The 27 Best Things to Do in Anchorage (According to a Local!)

Many people have mixed feelings about their hometowns. Even I did – my parents recently reminded me that I once declared that once I left Alaska, I was “never going back!” (Boy, did I turn out to be wrong! Now I can’t wait to go back.)

You see, I grew up in Eagle River, a small community just outside Anchorage, Alaska. At the time, as many young people do, I had very little perspective on what made the place I called home so special. So when I was young and full of that artificial sense of independence, I declared my intent to leave without realizing once I did, I would also come to appreciate the place I had left.

Anchorage is an awesome destination, and one I always recommend spending time in during your Alaska itinerary. Ignore the locals who call it “Los Anchorage” – the only similarity it has to cities in the Lower 48 is that it’s big. The largest city in Alaska is truly unique, and there are incredible things to do in Anchorage to justify spending at least a day here during your Alaska trip.

As you plan that trip, you might wonder what those “things to do” are – and this post will help. This list is by no means exhaustive; there are dozens of other cool experiences in the Anchorage area and every local has their own list to recommend. But as you’re here with me, this is my list of the best things to do in Anchorage. In particular, it is tailored to those visiting during the summer months of late May through mid-September. If you’re visiting in the autumn, winter, or spring, I have a separate list of Anchorage activities for the snowy time of year.

Ready to discover all Anchorage has to offer? Read on and take notes – you won’t be able to squeeze all of this into your Alaska itinerary, but you can definitely make time for several!

In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Ełnena people. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

1. Explore Historic 4th Avenue

One of the best ways to get oriented once you arrive in Anchorage is to walk around a bit – and there’s one important street I recommend strolling to help with that: 4th Avenue. (For starters, Anchorage is a super easy-to-navigate grid system where east-west roads are numbered avenues and north-south roads are lettered streets. So 4th avenue is an east-west street running through downtown Anchorage, which most Alaskans just call “Downtown.”)

The history of 4th Avenue dates back to the earliest years of Anchorage – which was only about 100 years ago! Back then, it was the main street in town, so many important buildings were/are located here. One main one is the closed 4th Avenue Theater, which dates back to the post-war era. Here you can also find a log cabin that serves as the Anchorage Visitor Information Center, and a number of gift shops – both kitschy and more authentic.

If you’re visiting Anchorage in the winter months, 4th Avenue is also where most Fur Rendezvous activities take place – and where the ceremonial start of the Iditarod occurs.

2. Visit the Anchorage Museum

For a long time, I didn’t consider myself a museum person; then I realized I just hadn’t visited enough cool museums! The Anchorage Museum is one of my most-recommended things to do in Anchorage because it really is worth your time – you can easily spend a half-day here moving through the galleries of traditional and modern art, learning about Alaskan art and history, and even trying your hand at some scientific exhibits in the Discovery Center (which was called the Imaginarium when I was a kid).

By far the best parts of the Anchorage Museum are the exhibits on Alaska history and Native Alaskan culture. In partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, there’s an awesome Arctic Studies Center Exhibition that takes you through each of the major Native Alaskan groups with videos, artifacts, and much, much more. This is necessary education if you know nothing about Alaska Native culture and want to learn more during your visit (which I advocate and you should definitely do!).

3. Ride the Anchorage Trolley Tour

For a quick orientation and history lesson about Anchorage’s unique history, the Anchorage Trolley tour is a must-do. This short one-hour tour costs $20 per person but packs a ton in: you’ll drive through downtown Anchorage, see the Alaska Railroad Depot, visit Earthquake Park, roll around Lake Hood, and even pass Star the Reindeer (#4 on this list) – making it a two-for-one activity.

Yes, it’s quite touristy and not for those who are averse to such experiences – but I quite enjoyed it during my visit during summer 2021 since it does give a great introduction to the city. I recommend doing this toward the start of your time in Anchorage if it sounds of interest.

4. Visit Star the Reindeer, Anchorage’s Mascot

As mentioned, there’s a reindeer named Star in town, and she’s Anchorage’s mascot! Actually, this is not the first Star ever (even though reindeer live up to 20 years in captivity), but still, her name is Star and she lives at the corner of “I & 10th” (that’s I Street and 10th Avenue).

