Visit Anchorage, Alaska

Q: What is the best time to visit Anchorage, Alaska?

The ideal time to visit Anchorage is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is mild, and the days are long, allowing for more exploration. However, winter offers spectacular views of the Northern Lights and opportunities for snow sports. Going on an Alaskan cruise? To see how seasons compare, here's our guide to the best time to cruise in Alaska .

Q: What are the transportation options available in Anchorage?

Anchorage has a reliable public bus system, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding areas and national parks at your own pace. Be sure to check road conditions; many routes are only open seasonally.

Q: What outdoor activities are popular in Anchorage?

Hiking, biking and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The nearby Chugach State Park offers trails for all skill levels. In winter, enjoy winter sports like skiing at Alyeska Resort .

Q: What cultural experiences can I enjoy in Anchorage?

Anchorage is home to the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which offers cultural performances and exhibits. Visitors also can explore downtown art galleries featuring traditional Alaska Native art or attend local festivals like the Anchorage Market & Festival in the summer.

Find the best recreation, attractions and accommodations in Anchorage.

Anchorage Activities: Explore the Last Frontier

Anchorage Travel Guide

Bordered by the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, Alaska's largest city enjoys a temperate climate thanks to the mountain range and waterfront and serves as a hub for adventure. In the summer, the extended daylight hours provide ample time for outdoor activities. The Anchorage Trail System, including the Ship Creek Trail and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, offers popular hiking and biking routes.

Anchorage sightseeing trips range from glacier and river tours to flightseeing experiences via seaplane and helicopter. Visitors can enjoy float trips on the Matanuska River, trolley tours and summer glacier dog sled tours from Girdwood. Tour companies often provide convenient transportation and sightseeing excursions to nearby national parks like Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St. Elias. A tour to see the northern lights can be a bucket-list experience if you have the timing right. Whatever your reason for visiting Anchorage, AAA members can receive free help planning vacations by speaking with a AAA Travel Agent, an expert on Alaska cruises, and receive exclusive discounts on hotels, cruises, rental cars and more.

eat

TourBook^® Curated Restaurants

Savor memorable dining experiences with TourBook®. From Diamond-designated restaurants recognized for excellence to carefully chosen international spots, every restaurant in this collection is selected to provide quality, flavor, and a dining experience you can trust wherever you are.

Learn More

RESTAURANT

Travel Tips & Inspiration

AAA Travel Inspiration, Destination Information and More

Be inspired by articles and videos from AAA Travel experts, offering insights on top destinations, recommendations and travel tips for your upcoming getaway.

See All

EDITOR PICKBest AAA Diamond Hotels in Anchorage, AlaskaAAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims04/07/2023 : Let AAA help you find a great place to stay in Anchorage, Alaska.

ARTICLEHere Is the Best Time to Cruise to Alaska Each SeasonAAA Travel Editorial Team01/16/2024 : The best time to cruise to Alaska varies throughout the year. Aurora season starts in the fall, while Alaska's world-famous summer solstice occurs in June.

GeneralThe 9 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Traveler AAA Travel Editorial Team12/17/2024 : Ready to set sail to The Last Frontier? Here’s a list of the best Alaska cruises that offer unique excursions, top-notch service and onboard activities.

ARTICLEKnow Before You Go: Alaska Cruise Q&A with a AAA ExpertRenata Faeth05/25/2023 : Alaska’s summer cruise season may be brief, but it’s a vacation to savor. AAA Travel’s experienced travel advisors know a thing or two about America’s last frontier, including planning their clients’—and their own—epic adventures. We asked two of our experts to tell us what everyone wants to know.

Editor Pick6 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Alaska CruiseAAA Travel Editor, Frank Swanson04/06/2023 : Dreaming about an Alaska cruise? Take a look at AAA's tips for choosing the best cruise lines, best months to travel and when to look for Alaska cruise deals.

ARTICLE27 Epic Adventure Vacations To Add to Your Bucket List04/17/2023 : Thrilling adventure vacations await! Book your bucket list trip and experience the adrenaline rush that comes when you step outside your comfort zone.

Editor Pick21 Best State Parks in the U.S. You Don’t Want to Miss AAA Travel Editor, Frank Swanson08/15/2024 : Discover America's hidden gems: State parks. Explore stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Our list features the best state parks from coast to desert.

ARTICLE51 Romantic Getaways in the U.S. to Fall in Love WithAAA Travel Editor, SMS03/25/2025 : Whether you're looking to stay local or travel the country, AAA has the perfect romantic getaway in the U.S. for you and your partner.

EDITOR PICKUltimate Checklist of All 63 National Parks in the U.S.AAA Travel Editor, SMT01/16/2025 : Discover the beauty and wildlife in the 63 unforgettable U.S. national parks! Learn what they are, why they matter and start planning your next adventure today!

See All

Frequently Asked Questions in Anchorage, Alaska

Do you have more questions about visiting Anchorage, Alaska? We have answers.

What is the best time to visit Anchorage, Alaska?

Where can I find the best hotels in Anchorage, Alaska?

Popular for their accessibility to activities, Anchorage's downtown, midtown and airport areas feature many AAA Diamond-designated hotels. Plan a stay at one of the following AAA Diamond hotels in Anchorage, including top picks like Alyeska Resort, Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage, Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown and Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa. These establishments were recommended by a AAA inspector to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay, whether you're in town for business, adventure or relaxation.

What are the must-see attractions in Anchorage?

Don't miss the Anchorage Museum for a deep dive into Alaska's history, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for stunning ocean views and the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about indigenous cultures. Outdoor adventures should head to Chugach State Park, just outside of Anchorage, for activities ranging from bicycling to glacier viewing and camping; its Eklutna Lake Campground is recommended as one of AAA's best beach campsites.

What are the transportation options available in Anchorage?

What outdoor activities are popular in Anchorage?

What cultural experiences can I enjoy in Anchorage?

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Explore trip canvas

Categories

Quick Links

AAA Travel

Explore AAA

Visit Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage Activities: Explore the Last Frontier

TourBook® Curated Restaurants

Crow's Nest Restaurant

Kincaid Grill

Club Paris

Jens' Restaurant

Kinley's Restaurant and Bar

Ginger