Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska (AK): The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

September 4, 2021 Esmeralda Fenner

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. Gold Panning Self-Guided Tour

524 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Get out of the city of Anchorage and take the Turnagain Arm Shuttle to Indian Valley Gold mine. This self-guided Goldpanning adventure is an opportunity to visit a real mine that helped shape the area. The Goldpanning Tour is truly ideal for the independent traveler who enjoys breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm.This self-guided tour allows you freedom to break away from the tour groups and try your luck at Goldpanning on your own and return at select times. Your journey to Indian Valley Goldmine begins with a custom tour of Turnagain Arm and is a treat you won’t want to miss. On the way to the Indian Valley you will be traveling down Alaska’s most scenic stretch of highway known as Turnagain Arm. Your adventure includes a Turnagain Arm Tour with highlights listed below.When you are ready to continue on simply board the shuttle at the time you chose and with a confirmed seat back to Anchorage. We will be making a stop at Potter Marsh on the return journey back to Anchorage.

Inclusions: Local guide at Indian Valley Mine, Customers pay their own admission and pay dirt buckets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Customers pay their own admission

Reviewed By Ann J

We had such a great time on this tour! Ben is very passionate about his work and took us to so many places we would never have found on our own! He also ran the tour long so we could see the boretide! He insisted we would see a moose and at the end of the tour we did! This your was more like being out with a friend showing you around Anchorage!

2. Anchorage City Tour, Alaska Wildlife Center and a Glacier cruise adventure 6 hrs

448 F St, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Alaska Travel Services
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We will share with you a brief history of Anchorage and its modern culture, you will see why we have chosen this incredible place to live and call home. You will also catch the spirit of Alaska and fall in love with Alaska the Last Frontier. You will take home an experience of a lifetime!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Admission to the Alaska Wild Conservation Center, Admission to the 1 hour Portage glacier tour

Exclusions: Food nor Drink or meals of any kind

3. Winter All-In-One

Anchorage Downtown TourGroup
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

We depart no later than one hour prior to sunrise. We cater this adventure to the Alaskan environment. Learn about the history of Anchorage. A Real Alaskan Tour Guide sharing facts and personal experiences. From downtown Anchorage, travel along the Turnagain arm to Portage Valley. Two options are available for this tour and do not have to be decided until the day of. In Winter we on use option one as option two is not open. (Opt. 1) Take a trip through a 5K one way tunnel to a former secret military base - now the City of Whittier. Have lunch on us -- fresh halibut or clam chowder. (Opt. 2 summer only) Hop aboard the m/v Ptarmigan for a one hour cruise to Portage Glacier. Next the Wildlife conservation Center. Bear, Moose, Elk, Musk-Ox, Wolves, Fox and much more. Tour into the Chugach Mountains with a spectacular view of Turnagain Arm. This tour includes a full city tour and pick-up/drop-off at location of your choice. This tour offered Private and as a group for the same price.

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, Lunch, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By ChelleJie

This was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience!!! Levy and Demetrius were very professional, super nice and hotel pick up was on time. This tour is highly recommended to any one that would like to see and experience glacier walking. Thank you guys again!

4. Anchorage City Tour

545 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Anchorage City Trolley Tours
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4.8 based on 70 reviews

Hop aboard a red trolley in downtown Anchorage in front of the Visitor Information Center. Trolleys leave every hour, giving you some flexibility in your sightseeing schedule. The trolley covers 15 miles over the course of an hour. Pass through the city’s historic neighborhoods as your guide points out interesting trivia. Watch seaplanes make splash landings on Lake Hood and Lake Spenard, & travel through Earthquake Park to see the damages caused by one of the most powerful recorded earthquakes in North American history. You'll also see the historic Alaska Railroad, Westchester Lagoon and maybe even some crossing moose. Your tour ends back at the departure point. Make use of your complimentary coupon book when you explore Anchorage on your own!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Use of any equipment, No food or drink is provided, Restroom on board, Private transportation, WiFi on board, Gratuities

Reviewed By Jaqueline H

Alice did an amazing job! She was very funny and made the tour an overall great experience. I’m glad we were able to book this tour. Thank you!

5. Anchorage City Tour with Alaska Native Heritage Center

Salmon Berry Travel & Tours, 515 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Salmon Berry Travel & Tours
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4.5 based on 45 reviews

On this guided city tour, see top Anchorage attractions including Lake Hood, Bootleggers Cove, Earthquake Park and the Port of Anchorage. Enjoy views of the city, spot moose and other Alaskan wildlife, and a tour of the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you’ll learn about Alaska’s fascinating indigenous cultures.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By Tanya M

Traveling solo, I was skeptical and overwhelmed with options but the folks at Salmon Berry really made everything so easy! Even though I booked and rebooked tours (that was just me being indecisive!), they accommodated all my needs and even found a last minute spot for me on the Prince William Sound tour. I cannot recommend them enough! Thank you for making my Alaska trip so memorable!

6. Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage

546 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours
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3.6 based on 39 reviews

Explore Anchorage with a professional guide to discover the history and heritage of Alaska's largest city. Take in the view from Ship Creek and Point Woronzof, browse the goodies at Alaska Wild Berry Products and the knives at the ULU Factory, and admire native art at the ANMC. What stands out most about this tour is you will have the opportunity to taste reindeer sausage, smoked salmon and smoked halibut. You will get to see most of Anchorage’s popular sites in town including Alaska Wild Berry Products, Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, Point Woronzof, University of Alaska, the Ulu Factory, even the Alaska Native Hospital where you will see one of Alaska’s largest collection of Native Art. The gift shop houses local hand made authentic Native art and the price is right. They only mark items up by 20 percent as opposed to gift shops elsewhere that usually double the price. All proceeds go for scholarships and emergency medical assistance. It also helps keep the culture thriving.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By Ann J

We had such a great time on this tour! Ben is very passionate about his work and took us to so many places we would never have found on our own! He also ran the tour long so we could see the boretide! He insisted we would see a moose and at the end of the tour we did! This your was more like being out with a friend showing you around Anchorage!

7. Alaska Native Historic Cultural City Tour of Anchorage

546 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours
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1.0 based on 1 reviews

Tour Includes: Most of Anchorage’s popular sites in town Earthquake Exhibits, Anchorage historic district, Alaska Wild Berry Products, Alaska Sausage & Seafood, Potter Marsh, one of the most accessible and scenic wildlife viewing areas in Anchorage, the Alaska Native Hospital where you will see one of Alaska’s largest collection of Native and for those who decide to extend their tour a stop at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Guide

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Ann J

We had such a great time on this tour! Ben is very passionate about his work and took us to so many places we would never have found on our own! He also ran the tour long so we could see the boretide! He insisted we would see a moose and at the end of the tour we did! This your was more like being out with a friend showing you around Anchorage!

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