Alaska! It’s known for being a big city with lots of people and fun things to do. But it’s also special because it’s close to nature. You can see big animals like moose and bears, go for walks in pretty woods, and even see mountains with ice on them called glaciers.
Anchorage is a place where you can enjoy both city life and wild adventures. Plus, you might even see the amazing Northern Lights dancing in the sky.
Can you see the northern lights in Anchorage?
Yes, you can see the northern lights (also called the aurora borealis) in Anchorage! But only when it’s dark outside, so not during the summer.
The best time to see them is in the winter, from September to April, when the nights are long and dark. Sometimes, they are even bright enough to see from right in the city! But if you go a little farther out of town, where there are fewer lights, you’ll get an even better view.
