Things to See and Do in Anchorage Alaska

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, covering 1,697 square miles with a population of nearly 280,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau – a modern city boasting all that city life has to offer. But Anchorage is also much, much more – a haven for nature, outdoor, and adventure lovers. Wilderness  abounds all around Anchorage.

If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage Alaska, contact the Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor’s Center to get maps, brochures, and a copy of the Anchorage Activities Map so you can scope out some of the many area attractions, activities, and opportunities for adventure. The area enjoys four distinct seasons, and visitors will find special adventures in Anchorage regardless of what time of year they visit.

From fishing and hiking to hunting and exploring, sightseeing and shopping to history and skiing and everything in between – Anchorage truly has it all. The view is spectacular, as the city is bordered by six snow-capped mountain ranges, perfect for Nordic and Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other exciting winter sports. You can also plan an excursion to see the glaciers or go whale watching.

And don’t forget to plan time for kayaking, canoeing and river rafting on a magnificent water way.

Other ideas for activities are almost endless. Go bird watching at Potter Marsh, a wildlife sanctuary just south of Anchorage, and travel via boardwalks to see trumpeter swans, bald eagles, grebes, and more than 130 other bird species. Don a pair of polarized sunglasses and head down to Ship Creek near the downtown train depot to view fishermen at work from a advantageously-placed footbridge that extends over the creek or try your own luck at fishing for King and Coho salmon.

Anchorage boasts a tremendous trail system. Be sure to save some time to take a relaxing walk on the The Anchorage Coastal Trail System or to visit the Eagle River Nature Center.

You can see Alaska via plane (flight-seeing) tours, riding the rails of the Alaska Railroad, or take a day cruise to see sights you won’t see any other way. Ride horseback through Chugach National Park and you might see mountain goats, Dall sheep, bears, or wolves.

Play with husky puppies and learn all about dog sledding, go camping in the great outdoors, visit a musk ox farm, or go to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Then learn about the history of Alaska and its native people at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and see native dances, storytelling, singing, native dwellings, native art, and much more on the 26-acre complex that is open from early May through September each year.

The Native Heritage Center will surprise you.  It’s impressive.

The Anchorage Museum of History & Art is also a popular summertime attraction featuring 20,000+ pieces of historical value depicting 10,000 years of Alaskan history and even Russian-American history.

There’s so much to do in Anchorage that you can either plan your itinerary in advance or simply fly in to the Anchorage International airport and create your own spontaneous, action-packed vacation. Either way, with so much to see, your time in Alaska’s beautiful wonderland will fly by.  It may even seem like the day never ends – particularly during the season of the midnight sun!

About the Author

Mike Boyter considers himself a “full-time tourist” in Alaska and writes about his part of Alaska at Great-Vacation-in-Alaska.com

To get an Anchorage Alaska vacation perspective from those that live in Alaska year-round, be sure to visit his web site!

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