Sometimes Star makes appearances at local events, but if you want to see her for sure, you’ll need to make the walk down to her large pen and say hi there. Unfortunately, there’s no way to pet or feed her (just to manage expectations now).

5. Take a Food or Drink Tour

I’ll be honest: there’s a huge market opportunity here as – as far as I can tell – there is no official food tour in Anchorage – and only one brewery tour.

I found this Facebook page for a culinary tour in Anchorage, but am not sure they’re still in business; you might try calling them if you’re keen to confirm whether they offer tours in summer 2022 or later.

As for brewery tours, Big Swig Tours is your go-to for trying the many awesome craft breweries around Anchorage; their tour makes four stops and keeps the good stuff flowing throughout.

You could also make your own food or drink tour! I’ve provided some recommendations on where to eat and drink in Anchorage at the end of this post; if you try them all, you could count it as a DIY food tour in Anchorage.

6. Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Though I haven’t really covered it yet, it’s undoubtedly the case that many people come to Alaska to experience adventures and go outdoors. Within a city like Anchorage – which has amazing access to those natural spaces – there are also some “light” adventure opportunities.

One such way is by renting a bike to ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. I recommend grabbing a bike from Pablo’s Bicycles (who Mr. V and I rented from) and setting off along the 11-mile out-and-back trail that runs along the edge of Cook Inlet (the main body of water near Anchorage). Keep in mind it’s 11 miles one way – so a 20+ mile ride, if you do the whole thing all the way to Kincaid Park at the far end (and then back).

7. Go Fishing at Ship Creek

Many people come to Alaska to fish, and while I don’t have a ton of resources about that on this site, I did want to mention one easy spot for fishing during your Alaska trip. In fact, it’s so easy, it’s right in town while visiting Anchorage!

Ship Creek is a tidal drainage that runs into Cook Inlet just north of the Alaska Railroad Depot on the edge of downtown Anchorage; each year it sees several salmon runs and can be a fun spot to try your luck. If you’re not traveling with your own fishing gear, check out The Bait Shack, which offers gear rental – including waders to keep you dry and clean from the silty mud of the riverbanks – and a fishing license to make it all legal if catch anything.

8. Hike Flattop (or in Chugach State Park)

Another popular reason people visit Alaska and Anchorage is to go hiking, and there’s a semi-urban hike on the edge of South Anchorage that I always recommend. It’s called Flattop and gives awesome views of the Anchorage area all the way to the Alaska Range and Denali on a clear day. Flattop trail sits on the edge of Chugach State Park, which is a huge area with lots of trails to explore; several different trails set out from the same trailhead parking area as Flattop.

As for the trail itself, it’s a 3.3-mile out-and-back with loop options and serious elevation gain (1,430 ft). If you’re not up for that much and want to skip all the switchbacks on the second half of the trail, you can do a shorter version up to the first saddle and back. (I forgot to start my Apple Watch on this hike but Alltrails says that should be about 0.7 miles each way.)

There are some other great hikes in the Anchorage area and the rest of Alaska too if you like hiking and want to do that during your trip!

9. Spot Wildlife at Potter Marsh

Wildlife is another huge draw for Alaska, but I always think it’s funny when people ask where you can see the moose, bears, etc. I mean, I don’t know – it’s wild life! They go where they want, ya know?!

One of the popular places you can usually spot some wildlife is Potter Marsh on the south end of Anchorage (though admittedly this is less common than when I was growing up in Anchorage since there’s been a lot of development in this area). This marshland is a favorite for moose, and you’ll also spot other animals like eagles, geese, and other birds.

Best of all, the trail out into Potter Marsh is an elevated boardwalk with railings; it’s an easy walk for those with mobility problems or with kids who need to get out and stretch their legs.

10. Visit the Anchorage Market

The Anchorage Market used to be one of the top things to do in Anchorage that I recommended. In the past few years, they had to relocate from downtown Anchorage to the Dimond Center in South Anchorage and it’s definitely dropped down my ‘must-do’ list.

First of all, the location is much less convenient – you’ll need a rental car to visit or be very savvy with public bus systems (this is how I got there on my visit in Summer 2021). Second, the move has greatly shrunk the market; it used to be several rows of stalls and at least a hundred vendors but is now just a few rows and a few dozen vendors. (Note: during my visit, it was even less due to the simultaneous Alaska State Fair… which shows that the market has become less important to vendors since it just doesn’t receive as many visitors!)

