The best things to do in Anchorage, Alaska

It is staggering to think that this growing, vibrant city – home to nearly 40% of Alaska’s population – was founded just 110 years ago. It started as a survey camp for the railroad; within a few months it had grown to a tented city of workers, settlers and opportunists.

Overcoming setbacks, such as the 1964 Good Friday earthquake (the second-largest ever recorded), Anchorage continues to attract new migrants, who are tempted to the city by the state’s lack of income tax thanks to its oil revenues (indeed Alaskans receive an annual dividend). Seasonal workers also descend, making the most of the summer influx of visitors.

Anchorage sprawls over a huge area, yet the downtown is compact, walkable and ever-changing. Today the city’s main core brims with artisanal coffee shops, tap houses and boutiques selling Alaska-made clothing and jewellery, plus seafood restaurants dishing the catch of the day. At Ship Creek, a short walk from the centre, locals fish for king salmon to fill their freezers too.

Living with wildlife goes with the territory. At least 1,500 moose and dozens of bears live within Anchorage’s environs. In winter in particular, it is not unusual for moose to wander downtown; wolves are sometimes spotted on the walking and cycling trails; beluga whales live in Cook Inlet.

This is a frontier city where you are always conscious of the natural world. On a clear day, Denali (Mount McKinley) can be glimpsed in the distance. In summer, it can be light for more than 20 hours per day, giving plenty of time to explore Chugach State Park, to cycle the Coastal Trail along Cook Inlet or simply to enjoy the sun eventually going down over the world-class scenery that enfolds the city.

With Anchorage in the news cycle, you might find yourself curious about the city and what it has to offer. Here’s our guide to the best ways to spend your time in (and outside of) the city.

Flying is integral to Alaskan life and often the only way to appreciate the immense landscapes; if weather and budget allow, start with a flight-seeing tour. Rust’s Flying Service offers float-plane flights from Lake Hood. Although the Denali National Park tour is popular, the Prince William Sound flight is the most scenic, with unforgettable views of mountains, glaciers and fjords, within minutes of taking off. Mornings tend to be less bumpy than afternoons.

From mid-May to mid-September, weekend visitors can check out the open-air market. Here you’ll find Alaskan specialities including birch syrups and jewellery, as well as snacks such as salmon quesadillas and funnel cake. Still hungry? Snow City Cafe is a popular spot for brunch.

If you have excess energy, hire a bike and hit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – this paved route hugs the shoreline of Cook Inlet, promising views of snow-capped mountains and maybe even the chance to spot moose or bald eagles. If you fancy something more sedate, beeline for the Anchorage Museum. This modern institution chronicles Alaska’s history and culture – from its rich Indigenous heritage to its frontier days – and showcases American art.

Finish your day with a drink at Crush or on The Deck at Lake Hood, where you can watch dozens of floatplane landings. Then head out for dinner at Ginger (upscale Pan Pacific cuisine), Glacier Brewhouse (solid pub food and beer), or Whisky & Ramen (what it says on the tin…).

Anchorage is a gateway to some incredible wild experiences.

Head south by car, train or plane to the Kenai Peninsula. Known as ‘Alaska’s playground’, it is rich in scenery, wildlife, characterful towns (including Homer and Seward) and adventures galore – kayaking, fishing, riding, trekking and dog-sledding are all available.

For incredible brown (grizzly) bear watching, fly to Katmai National Park from Homer or Anchorage. The park’s Brooks Falls area is the best place to see bear feasting on sockeye salmon as the fish leap upstream – come in late June or early September to avoid the peak summer crowds and still have a good chance of viewing the spectacle.

Alternatively, take a loop up to Denali National Park for hiking and views of North America’s highest mountain peak (make sure you book accommodation well in advance if travelling in peak season). The Alaska Railroad makes for a memorable trip, chugging from Anchorage all the way to Fairbanks, with stops at the park, plus the little frontier town of Talkeetna.

You can also head to Valdez for whale-watching trips – here, the chances of seeing humpbacks along with seals, two types of puffin and rafts of sea otters are high.