A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Surrounded by the frigid North Pacific and the snow-covered peaks of the Coast Mountains, Anchorage – Alaska’s most populous city – authentically embodies a region enveloped by wilderness. The city has withstood earthquakes, undergone booms from oil industries, gold rushes, and railroads, while the settlements of the native Dena’ina people have thrived along its rivers and ice creeks for centuries.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and serves as the gateway to the state’s expansive and diverse wilderness areas. Renowned for its commitment to preserving native culture, Anchorage is distinct from any other city in the United States. The residents, accustomed to some of the harshest weather in North America, demonstrate resilience while being exceptionally welcoming and friendly.
Anchorage is a vast city, covering 1961 square miles and is Alaska’s largest urban area. Despite its size, the city has a relatively low population density, making transportation a unique challenge for both residents and visitors. However, there are multiple ways to navigate this beautiful city that offers a mix of urban and wilderness experiences.
Founded a little over a century ago, Anchorage, Alaska, is a young city whose neighborhoods offer a newness and spaciousness you won’t find in denser, older urban areas.
Most visitors to Anchorage merely pass through the city on their way to engaging wilderness pursuits. However, scattered around this metropolitan area, more than half a dozen museums offer a quieter, more enriching way to learn about this lightly populated state. Here are seven places where you can experience stirring objects, traditions, and stories that reflect Alaska’s unique character.
In recent years, a large influx of new arrivals has transformed Anchorage from a small town into a big city.
Visiting Alaska is a bucket-list dream for a reason — rugged mountains, epic views, iconic wildlife, and quirky locals have all put this famously remote state on the travel map. For most visitors, Anchorage is the first port of call; however, Alaska certainly isn’t cheap.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for a frontier city, the city parks of Anchorage are large, multi-faceted spaces whose character suggests the surrounding wilderness.
Along with its spectacular wildlife, gorgeous fjords and glaciers, Alaska is also a great place to learn about Native Alaskan culture and is an example of Indigenous groups managing authentic tourism experiences that also embrace sustainability.
As Alaska’s biggest city, Anchorage is a veritable cornucopia of adventure. Whether you prefer indulging in fine dining while overlooking Cook Inlet or getting dirty while exploring the Chugach Mountains, you’ll find your nirvana here.
Temperatures may drop as you head north of the 60th parallel, but prices tend to go in the opposite direction. The good news? A visit to Anchorage doesn’t need to throw your budget completely off-balance.
Anchorage is a city literally surrounded on all sides by natural beauty. Before European settlers occupied the region, it was the homeland of the Dena’ina and the Native Village of Eklutna who hunted, gathered, and fished across the abundant land. Explore the bear- and moose-packedChugach State Parkor Cook Inlet – splashing with beluga whales in summer and fall – or hit either the north road or the south road out of town, each direction connecting Anchorage to mountainous destinations beyond. The magnitude of the surrounding nature can feel both magical and overwhelming in its vastness.
Anchorage is the hub around which the rest of Alaska spins.
The largest city in the vast state of Alaska, Anchorage combines urban comforts with outdoor adventures. There are few places where you can be on top of a windy peak in the afternoon and sitting down for a 5-star wild salmon dinner in the evening. Follow this two-day itinerary to sample the best of what this northern frontier city has to offer.
Visitors are drawn to Alaska’s biggest city for its perfect blend of outdoor opportunities and urban advantages. Bring your hiking boots and build up a healthy appetite, as Anchorage’s adventure, gastronomy, and cultural scenes are all worth delving into. From the Chugach Mountains that serve as the backdrop to the city to the local cuisine served up in a fancy dining room or from a street cart, you can occupy yourself here for days – and you should.
Anchorage, Alaska, is a vibrant city filled with exciting activities and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation alike. This article outlines the best things to do in Anchorage, ensuring you make the most of your visit.