Anchorage Travel Guide 2025

Exploring vacation destinations that offer something out of the ordinary? Anchorage gives you the summer sun at midnight, snowy winter activities, arts and culture — and plenty more to enjoy! It’s an urban center surrounded by rugged mountains, glaciers, and gulf waters, giving you incredible views in all directions. In fact, Anchorage is among the most romantic getaways in the U.S., but it’s also a great spot for unforgettable family vacations or a solo adventure.

Traveling to Anchorage means doing a lot of planning beforehand — but our experts at AAA are here to help. Read on for our Anchorage travel guide — and get recommendations for top-rated hotels, restaurants and more.

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Did you know that Anchorage is the third biggest city in the entire U.S.? That makes having a car a must if you plan to explore the whole city — and beyond. Since most visitors fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, it’s easy enough to rent a car upon arrival. But you do have other options for getting around, including:

Let’s take a closer look at how you can travel around the city for your trip.

Do your travel plans include exploring the surrounding wilderness areas? You may be able to get by without your own set of wheels in the main part of the city. But you’ll need a car to drive around in the more remote parts of Anchorage and outside the city.

Several car rental places are available in and around the airport. But you can also find them in other parts of the city — usually with lower rates than the airport locations. Just make sure to book your car way ahead of time through AAA, for the best rates and peace of mind.

Planning a snowy winter trip to Anchorage? Instead, rent a vehicle that gives you better traction on icy and snowy roads, like all-wheel-drive and 4-wheel drive SUVs and trucks. You’ll need that reliability to keep you safe while driving around the rougher roads of Anchorage.

If you are staying mainly in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, you can do plenty of walking around when there’s pleasant weather. The city has tons of trails that make it easy to walk around from one area to the next. Visiting in winter? You can use local trails to get around via cross-country skiing.

Coming to Anchorage when it’s warm out — and not snowy or muddy? Riding a bike around offers another way to explore the area. You can find bike rentals throughout downtown.

Anchorage has a couple of public transportation options that can help you get around, including:

People Mover buses take you around the downtown area, making it easier to reach attractions, shopping, dining and other amenities. But check People Mover schedules and routes for the latest info.

Heading out of town for a day trip? The Alaska Railroad gives you a convenient way to travel to Fairbanks, Seward, or Whittier. Or you can take a train to visit Denali National Park and other backcountry destinations.

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When it comes to the best time to visit Anchorage, consider what kind of weather you prefer, what you plan on doing and the size of your budget. The right time to visit depends on factors like this. Some visitors want to experience Anchorage’s 20+ hours of summertime daylight. Others would rather come here for skiing and other winter fun. We’ll give you an overview of the best time to visit based on different factors.

Looking for cost savings: Plan a trip to Anchorage in spring, fall, or winter. Summer is when prices tend to be the highest — and the city’s more crowded with lots of tourists. Just note that spring can be muddy, fall temps can be chilly and winter is cold and dark most of the time.

If you are eager to see the area’s abundant wildlife and nature at its finest: Plan a trip in spring when many animals come out of hibernation. You’ll also get to see vivid wildflowers in full bloom during spring. Or head here in the fall for breathtaking fall foliage and a chance to see the Northern Lights.

If you want to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals: Summer has some great events, mild temps and plenty of daylight for hiking. A winter vacation means you get to enjoy festive events, the Northern Lights, and winter activities, like snowboarding and snowshoeing.

Anchorage is packed with activities, attractions and plenty of things to see and do. That can make it hard to plan your itinerary — but our Anchorage travel guide can help. We’ve put together some of the best tours and activities to get the most out of your trip to Alaska.

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Have you dreamed of being able to see the aurora borealis in person? Visiting Anchorage means you can admire the shifting shades of purple, green, and red that are right above you! It’s not always easy to know when you’ll get the best views of the Northern Lights. But a guided tour can make sure you don’t miss out!

Alaska’s known for its salmon — so a trip to Anchorage wouldn’t be complete without tasting some of this freshly caught seafood! But what about the area’s other foods, like reindeer sausage and hand-crafted chocolate? Take a food tour that gives you the opportunity to sample all of these — and more.

