Thirty, & Thriving
Things To Do
Bird to Gird Trail
This paved trail is 12 miles one-way (that's 24 miles round trip) from Bird Point along the Seward Highway to the ski town of Girdwood. It's most popular for biking though I see people strolling as well. It's an easy ride with gorgeous views of Turnagain Arm. My favorite way to ride it is to ride all the way to Girdwood Brewing Company and stop in for a couple beers and some fantastic food truck food before pedaling back. P.S. we've got quite a few spare bikes between my various family members, but you can also rent bikes from Chain Reaction bikes for a full day ($80) or half day ($40)
Kincaid Park
Kincaid Park is a large and popular park hugging the Western edge of the city. It's full of trails for walking, biking, and skiing in the winter (I've spent many an unhappy xc ski meet in the cold wind here...). It's got the whole package: woodsy trails to get lost in, sand dunes to slide down, little lakes for pondering your life's questions, and the Cook Inlet for a truly banging sunset. One of the major trails leading into and through the park is the Coastal Trail, see below :)
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Probably the most famous trail in Anchorage is the Coastal Trail. This paved trail runs 11 miles from the center of downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. This trail is as it sounds: it takes you along the city coast as it overlooks Cook Inlet. You cover all kinds of landscapes, and there are lots of opportunities to stop along the way. Earthquake Park is a popular stop, which sits on the site of some of the worst damage from the 9.2 magnitude earthquake in 1964. It's got some cool seismology info, but if you want first-hand accounts, my parents were alive then! Ask them! A fun fact I learned when I biked this as part of a 7th grade field trip: the trail follows a to-scale distance of our solar system. The Sun is the starting point in the downtown center, and along the trail you'll come across the various planets as they line up in proportion to their distance from the sun. Lil ol' Pluto signing off in Kincaid Park.
Portage Glacier
There are tons of glaciers near Anchorage. Portage is the most popular and accessible, with viewing spots along a walkway, or the option to take a glacier cruise. Other glaciers include Byron in the south and Matanuska to the north.
Chugach Mountains
Those mountains you see looming behind the Anchorage Skyline? Those are the Chugach range. Anchorage's backyard and where I grew up romping around (and still do!). Tons of hiking, biking, backpacking, and wildlife spotting. The main parking lot is a ten minute drive from my parent's house. We will definitely be going up there. And for those who are less interested in the hike, but are here for the views, they have a nice viewing point near the parking lot.
Girdwood
Girdwood is a great stop if you're headed south or if you want a little day trip. It's only 45 minutes from Anchorage along the famous Seward Highway. It's known as a hippie ski town (nicknamed "Girdweed", though you'll find your usual bougie ski town haunts as well) famous for it's annual Forest Fair in July. Lots of tie die in this town, and some delicious and hearty food and drink for those skiers, snowboarders, hikers and mountain bikers that frequent the area. In September you'll be able to hike either Moose Meadow - a lovely walk through meadow and marshland, or up Alyeska, the ski mountain. You can also ride the tram up to Seven Glaciers, the fancy restaurant at the top! The Hotel Alyeska also has a spa if you want to indulge yourself a bit.
Seward
My favorite little artsy fishing town on the edge of the water. Lots of cruise ships stop here so it's very busy and touristy in the summer, but by September that'll have slowed down. Lots of camping in this area (check out Eagle campground if you're wanting to brave autumn camping!). Such a cute town to walk around in, with lots of shops and galleries, and the docks. And the Alaska Sealife Center for all your marine nerd needs <3
National Parks
Guess who has more national parks than any other state? California, damn them. But we're a close second! There are 8 national parks in Alaska. Here's a short breakdown of the most popular: Denali - big mountain, travel there takes you through the cute little town of Talkeenta. Mountain vibes. Crazy hiking, not for the faint of heart. But you can look at it from afar <3 Katmai - BEARS!!!! That's all I know. Kenai Fjords - glaciers, water, whales, and lots of marine wildlife. Awesome town and the closest to Anchorage. Wrangell St. Elias - cool, creepy old copper mine. Good for ghost hunters and history buffs. Also glaciers. And the scariest bridge you'll ever cross in your life.
The Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad is a must-do thing! If you've got the cash for it. It is an expensive trip, but an unforgettable one. Take the train from Anchorage south to Seward or north to Denali or Fairbanks. You'll cross insanely magical landscapes. If you've got the time and funds for it, it's the top of a lot of people's lists. I've actually never done it myself!
Whale Watching
You can do this in the Kenai Fjords National Park (Seward, AK). It can be costly but if you've got a group to split it with, could be worth it!
Anchorage Restaurants
Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria: Beloved local pizza joint. Vegan and GF options. Bear's Tooth Theatrepub: Beloved local pizza joint's dine-in movie theatre. And an adjacent restaurant with Alaska's version of southwestern cuisine. Vegan and GF options. Fire Island Bakery: What's there to say? Yum. Middle Way Cafe: delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and smoothies. Vegan-friendly. South: Great brunch with lots of vegan and GF options. Snow City Cafe: Famous breakfast and brunch spot downtown. Simon and Seaford's: Fancy seafood restaurant with views of the city. Crow's Nest: Another fancy restaurant with views of the city. F Street Station: The best clams I've ever had in my life. Becomes a crowded bar at night. Humpy's: Divey bar full of fish puns. 49th State Brewing: A massive place with lots of local beers and pub food. Kaladi Brother's Coffee: A local favorite. Steamdot Coffee: Not as cute as Kaladis but the coffee is better. Cafecito Bonito: queer-owned cafe with drag shows
Mad Myrna's
Anchorage's fav gay bar! Yes, we DO have drag queens! Let's go see them!