Essential Anchorage Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and the state’s main gateway for exploring by land. Home to roughly 40% of Alaska’s population, it combines the convenience of an urban center with easy access to mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and wide-open wilderness. For travelers seeking an alternative to a coastal cruise, Anchorage is an ideal starting point for discovering Alaska’s dramatic interior and southern landscapes.

Anchorage’s History and Natural Setting

Although Anchorage began developing in the early 20th century, people have lived in the surrounding region for thousands of years. Downtown’s walkable street grid still reflects the city’s origins, with historic sites such as the Oscar Anderson House, Old City Hall, historic cottages, and the Alaska Railroad Depot.

The Anchorage Museum offers another way to explore the city and state’s past. Its exhibits bring together Alaska Native heritage, local art, natural history, and scientific topics.

Anchorage’s defining feature is its close connection to the outdoors. Hiking trails, fishing waters, mountain viewpoints, and wildlife-watching opportunities are all within reach of the city. Anchorage also serves as a starting point for experiences beyond its limits, including glacier excursions, Kenai Fjords journeys, salmon fishing, and flightseeing toward Denali.

Things to Do in Anchorage

Exploring Anchorage’s food scene is one of the city’s highlights. Local restaurants feature Alaskan seafood, locally sourced ingredients, craft beer, inventive comfort food, and popular casual dining.

Museums, galleries, parks, and seasonal activities offer options in a range of weather conditions. Summer’s long daylight creates one kind of urban and outdoor experience, while winter’s snowy setting offers another way to enjoy Anchorage.

For travelers deciding what to see in Anchorage, the city’s appeal lies less in one major landmark than in its balance. It is a historic, welcoming urban center framed by some of North America’s most impressive wilderness.