Anchorage Allure: Where Wilderness Meets Wonder

A popular destination for wildlife expeditions and mountainous adventures, Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska. Considered to be the state’s economic heart and cultural soul, the area represents a wide array of indigenous groups and tribes. Offering extensive outdoor recreation accompanied by breathtaking scenery, it’s the perfect beginning for a journey to the wilderness.

Things To Do

Explore the Breathtaking Landscapes of Denali National Park

Navigate through the towering mountains and unbelievable scenery of Denali National Park and Preserve with over six million acres of wilderness to explore. Popular attractions include the 20,310-foot Denali, Savage River, Polychrome Pass, Wonder Lake, Stony Hill Overlook and the many forms of wildlife that call this beautiful area home.

See Denali by air on a flightseeing excursion with Talkeetna Air Taxi, just a two-hour drive north of Anchorage. Offering a variety of tours, get an eye-level view with the highest peak in North America. Everyone gets a window seat and headset for this interactive adventure through the Alaska Range. Add a glacier landing to any trip for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to play in the snow at the foot of the frozen giants.

Bike the 11-Mile Coastal Trail

A staple recreation in Anchorage, biking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an affordable way to view the true beauty of the coastline. The gently winding, 11-mile trail connects several points throughout the city, making it the perfect leisure activity for all ages and exercise levels. Highlights along the route include Kincaid Park, Point Woronzof Park, Earthquake Park, and Fish Creek Bridge. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a moose!

Visit Peter and his shop dog, Trek, at Downtown Bicycle Rental for recommendations, path information, a great sense of humor and the best rate on rentals!

Set Sail on a Wildlife Excursion With Major Marine Tours

Cruise the crystal blue waters of Resurrection Bay for a chance to see Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitat. The 4 Hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise operated by Major Marine Tours offers the opportunity to enjoy the state’s beautiful scenery that you can’t see by foot. Along the way, watch for the many species of wildlife including whales, porpoises, harbor seals, sea lions, otters, puffins and bald eagles that call this coastal passage home.

Sample Craft Beers at Local Breweries

Anchorage is home to nearly 20 breweries, ranging from neighborhood taprooms to nationally recognized craft beer producers. Local, fan-favorite creations include Bitter Monk by Anchorage Brewing Company, Panty Peeler by Midnight Sun Brewing Co and Blonde Eagle Ale by 49th State Brewing. From sours to stouts and everything in between, sip your way through Alaska’s craft brew scene.

Breweries & Taphouses

Embark on an Alaska Cruise

The most convenient way to get a taste of the vast communities across Alaska is by embarking on an Alaska cruise. Sail through Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage and dock in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Icy Straight Point. Although not a physical port, experience a day at sea gliding through the icy waters of Glacier Bay National Park. Major cities like Anchorage and Whittier are considered “turnaround ports,” where ships either begin or end their one-way journey. This offers the perfect opportunity to continue the adventure and explore even more of The Last Frontier.

It’s important to do your research and choose the cruise that best suits your travel style. To read about my seven-day expedition on the Norwegian Encore, click here.

Watch Aircraft Take Flight at Point Woronzof

Along the Coastal Trail is a stretch of shoreline famous for more than just its scenic views. Point Woronzof features scenes of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range. These natural landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for another popular attraction: airplane spotting. Nestled above the northern end of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, this is a great spot to watch aircraft take off over the water and the sunset in the evening.

Tour the Alaska Aviation Museum

Located on the south shore of the busiest seaplane base in the world, the Alaska Aviation Museum serves to “preserve, display, educate, and honor Alaska’s aviation heritage.” This immersive piece of history offers interactive displays, memorabilia and media to visitors from all over the world. After a self-guided tour, watch from ashore as floatplanes takeoff and land across the glistening waters of Lake Hood.

Tee Off for a Scenic Round of Golf at Moose Run

Made up of two, 18-hole courses, Moose Run Golf Course is America’s northernmost 36-hole golf facility. Hill Course and Creek Course offer some of the most picturesque views you can get from the green. Highly ranked in Golf Digest’s “Best in State,” both courses provide unique landscapes from rolling hills to challenging waterways. While playing in the heart of nature, it’s not uncommon to spot Alaska wildlife like moose, foxes, wolves and bears. Moose Run is a military course, but offers daily rates to community members and tourists each season.

