Anchorage Travel Guide

Anchorage is Alaska’s Cultural Center

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Anchorage is where urban amenities blend with natural beauty. Our Anchorage travel guide includes information about the area’s top things to do, from the center of the city to the heart of the Alaska wilderness. Take a wildlife tour during the day and return in time to enjoy fine dining, museums, and an array of entertainment at night. As the largest city in the state, Anchorage provides easy access to an international airport, cruise ships, ferry systems, and the Alaska Highway. Anchorage also serves as a central hub for Gray Line Alaska’s scenic train tours to and from Denali National Park.

Points of Interest

  • Alaska Aviation Museum
  • Alaska Botanical Garden
  • Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center
  • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
  • Alaska Zoo
  • Anchorage Museum
  • Begich Boggs Visitor Center
  • Chugach State Park
  • Earthquake Park
  • Portage Glacier
  • Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Activities

  • Glacier / Scenic cruising
  • Glacier viewing
  • Hiking
  • Rafting
  • Trolley tour

Photo Gallery

Downtown Anchorage with mountains behind

The city of Anchorage enjoys a magnificent backdrop of the Chugach mountains.

Face carved on totem pole

Learn about the culture and traditions of indigenous people at the Alaska Native Hertiage Center.

Seaplane taking off from Lake Hood

Watch aircraft take off and land at Lake Hood Seaplane Base - the busiest seaplane base in the world.

Foot bridge on Potters Marsh

Potter Marsh at the end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for birdwatching.

mv Ptarmigan in front of Portage Glacier

Take a one-hour cruise to the face of Portage Glacier on the mv Ptarmigan operated by Portage Glacier Cruises.

Grizzly bear roaming through grasses in Alaska

See bears, moose, wolves, eagles and more up-close at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

The entrance to the Anchorage Museum shown between aspen trees.

The Anchorage Museum features exhibits on Alaska's history, culture, science, and art.

Destination Map

map displaying the tour area

Featured Sightseeing Excursions

Portage Glacier Cruise & Tour with Transportation (Roundtrip Anchorage)

The Portage Glacier Cruise & Tour combines the Portage Glacier Cruise, a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and roundtrip transportation to/from downtown Anchorage.  The tour operates daily from May 15 – September 19, 2024, departing at 1:30 pm from the Westmark Anchorage Hotel.  …
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