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Wandering through the wilderness around Anchorage gives you a great chance to see bears and other wildlife —maybe a little too close. But you don’t have to spend all that time hoping to see some of your favorite animals appear. Take a tour or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see tons of local species, including moose, black bears, and porcupines.

Trying to see as much as possible while you’re in town? Hop aboard a trolley for a chance to visit multiple landmarks and sites! Check out Earthquake Park — formed by a quake back in 1964. Visit Ship Creek, Lake Hood, and other local areas of interest. With a guided tour, you’ll also learn more about the city.

If you love biking, then you’ll enjoy taking a cycling tour of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail — an 11-mile trail that goes from Second Avenue to Kincaid Park. You’ll get to see Denali Mountain, Earthquake Park, Cook Inlet, and other scenic sites around town. Watch for belugas in the water, migrating birds in the sky — and other local animals.

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Do you like staying right in the downtown area when you travel? Or do you prefer having a hotel that gives you incredible views, like waterfront accommodations? When you’re traveling to Anchorage, you’ll find plenty of hotels to consider. But which should you end up booking? Let’s take a look at some of the top hotels in Anchorage that we recommend.

Wake up to beautiful views of Lake Spenard with a stay at The Lakefront Anchorage Hotel! It’s also got a great location close to the airport and conveniently near downtown, making it simple to get around during your trip. Plan on doing some fishing? The hotel has freezer storage available! With two restaurants on site, you also don’t need to leave the building for delicious meals!

Want to be close to dining, shopping, museums, and other amenities? The Historic Anchorage Hotel — built in 1916 — puts you right in the heart of downtown! The hotel includes historic photos of the city and elegant decor. It doesn’t have as many amenities as other hotels. But its central location makes it an ideal place to stay!

Looking for a bit of luxury? Hyatt Place Anchorage Midtown offers tons of upscale amenities, including a hot tub and an indoor pool for swimming in any season! It also has spacious rooms with seating for many guests — making it a good choice for larger groups or families. And colorful artwork adds visual appeal to the decor.

Need a hotel that combines comfortable accommodations with access to the great outdoors? SpringHill Suites by Marriott University Lake offers views of University Lake from some rooms. And you can explore the property’s nature trails during your stay. On cool evenings, gather around the outdoor fire pit to warm up! With a heated indoor pool, you can also enjoy swimming any time.

Want to be near restaurants and stores? Sheraton Anchorage Hotel is a centrally located place with dining and shopping within walking distance! But you can also enjoy meals in the hotel’s on-site restaurant, too. Or stock up on travel items at the on-site convenience store!

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Hoping to try some wild salmon during your vacation? Or eager to dine on some steak? Anchorage has several dining establishments that offer tasty entrees, no matter what kind of cuisine you like. But since you can’t try all of these places, our guide to Anchorage includes some of the top spots we recommend. Bring your appetite — and check out the following restaurants.

How often do you get to eat while gazing out at mountains? Crow’s Nest in the Hotel Captain Cook sits on the 20th floor of the building — giving you amazing views of Cook Inlet and the mountains! Feast on a plate of king crab legs or Kodiak scallops. Or try the delicious pork chops or venison with a side of mushrooms!

Leave plenty of room for dessert here! Ginger’s dessert menu has some tempting selections, like creme brûlée made with green tea and ginger pear cheesecake! Entrees include locally sourced foods, such as scallops. Or you can dine on filet mignon while sipping a glass of wine. Ginger’s also serves brunch!

Did you know that Club Paris serves 4-inch filet mignon? You can enjoy yours while seated in a dining area that’s right out of the past in terms of decor. Club Paris has a lounge atmosphere, dim lighting, and cozy booths. As the oldest steakhouse in Anchorage, it’s built quite a reputation over the years — so expect crowds and longer wait times during summer!

Art and food are a winning combination at Jens'. The restaurant proudly displays artwork from local artists — and some of these pieces are for sale! As for the menu, that changes on a monthly basis. But overall, it’s a menu filled with international and continental entrees and other items, like salmon, oysters, scallops, and pasta.

