Top 15 Local Recommendations for Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska (2025)

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.

Today, Anchorage serves as the cultural nucleus of the Last Frontier State, offering a plethora of outdoor activities one would anticipate in a city nestled deep in the northern wilds—complemented by vibrant microbreweries, lively pubs, open-air markets, state museums, and heritage centers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy exceptional skiing in the Chugach ranges, glacier hiking, and sea kayaking, highlighting why this remote town is a preferred destination on the northern circuit of the United States. It’s advisable to come prepared for the chilly climate.

Having grown up in Anchorage, I am well-acquainted with the city and its surroundings. Here’s my expert perspective on the most noteworthy activities in Anchorage:

1. Hike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Bordered by wild fir trees and frequented by moose and wolves, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail encircles Anchorage.

Easily accessible from the city center, this 11-mile trail meanders along picturesque, salt-kissed segments of the Pacific coast, skirts around the runways of Ted Stevens International Airport, presents views of Fire Island offshore, and extends to where the dunes of Kincaid Park converge with the rugged landscape at Point Campbell. Given the extensive length of the hike, consider walking only portions of it; Earthquake Park and Kincaid Park (at the southern terminus) both offer nearby parking for convenience.

Closed to vehicular traffic, this pathway is ideal for cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, and snowshoeing—tailored to seasonal variations.

2. See polar bears at the Alaska Zoo

The Alaska Zoo has a noteworthy history. It originated in 1966 when local grocer Jack Snyder won a baby elephant named Annabelle. By the 1970s, this elephant became the primary attraction at the Alaska Children’s Zoo, leading to the continual growth of exhibits through generous donations.

Today, the Alaska Zoo is located in the shadow of the mountains just south of Far North Bicentennial Park, featuring a diverse range of animals, from Nigerian dwarf goats and lynxes to black bears, wolves, and snow leopards. The centerpiece, undoubtedly, is the polar bears, Ahpun and Lyutyik, currently undergoing significant renovations to their habitat. Allocating a few hours for exploration is advisable.

3. Sip local craft beers at the Midnight Sun Brewing Co.

In accordance with the notion that no city in America is too small to support multiple microbreweries, Anchorage presents this esteemed beer establishment.

Located on Dimond Hook Drive, to the south of the city center, the brewing menu features a variety of creative hop-infused concoctions, including the popular Arctic Rhino Coffee Porter and the flavorful Sockeye Red IPA.

Aficionados can also anticipate seasonal brews, all enjoyed alongside a selection of American-style dishes, including mozzarella sticks, grilled cheese sandwiches, and double-fried chips—a fantastic way to unwind after a day of hiking!

4. Hit the trails of the Chugach State Park

Few cities worldwide possess such a magnificent natural setting as Anchorage, with Chugach State Park being the crown jewel of the region, encompassing urban expanses to the south, east, and north.

This park showcases breathtaking mountains and empty valleys, frozen lakes, and alpine forests, all promoting splendid hiking and biking experiences. Numerous marked trails extend from the city into this pristine wilderness, with notable favorites including Lakeside Trail, winding along Eklutna Lake and leading across ice fields toward Girdwood in the east.

One should not overlook the highly sought-after Hillside Trail System, which offers extensive tracks, the celebrated Flattop Mountain ascent, and stunning panoramic viewpoints that overlook Anchorage.

5. Celebrate regional culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Featuring a cluster of reconstructed native dwellings crafted from local timbers and adorned with magnificent whale bones, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is an exceptional venue to learn about the diverse indigenous peoples who historically occupied this part of America, long before the Gold Rush migrations.

Situated just west of downtown Anchorage, this center also offers a series of workshops and showcases, ranging from world music performances to outdoor drumming sessions and film festivals highlighting indigenous productions.

6. Hit the pistes of the Hilltop Ski Area

Located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, the Hilltop Ski Area is an excellent destination for skiing or snowboarding.

Perfectly suited for novice skiers, this resort features one slope, a modest chairlift, and a couple of drag lifts. Additionally, there is a small terrain park for thrill-seekers, along with a ski school and rental facilities if needed.

For those seeking more challenging terrain, consider venturing south to Alyeska, one of North America’s premier winter resorts, renowned for its pristine powder snow!

7. Sharpen your Inuit knowledge at the Ulu Factory

Located on the edge of Knik Arm in downtown Anchorage, the Ulu Factory has been producing high-quality ulu knives for over 25 years.

Today, it not only serves as a prime location to acquire these traditional northern blades (historically utilized by the Yup’ik and Inuit peoples for skinning, ice carving, and constructing igloos), but it also functions as a heritage museum.

