Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city is home to a rich history, culture and wildlife. It has a wonderful scenic trails, stunning mountains, sparkling waters and great outdoors. The city has plenty of tourist spots. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, go hiking or skiing, or if you’re a history or art aficionado, head to the museums. Nature lovers, head to the botanical garden or parks, and if you have little ones with you, head to the Alaska Zoo and other kids-friendly attractions. We have listed a few top tourist spots which are worth a visit in Anchorage-
Discover history at Anchorage Museum/Anchorage Museum of History and Art
Image by James Brooks via Wikimedia Commons
Anchorage Museum features the native Alaskan life through interesting mix of science, art and cultural exhibits. It houses traditional as well as contemporary art. Take part in several hands-on, interactive exhibits, know about the native peoples, catch a glimpse of the rich history of Alaska, and delve into the state’s culture. It has an Alaskan history gallery, Imaginarium Discovery Center that houses Alaskan attractions like polar bears, marine life, glaciers, volcanoes and aurora borealis, as well as Smithsonian Arctic Center that houses 600 unique Alaskan artifacts. Know the Alaska’s past and present at this museum!
Address: 625 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States
Phone: 1 907-929-9200
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Enjoy with four-legged friends at Alaska Zoo
Image by James via Wikimedia Commons
Come face to face with animals at Alaska Zoo. It has animals native to Alaska and several exotic animals. Get up close to the Amur tigers, polar bears, grizzly bears, snow leopards, arctic foxes, moose, caribou, musk ox, and other animals and birds that call it their home. The residents of Anchorage have developed a close relationship with animals at the zoo, thus naming many of them.
Address: 4731 O'Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, United States
Phone: 1 907-346-2133
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Climb up the Flattop Mountain!
Image by DanTerzian17 via Wikimedia Commons
Flattop is the most climbed mountain in the US. It is a three mile round-trip trail that is best for hiking and trekking. Climb up the mountain and enjoy the spectacular views from the top.
Experience the native Alaskan culture at Alaska Native Heritage Center!
Image by Frank K. via Wikimedia Commons
Alaska Native Heritage Center showcases the native Alaskan culture through native dance, craft and artist demonstrations, films and storytelling. It houses traditional crafts, dance and homes of the native people of Alaska. It has three parts- traditional dwellings that depict the lifestyle of the tribes, a gallery that features native artifacts, and a performance hall where native people show dance, experiment with utensils, tools and games used in the past, and tell stories. Wander around the museum and experience the culture, art and history first-hand!
Address: 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage, AK 99504, United States
Phone: 1 907-330-8000
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Walk along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail!
Image by James Brooks via Wikimedia Commons
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a beautiful biking and walking trail in Anchorage. The trail is an eleven mile paved trail that starts from Second Avenue, downtown Anchorage and ends at Kincaid Park, with stunning mountain views. A perfect spot for strolling, biking, walking, rollerblading and skiing. Grab your camera and stretch along your legs along this beautiful trail!
Explore the trails at Chugach State Park!
Image by Spireguy via Wikimedia Commons
Chugach State Park is the 3rd largest state park in the US covering 2,400 square kilometers. It’s a land of mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes that is home to bears, wolves, lynx, moose, beavers and other wildlife habitat. Also, it is great spot for camping, skiing, rafting, kayaking, fishing and hiking. Enjoy the spectacular scenery, traverse glaciers, capture the breathtaking sights, and walk along the trails.
Address: 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, United States
Phone: 1 907-345-5014
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Catch up Alaskan Aviation History at Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum!
Know about the aviation past and present at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. It depicts the evolution of aviation industry in Alaska from 1913 to the present day. The museum features historic aircrafts, films, photos and bush pilot exhibits.
Address: 4721 Aircraft Dr, Anchorage, AK 99502, United States
Phone: 1 907-248-5325
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Experience the beauty of native flora at Alaska Botanical Garden!
Image by Scott A.Johnson via Wikimedia Commons
Stroll along a 1-mile of nature trail at Alaska Botanical Garden. Wander and enjoy the wildlife and scenery along the gardens. It has themed gardens, including perennials, wildflowers, alpine rock and herbs. Walk along the gardens and take in the beauty of floral gardens!
Address: 4601 Campbell Airstrip Road, Anchorage- 99507, Allaska
Phone: 1 907-770-3692
Explore sand dunes at Kincaid Park!
Image by David Broome via Panoramio
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Kincaid Park is the perfect spot to relax. Relish the recreational walks, and enjoy the outdoors and wilderness. It overlooks the Cook Inlet and has several cross-country skiing, hiking and biking trails. It offers spectacular views, and has a large wildlife population as well, including moose, bear, lynx, eagles, fox, and many more. Experience the Alaskan wilderness adventure!
Address: 9401 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502, United States
Phone: 1 907-343-6397
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-10:00pm
Glimpse of early Anchorage life at Oscar Anderson House and Museum!
Image by JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD via Wikimedia Commons
Oscar Anderson House and Museum is one of the oldest homes in the city. Know the life in Anchorage during its foundation years, how the settlers-Oscar Anderson and his family lived in Anchorage. It is filled with artifacts, antiques, vintage furniture and pieces, and Swedish treats.
Address: 420 M Street, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States
Phone: 1 907-274-2336
Best Tourist Spots Map Guide of Anchorage