Why is this small dining establishment so popular? Kincaid Grill offers a menu filled with Alaskan dishes and a welcoming environment that makes guests feel right at home! You’ll find king salmon, black cod, and other seafood from local waters on the menu. But you’ll also find non-seafood items, like buttermilk fried chicken and steak!

Almost any part of Anchorage will have some amazing photo spots. But some places provide more stunning backgrounds than others — whether you prefer city or mountain views. We’ll go over some of the best places to visit for quality photos that you can treasure for decades.

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Need a charming backdrop or impressive vistas? You can find both in Girdwood! This ski resort town just outside of Anchorage gives you plenty of places to visit for beautiful pics of the great outdoors, including waterfalls and snow-covered mountains. You can also capture pics in front of the elegant Alyeska Ski Resort.

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Head to Beluga Point to take photos with Tunaigan Arm’s flowing waters behind you. Or stand with the rugged peaks of the Chugach Mountains as your backdrop. While you’re there, keep an eye out for belugas — you might even catch one in your pic if you’re lucky.

The Portage Lake area creates an amazing backdrop with icy blue glaciers, lush forests and calming waters. Pose with Portage Glacier looming behind you — or take photos from any point around the lake for incredible views.

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You doń’t always have to venture into the area’s natural surroundings for great photo spots. In fact, the downtown area is filled with many sites that are ideal for pictures, including large murals on 6th Avenue and historical landmarks around town. But one of the most distinctive backgrounds you’ll find is the Anchorage Museum — with its glassy mirrored facade.

There’s no shortage of spots to go for mountain views in your photos. But Eklutna Lake offers something more — stunning turquoise waters surrounded by dense woodlands. Visiting in fall? The foliage makes the area around the lake even better for photo backgrounds!

Adding a day trip to your travel planning? Or how about two? Anchorage has several places close by that make great destinations for day trips. Hoping to catch glimpses of bears, moose, or eagles? No matter what your interests are, you can enjoy the perfect day trip during your vacation. Let’s check out a few of these options:

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Matanuska Glacier is an impressive sight, with its towering, icy peaks and crevasses. And you can see its wonders for yourself with a guided hike through the area! Spend an entire day trekking around while taking in breathtaking views of the glacier and its surroundings. Having a guide means you can enjoy a safe visit here — and learn more about the area.

Book a trip to Whittier to reach the cruise terminal and embark on your adventure. But before boarding, you can visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn more about local wildlife. Along the way to Whittier, you’ll get to admire views of Portage Pass and the Seward Highway.

Interested in seeing Alaska’s wildlife? Take a tour of Turnagain to watch for bald eagles, beluga whales, brown bears, caribou and other animals. You’ll also have a chance to see Portage Lake, Byron Glaciers, waterfalls and more. Get your camera ready to snap photos of the area’s flora and fauna!

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Wondering what it’s like to go dog sledding? A day trip to Willow can give you a chance to experience this for yourself! Go for a sled ride pulled by Iditarod dogs while enjoying views of your beautiful surroundings.

Having to fly into the city means your vacation expenses may add up fast with airfare, a rental car and other costs. But we can help you save money. Our Anchorage travel guide includes some great tips on visiting the city without overspending.

You might not be able to walk everywhere. But there are ways to keep transportation costs lower. Check out free shuttles that are available in summer to get to local attractions. Or stay at a hotel that provides a shuttle service nearby. Renting a car? Compare costs at other locations besides the airport ones — they’re often cheaper.

Take advantage of vehicle discounts, tickets, and accommodations. Being a AAA member means you’ve got great access to all kinds of discounts! That can translate to big savings on attractions and tours, rental cars, hotels — and other expenses for your trip to Anchorage.

Chances are, you’ll be taking a long flight to and from Anchorage for your vacation. Have any frequent flyer miles to redeem? If so, this is a good way to lower the cost of airfare — one of the biggest expenses for your trip! Use any points or miles you have from airline loyalty and/or credit card reward programs.

If you can go to Anchorage in any season, aim for spring or fall. You’ll find lower rates on many expenses, like accommodations and car rentals, compared to summer. And you won’t as large of crowds to deal with.

Many things to do in Anchorage involve being outside in nature — without having to pay a dime. Hike Flattop Mountain, bike along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or explore Kincaid Park.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Anchorage trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.