Visitors have the opportunity to observe craftsmen creating the knives using age-old techniques, while also enjoying an on-site gift shop and garden area.

8. Drive the Seward Highway and back

Experiencing the joys of Anchorage begins long before entering the city, particularly if your route involves traveling along the iconic Seward Highway. It is highly recommended to explore this scenic drive by vehicle.

This renowned stretch of road winds through the snow-capped peaks of the Chugach Mountains, revealing expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and glacier fields during the journey.

Near Anchorage, travelers can admire the rugged beauty of the Turnagain Arm fjord, as well as snow-dusted mountains lining the Gulf of Alaska and forests inhabited by moose.

9. Delve into Alaskan history at the Anchorage Museum

Welcoming nearly 200,000 visitors annually, this extensive exhibition space of over 170,000 square feet is regarded as Alaska’s premier museum.

The Anchorage Museum features a wide array of exhibits, encompassing everything from stunning landscape portraits of the Alaskan wilderness to collections of tools and artifacts from the native tribes.

A visit promises to narrate the history of Alaska from its inception, encompassing Russian settlements, the great gold rushes, and the intriguing strands of modern artistic expression evident today in Anchorage. During my recent visit, I particularly enjoyed the Alaska Biennial exhibition.

10. Scale sand dunes and play disc golf at the Kincaid Park

Easily reachable from the city via winding Raspberry Road, Kincaid Park offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate Alaska’s stunning coastal wilderness.

This patchwork of rolling hills and fir groves is recognized as Anchorage’s premier outdoor recreational area, attracting hikers, runners, and bikers, as well as those seeking to witness sunsets over Cook Inlet.

Additionally, Kincaid Park features two significant attractions: the captivating Kincaid Dunes and a comprehensive 18-hole disc golf course. The dunes provide an engaging exploration area, offering sweeping views of the Chugach Mountains and the surrounding forest, while the disc golf course is a wonderful addition for families traveling with children.

11. Breakfast in the Snow City Café

Pancakes drizzled with Canadian maple syrup, an array of gluten-free breakfast options, one of the finest eggs Benedict dishes in the state, crab-flavored omelets, and sockeye salmon cakes crafted with the freshest Anchorage ingredients, make Snow City Café a premier breakfast destination in the city.

This café, located at the corner of 4th Avenue downtown, features a bright interior filled with natural light and a consistently cheerful staff.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the community events frequently held here, including summertime street parties and charity fundraisers.

12. Shop for local produce at the Saturday Market

Anchorage’s renowned Saturday Market buzzes with local conversation, attracting individuals from the surrounding Chugach valleys and city suburbs to engage, socialize, and—most importantly—enjoy food! This is undoubtedly the ideal venue for those visiting Alaska to indulge in its culinary delights.

Stalls offer a variety of local delicacies, such as smoked salmon, freshly caught fish, seasonal vegetables, fruits, as well as Caribbean and Polynesian-inspired dishes.

Additionally, there are craft stalls showcasing a blend of handmade Russian dolls, painted Fabergé eggs, Native American artifacts, and souvenirs linked to Anchorage.

13. Take a plane ride with Rust’s Flying Service

With decades of experience providing flight tours over Alaska’s stunning wilderness, Rust’s is recognized as the go-to provider for travelers seeking to experience Anchorage and its breathtaking surroundings from the sky. The diverse packages offered by Rust’s are varied and include unique aerial perspectives on the landscape.

Options include bear viewing excursions to the sandy shores of Katmai National Park, fly-in fishing trips to some of the country’s top salmon-catching locations, and elevated tours over Denali National Park and the majestic peaks of Mount McKinley. The possibilities for exploration are extensive!

14. Go bird spotting on the Potter Marsh

A vibrant spectacle awaits birdwatchers at the picturesque wetlands of Potter Marsh, located just off the Seward Highway, a brief drive from central Anchorage.

Nestled against the Chugach Mountains, within a protected coastal reserve, this habitat is home to songbirds and nests amid its trees, complemented by sweeping organic fields populated with rare species. There are also meandering boardwalks, making it an excellent venue for outdoor enthusiasts.

15. See planes and seaplanes at the Alaska Aviation Museum

Documenting the rich aviation history of this remote region of the United States, the Alaska Aviation Museum is situated along the banks of Lake Hood; Anchorage’s primary seaplane port, the largest of its type worldwide and centrally located in the city.

The exhibits on display feature the derelict remnants of historical aircraft, alongside extensive photograph collections and a hall of fame recognizing Alaska’s aviation pioneers.