Experience the Wonders of Nature! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Anchorage

What comes to mind when you think of Alaska? The Alaska Railroad, Denali (Mount McKinley), glacier cruises, skiing, aurora viewing, or Alaskan salmon? For example, Anchorage, surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and close to the sea, enjoys a mild summer with an average temperature of 18°C. In summer, hiking and glacier cruises, and in winter, various winter sports, make it a year-round destination for adventure.

Anchorage is also a cultural hub, offering museums, theaters, and excellent seafood restaurants. Let us introduce 7 must-visit attractions in the serene city of Anchorage, where people live harmoniously with nature.

1. Alaska Railroad

For travel enthusiasts, riding the Alaska Railroad is a bucket list experience. Many may have seen its panoramic trains cutting through Alaska's breathtaking landscapes in videos or magazines. Anchorage is the starting point for this iconic train journey. There are three routes available:

- A 12-hour journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali National Park, offering stunning views of Mount McKinley (Denali).
- A 4.5-hour trip to Seward, the birthplace of the Alaska Railroad, crossing mountains.
- A 2-hour ride to Whittier, the departure point for glacier cruises.

The most recommended route is the Denali Star to Fairbanks. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Mount McKinley. If time is limited, the 7-hour trip to Denali is equally enjoyable. Dining in the spacious dining car is a treat, with the passing scenery as your main course. Note that there is only one round trip per day, and Alaska’s peak tourist season can be crowded. Plan and book early!

2. Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park is the third-largest state park in the U.S. It spans 320 kilometers along the west side of the Chugach Mountains from Anchorage to Canada and is larger than all other state parks in the 47 states combined.

The park offers numerous activities, including skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in winter, and hiking, camping, climbing, and rafting from spring to autumn. With 110 trails totaling 800 kilometers, it’s a hiker’s paradise.

Wildlife such as moose, lynx, and brown bears are abundant, and you may encounter them while hiking. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, the park offers accessible forest hikes even for beginners. It’s one of Anchorage's top tourist spots.

3. Alaska Zoo

The Alaska Zoo began as a facility to care for an orphaned polar bear cub from northern Alaska, the only place in the U.S. where wild polar bears reside. Visitors flock here to see the rare polar bear, along with other animals such as moose, caribou, reindeer, arctic foxes, wolves, and the endangered grizzly bear.

Established in 1969, the Alaska Zoo welcomes about 200,000 visitors annually. Its nostalgic and family-friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for families. During summer (May to September), a free shuttle bus runs between downtown Anchorage and the zoo.

4. Anchorage Museum

For a rainy day or a break from outdoor activities, visit the Anchorage Museum in downtown Anchorage. The museum features exhibits on Alaska’s traditional crafts from the Smithsonian Institution, galleries on the history of Alaska’s people, art showcasing Alaska’s nature and wildlife, and an interactive science center perfect for families.

With a stylish museum shop, café-restaurant, and planetarium, the Anchorage Museum is a full-day destination. The café offers delicious Alaskan salmon and halibut dishes at affordable prices.

5. Portage Glacier

The nearest glacier to Anchorage, Portage Glacier, attracts the most tourists among Alaska’s over 10,000 glaciers. Located southeast of Anchorage along the Chugach State Park highway, it was once visible from the visitor center until about a decade ago. However, due to global warming, it has rapidly receded and is no longer visible even with binoculars or observation decks.

Despite its retreat, you can still take a glacier cruise that gets you up close in just an hour. For the adventurous, there are hiking trails, and camping is also possible near the glacier for outdoor enthusiasts.

6. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Located about an hour’s drive from Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center rescues injured, sick, or orphaned animals. The goal is to rehabilitate them in a natural environment.

Unlike a zoo, the center uses large enclosures instead of cages, allowing animals such as moose, bison, deer, and goats to roam freely. Visitors can observe animals in their natural state, making this a popular tourist spot. A shuttle bus tours the expansive grounds.

The animals in care vary, but lucky visitors might see wild bears, bald eagles, wolves, or lynx. It’s a must-visit spot for animal lovers.

7. Alaska Aviation Museum

A hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts, the Alaska Aviation Museum is located just a 5-minute walk from Anchorage airport’s terminal by the shores of Lake Hood. The unique setting allows visitors to watch seaplanes take off and land.

The museum features vintage propeller planes, small floatplanes, and a classic Boeing 737. While you can’t access the cockpit, you can explore inside the aircraft. The museum also showcases valuable artifacts and photo exhibits on Alaskan aviation history. Special exhibitions and events are regularly held, so don’t miss this fascinating spot.

◎ Summary

Alaska offers year-round activities, from summer to winter. During peak tourist seasons, chartered direct flights are often available, offering added convenience. Anchorage has even more attractions to discover. Since the peak tourist seasons are relatively short in summer and winter, booking hotels and train tickets early is recommended to avoid missing out. Plan ahead and enjoy your trip to Alaska!

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Experience the Wonders of Nature! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Anchorage