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Last Updated: Feb 04, 2026
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and is both a culturally-rich destination by itself and a gateway to Alaska’s majestic scenery and rugged wilderness. Try to spend 3 days here if you can; there’s plenty to do. Here’s our list of the best things to do in Anchorage:
1. Turnagain Arm
Turnagain Arm is a waterway just south of Anchorage, and the drive along it is one of the most scenic stretches of highway in Alaska. With water to your right and the mountains and glaciers of Chugach State Park to your left, it’s a drive you’ll never forget. If you don’t have a car, there are a lot of great tour options that include stops at the Alyeska Tram and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. If you’re headed to Whittier to take off on a cruise, the Anchorage to Whittier bus tour also takes this scenic route.
2. Glacier Flightseeing
Anchorage is surrounded by glaciers, and a flightseeing tour by seaplane or helicopter is the best way to take in their massive scale. On a typical flightseeing tour, you’ll fly over the majestic mountains of ice and then have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes walking atop and exploring the glacier. Our most popular options are the Anchorage Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour and the Anchorage Discover Denali Flightseeing Tour.
3. Alaska Railroad
If you are a train person, the Alaska Railroad offers some of the most serene, scenic train rides in the country. You can travel through Alaska’s backcountry, with views of forests, rivers, mountains, and glaciers (and wildlife!) to reach some of Alaska’s favorite destinations.
- Cruise travelers can take the train to Whittier
- Chase the Northern Lights on the Fairbanks train
- Travel to adventure in Denali National Park on the Denali Star Train
- Head to Seward for whale watching and exploring Kenai Fjords National Park
4. Visit Chugach State Park
If you have a morning or afternoon to spare, try a 2- to 5-mile hike at Chugach State Park. It’s an incredible half-million-acre state park just outside of Anchorage. It’s a microcosm of what makes Alaska great: mountain views, forests, rivers, wildlife, and, of course, glaciers. There are 280 miles of trails perfect for hiking and exploring, so there are definitely options for a more advanced hike, but you can also get picture-perfect views just a few steps from the parking lot.
5. Glacier Dog Sledding
If you’re in Alaska for a cruise, chances are you may have already planned a dog sledding shore excursion. If not, Anchorage is a great place to experience one of Alaska’s most fun adventures. You’ll take a helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs, often spotting wildlife like moose or bears along the way, then land at a musher’s camp on Troublesome Glacier for a dog sled ride.
Dog sledding tours are among visitors’ favorite activities on their Alaskan vacations. They’re very family-friendly, too – it’s not uncommon to see three generations enjoying their ride together.
6. Bear Viewing
Alaska is known for its Brown and Black Bears, and Anchorage offers ample opportunities to experience them up close. You can choose from a few different types of tours, but the most popular experience is a seaplane flight to a remote national park, where you can view bears in their natural habitat and fish for salmon along the shore. Thanks to the popularity of Fat Bear Week, these tours can sell out fast, so book early.
7. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary for animals and birds in Girdwood, Alaska, about an hour outside of Anchorage. You can walk, bike, or drive the 1.5 mile loop to view Bison, Bears, Elk, and Moose. If you’re in Anchorage without a car, these Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center tours include transportation. You can also include a visit if you’re traveling to Seward or Whittier via bus tour.
8. Bike Tour
Anchorage and the surrounding area are full of epic bike trails with breathtaking views. You can ride along the coast on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or cruise Turnagain Arm on a traditional or e-bike. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your ride; there are plenty of options for bike rentals and tours.
9. Anchorage Trolley
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy Anchorage itself while you’re here. The 2-hour Deluxe City Trolley tour is a great way to take in the sights of Anchorage and learn about its rich history and culture. You’ll be able to get out at each stop, ask questions, and take pictures.
For more things to do in Anchorage, check out our Anchorage Tours. You can also read our guides for the best things to do in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Denali, Icy Strait, Seward, and Sitka.