Things to do in Anchorage

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Alaska

Arctic Valley Ski Area

The ski resort boasts spectacular scenery, offering not only skiing and wild fruit picking but also opportunities to spot a wide variety of animals. Nearby are also streams, valleys, and trails suitable for hiking and climbing.

No. 2 of Ski Resorts in Alaska

Hilltop Ski Area

Hilltop Ski Area is well-known for its convenient location and excellent skiing facilities. It is a well-known ski resort in the city of Anchorage. Although it is not very large, it provides an intimate and friendly skiing environment, which is very suitable for families and beginners. The ski resort is equipped with a modern cable car system, which enables skiers to easily reach the starting points of various ski trails. In addition, the ski resort also provides skiing and snowboarding lessons, which are guided by experienced instructors to ensure that skiers can quickly master the skills. Hilltop Ski Area not only attracts skiing enthusiasts in winter, but is also a popular outdoor activity venue in summer. Summer activities include hiking and mountain biking, and visitors can explore the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy the fresh air of Alaska. Whether you are looking for the excitement of winter sports or the fun of summer adventures, Hilltop Ski Area can provide an unforgettable experience.

No. 3 of Ski Resorts in Alaska

Hillberg Ski Area

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Anchorage

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to public education about the conservation of wildlife and providing quality animal care and conservation services for Alaska wildlife. The Conservation Center provides assistance and treatment to injured or abandoned animals year-round and focuses on animals' wild behavior. Here, all the animals seen are wild animals, and the state of life is also the state of the wild environment.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Alaska

Beluga Point

It is a well-known natural scenic spot located along the Seward Highway south of Anchorage, situated within Chugach State Park, adjacent to the entrance of Turnagain Arm. It is named for the opportunity to view beluga whales up close during the summer and fall—from mid-July–October, beluga whales follow Pacific salmon upstream and often appear in groups in the shallow waters of the bay, their white bodies clearly visible. In addition to beluga whales, this is also a popular location for observing Dall sheep, bald eagles, and river otters. The site features a parking area and interpretive signs, and is equipped with telescopes for viewing. It is also an ideal location for observing the spectacular bore tide phenomenon of Turnagain Arm. The site has a rich geological and human history, with archaeological evidence indicating human activity dating back thousands of years.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Alaska

Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park is located in the Chugach Mountains behind Anchorage, Alaska, United States, and covers an area of approximately 495,000 acres (approximately 2,000 km), making it the third-largest state park in the United States. The park is known for its proximity to the city while maintaining pristine wilderness, providing a natural space that extends directly from the city to the Alaska Range. The park is rich in wildlife, home to moose, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and Dall sheep, as well as a diverse variety of birds. An extensive trail network traverses forests, wetlands, and ridges, leading to open summits that offer panoramic views of Anchorage and Cook Inlet.

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Alaska

Kincaid Park

Kincaid Park is an urban nature park located at the southwestern tip of Anchorage, adjacent to Cook Inlet. It features open terrain and diverse habitats, including birch forests, sea cliffs, lakes, and river inlets. The park is known for wildlife viewing. Moose roam through the birch and spruce forests year-round, bald eagles circle and nest along the sea cliffs, and black bears, lynx, and snowshoe hares are also common visitors. From the open highlands on the west side of the park, visitors can enjoy views of the snow-capped peak of Denali (Mount McKinley) and the vast waters of Cook Inlet on clear days. The park features a network of trails that extend into the forests, along lake shores, and to the cliffs. In winter, it becomes a popular spot for Anchorage residents to go cross-country skiing.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Alaska

Alaska Zoo

At the Alaska Zoo, you can see over 85 species of Alaskan wildlife, including polar bears, brown bears, black bears, deer, moose, Dall sheep, sea otters, wolves, foxes, Bactrian camels, muskoxen, and wolverines. The zoo focuses on showcasing native Alaskan wildlife and is an important place to learn about the ecology of polar and high-latitude animals. The park is spacious with well-planned exhibits, allowing visitors to enjoy wildlife up close while also learning about Alaska's unique ecosystem.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a significant cultural museum located in Anchorage that systematically showcases Alaska's traditional culture and history, with a core focus on the history and culture of the local indigenous peoples. The museum houses traditional artifacts, clothing, artwork, and historical documents from indigenous tribes, illustrating the evolution of human civilization in Alaska from the prehistoric settlement era to the present day. The museum features spacious grounds and is adjacent to a lake park with an open natural setting. It serves as a comprehensive cultural venue that combines cultural learning with outdoor strolling, making it an important gateway for understanding the cultural heritage of Alaska's indigenous peoples.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Alaska

Thunderbird Falls Trailhead

Thunderbird Falls Trailhead is a classic short hiking trail located in Chugach State Park, approx. 50 km north of Anchorage. The trail is approx. 3 km round-trip, passing through beautiful birch forests with flat terrain, making it suitable for all ages. The destination is Thunderbird Falls, where water cascades down a rock face approx. 30 m high into the Eklutna River Canyon, creating a refreshing and spectacular sight. It is lush and green in spring and summer, the foliage turns vibrant colors in the fall, and in winter, the waterfall freezes into spectacular blue ice pillars, attracting ice climbers. A steeper side trail below the waterfall leads directly to the base, offering a different experience. It is one of the most popular weekend nature walks near Anchorage.