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

Tours That Feature Anchorage

Anchorage
Prices (per person, double occupancy)
Check Availability
Yellow Fairbanks / Denali / Anchorage Rail Tour - 93C 4 Days / 3 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $674.25 25% off
Yellow Anchorage / Denali / Denali / Seward Rail and Coach Tour - 93K 4 Days / 3 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $786.75 25% off
Yellow Seward / Denali / Denali / Anchorage Rail and Coach Tour - 93L 4 Days / 3 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $786.75 25% off
Yellow Anchorage / Denali / Denali / Anchorage Rail Tour - 94A 5 Days / 4 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $936.75 25% off
Yellow Anchorage / Denali / Denali / Fairbanks Rail Tour - 94B 5 Days / 4 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $861.75 25% off
Yellow Fairbanks / Denali / Denali / Anchorage Rail Tour - 94C 5 Days / 4 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $861.75 25% off
Yellow Anchorage / Talkeetna / Denali / Anchorage Rail Tour - 94G 5 Days / 4 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $861.75 25% off
Yellow Anchorage / Denali / Talkeetna / Anchorage Rail Tour - 94H 5 Days / 4 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $861.75 25% off
Yellow Anchorage / Talkeetna / Denali / Fairbanks Rail Tour - 94I 5 Days / 4 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $824.25 25% off
Yellow Fairbanks / Denali / Talkeetna / Anchorage Rail Tour - 94J 5 Days / 4 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $824.25 25% off
Denali National Park Explorer - Northbound - 3MN 6 Days / 5 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,499.00 Save $500 per couple
Denali National Park Explorer - Southbound - 3MS 6 Days / 5 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,499.00 Save $500 per couple
Denali - Kenai Explorer - 3KN 7 Days / 6 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,999.00 Save $500 per couple
Denali - Prince William Sound Explorer - Northbound - 3PN 7 Days / 6 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,999.00 Save $500 per couple
Denali - Prince William Sound Explorer - Southbound - 3PS 7 Days / 6 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,999.00 Save $500 per couple
Denali - Talkeetna Explorer - Northbound - 3TN 7 Days / 6 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,699.00 Save $500 per couple
Denali - Talkeetna Explorer - Southbound - 3TS 7 Days / 6 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,699.00 Save $500 per couple
Escorted Alaska - 6AN 7 Days / 6 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $2,399.00 Save $800 per couple
Alaska By Car - 1CC 8 Days / 7 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,749.00 Save $500 per couple
Escorted Great Land - 6FS 8 Days / 7 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $2,599.00 Save $800 per couple
Escorted Parks and Glaciers - 6NP 8 Days / 7 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $2,999.00 Save $800 per couple
Alaska National Parks Self-Drive - 1CA 9 Days / 8 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $1,749.00 Save $500 per couple
Grand Circle Self-Drive - 1CB 9 Days / 8 Nights - View Itinerary
Fares from: $2,149.00 Save $500 per couple

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 25 – September 21, 2023, departing at 1:30 pm from the Westmark Anchorage Hotel.  …
View Details

Read More About Anchorage

12 fun and free things to do in Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska is best known as a metropolis with unique access to wildlife, a robust trail system and nearby glaciers to explore. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to determine where to spend your time. Have no fear, we’re here to help summarize some…
Read More

Family-friendly day trip from Anchorage

Taking a trip with the whole family? A day trip just south of Anchorage with Portage Glacier Cruises is a great family activity to consider. Add in some of our other favorite stops and make a whole day out of it! Portage Glacier Cruises, located on Portage…
Read More

6 best day trips from Anchorage

Alaska is a big state and there is lots to enjoy! When you’re planning your trip, be sure to consider scheduling a day trip or two so you can see and do more while you’re here. Anchorage is a great place to set up a home base because…
Read More