Location: Anchorage
Top Things to do in Anchorage
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10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Anchorage That You Shouldn't Miss
Set amid the coastal Chugach Mountains, Anchorage defies popular visions of polar ice caps and frozen tundra. It’s also warmer than you think (averaging 65 degrees in summer), making conditions ideal for sight-seeing or taking on uniquely Alaskan opportunities like arctic biking or touring the fjords of Prince William Sound. In the winter, you can ski, dogsled or do both simultaneously by "skijoring," which is cross-country skiing while being towed by a dog. Hey, it's no crazier a winter sport than the biathlon.
Restaurants in Anchorage
1. Near Point Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. McHugh Peak
3. Eagle River Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
This nature center offers hiking trails and guided walking tours.
Reviewed By TLS4243 - Marinette, United States
Although the Nature Center is closed due to COVID-19, we went here to do a self guided hike. We planned on doing the Albert Loop, but it was closed because the salmon spawning brought a large influx of bear. We chose to do another trail, the Dew Mound trail and spent an enjoyable 4 hours hiking. We liked that there were multiple trails that entwined and allowed us to add on to our journey, but cut back when we became fatigued. Beautiful setting nestled amongst the mountains.
4. Campbell Creek Estuary
5. Elmendorf State Fish Hatchery
6. Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 680 reviews
Popular locale for viewing waterfowl and salmon.
Reviewed By isaw500 - Anchorage, United States
The bird watching tours are wonderful. I’ve been several times. The boardwalk is a relaxing stroll and the watching tours are informative and fun. Good views of Turnagain Arm. Worth the drive or tour bus trip. It is right at the southern edge of Anchorage. Not a far drive.
7. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,506 reviews
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. We have been able to provide care for hundreds of displaced animals because visitors like you have made critical contributions in the form of admission fees, donations, memberships, and gift shop. Please visit our website for more information on how you can help us make a difference.
Reviewed By 162gregoryw - Seattle, United States
First off the park is a rescue and the animals are there to rehabilitate them and if possible reintroduce them into the wild (though a very informative guide, Duane I think, told us most of the animals are there for life). The animals are all healthy ( discounting the permanent injury’s they sustained to be sent there) and the staff really care for them. There is a wide variety of animals including moose, deer, black bear, brown bear, porcupine, wolves, coyote, buffalo, eagle and owl. The park can be driven around however walking it is the best way as you can literally be inches from some of the animals and still be safe. It is absolutely worth the $16 per ticket. If you are in the area make the stop.
8. Westchester Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By bills806 - San Francisco, United States
In Winter, families ice skate, walk their children, or drink in the beauty of the water framed by snowy mountains. Runners exercising and locals enjoying the serenity. Located walking distance from downtown, it's easy to visit this area. Take a walk of view this location.
9. Alaska Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 201 reviews
Take in the beauty of Alaska's native flora and northern-hardy perennials at this tranquil garden located amidst 110 acres of boreal forest. View perennial, herb, alpine rock and wildflower gardens. Walk on nature trails, enjoy our Gold Medal Peony Collection and visit our Anchorage Heritage Garden. The main paved loop is about a half mile. ABG is a completely outdoor facility with a small gift shop. There are currently no greenhouses or indoor facilities. We are open year round, but snow covered in the winter. The fence surrounding the garden keeps the moose out, but bears can come and go. ABG is a private non-profit, we received no state or municipal funding. ABG is supported by entry fees, memberships, donations, program fees, gift shop sales and corporate sponsorship. If you have any questions please feel free to visit our website or call the office. We hope you enjoy your visit and thank you for supporting the garden!
Reviewed By ericgE3601ZT - Denver, United States
My family spent a couple of hours one evening at the Alaska Botanical Garden. We also did the nature hike around the Garden. We recommend both. The flowers and gardens are gorgeous and the staff is helpful.
10. Big Game Alaska
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
