When you’re packing for Alaska, your head is probably spinning. It’s far away, it’s wild, and honestly, it’s expensive. But before we dive in, let me give you one piece of advice that’s worth more than Klondike gold: If you’re already going to Anchorage, Alaska, don’t overthink the money.
Seriously. You want to see everything that’s worth seeing. Pay for that flight to the summit of Denali, buy that boat ticket to the glaciers, order that overpriced king crab.
Because what you skip to save a hundred dollars, you’ll regret for the rest of your life. I speak from personal experience. You can earn the money back, but the moment a chunk of glacier crashes into the ocean right before your eyes will never happen again.
Anchorage is the artery that pumps life into the entire state, and a strategic base camp if you want to explore Alaska. Locals love to say that Anchorage is just twenty minutes from “the real Alaska.” Let’s take a look at what you need to experience to truly say you’ve felt Alaska in your bones.
TL;DR
- Money aside: Prepare a generous budget. Hotel prices have risen by 40% and quality excursions cost hundreds of dollars, but the experiences are priceless and unrepeatable.
- Respect the moose: There are 1,600 of them living in the city, and statistically they injure more people than bears. Never approach them, even if they look calm.
- A base, not a destination: Sleep, eat, and visit museums in Anchorage, but head out on day trips every day (Seward, glaciers, Denali).
- Layering is the law: The weather changes from hour to hour. Forget cotton – you need wool and a waterproof jacket, even if you’re visiting in July.
- Book early: The Alaska season is short. Reserve your car, hotels, and popular excursions up to six months in advance, or you’ll be crying over the prices or sold-out availability.
Where to Stay in Anchorage?
The most important thing is to book your accommodation well in advance – otherwise you’ll be stuck with overpriced rooms that aren’t even worth the money. If you’re lucky enough to snag it, I recommend SunStar Alaska Bed and Breakfast LLCO. Those of you with a bigger budget will probably go for The Wildbirch Hotel – JdV by Hyatt, which is right in the city centre. You can also compare other options on Booking.com.
Where to Rent a Car
If you’re heading out in summer, be warned that you need to book your car well in advance – even six months ahead, as prices in summer climb to $150–250 per day and cars simply run out. RentalCars works brilliantly in the US, and you can pick the car up right at the Anchorage Alaska airport.
15 Best Things to See and Do in Anchorage and Its Surroundings
The city of Anchorage is completely different from anything you’re used to in Europe or the rest of North America. Make sure you explore the city itself before venturing into the surrounding wilderness.
1. Flattop Mountain: Baptism by Alaskan Fire
If you want to understand why locals love their city, you need to go up. Flattop Mountain isn’t just “some hill” – it’s the most climbed peak in Alaska and practically a rite of passage for visitors.
From the summit, you get a panoramic view of Anchorage, and on a clear day you can see all the way to majestic Denali. The hike isn’t a walk in the park – the final stretch requires you to use your hands and scramble over rocks, but the sense of triumph is worth every bit of effort. If you don’t have a car, a shuttle runs from the city centre for $23, dropping you right at the base of the mountain. It’s the quickest way to get from the urban jungle straight into the Chugach Mountain wilderness.
2. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: Moose Within Arm’s Reach
This is an 11-mile trail that winds along the coastline from the city centre all the way to Kincaid Park. Imagine cycling (you can easily rent a bike in town) with the steel-grey waters of Cook Inlet on your right, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and on your left… a moose. And it’s not a rare occurrence.
This trail is one of the best spots to see these enormous animals in their natural habitat while still being within city limits. Just please, keep your distance. It’s an idyllic walk or ride that shows you how intimately Anchorage is connected with nature.
3. Lake Hood: The World’s Busiest Seaplane Base
Forget Heathrow or JFK. Lake Hood is where the heart of Alaskan aviation beats. During summer, up to 800 planes take off or land here every day.
Sit on the shore, grab a coffee, and just watch the buzz. You’ll see small “bush planes” – which for many Alaskans are the only connection to the outside world – splashing down onto the water with a roar.
It’s a fascinating spectacle that reminds you you’re in a land where roads often end and the only way forward is by air. For aviation and tech enthusiasts, it’s absolute nirvana.
4. Alaska Native Heritage Center: A Deep Dive into Alaska’s Soul
Many people think Alaska’s history began with the arrival of the Russians or the gold prospectors. Wrong. At this centre, you’ll understand that this land has a thousand-year history written by the Dena’ina and other Indigenous peoples.
