Anchorage, Alaska, is not only the biggest city in the state, but it is also the ideal combination of urban comfort and the wilderness. To many visitors , Anchorage can be considered the door into the great Alaska, yet the city in itself is full of marvels that are worth experiencing. No matter what attracts you: the Alaska Native culture, the spectacular outdoor experiences, or nature-diversified wildlife experiences, Anchorage offers a destination that every person will find intriguing. In this article, we will reveal the 10 best attractions in Anchorage, Alaska, that give you a combination of both cultural sites, scenic routes, and memorable moments that one would not wish to leave out.
Top Things To See in Anchorage, Alaska
1. Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
2. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
3. Alaska Native Heritage Center
4. Chugach State Park
5. Lake Hood Seaplane Base
6. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
7. Flattop Mountain
8. Ship Creek
9. Alyeska Resort
10. Portage Glacier
Top 10 Things To See in Anchorage, Alaska
Below are some of the best places to visit when next you are visiting Anchorage, Alaska, as they have been specially hand-picked due to their class, elegance, history, and accessibility.
1. Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
The Anchorage Museum is a great place to start, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, to familiarize oneself with Alaska and her beauty and rich history, the current, and a bright future. Being the largest Alaskan museum, it considers the combination of art, history, science, and native heritage to be an experience that will appeal to all types of visitors. Alaska Native culture, Arctic wildlife, and Alaska ingenuity come alive through interactive displays and immersive experiences.
The interactive science exhibit will be a favorite with the families, and anyone who values culture can visit the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, where one can view invaluable Native artifacts. Exhibitions are seasonal, and hence, when you visit, every time you are guaranteed to find something new, making this place worth visiting more than once.
2. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in the nation. The trails give a beautiful view of downtown Anchorage, Chugach Mountain, Mount Denali, Mount Susitna (Sleeping Lady), and Fire Island. This is a scenic trail stretching 11 miles on a route running along the edge of Cook Inlet with beautiful views of Denali, Fire Island, and even volcanoes on clear days between downtown Anchorage and Kincaid Park. This trail passes over Westchester Lagoon, Lyn Ary Park, and Earthquake Park, which are all worthwhile stops in their own right.
3. Alaska Native Heritage Center
To be familiar with Alaska, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is the place to visit. It is more than a museum; it is more of a cultural living centre where myths, history, and culture are brought to life. There, visitors can get acquainted with the six actual Native houses, the representatives of the principal indigenous groups in Alaska, and hear the first-hand stories of the representatives.
Traditional craftsmanship (beadwork, carving, etc.) is shown here. Also, there are dance shows, storytelling, all year round. This is complemented by the presence of outdoor walking tracks and superb natural sceneries that show to what extent the Alaska people are attached to the land.
4. Chugach State Park
The Chugach State Park is considered to be one of the largest state parks in the United States, and it is just a couple of minutes away from downtown Anchorage. It is the haven of any outdoor lover as this park is almost half a million wilderness which is not inhabited. The hiking, camping, skating, and watching wildlife playground is formed by big mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys.
The Flattop Mountain, Eagle River Nature Center, and Willawaw Lakes are some of the popular trails that can be used by beginner and advanced mountain climbers. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing receive priority in the winter season, and hiking, fishing, and even kayaking can be seen having an unlimited potential during summer.
5. Lake Hood Seaplane Base
Anchorage is said to be the air crossroad in the world, and there could not be a better location than the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. This is referred to as the busiest seaplane base in the world, and hundreds of flights fly in and out of its glittering waters daily.
The tourists are also accorded an opportunity to observe the activities of the pilots who can manoeuvre their aircraft through the scenic Chugach mountains. The aviation fans are not the only individuals who are fond of it, as the families, the photographers, and the common travelers are also at stake in the activity. It is a busy place in the summer period, which is marked by the endless flux of activities.
6. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
In case you want to observe the most popular symbols of Alaska in a natural and safe setup, then the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is the destination to be. It is a non-profit sanctuary that rescues and shelters injured, orphaned animals and provides visitors with an opportunity for wildlife viewing as a conservation initiative.
The wildlife park is scattered through the 200 acres of beautiful scenery, and it comprises bears, moose, wood bison, musk oxen, wolves, and bald eagles. The visitors can walk or drive through the 1.5-mile walk or drive to have a preview of the animals in the very large enclosure, which is virtually similar to the natural setting.
7. Flattop Mountain
Speaking of the spectacular scenery of Anchorage, literally the first place is occupied by Flattop Mountain. This is the most visited hiking mountain in Alaska, the most climbed mountain, and even a few minutes away from downtown, hence is the reason it is a quick and simple adventure among the tourists who have very little time to spend. The summit trail is a one-way trail of approximately three miles and a moderate climb, which on a clear day will offer panoramic views of Anchorage, Cook Inlet, and even Denali.
8. Ship Creek
Anglers pack the banks between June and September in a bid to get king or silver salmon, thus making it an interesting and entertaining place. Ship Creek is also a place to visit, even though you are not fond of fishing. The water also has walking trails, which are a good way to escape and have a relaxing breeze with the opportunity of seeing bald eagles flying over. The surrounding Ship Creek overview creates a great outlook and captures moments of the city skyline view over the mountains.
9. Alyeska Resort
Alyeska resort is the best ski resort in Alaska, and there one would find a blend of the luxurious, the adventurous, and the breathtaking. This resort is located in the quaint town of Girdwood, just 40 miles south of Anchorage, where it offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer.
Among the attractions to be experienced with the visitors are the Alyeska Aerial Tram, which will take the visitors 2300 feet to Mount Alyeska. The panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, floating glaciers, and the Chugach Mountains are provided on top, and it would make you feel like you are in a postcard. The fine dining, luxury spa, in addition to comfortable accommodations, are also part of the resort, in case one wishes to spend more time.
10. Portage Glacier
Alaska has the greatest concentration of glaciers, with about 100,000 of them everywhere. The glaciers in Alaska are very accessible and one of the most popular attractions. Portage Glacier is the perfect spot and crown jewel for exploring. This glacier is only accessible by both. Portage Glacier has other attractions within a few minutes’ drive, like the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to many Alaskan creatures. Several activities include a wildlife day cruise, kayaking, and deep-water fishing. The Whittier side is another view of the Portage Glacier that gives hikers a great view of the glacier from the summit and lakeside.
Conclusion
Anchorage, a gateway to the wilderness of Alaska, is also a source of cultural, historical, and natural beauty. It can be the wildlife in the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or sightseeing seaplanes in Lake Hood, or you may have skied in the Alyeska Resort, but whatever it is, Anchorage has it, and you will never forget it after visiting it. These jewels can thus not be left behind when you are planning your adventure to Alaska. Anchorage is not a transit town; it is a bucket-list city on its own.