Still, I think it’s worth visiting if the Market is happening during your trip – it’s a great way to stock up on authentic Alaska-made souvenirs and have a great lunch.

11. Learn at the Alaska Native Heritage Center

As I mentioned earlier, I believe one of the most important things to do in Anchorage is to learn about Alaska Native culture. Anchorage is built on Dena’ina Ełnena land (as mentioned at the top of this post), and should be respected as such. One of the best ways to show that respect is by first acknowledging the land is Indigenous land, and then by educating yourself about the people whose land it is.

The best way to do this is by visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center. You’ll need a car to visit or use their complimentary shuttle (which will be offered again in 2022). At the ANHC, you can explore indoor exhibits to learn about the different major Alaska Native groups, and then take a stroll around Lake Tiulana which has a nicely maintained trail connecting different “villages” that give you a sense of what life was/is like for Native Alaskans.

Seriously, this is a must-visit if you have the time – it’s an immersive way to learn about, financially support, and honor Alaska Native culture during your visit.

12. Soar to the Alaska Aviation Museum

Alaska has a unique history in aviation – many pioneers in the field have called Alaska home and accomplished incredible feats in the skies above The Last Frontier. For those who find aviation history fascinating, a visit to Lake Hood (the world’s largest and busiest floatplane base) and the Alaska Aviation Museum.

The museum is comprised of four hangers containing historic planes and artifacts – while that might not sound like much, we all know that for the AvGeeks out there, that can take quite a while to explore! You’ll need a rental car to reach the museum as it’s all the way out near the airport, and then give yourself a few hours to enjoy if you decide to plan a visit here.

13. Take a Historic Anchorage Ghost Tour

For those who prefer to learn with a bit of entertainment involved, there’s no better way to learn about Anchorage (and Alaska) history than with Ghost Tours of Anchorage. I’m sad to report that I have not done this yet as I was feeling very ill on the night I planned to take this tour – it’s still on my list, maybe for summer 2022!

In any case, this 90-minute tour occurs every night of the week except Mondays at 7:30pm. It’s just $15 for the tour, which is a great price for Alaska! During the tour, you’ll learn about the “history and mystery” of Anchorage and may – if you are particularly suggestible – come away with a sense of the paranormal parts of the city too.

14. Explore the Greater Anchorage Area

While most people think of Anchorage as the main city they see when flying into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage is actually huge. Its borders stretch some 50 miles down the Seward Highway and another 30 odd miles up the Glenn Highway; it also encompasses almost all of Chugach State Park and part of Chugach National Forest (and its associated ice field).

All this to say – just like Alaska, Anchorage is big. And that means there’s lots to do beyond the city. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Anchorage beyond urban exploration and outdoor adventures within sight of downtown Anchorage.

15. Explore Funky Girdwood

45 minutes south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway, Girdwood is a destination unto itself. This ski-bum town is primarily oriented around the Alyeska Resort and skiing on Alyeska Mountain during the winter months; during the summer there’s plenty to do too.

One big attraction is the Girdwood Forest Fair, which takes place every July. With the tagline “No Dogs ~ No Politics ~ No Religious Orders,” you get the sense that they’ve got strong opinions about things in Girdwood – but people love the event, both locals and visitors alike.

There are also some great hiking trails in the area (Crow Creek Pass, Iditarod Trail, Virgin Falls) and fantastic food and drink (Jack Sprat is a must-must-must eat, The Double Musky is where my parents used to celebrate anniversaries, and Girdwood Brewing Company has a very cool vibe).

Girdwood is easily worth a day trip from Anchorage – or an overnight if you have the time in your Alaska itinerary.

16. Visit the Eagle River Nature Center

I grew up in the small community of Eagle River, about 10 miles north of downtown Anchorage along the Glenn Highway. As such, I have a soft spot for the area and love recommending the main tourist attraction in town – the Eagle River Nature Center.

Admittedly, the ERNC is not “in” town; it’s a 13-mile drive to the end of Eagle River Road, back in the valley that Eagle River sits at the mouth of. Geography aside, it’s a beautiful spot that feels more than the miles away from civilization that it is. There are some great, easy hiking trails and incredible scenery even from the Nature Center itself.

