Things to Do in Anchorage
20 curated spots from Anchorage itineraries
Activities & Attractions
10 curated experiences
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Explore indoor exhibits, watch dance performances, and walk the outdoor village with traditional dwellings; visit the on-site marketplace for authentic Alaska Native art and crafts.
2h 30m · $28-35
Alaska Zoo or Alaska Botanical Garden (evening visit)
Visit the Alaska Zoo or nearby Botanical Garden, both open late in summer, for relaxed wildlife viewing or curated nature walks.[12]
1h 30m · $15-25
Anchorage Museum
Explore contemporary Alaska art, interactive science exhibits, and the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center’s Indigenous artifacts and storytelling.[4][10][12]
2h · $20-25
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center (Art & Culture)
Spend a slow afternoon exploring galleries of Alaskan art, Indigenous artifacts, and rotating contemporary exhibitions; check for any discounted times or free community events.[1][6][8]
2h 30m · $30 or less (watch for discounts)
Flattop Mountain Area (hillside hike)
Head to the trailhead in the Chugach foothills for Anchorage’s classic peak; choose a shorter viewpoint trail if you prefer moderate effort and bring bear spray.[4][12][14]
3h · Free or small parking fee
Free Evening Stroll on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (Downtown Segment)
After you’re dropped back downtown, take a relaxed, unguided evening walk on the easily accessed segment of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail near the 2nd Avenue / Resolution Park area. Walk as little or as much as you like along the paved path with views over Cook Inlet and, on clear evenings, distant mountains glowing in late light. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and, occasionally, moose near the treeline.
45m · Free
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (Downtown Segment & Coastal Photography Walk)
Start late morning from near 2nd Avenue or Elderberry Park and walk the downtown segment of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail along Cook Inlet; look for mountain views, mudflats, birdlife, and, if you’re lucky, moose in the greenbelt.[1][6]
2h · Free
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (Downtown Segment)
Start near Elderberry Park and stroll the coastal path overlooking Cook Inlet and distant mountains; focus on the first couple of miles for easy access and great views.
1h 30m · Free
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (from Downtown)
Rent bikes from a downtown shop and ride the paved 11‑mile trail along Cook Inlet toward Kincaid Park, watching for moose and mountain views.[4][12]
2h 30m · $40-60 (bike rental)
Westchester Lagoon & Chester Creek Trail Evening Walk
Stroll the paths around Westchester Lagoon and continue along the Chester Creek Trail, watching geese, kayakers, and soft evening light.[4]
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
10 local favorites
Snow City Cafe
Bright, popular brunch spot with a slightly upscale casual feel—order the reindeer sausage with eggs or a loaded omelet for a local start.
1h · $18-30 per person
49th State Brewing Co – Anchorage
Bustling brewpub with outdoor deck and inlet views; try reindeer sausage or Alaskan salmon with a local beer flight as the sun lingers late.[4]
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Bear Tooth Theatrepub & Grill
Colorful, laid‑back spot with Alaskan cod tacos, grilled salmon, and excellent margaritas; optionally stay for a movie in the attached theatre.[4]
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Crush Bistro
Stylish, intimate bistro with creative sandwiches and small plates; pair your meal with a local wine flight.[4]
1h · $22-40 per person
Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop
Artisan bakery with rustic breads and pastries; grab croissants and snacks to pack for your Flattop or hillside hike.[4]
30m · $10-18 per person
Glacier Brewhouse
Warm, wood-and-stone interior with a bustling, slightly upscale vibe—try the fresh Alaskan salmon or halibut and a house craft beer for classic local fare.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Lucky Wishbone
Old-school Anchorage diner famous for fried chicken and burgers; get a basic burger or chicken basket, which can be found around $12–15.[2]
1h · $12-15 per person
Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
Classic Anchorage restaurant perched above Cook Inlet, known for fresh seafood, steaks, and big picture windows. Order Alaskan halibut or salmon, consider sharing an appetizer like crab and artichoke dip, and linger over drinks while watching the light over the water. Reservations strongly recommended, especially for a window table.
1h 30m · $45-70 per person (excluding alcohol)
Spenard Roadhouse
Eclectic neighborhood restaurant with quirky decor, craft cocktails, and hearty comfort food including local twists on burgers and tacos.
1h 30m · $22-40 per person
Yak and Yeti Cafe
Casual Himalayan and Indian spot known for hearty rice bowls with multiple toppings under $15; order a rice bowl with three toppings or a curry over rice for maximum value.[2]
45m · $10-15 per person