Anchorage Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Anchorage which includes a sunset and a beach
Anchorage showing mountains, general coastal views and a sunset
Anchorage which includes street scenes
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail featuring forest scenes
Anchorage which includes interior views
Known as a great place to see the northern lights, this city also offers many extreme adventures, including snow-kiting and ice-bike racing.

This Alaskan city offers visitors many vantage points from which to see the northern lights, as well as extreme sporting adventures, amazing scenery and the opportunity to experience local wildlife including bears, moose and wolves.

Anchorage’s bright starry nights form a perfect backdrop for the dancing northern lights (or aurora borealis). To see them, it is best to plan to spend a few days in the area as they are variable, rather like the weather. Fall, winter and spring are the most common times to see them.

Even in the summer, temperatures rarely rise beyond 66 F (19 C), and there is snowfall most months of the year. If you don’t mind wrapping up, though, Anchorage’s unusual environment forms the perfect habitat for wildlife, including bears, moose, wolves, and beavers. 

If wildlife is top of your travel agenda, visit one of the fjords or glaciers, such as Prince William Sound, where you might see whales, kittiwakes, otters, puffins and sea lions. Take a boat trip up to the face of Portage Glacier, located in Chugach National Forest. This is also where you’ll find the Chugach Mountains. Backpackers and climbers flock here in the summer, while skiers and snow walkers arrive in the winter.

Another great way to get to know the area is by dog sledding. Choose from a number of rides and tours that travel through the countryside. In the summer, when there’s no snow, sleds with wheels are provided. 

Anchorage’s extreme climate means there is some great snow and ice, and locals and tourists alike take advantage of that for many winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling and dog mushing.  Winding down from the day’s excursions isn’t difficult. Local beer is a specialty try the Polar Pale Ale or Sockeye Red IPA. Anchorage’s seafood is among the best in the country accompany your brew with freshly caught king crab or halibut.

Where to stay in Anchorage

Anchorage showing a river or creek and marine life

Downtown Anchorage

3.5/5(15 area reviews)

Downtown Anchorage is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Anchorage Historic City Hall and Log Cabin Visitor Information Center.

Downtown Anchorage
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Midtown Anchorage

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers come to Midtown Anchorage for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Z.J. Loussac Library - Main Branch and Business Park Wetlands Special Management Area while you're in town.

Midtown Anchorage
Chugach State Park featuring a river or creek

Hillside

While visiting Hillside, you might make a stop by sights like Alaska Zoo and Anchorage Golf Course.

Hillside
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Alyeska

If you're spending some time in Alyeska, Girdwood Town Square and Girdwood Park are top sights worth seeing.

Alyeska
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Spenard

4/5(8 area reviews)

Abundant dining options and lake views are well-reviewed features of Spenard. Make a stop by top sights like Arctic Benson Park while you're exploring the area.

Spenard
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Taku - Campbell

While visiting Taku - Campbell, you might make a stop by sights like Dimond Center and Campbell Creek Greenbelt Park.

Taku - Campbell
Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
The price is ₹17,697 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹17,697
₹19,821 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,045 reviews)
"Although a dated property I founded the spacious room very comfortable and good value for Anchorage (special deal). However the inclusive continental breakfast was frugal and very poor. Item choice was poor and items ran out after 8 am making it worse. I would stay again at the right rate. Loved ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Westmark Anchorage Hotel
Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

3 out of 5
4411 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
The price is ₹25,727 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹25,727
₹28,814 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,041 reviews)
"Like it all"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,839 reviews)
"Good and friendly"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy Anchorage Apartment w/ Mountain Views

Cozy Anchorage Apartment w/ Mountain Views

3 out of 5
Anchorage
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Anchorage. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Arctic Benson Park and Cinemark Century Anchorage 16 are located nearby.
"Wonderful clean cozy conditions and friendly staff! Very spacious and homey! Possibly the best stay we’ve ever had!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2024

Cozy Anchorage Apartment w/ Mountain Views
Wyoming

Wyoming

4 out of 5
3213 Wyoming Dr, Anchorage, AK
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Anchorage. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium bedding. Popular attractions Arctic Benson Park and Westchester Lagoon ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Easy check in and check out. Cute property in a nice, central location."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Wyoming
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Anchorage

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

My fourth visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Anchorage is a good base from which to explore this part of Alaska being central to the main national parks with an international airport. It’s easy to get around, people are freindly and has a relaxed vibe.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Tourist office not very helpful! City easy to navigate.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very friendly people. Try the dive bar Darwin’s Theory on G Street. Locals and tourists around the bar. Large measures on spirits too. Worth looking in Big Rays on West & 4th Avenue. Better than the tourist shops for jeans, socks, T-shirts etc.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Interesting city in a beautiful location. I’m only staying at the start of a cruise tour, but it’s definitely been worth visiting for a couple of days beforehand.

Cities near Anchorage