This isn’t a boring museum with glass cases. Outside, around Lake Tiulana, stand authentic replicas of the dwellings of all eleven major cultural groups. You can step inside, smell the wood and smoke, and listen to stories told directly by descendants of these nations. Admission is around $29, but the context you gain here will open your eyes for the rest of your trip.
5. Anchorage Museum
If you get a rainy day (and that happens a lot in Alaska), this is your refuge. But don’t just come here as a last resort. The Anchorage Museum is world-class.
The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center in particular is a gem, where you’ll see incredibly well-preserved artefacts and art from Indigenous peoples. It’s not just about history – the museum also brilliantly documents contemporary life in the north, the oil boom, and climate change.
It’s a modern, interactive, and visually stunning space that helps you grasp the complexity of this enormous state.
6. Kincaid Park: Wilderness at the End of the Runway
When you reach the end of the Coastal Trail, you’ll find yourself in Kincaid Park. It’s a massive wooded park full of trails for hikers and cyclists, but it has one quirk – it’s essentially a living room for the local moose population.
The chances of not spotting a moose here are slim to none. The park sits on rolling terrain of old moraines and even offers sandy dunes with sea views.
In winter it’s a cross-country skiing paradise, in summer a cyclist’s dream. But above all, it’s a place where you realise that in Anchorage, nature doesn’t end at your garden fence – it’s everywhere.
7. Beluga Point and Turnagain Arm: A Safari Along the Highway
The Seward Highway, leading south from Anchorage, is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. And Beluga Point is its crown jewel. As the name suggests, this is the spot where you can see beluga whales – those white, smiling cetaceans. Your best chance is about 3–4 hours before high tide, when they swim into the inlet to hunt salmon. But even without whales, the scenery is jaw-dropping. On one side you have the sheer cliffs of the Chugach Mountains, where Dall sheep often perch, and on the other side a dramatic inlet with one of the largest tidal bores in the world. It’s an essential stop.
Life-Changing Day Trips from Anchorage
This is arguably the most important section: day trips from Anchorage that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
8. Flightseeing Tour to Denali: Landing on Another Planet
This is exactly the moment when you must not worry about money. The trip from the small town of Talkeetna (about 2 hours by car from Anchorage) costs between $300 and $600, but believe me, once you see it, you’d happily pay double. A small plane takes you to the highest peak in North America. I recommend booking early – you can use GetYourGuide as always.
You’ll see glaciers that look like frozen motorways and mountain walls that touch the sky. And if you pay extra for a glacier landing, you’ll find yourself in absolute silence, surrounded by nothing but snow and rock, in an amphitheatre of giants. It’s a spiritual experience that will bring tears to your eyes.
9. Train to Seward: The Journey Is the Destination
The Alaska Railroad and its “Coastal Classic” route to Seward is a legendary scenic ride that takes four hours and passes through places no car can reach. The train winds through mountain passes, past Spencer and Bartlett Glaciers, and through deep forests.
If you can, upgrade to GoldStar class. You’ll get a carriage with a glass-domed roof and an outdoor viewing platform where you can feel the wind in your hair and take photos without glass in the way. Meals are included, so you’ll feel like you’re on the Orient Express – just with wilder scenery.
10. Kenai Fjords Cruise: Face to Face with the Ice Age
Once you make it to Seward, you absolutely must get on a boat (I recommend booking in advance, for example through GetYourGuide). The cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park is the best way to see marine wildlife. Humpback whales breaching, orcas on the hunt, sea lion colonies, and adorable puffins.
And then there’s the grand finale – the face of a glacier calving straight into the sea. The sound of cracking ice, like a cannon shot, followed by the thunderous splash of tons of ice hitting the water, is utterly awe-inspiring. Fair warning: the sea can be rough, so if you have a sensitive stomach, seasickness tablets are a must. But the spectacle is absolutely worth it.
11. Matanuska Glacier: A Walk on Blue Ice
Most glaciers you only see from a distance or from a boat. Matanuska is different. It’s the largest glacier in Alaska accessible by car (about 2 hours from Anchorage). You can hire a guide (access is regulated, expect to pay $100+ USD), strap on crampons, and walk directly on the glacier’s surface. You’ll peer into deep blue crevasses, drink water from melting streams that’s purer than anything from a bottle, and marvel at the sheer force of nature. It’s hands-on contact with the Ice Age, and it’s surprisingly accessible even for an averagely fit hiker.