16. Hike, Bike, or Kayak at Eklutna

For a more heart-pumping activity, Eklutna Glacier is a great day trip from downtown Anchorage too. The lake at the front of this glacier is about an hour’s drive from Anchorage, up into another mountainous valley of the Chugach mountains.

Once there, you can either set out on foot, rent a bike, or rent a kayak to explore the area of Eklutna Lake and – time permitting – make your way toward the face of Eklutna Glacier. The glacier itself is not visible from the parking area – nor from any part of the trial or lake due to how much the glacier has receded.

It is however still a beautiful way to get outdoors and spend time near a (relatively) easy-to-access glacial alpine lake.

18. Raft or Kayak at Spencer Glacier

Full transparency: here’s one of those things to do in Anchorage that I’ve actually never done. I’ve heard great things about it and my friend Nicole (a fellow Alaskan who graduated from high school with me!) has a great guide to taking the Whistle Stop train to Spencer Glacier.

In short, you’ll need to pre-arrange a number of details: the Alaska Railroad to and from Spencer Glacier, and the gear rental once you arrive. You can also spend the day hiking near the Glacier instead if you’re not certain about getting on the lake so close to a glacier.

As I said though, I’ve never done this – it’s still on my personal bucket list – but Nicole’s guide covers all the details if this sounds intriguing.

19. See Wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Seeing wildlife is important to many Alaska travelers; Denali’s Big Five are awesome to behold but not commonly seen in a single trip. (I’ve only ever had two trips to Denali National Park where I saw all five in a single day.)

If you’d like to improve your odds, rent a car and drive down to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, located south of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. This facility takes in animals that might otherwise not survive in the wild and gives them care and a safe environment to live. You can see moose, caribou, bears, wolves, and many more animals from a safe distance. (The final Big 5 animal, Dall Sheep, are often spotted on the rocky cliffs along the Seward Highway so keep your eyes peeled for them while driving to and from AWCC.)

20. Take a Day Cruise in Seward, Whittier, or Portage

Here I’m coloring outside the lines, as both Seward and Whittier are definitely not within the Anchorage area – but Portage is! And in any case, if you want to take a cruise to see whales or glaciers, there’s nowhere quite like these places.

Whittier gives you access to Prince William Sound and is great for glacier tours; the 26 Glacier Cruise is a must-do for anyone who’s got glaciers on their Alaska bucket list. From Seward, you can take a whale-watching (and glacier) tour on Major Marine Tours in Kenai Fjords National Park (there are other cruise operators too). And then there’s Portage, which is the least developed and offers one short glacier cruise to see Portage Glacier – which is just out of sight from the parking area.

Any or all of these are a fantastic way to spend part of a day exploring the Greater Anchorage area.

21. Hop on the Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad is unique among railroads in the U.S., which is part of what inspires so many people to travel on it each year. It is a state-owned-and-operated system with only one track and route connecting Seward in the south to Fairbanks in the north (some 400 miles apart).

And to be fair, riding the Alaska Railroad anywhere will take you outside of Anchorage – unless you only ride as far as Girdwood, which is technically still within Anchorage.

In any case, if you have the time and budget, taking a ride on the Alaska Railroad is a great thing to do from Anchorage; popular day destinations include Girdwood, Spencer Glacier, and Whittier, or you can plan an overnight trip to Seward, Wasilla, Talkeetna, or Denali.

22. Take a Bear-Watching Flightseeing Tour

Okay this is another stretch as it definitely takes you outside of Anchorage, but I’d be remiss if I skipped over the fact that you can fly from Anchorage to places like Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park to see bears.

My favorite operator is Rust’s Flying Service (they also operate K2 Aviation out of Talkeetna), and they offer bear-viewing flightseeing tours throughout the summer months. I’m really hoping to do one of these tours myself someday soon but haven’t been able to make it work in my itineraries lately!

23. Explore the Mat-Su Valley

While it’s not technically within the “Municipality of Anchorage,” the Mat-Su is a fabulous area to explore that’s relatively close to Anchorage – and that’s saying something since you know how big Alaska is!

(Alaska doesn’t have “counties,” instead there are “municipalities” (like Anchorage) and “boroughs” (like the “Matanuska-Susitna” aka Mat-Su area.)

Within the Mat-Su, there are some must-do activities if you decide to rent a car and make your way out there. Here are some of my favorites.

