What to do and see in Anchorage, Alaska (AK): The Best Bodies of Water

December 4, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

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. North Fork Eagle River

Eagle River Road Mile 7.2, Eagle River, Anchorage, AK http://www.alaska.org/detail/north-fork-eagle-river
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

North Fork Eagle River

2. Eagle and Symphony Lakes

Chugach State Park, Eagle River, Anchorage, AK http://www.akhs.atfreeweb.com/Hikes/Eagle_Symphony_Lakes.htm
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Eagle and Symphony Lakes

3. Cook Inlet

Gulf of Alaska, Anchorage, AK http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 588 reviews

Cook Inlet

Reviewed By AllanS923 - Peoria, United States

I have never seen anything like this. We took the road next to the Cook Inlet and drove for over 50 miles. We kept having to pull over at the pullouts in order to take pictures. I would recommend taking a guide with you who can explain everything, otherwise you wouldn't know even a fraction of the story. Or else read a lot about this area before you go. Read about the impact of the 1964 Anchorage earthquake here. Read about the tides, the Beluga Whales, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (which is also worth a visit).

4. Lake Eklutna

Chugach State Park, Anchorage, AK +1 907-345-5014 http://www.lifetimeadventure.net/eklutna-trips-and-rentals
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 348 reviews

Lake Eklutna

Reviewed By 1999bb - Blacksburg, United States

One of the scenic places we visited while in Alaska. Its about a 10 mile drive to Lake Eklutna from the highway. There is $5 fee to park. This place was just beautiful. Saw few people kayaking. The lake is surrounded by mountains. Although we didn't have time to hike, but there was nice trail.

5. Lake Spenard

3498 Lakeshore Dr, Anchorage, AK 99517-2736
Excellent
42%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

Lake Spenard

With Lake Hood, to which it is joined by canals, Lake Spenard is considered to be the largest floatplane harbor in the world.

6. Lake Hood Harbor

185 Aircraft Drive, Anchorage, AK 99502
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Lake Hood Harbor

With Lake Spenard, to which it is joined by canals, Lake Hood is considered to be the largest floatplane harbor in the world.

Reviewed By Ferg42995 - Texas, United States

We really enjoyed watching the planes taxi, take off, and land on the water. We had never seen this outside of television and movies. There are dozens of seaplanes parked along the shores you can also check out from a respectable distance (they are private property after all).

7. Cuddy Family Midtown Park

201 E. 40th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99503 +1 907-343-4355 http://anchorageparkfoundation.org/directory/cuddy/
Excellent
40%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Cuddy Family Midtown Park

8. Ship Creek

150 Whitney Rd, Anchorage, AK 99501-1615 http://www.alaska.org/detail/salmon-viewing-at-ship-creek
Excellent
24%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
31%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 113 reviews

Ship Creek

A creek located downtown where salmon run up fish ladders.

Reviewed By GetChoLyfe - Las Vegas, United States

A very beautiful place for salmon fishing. Kid friendly location, lots of locals fighting for their chance to score a catch. Onsite restroom facility including a local bait shop on site which was neat. Their is a bridge to where you can walk to both sides to fish on either ends. Tables to sit at and ample parking for visitors free of charge. A very nice restaurant called the bridge which was closed but overlooks the fishing waters leading into the main bay. Definitely recommend this spot to families visiting.

9. Port of Anchorage

2000 Anchorage Port Rd, Anchorage, AK 99501-1024 +1 907-343-6200 [email protected]
Excellent
30%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
30%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 20 reviews

Port of Anchorage

10. Goose Lake Park

3038 Widgeon Ln, Anchorage, AK 99508-4617
Excellent
40%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
13%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 15 reviews

Goose Lake Park

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