Anchorage offers the perfect itinerary for every interest and trip length. Plan a relaxing weekend getaway recharging in Chugach State Park, spend a few days exploring the region’s historical landmarks and Indigenous heritage, fuel up for a road trip down the scenic Seward Highway, or watch for whales and other wildlife: Anchorage enables unforgettable itineraries with a distinctly Alaska flair. Mix and match the options below, or browse our in-depth itineraries for a more detailed trip plan.
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For wildlife watching - Spend a leisurely afternoon watching for moose and migratory birds at Potter Marsh, a picturesque part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Have some more time? Head south to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, watch for whales at Beluga Point, plan a visit to the Alaska Zoo, or book a full-day flightseeing tour for an up-close encounter with bears at Katmai or Lake Clark National Park.
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For art and culture - Spend an afternoon visiting the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Veterans Museum, both centrally located in downtown Anchorage. Take time to discover the neighborhood’s wide variety of public art, including murals and statues depicting scenes from Alaska Native history and modern culture. Learn more about the state’s vibrant and varied Indigenous cultures with a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and catch a glimpse of the region’s Dena’ina Athabascan history and Russian Orthodox influence at the Eklutna Historical Park. Whether you stay for a day or a week, there’s always more to see and learn.
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For nature lovers - Anchorage’s vast trail system and easy access to Chugach State Park make it a true gem for outdoor adventurers. Spend a serene morning watching the bore tide rush in up Turnagain Arm, stroll the Trail of Blue Ice, or find an elevated view following ridgeline routes through the Chugach Mountains. While the parking lots might be packed, Anchorage’s abundant open spaces mean it’s easy to find peace and solitude on the trail.
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For culinary connoisseurs - Satisfy your sweet tooth with birch syrup or fresh berries plucked straight from a Chugach mountainside. Take a farm tour, visit a neighborhood farmers market, or cast a line for king salmon in Ship Creek before savoring the flavor of fresh Alaska seafood at a downtown restaurant within walking distance. Abundant local breweries, wineries, and distilleries share a unique taste of Alaska, and local fisheries, farms, and wild game processors give “farm to table” an only-in-Alaska twist.
