Things To Do
Glen Alps Trailhead
This is Jean's favorite trailhead, as it's just below tree line and a LOT of scenic hikes start here. Some favorites are Flattop (with easy access to Peak 2 and Peak 3 from Flattop's summit), Little O'Malley Peak, O'Malley Peak, the Ramp or Wedge, and Hidden Lake. These are all long and/or steep hikes, so you should look them up ahead of time so you know what you're in for. If you're looking for a shorter/gentler hike, the views from Powerline Pass are also great. And if you're not interested in hiking, head to the overlook by the parking lot! This is a very popular trailhead during the summer, so parking may be an issue on the weekend. Lastly, BE BEAR AWARE and read up ahead of time to make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear. This website has some useful information: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/chugachstateparkmap.pdf. Most importantly, DO NOT RUN! Jean likes to stick to hikes above tree line this time of year because they offer better visibility.
Prospect Heights Trailhead
Prospect is the lowest of the Hillside trailheads. Wolverine Peak and Near Point are fun but strenuous hikes with awesome views, whereas the South Fork Rim Trail is a nice option if you're looking for something more gentle (bonus: the bench on this trail is where Will and Jean got engaged!). Note, though, that these hikes have considerable portions below tree line, meaning you'll need to be more careful about moose and bears. Read up ahead of time to make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear. This website has some useful information: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/chugachstateparkmap.pdf. Most importantly, DO NOT RUN FROM A BEAR. If you encounter a moose, on the other hand, you should run if it charges at you (try to get behind a tree or another large object). Typically, though, you should be able to move past or away from the moose without issue.
Bird Ridge Trail
This may well be the most difficult hike Jean has ever done, but the views are just spectacular. It's a short drive (20-ish minutes) from Anchorage on one of the most scenic highways in the U.S. BE BEAR AWARE and read up ahead of time to make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear. This website has some useful information: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/chugachstateparkmap.pdf. Most importantly, DO NOT RUN! Jean likes to stick to hikes above tree line this time of year because they offer better visibility (Bird Ridge is partially above tree line).
Rabbit Lake
Rabbit Lake is a nice out-and-back hike from a lesser-used trailhead. You can also access Flattop from this same trailhead (Rabbit Creek), a good option on busy summer weekends. BE BEAR AWARE and read up ahead of time to make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear. This website has some useful information: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/chugachstateparkmap.pdf. Most importantly, DO NOT RUN! Jean likes to stick to hikes above tree line this time of year because they offer better visibility (Flattop is above tree line, but Rabbit Lake is not).
Coastal Trail
The Coastal Trail runs for miles along the water and offers nice views of downtown Anchorage. It has a lot of different access points, so take your pick! Point Woronzof is a favorite.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a wonderful place to learn more about Alaska's indigenous people. Jean went there on a field trip in high school and thought it was awesome. From the website: "Your visit today will take you on a journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native Games demonstrations, exhibits, traditional Native dwellings, films and more."
Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum is really cool. Lots of art and history, in a cool building. Check it out!
Moose's Tooth
Moose's Tooth is a beloved Anchorage institution, and has appeared on numerous lists of best pizza places in the U.S. Be warned that this is a VERY popular place, so wait times will likely be long.
Anchorage Brewing Company
This is a place Jean has been, and it has beer! What more do you need to know?
Midnight Sun Brewing Company
This is another place Jean has been, and it also has beer! Will's been here too, and he liked it.
Alaska Wild Berry Products
Jean's brother (Neil) worked here for many years, and it claims to have the largest chocolate fountain in the world. If you're looking for some tasty, touristy treats, go here! UPDATE: Neil says Wild Berry's ownership has changed and "the treats aren't what they used to be." The chocolate fountain's still there, though.
Girdwood
Girdwood is a short drive from Anchorage and offers plenty of fun activities. Some options: take the tram to the top of Alyeska ski resort (you can eat lunch at the restaurant up top), hike up Crow Pass, or see some cool animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It also borders the northernmost rainforest in the world, so it can get a little wet!
Seward
Seward is a (very scenic) two-and-a-half-hour drive from Anchorage, and a great place to go if you have a little extra time. There's camping available, and if you're looking for a nice hike, we recommend Lost Lake.
Homer
Homer is further than Seward from Anchorage, but what a nice place it is! You can camp on the ocean and hang out on the Spit, and the drive is spectacular.
Whittier
Whittier is a VERY unique place. Located about an hour and a half from Anchorage, it is accessed via a one-lane tunnel drilled through a mountain that closes at night. In addition, most of its residents live in a single building (here's an NPR story about it: https://www.npr.org/2015/01/18/378162264/welcome-to-whittier-alaska-a-community-under-one-roof). It's also a really beautiful place! Jean and Will went on a really fun and beautiful glacier cruise out of Whittier once. Whittier's relatively close to Girdwood, and both are relatively close to Anchorage, so you could see both on a day trip.