Best things to do in Anchorage – Alaska wilderness, glaciers & northern adventures

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and the main gateway to the state’s dramatic wilderness. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, coastal inlets, and abundant wildlife, Anchorage offers an ideal balance between urban comfort and raw nature.

While many travelers use Anchorage as a starting point for exploring Denali or Alaska’s fjords, the city itself provides unforgettable glacier tours, wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and authentic Alaskan culture.

Top things to do in Anchorage

Anchorage blends wild landscapes, adventure, and cultural experiences:

• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – See bears, moose, bison, and wolves

• Turnagain Arm Scenic Drive – Coastal views and possible beluga sightings

• Portage Glacier cruises – Boat tours to towering ice walls

• Matanuska Glacier – Guided glacier hiking experiences

• Anchorage Museum – Art, science, and Indigenous heritage

• Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – Biking with mountain and ocean views

• Alaska Railroad scenic trips – Iconic rail journeys through wilderness

• Flightseeing tours – Aerial glacier and mountain panoramas

Best time to visit Anchorage

• June–August: Peak season with long daylight hours

• May & September: Fewer visitors and cooler temperatures

• October–April: Northern Lights and winter adventures

Summer brings nearly 20 hours of daylight, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.

How many days do you need in Anchorage?

• 2–3 days: City highlights and a glacier tour

• 4–5 days: Add wildlife and scenic drives

• 6+ days: Combine with deeper Alaska exploration

Anchorage works perfectly together with

Best things to do in Denali National Park

and

Best things to do in Seward.

Where to stay in Anchorage

• Downtown Anchorage – Walkable and central

• Near Lake Hood – Seaplane views and aviation activity

• Midtown – Practical and convenient

• Scenic lodges outside town – Nature-focused atmosphere

Downtown is best for first-time visitors.

Anchorage vs other Alaska destinations

• Anchorage: Gateway city with diverse excursions

• Denali National Park: Iconic mountain wilderness

• Seward: Fjords, marine wildlife, and glacier cruises

• Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic experiences

Anchorage stands out for accessibility and variety in one location.

Book tours and activities in Anchorage

Glacier cruises, wildlife safaris, and flightseeing experiences are especially popular in summer.

👉 Explore tours and activities in Anchorage here:

Frequently asked questions about Anchorage

Is Anchorage worth visiting?

Yes. It offers easy access to glaciers, wildlife, and Alaska’s dramatic scenery.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Anchorage?

Yes, especially from late fall through early spring.

Is Anchorage expensive?

Alaska travel can be higher in cost, particularly in peak summer season.

Do you need a car in Anchorage?

A car is recommended for flexibility, though many guided tours are available.

The concept of AmerExperience guides

After more than 30 years in international travel, I know this for sure:

The hardest part of traveling isn’t getting there — it’s knowing what’s truly worth doing once you arrive.

AmerExperience helps you discover unforgettable activities, with honest descriptions, transparent pricing, and easy booking.

👉 Explore the best things to do in the USA:

Best things to do in the USA – Top 60 destinations

Related guides

• Best things to do in Denali National Park

• Best things to do in Fairbanks

• Best things to do in Seward

Warm regards,

Lassi Pensikkala

Destination expert & travel writer

Updated regularly · © Lassi Pensikkala