No matter what time of the year you visit, you’ll find lots of fun things to do in Anchorage outdoors and indoors.
Cultural Attractions
Whether you’re planning to visit in spring, summer, fall or winter, visiting Anchorage's cultural attractions are one of the top things to in Anchorage.
For instance, the Alaska Museum of Natural History, Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center are some of the top places to visit in Alaska, which you can’t miss passing by while in Anchorage.
In particular, don’t miss visiting the Alaska Museum of Natural History and the Alaska Native Heritage Center as you'll be able to see cool fossil displays and learn about the native cultures of Alaska.
If you’re interested in art, there are also lots of art galleries you can visit in Anchorage such as the Arctic Rose Gallery and Stephen Fine Arts Gallery, both located in downtown Anchorage.
Besides visiting museums and art galleries, a visit to Ulu Factory is another of the top things to do in Anchorage and you'll be able to see cool demonstrations and learn how the traditional Eskimo knife (Ulu) is made!
Scenic Drives
There are many great ways of exploring Alaska’s unspoiled and majestic scenery and one of them is by car!
You can either book a driving tour package if you fancy following an itinerary, or you can rent a car and explore the area around independently.
If you’re planning to go the car rental route, one of the most popular scenic drives you can do it's the drive from Anchorage to Whittier (along the Seward Highway).
The Anchorage-Whittier scenic drive takes about an hour to complete, although allow a little more time for stops in Girwood, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Begich Boggs Visitor Center, Portage Lake and Portage Glacier.
Portage Glacier is, without a doubt, the highlight of the Anchorage-Whittier scenic drive since you’ll get a chance to see majestic glaciers up-close!
For a drive closer to Anchorage's downtown, head to Point Woronzoff Park where not only you’ll be able to enjoy amazing cliff views, but also enjoy great walks by the beach, and even get a chance to sight the ever-elusive Beluga whales!
Things to do Outdoors
Enjoying outdoor pursuits are another of the top things to do in Anchorage, and the best thing is that you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities in Anchorage all year long!
Summer Months
If you’re visiting Anchorage during the warmer months of summer, some of the most popular things to do include attending the summer events in town, visiting nature centers and booking fun tours.
Both the Eagle River Nature Center and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center are great places for a day trip from Anchorage and offer educational programs and guided tours of the premises to see wildlife up-close.
Organized tours that you can book in Anchorage include segway tours, bicycle tours, kayaking tours, and helicopter tours, though organized tours aren’t your only option!
You can take hiking excursions to McHugh Creek in Chugach State Park and explore the area around.
Winter Months
Anchorage is one of the top 10 places to ski in the US, and during the cold winter months, you’ll be able to enjoy a ton of winter activities in Anchorage such as alpine skiing, heli-skiing, ice fishing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.
Ice skating is another of the popular top things to do in Anchorage Alaska, and you won’t have to travel far to enjoy it! There is Westchester Lagoon in downtown Anchorage, and Goose Lake located at Goose Lake Park.
Shopping & Nightlife
Another of the top things to do in Anchorage, particularly during the warm months is to shop for native arts and crafts at Anchorage’s outdoor markets. Popular items to shop for include Eskimo handmade goods such as knifes and embroidery items.
Anchorage boasts lots of traditional markets and farmer’s market fairs, though be aware that these are held during the warm summer months.
For a bit of shopping mall experience, head to Dimond Center Mall which boasts hundreds of shops and many restaurants.
If you’re wondering about Anchorage’s nightlife, you’ll be glad to know that exploring the nightlife and entertainment scene are another of the top things to do in Anchorage.
You’ll find lots of bars, pubs and lounges in downtown Anchorage where you’ll be able to enjoy a quite drink, as well as nightclubs where you can dance the night away!
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