Anchorage Downtown

HIKING

Flat Top Hiking Trail

Flat Top is Anchorage’s most popular trail for tourists and residents. The main attractions are the close proximity, gorgeous views, the chance to see wildlife, and the mildly challenging adventure. Once you’re on the top, it won’t matter where you look, with views of The Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna), Knik Arm, Anchorage Bowl. Families can go up with children, but may need to help them towards the top, due to loose rocks and a steeper incline. Keep clothing layers close at-hand for unexpected weather changes, especially an outer shell to block wind. The top can be very windy. While in Alaska, always be careful of moose or bear. There is a $5 parking fee.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

This paved trail is perfect for either hiking or biking. You can access the trail at the Elderberry Park downtown (end of 5th Ave. and M St.). There are plenty of bike shops within walking distance nearby. The trail runs along the rim of the city, and gives visitors outstanding views of downtown Anchorage and the Cook Inlet. The trail system connects several family-friendly parks. You can continue to Earthquake Park and see monuments and plaques with historical information of Alaska’s 1964 earthquake.

UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS

Prince William Sound

You don’t have to go too far from Anchorage for a chance to see glaciers. Head down the Seward Highway to Whittier, about an hour south of Anchorage. The drive itself offers views of tall verdant mountains, waterfalls, and unique wildlife. Look up to spot Dall sheep high up in the rocky cliffs, watch for moose along the road, eagles, and whales around  Beluga Point. If you missed wildlife coming down, then take one of the Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises from Whittier for a better chance to see whales, birds, dolphins and eagles. Guests have a chance to see abundant wildlife, calving glaciers, floating ice, with well-informed tour guides all within a short, beautiful drive from Alaska’s largest city.

WILDLIFE

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The conservation center offers a classic Alaskan setting, and close views of musk oxen, bison, bear, elk, moose, caribou. Drive South down the Seward Highway for about an hour to go to the conservation center just before the Portage Glacier road turnoff.

LEARNING ABOUT ANCHORAGE

Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

Interested in learning about the history of Anchorage and Alaska’s culture? Visit the museum. A 45-minute guided tour with a museum docent is included in general admission. The tours are at 11am, noon, and 1pm. For more info, visit the front desk or call 907-929-9215. The highlights include Alaska’s history, Alaska’s Native cultures, the Russian era, the gold rush, the Alaskan Pipeline, statehood and more.

7th Ave. and C Street, 907-929-9200,

summer hours are 9am-6pm daily

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Want to interact with Alaska’s native peoples and learn more about their culture? Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to enjoy storytelling, authentic Native song and dance, museum exhibitions, celebrations. You can explore six authentic life-sized Native dwellings situated in a wooded area around Lake Tiulana. Free shuttles are available from downtown visitors centers.

8800 Heritage Center Drive, 1-800-315-6608,

summer hours are 9am-5pm daily.

DINING

Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

popular among both locals and visitors.

3300 Old Seward Highway, 907-258-2537

Mon.-Th. 10:30am-11pm, F 10:30am-Midnight,

Sat. 11am-Midnight, Sun. 11am-11pm

Kincaid Grill and Wine Bar

6700 Jewel Lake Road, 907-243-0507

Tu.-Sat. 5pm-10pm

Snow City Cafe

1034 W 4th Ave, 907-272-6338

Mon.-Fri. 7am-3pm, Sat.-Sun. 7am-4pm

Glacier Brewhouse

737 W 5th Ave, Ste. 110, 907-274-2739

Sun. 10am-9:30pm, Mon. 11am-9:30pm

Tu. – Th. 11am-10pm, Fri. 11am-11pm

Sat. 10am-11pm