24. Hike on Matanuska Glacier

Seeing glaciers is one of the top reasons people visit Alaska – and getting the chance to hike on a glacier is even more exciting. Many of my favorite glaciers to see, like Exit Glacier in Seward, Portage Glacier near Whittier, or Eklutna Glacier, don’t afford this opportunity – but Matanuska Glacier north of Palmer does.

Palmer is about an hour’s drive from Anchorage; the drive to the face of Matanuska Glacier is another hour beyond that along the Glenn Highway (Route 1) toward Glennallen. You’ll start to see the Glacier as you approach it – but to visit you’ll actually need to go on a guided tour. This is a change from when I grew up, when people were able to walk right out onto the glacier – but it’s due to the fact that the land between the highway and glacier is private property. The owners have tightened access to their land and now require everyone to be on a tour to visit.

Some of the main tour companies that offer Matanuska Glacier tours are Glacier Tours, MICA Guides, and Nova Alaska. I’m planning to go hiking with either MICA or Nova on my upcoming trip in summer 2022.

25. Go Hiking at Hatcher Pass

Another popular activity in the Mat-Su area is to visit (or drive) Hatcher Pass. This mountain pass connects Palmer and Willow – though it’s definitely faster to use the highway system if you’re actually just trying to travel between them.

If instead, you’re looking for an incredibly scenic drive with plenty of hiking opportunities and a sprinkle of history thrown in, Hatcher Pass is the place to go. You can drive up the Fishhook-Willow Road from Palmer to Independence Mine State Historical Park. There you can learn all about mining history in Alaska and see some incredible ruins of old mining buildings both on the valley floor and high on the mountain slopes and peaks above.

There are some cool hikes in this mountainous area; popular ones include the easy Independence Mine Trail (2 miles, relatively flat), April Bowl (2 miles as either an out-and-back or loop over Hatch Peak), or Marmot Mountain (2.6 miles with almost 2,000 feet in elevation).

26. Visit the Muskox Farm in Palmer

For a less intense outdoor activity, or one that’s family-friendly, look into visiting The Musk Ox Farm in Palmer. Musk Ox are a fascinating, prehistoric-looking animal that is capable of surviving in the harsh Alaskan winter – specifically in the Arctic.

Unfortunately, musk oxen were not well managed as a species and were wiped out of Alaska completely around the turn of the 20th century. They have been reintroduced into the wild in certain parts of the state, and farms like this one help keep the species alive in Alaska. Be warned though – these guys can be smelly during the summer months!

Musk oxen also produce an incredible under-layer of their wool coats called qiviut, which makes for a great souvenir (though not a cheap one!).

27. Take an ATV Tour at Knik Glacier

Finally, if you want more adventure than I’ve mentioned thus far, look into taking an ATV tour out at Knik Glacier (pronounced kuh-nick). A number of operators offer Anchorage pick-up and drop-off for this tour; the most popular by far is 49th State Motor Tours.

On this tour, you’ll spend 6-7 hours traversing a variety of Alaskan environments: wooded forest, sand dunes, dried riverbeds, meadows, and a glacial lake as you enjoy views of Knik Glacier and the surrounding Chugach mountains. It’s a scenic and exhilarating way to spend a day.

Where to Dine & Drink in Anchorage

Oh gosh, where to begin when it comes to recommending food and drink spots in Anchorage? There are tons of great options – many I’ve been to and some I still haven’t had the chance to try. Here’s a shortlist of my personal favorites, though any Alaskan you ask will have their own set of recommendations. Yes, I know this list isn’t short – but it is far from a complete list of all the places to enjoy in Anchorage!