12. 26 Glacier Cruise from Whittier: Serene Beauty
If you’re worried about seasickness in Seward, head to Whittier instead. The drive there takes you through a unique tunnel (cars and trains take turns using it, toll is $13), which is an experience in itself. The “26 Glacier Cruise” in Prince William Sound is calm, because you’re in protected waters. As the name suggests, you’ll see an incredible number of glaciers in a single afternoon. It’s a visual feast where the white and blue of ice blends with the dark green of forests and the grey of rock.
13. Alyeska Resort & Girdwood: Luxury in the Wilderness
Just 45 minutes from Anchorage lies Girdwood, a former gold-mining town and now home to the Alyeska Resort. Even in summer, you must take the aerial tram to the summit. The view of seven hanging glaciers is breathtaking. At the top you’ll find the Seven Glaciers restaurant – it’s pricey, it’s luxurious, and it’s exactly the kind of place where you shouldn’t worry about money. Have dinner at sunset over the mountains and feel like you’re on top of the world. For the more adventurous, the Winner Creek Trail in the valley below takes you through a temperate rainforest (yes, Alaska has a rainforest!).
What to Eat in Anchorage and Where to Find It
If you love food as much as I do, this section is for you.
14. Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria: The Pizza That Defines the City
It might sound odd, sending you to a pizza place in Alaska, but Moose’s Tooth isn’t just any ordinary pizzeria. It’s the highest-grossing independent pizzeria in the entire United States, and locals absolutely worship it. Expect a queue, expect noise, expect buzz. They brew their own beer (Broken Tooth Brewing) and their pizzas feature wild combinations that somehow work brilliantly – think apricot, salmon, or reindeer meat toppings. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere after a day in the mountains.
15. Reindeer Sausage on the Street and King Crab on the Plate
Alaska has its own distinct flavours, and if you eat meat, you absolutely cannot miss them. For a quick and affordable lunch, look for street stands in the city centre with signs saying “Reindeer Sausage.” Reindeer sausage with caramelised onions is Alaskan street food at its finest. And for dinner? Head to 49th State Brewing or Glacier BrewHouse and order the star of the menu – King Crab or fresh halibut. Yes, a portion of crab can cost $80 or more. But the meat is reportedly sweet, succulent, and was pulled from the icy Bering Sea by guys who risk their lives doing it. Pay for it, eat it, and be grateful.
Conclusion: The Call of the Wild
When you’re sitting on the plane home, gazing one last time at the endless mountains, you’ll understand why I started by talking about money. Nobody will remember saving $200 on a flight to Denali. But everyone will remember the moment the plane lifted off the ground and headed towards the white giant. Anchorage is a rugged but beautiful gateway to a world where humans are still not the masters of creation. Enjoy it to the fullest, without regrets and with your eyes wide open. (You might also find our article useful: How to plan a trip without a travel agency, where you’ll find tips on organising an independent trip).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Anchorage a Safe City?
Generally yes, but it has its quirks. A bigger danger than people is often the moose – there are loads of them in the city. Keep your distance! As for crime, like any larger American city, avoid dodgy areas at night and don’t leave valuables in your car, especially at remote trailhead car parks.
Do I Really Need to Rent a Car?
If you want to see more than just the city centre and museums, then yes – a car is pretty much essential. Public transport doesn’t run to glaciers or mountains. For the summer season, book your car up to six months in advance. Prices in summer climb to $150–250 per day and cars simply run out. The best place to search is RentalCars.
What to Wear in Summer?
Alaskan summers are deceptive. It can be 20°C and sunny, or 10°C and raining. The key is layering. Start with a merino wool base layer, add a fleece, and top it off with a quality waterproof jacket. Leave the cotton at home – once it gets damp, it chills you to the bone. And don’t forget an eye mask for sleeping – when we were in Alaska in summer, it didn’t occur to me that it would still be light at midnight.
When Is the Best Time for Bear Watching?
For the famous Brooks Falls in Katmai (where bears catch salmon on the waterfall), the best months are July and September. In July there are the most salmon and bears; in September the bears are fat and preparing for winter. Day trips from Anchorage are expensive (around $1,000 USD), but absolutely worth it.
Can I See the Northern Lights in Summer?
Most likely not. In summer it’s simply too light. The Aurora Borealis season begins in late August, when the nights start getting longer, and lasts until April. If the northern lights are a priority for you, visit in September or March, when it’s dark but not brutally cold.
