Things To Do
Walk around Historic Downtown Anchorage
Spend a few hours wandering historic Downtown Anchorage for great food, shopping, green spaces, and more. The City of Anchorage has a recommended route (see the link) but you can't really get lost. This is as metropolitan as it gets anywhere in our great state!
Anchorage Museum
Conveniently located in downtown, the Anchorage Museum is a great place to learn about Anchorage's history. Family friendly!
Bike Ride on the Coastal Trail
The Tony Knowles Costal Trail is a beautiful 11-mile (22-mile round trip) route along the Knik Arm connecting Downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. Launch from Downtown with a bike rental, picnic along the way or at Kincaid Park. Optional stop at Kincaid Beach Access. Explore Kincaid Park as time allow; a lovely park with BYO Frisbee Golf, additional hiking and biking trails, and most likely a seasonal event or two.
Downtown Salmon Fishing - Ship Creek
July is fishing season in Alaska! It is possible to fish in city limits at Ship Creek downtown. We recommend the Bait Shack for all equipment rental and fish tag needs. Or visit the park if you just want to watch. Check out the Ulu Factory and/or Bridge Company Restaurant while you're nearby! For a longer, less urban fishing experience there are many half-day or full day fishing charters that launch from Anchorage. Two-hours south of Anchorage is Seward, Alaska where many Anchorage locals do their fishing. And then three-hours south is Kenai, Alaska if you're looking to overnight outside of Anchorage. Lots of possibilities!
Moose's Toooth Pub & Pizza
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizza is a must-see in Anchorage. Once ranked #3 in the country, we've never ordered a pizza we didn't like. Be advised the restaurant will be packed in summer, with wait times up to two hours at prime dining times. We recommend arriving early. However, the bar is open and the outdoor waiting area is beautiful. We love meeting friends and socializing before the meal begins.
Breweries!
Anchorage has no shortage of taprooms and restaurants to showcase a variety of local brews. Some of our favorite taprooms: - King Street/Anchorage Brewing - Turnagain Brewing - Onsite Brewing - Brewerks/Hive Mind Meadery/Ship Creek Brewing/Double Shovel Cider - one stop shop(ish) For table service: - 49th State Brewing - Glacier Brewhouse - Tent City Taphouse - Midnight Sun Brewing - Matanuska Brewing - Midtown
Glen Alps / Flattop Trailhead
The Glen Alps trailhead is a popular gateway to mountain and wildlife activity in town. Our favorite hikes are Little O'Malley peak (or big O'Malley, for the adventurous) and Flattop Mountain. For less elevation, Powerline Pass is a bike and hike service road with great views of the surrounding peaks. Consider bear spray if you intend to leave the populous areas.
Glacier Cruise or Hike - Portage Glacier
Come see where Cathy and Eric got engaged! While Portage Glacier Lake will not be frozen, the glacier is accessible for viewing-only via hike or small cruise. Click the glacier pic for a link to the 1-hour cruise company, with an option for pick-up in Anchorage. To hike: download your preferred hiking app (such as All Trails) and look up Portage Pass Trail. You will need to time your passage through the Whittier tunnel, one of the longest one-way tunnel in North America. Traffic alternates every 30-mintes so timing is key! The hike itself is medium strenuousness and the views are worth the effort.
Glacier Tours - Matanuska Glacier
For those who want more than views, about two hours north of Anchorage is the Mat-Su Glacier. Walk on, climb up, maybe even drink some of the Glacier. Please note: only guided tours are permitted on the glacier. We recommend Glacier Tours on the Matanuska and Nova tours (https://www.novalaska.com/trip/guided-ice-climb/)
Wildlife Tours
There are several ways to access Alaska's incredible wildlife while you're here. Anchorage is Alaska's biggest "city" and so animals do tend to give us a wide berth (although keep your eyes peeled for moose and eagles anywhere in town). If you have the time, consider one of the many half-day wildlife touring companies that will pick you up in Anchorage and bring you to the sweet spots. For a more self-guided experience with nature, consider the Eagle River Nature Center or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. (We love the Alaska Zoo, but to be honest it's nothing to write home about. Just saying.)
Alyeska Resort
50 minutes south of Anchorage, Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska is one of our favorite day trips. Pick a clear weather day and drive south on the gorgeous Seward Highway to Alyeska. Unfortunately, there's no skiing in July, but still you can park at the hotel and ride a Gondola (or hike!) up to the Bore Tide Grill for mountain views and cool brews. For the adventurous, tickets are available for the Skybridge (at the bottom). Or, soak away at the Alyeska Nordic Spa. With many dining options in town, it's a great way to spend a day.