Anchorage 101
Get Out and Enjoy The Summer Sun Slideshow
Use your time in Anchorage to explore the unique aspects of an Alaskan metropolis. Alaska has long days and short nights in the summer time. You'll feel compelled to go out and explore at 8, 9, or even 10 PM, simply because the light and activity is so intense. Local Alaskans try to maximize the summer days in order to make up for the longer winters. That's why you'll see streets busy at midnight, as people drive and walk in broad daylight. Here's some places that you can experience when you have an hour or two.
Get outside and explore endless summer days in Anchorage.
The Classic Postcard View of Anchorage A good view of Anchorage and the Cook Inlet is only minutes away from arrival at the Anchorage International Airport. Point Woronzof is the classic viewing area of the city of Anchorage. On a clear day, Sleeping Lady Mountain, the Alaska Range, and Mount McKinley are all visible from this coastal park on scenic Point Woronzof Drive. The park commemorates the Great Alaska Earthquake.
The Award Winning Multi-Use Trail System A paved trail follows the edge of Cook Inlet from Downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. The trail has scenic views of Cook Inlet and is perfect for walking, biking, jogging, or just sightseeing the great outdoors. You can get on the trail at Elderberry Park, Westchester Lagoon, or Earthquake Park.
You'll find that Anchorage has a good variety of museums often centered around Alaska history.
The Classic Postcard View of Anchorage A good view of Anchorage and the Cook Inlet is only minutes away from arrival at the Anchorage International Airport. Point Woronzof is the classic viewing area of the city of Anchorage. On a clear day, Sleeping Lady Mountain, the Alaska Range, and Mount McKinley are all visible from this coastal park on scenic Point Woronzof Drive. The park commemorates the Great Alaska Earthquake.
Interesting Things To Do In Anchorage
Things To Do
1. Earthquake Park
The Classic Postcard View of Anchorage
A good view of Anchorage and the Cook Inlet is only minutes away from arrival at the Anchorage International Airport. Point Woronzof is the classic viewing area of the city of Anchorage. On a clear day, Sleeping Lady Mountain, the Alaska Range, and Mount McKinley are all visible from this coastal park on scenic Point Woronzof Drive. The park commemorates the Great Alaska Earthquake.
2. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The Award Winning Multi-Use Trail System
A paved trail follows the edge of Cook Inlet from Downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. The trail has scenic views of Cook Inlet and is perfect for walking, biking, jogging, or just sightseeing the great outdoors. You can get on the trail at Elderberry Park, Westchester Lagoon, or Earthquake Park.
3. Ship Creek
Downtown King Salmon Fishing
Close to downtown Anchorage, Ship Creek runs west to Cook Inlet. Ship Creek is a salmon-spawning ground, and provides salmon viewing and fishing throughout the summer months. Access Ship Creek and the salmon viewing platform by taking A Street to East Whitney Road.
Top Ten Activities In Anchorage
4. Native Heritage Center
A unique learning center designed to teach about Alaska’s many Native cultures. Exhibits of traditional Alaskan Native artifacts, cultural objects, and artwork are accompanied by educational programming. Free shuttle bus from one of five downtown locations. Follow the road signs off the Glenn if you’re driving.
5. Downtown Anchorage
Downtown Anchorage is a vibrant, active tourist destination. A friendly, festive place, perfect for walking, with shops along 4th, 5th and 6th Avenues. The “center” of downtown for visitors is the Log Cabin Visitor Center on 4th Avenue and F Street. Street festivals and the Saturday Market take place throughout the summer season.
6. Girdwood
Drive 37 miles down the Seward Highway and turn at the Tesoro station. The town of Girdwood was moved two miles up the road after the 1964 earthquake. Continue up this road to Crow Creek gold mine and Alyeska ski resort. The mine has picturesque buildings, and the resort has a tram to take you to the top of Mt. Alyeska.
7. Turnagain Arm
If you've rented a car, and it’s a nice evening, a great after-dinner drive is to head south on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm. There are plenty of pullouts on both sides of the road. Some have telescopes, but bring along your binoculars to look for beluga whales in the water or sheep in the hills.
8. Flightseeing
Flightseeing isn’t limited to communities in rural areas. You can flightsee right from Anchorage. For an evening tour, there are quick overviews of Anchorage. There are also extended bear viewing and Denali flights.
9. Music Concerts
Anchorage families enjoy getting outdoors during the summer months. Twice a week there are concerts downtown near the visitor center. This noon activity is just the ticket for both performers and the audience, who watch from the lawn. You'll also find live music at local bars and theaters, as well as live nighttime venus in vacant downtown parking lots.
10. Museums
You'll find that Anchorage has a good variety of museums focused on Alaska art and history. Travel to downtown museums on foot. Take a shuttle or car to museums farther from where you are staying.