Location: Anchorage
Top Things to do in Anchorage
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Anchorage, Alaska (AK)
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. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By GirlOH - Dayton, United States
Attending the start of the race twice has been a highlight. I never would have thought it is as reasonably priced as it is to attend the start. All the participants are so nice and their dogs are so well cared for. Attend the mushers' banquet and autograph time beforehand. This is like attending dinner with both teams and Hall of Fame members the night before the Super Bowl.
2. Paint a Scarf Alaska
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
At Paint a Scarf Premium you’ll enjoy: • An easy, relaxing and fun painting experience in a gorgeous Alaska setting • Friendly instruction from professional silk artist Gina Murrow • Free coffee, tea and snacks • A memorable time with friends and family • Go home with a scarf to wear – and an experience to share On sunny days we paint on the deck overlooking the creek. When it’s chilly we paint indoors next to the soaring rock fireplace. Finish your experience with a tour of the artist’s loft — or dip your toes in the icy waters of our creek. We’re just 30 minutes from downtown Anchorage, nestled in a glacier-fed creek valley away from the bustle of the city.
3. Alaska Native Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,621 reviews
Alaskan native culture is presented through storytelling, dancing, craft-making and simulated, life-sized villages representing each of the five main indigenous groups.
Reviewed By IllinoisKate1
So much to see and learn at the Native Center. Reception desk will provide the schedule for the day. Admission $24.95 Adults. Straight ahead is the Gathering Place where you can watch Native Dance and Game demonstrations.Very entertaining and learned about each of the 5 culture groups in Alaska. Be sure to take the guided tour through the different villages on site and learn about their cultures. Guided village site tours are at 10:15, 12:15, 2:00 and 3:30. Theater offers introductory film. Heritage Nanvaq Café on site has breakfast and lunch items. This was one of our most memorable attractions in Alaska. Heritage Center, Wild life conservation, Railroad and flying to Denali were all worth the time and cost. Thank you!
4. Oscar Anderson House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
A house museum that once belonged to a Swedish butcher.
Reviewed By S7496GYtracyb
We stopped in during our walking historic tour. Debated if we wanted to do the tour but were really glad we did. Our guide was informative and personable. Enjoyed learned about early settlers to Anchorage and how they lived. Was a new take on what we had learned about the beginning of the cities. Highly recommend it.
5. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,797 reviews
Popular biking trail along the coast.
Reviewed By colinun - Anchorage, United States
If you have a free day in Anchorage, or just want to explore at your own pace, do yourself a favor, and rent a bike downtown and hit the trail. The trail winds along the coast line as you head towards the airport. You will pass Westchester lagoon, a great place for bird watching, as you leave downtown, and pedal through Earthquake Park. If you go up the hill from the park, at the top you will be rewarded by tremendous panoramic views, and a great spot to watch the airplanes takeoff and land. Further down the trail is Point Woronzof Beach and the Kincaid Park. Along the way be on the lookout for some of Alaska's famous residents, bears and especially moose!
6. Alaska Railroad Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,046 reviews
Reviewed By michaelgC2931CI - Crawfordsville, United States
The Gold Star Line is like going first class on a jet. You are raised above the engine so that you have a great view 360 degrees. But if you decide to go that route you must sign up for way in advance of your arrival. A year would be the soonest because everyone wants that service the Gold Star provides. You get great meals a specially provided dinning car with excellent food and service. Go the Gold Star for both going to Denali and returning to Anchorage.
7. Crow Creek Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Crow Creek Mine is a family owned and operated Historical and Recreational Gold Mine. Nestled in a very beautiful mountain setting, Crow Creek Mine offers the oldest buildings in the Anchorage area, 1898, as well as some of the most popular recreational Gold Mining in all of Alaska. You will find everyone from your first time miner just hoping for a few flecks, up to actual gold miners who have been working these grounds on a very serious level. For those not intersted in the panning or sluicing experience, the property is very scenic for pictures and is a very popular wedding destination, it is even fun to just sit and watch some of the more experienced crews of miners as they work. While most visitors coming in for sightseeing or panning don't need reservations, we do offer private guided tours for those of you wanting a bit more out of your experience. Not only do you learn more about the property and gold in general, but the gold mining experience of our staff and knowledge of the property is always a big help in having a succesful outing!!! Feel free to contact us for any questions regarding our business or the Girdwood area in general. Girdwood makes for great day trips from anchorage and is on the way for anyone headed to Portage, Seward, Kenai, or Homer. Our road is a bit bumpy and unmaintained between October and May, but come June 1st every year the state does a great job of fixing it, you can always contact us for road conditions if concerned. Thanks for viewing our business, we look forward to meeting you soon,
Reviewed By V3760EQannm
This was one of the top activities on my fiancé's to do list on our Alaskan vacation. Although he didn't find as much gold as he had hoped it was still a great day for him. Unlike some other gold places this is the real deal. They don't give you a prefilled bag of dirt to pan. For a fee of $25 you are given tools, some instructions and told how to find the creek to do authentic panning. Nice place if this is your type of thing.
8. Point Woronzof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By cathypfahl - Mount Vernon, United States
Yes, there was a real ice cream truck there last winter, which added to the real Alaska experience! We had to turn on the heater to enjoy the ice cream bars in the car, but it was all great fun and a great sunset! Have seen moose nearby, too, and of course the planes booming right overhead are very exciting!!
9. Holy Family Cathedral
10. 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.