Dining

Breakfast & Coffee

Snow City Cafe is the peoples’ choice for best breakfast, brunch and omelette. A long standing local favorite, their doors have been open since 1998. With menu items made from scratch, their utmost priority is to provide the community with fresh, quality food.

Conscious Coffee is located in the heart of Talkeetna, two hours north of Anchorage. This cozy, intimate gem serves up service with a smile and is well-loved by locals and visitors from out of town. Warm up with a handcrafted beverage paired with a toasted bagel and spread or the infamous Sunrise Sando.

Lunch & Dinner

49th State Brewing has a strong history of growth and success. Sip award-winning brews that have earned global recognition. Pub favorites include their signature halibut and chips, king crabby grilled cheese and world famous Yak burger. A premier location for craft beer lovers and foodies alike, no visit is complete without a stop at this community hotspot.

Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse keeps the nightlife alive with live entertainment and an electric atmosphere. Their menu blends pub-style dishes and fresh seafood to produce mouth-watering meals. Take on the Kodiak Arrest, a 60-minute dining challenge, to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Moose’s Tooth serves up the superior combination of hand-tossed pies and cold draft beer. A neighborhood treasure dating back to 1996, what was once the idea of two adventurous college friends turned into one of Anchorage’s most beloved pubs.

Rustic Goat is a place where comfort food meets international influence. Enjoy the mountainous view while savoring elevated cuisine from a menu that changes with the seasons. Create the perfect pair with one of their many rotating taps or fine wines.

Piper’s Sports Lounge offers a casual atmosphere and local vibe, making it the perfect spot to catch the big game or watch floatplanes depart from Lake Hood. Popularly known for hand-pressed half-pound burgers and hearty fare, it’s a guarantee you won’t leave hungry.

Homestead Kitchen is both rustic and authentic. This popular dining spot is located in the heart of Talkeetna, a mid-way point on the drive to Denali National Park. Influenced by the surrounding landscape and wildlife, their menu features homestyle creations packed with flavor. Guests can enjoy the cozy ambiance of indoor seating or get fresh air on the outdoor deck.

Lodging

Lodging in Anchorage can range from budget Inns to expensive brand name hotels. The key to finding a great price isn’t coupon codes or discount websites, but simply the season of your stay. Summer is tourist season. No matter where you look, prices are high. For fewer crowds and lower rates, consider the shoulder seasons: late April through mid-May and early September through early October.

Transportation

Rental Car

The most convenient way to explore, especially if you plan to visit areas outside Anchorage, is by car. Local vehicle providers Midnight Sun Car & Van Rental and Alaskan Car Rental rank among the highest rated companies based on customer reviews. Rental companies at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) include Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Avis, Budget, Thrifty and Dollar. If you’re a member, Costco Travel also offers competitive rates and reliable customer service.

Walking & Biking

Downtown Anchorage is incredibly walkable. If you’re staying in the area, navigating by foot is a great money-saver.

Visit Downtown Bicycle Rental for the best price on rentals. Their inventory of over 180 bikes consists of mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids, E-bikes, tandems and even kid’s bikes. Free rental accessories include a lock, helmet, map, repair kit, bear/moose spray and bike frame bags.

Bus & Train

Stretching 470 miles from Fairbanks to Seward, the Alaska Railroad operates year-round. Offering a variety of routes between cities, the Coastal Classic and Denali Star are popular among travelers. A comfortable, reliable way to travel outside of Anchorage, ride along through some of the most scenic landscapes in the world.

Running from Denali National Park to Seward, the Park Connection Motorcoach offers daily summer service. Enjoy a relaxing ride with stunning scenery and light narration.

A bustling epicenter for a voyage to Alaska’s untamed landscapes, Anchorage blends modern city life with breathtaking natural beauty. Home to friendly natives, fresh seafood and an abundance of outdoor activities, don’t miss the opportunity to explore everything The Last Frontier has to offer.

Love Always.

V is for Vacation