• Moose’s Tooth – You’ll need a car to reach Moose’s Tooth, but it’s worth it – and a great add on if you’re visiting anywhere south of Anchorage. during your Alaska trip. This place is known for their pizza and beer, but their root beer is also awesome. Make this your final stop before heading to the airport if you can!
• 49th State Brewing – If you love beer and good food other than pizza, 49th State Brewing is my #1 restaurant recommendation in the downtown Anchorage area. It has awesome views from its location on 3rd Avenue and the food is totally delicious. You really can’t go wrong here.
• Glacier Brewhouse – Another brew-pub, Glacier Brewhouse has more heritage in Alaska – and is a bit less casual. That said, they still have an awesome menu and full range of house-brewed beers on tap.
• The Crow’s Nest – If your Alaska trip marks a special occasion – or if visiting Alaska is the special occasion – treat yourself to a meal at the Crow’s Nest, which sits atop the Captain Cook Hotel in downtown Anchorage. The restaurant boasts 360-degree views of the entire surrounding area, and the food is nice too.
• Fletcher’s – Down on the ground floor of the Captain Cook Hotel, Fletchers is a more casual dining option – but honestly the one I prefer. Their reindeer sausage pizza is awesome and they have several local craft beers on tap.
• Humpy’s Great Alaskan Ale House – Looking for a local watering hole? Humpy’s is the place. This bar has plenty of local beers on tap, delicious bar food, and a distinctive atmosphere. It’s also easy to reach, located on 5th Avenue right in the heart of town.
• Tia’s Reindeer Sausage – There’s one place I always recommend if you’re up for the adventure of trying reindeer sausage during your Alaska trip, and that’s Tia’s. The distinctive yellow umbrella food cart sits on 4th Avenue all summer and their pineapple salsa pairs perfectly with a spicy sausage.
• International House of Hotdogs – If you try Tia’s and are sold on reindeer sausage, the International House of Hotdogs is a must-visit. They have dozens of other reindeer sausages to try, and are right next to Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals – a perfect post-ride snack.
• Snow City Cafe – If you’re looking for the best brunch in town, there’s no competition. It’s Snow City Cafe, which draws a crowd and has lines outside the door literally every day of the summer. It’s totally worth the wait for their hearty, home-style breakfasts.
• Kaladi Brothers Coffee – Alaskans are snobby about coffee, in part because we have so many good choices! The biggest and best in Anchorage is Kaladi Bros., which has several coffee shops around town. The one on 5th Avenue is the easiest for most people to visit while in the Anchorage area.
• Anchorage Pel’meni – I haven’t been to this Pel’meni location, but I have been to the one in Sitka and know Russian-style Pel’meni is a perfect midday snack – or great after wandering out of a bar or taphouse at the end of the night.
• Wild Scoops – Alaskans eat more ice cream per capita than any other state in the U.S. so it’s no surprise we have great ice cream shops. This Anchorage spot serves some delicious flavors, including Fireweed, AK Honeycomb (made with local honey), and Sitka Swirl (made with Pure Alaska Sea Salt).
• Jack Sprat (Girdwood) – Arguably one of my favorite restaurants in Alaska, Jack Sprat blows it out of the water. First of all, Mr. V knows their executive chef from college – which shows how small Alaska is – and then their food and cocktail menus are both amazing. We spent a lot here for an incredible dinner, and even discussed going back the next night (went to the Double Musky instead).
• The Double Musky (Girdwood) – As I mentioned, this was my parents’ favorite place to celebrate anniversaries and other occasions (despite being an hour drive each way from Eagle River!). This Cajun-Creole Steakhouse is insanely cool on the inside and all of the food is to-die-for.
• Matanuska Brewing (Eagle River) – If you head to Eagle River or Eklutna for a day, be sure to stop off at Matanuska Brewing in downtown Eagle River. This is a great watering hole with awesome burgers and pizzas too. They also have locations in Anchorage and Palmer.

Where to Stay in Anchorage

As you can tell, there are so many things to do in Anchorage that you need at least one night here to sample even a subset of my list. That means you’ll also need a hotel. For hotels, I recommend the following downtown hotels:

• The Hotel Captain Cook is located in the heart of the city and has stunning views from every room. As mentioned, there are also two great restaurants in this property. (From $153/night on Booking.com or Hotels.com)
• The Voyager Inn is a sister property to the Captain Cook, located just across the street. In the summer, it’s typically a more budget-friendly option with the same great location. (From $135/night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com)
• The Hilton Anchorage is another option for those who look to gather points or want a familiar name on the outside of their hotel. (From $134/night on Booking.com or Hotels.com).

For vacation rentals, consider this water view apartment in a great location (from $127/night, also on Booking.com), this apartment right near the Coastal Trail and downtown (from $255/night), and this huge house which is gorgeous and has space for up to two families (from $381/night).

Have any other questions about what to do in Anchorage, Alaska? Let me know in the comments!

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