16 top things to do in Anchorage, Alaska’s biggest city

10.12.2024 - 18:23 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 10, 2024 • 10 min read

Alaska's biggest city, Anchorage, serves up a veritable cornucopia of adventures. Whether your tastes run to fine dining overlooking Cook Inlet or getting your boots muddy on the hiking trails that cross the Chugach Mountains, you'll find your nirvana in America's easternmost state.

Anchorage reveals different sides to its character with the changing seasons, so pack your best flannels and get ready for one wild ride in one of the most surprising cities in the US. Here are 16 of the best ways to enjoy Alaska's only metropolis.

There's only one place to be on one of Alaska's long summer nights – the iconic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Named for a former Alaskan governor, this 11-mile-long paved trail follows the shoreline, providing unparalleled views of downtown Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains, Mt McKinley and Fire Island. It's much chillier in winter, but the views are arguably even more dramatic.

You're likely to run into moose, sandhill cranes, bears and a whole bunch of locals along the way, so be respectful of the environment and don't approach either the wildlife or the treacherous mudflats – both can be very dangerous.

Planning tip: You can traverse the somewhat hilly trail on foot or via e-bike, which can be affordably rented at Pablo's Bicycle Rentals.

Anchorage is quickly becoming a lively hub for craft brewing, but the best of the best remains 49th State Brewing. Located downtown, this three-story pub serves up stunning views of Cook Inlet alongside plates of red king crab, Alaskan king salmon and giant German pretzels, plus some of the best beer you'll ever taste, from blonde beers and pale ales to a smoked lager.

Choose from more than 25 craft beers on tap (try the award-winning Smōk), or order a flight to sample a series of six seasonal brews.

Planning tip: Make reservations in advance, as this hotspot gets very crowded, particularly at weekends. Closing time is 11pm (10pm on Sunday). 

If ever there was an activity that sums up Anchorage's quirky dual personality – equal parts urban and untamed – it's Ship Creek. This is the world's only metropolitan king-salmon fishery, located in the heart of downtown Anchorage.

Fishers from around the world congregate on the river's muddy shores during the second week of June for the Slam'n Salm'n Derby, bagging salmon weighing as much as 40lbs in the hope of taking home the grand prize, valued at over $6000. Before you cast your line, stop by the Bait Shack to purchase a fishing license, rent gear and get tips from the locals.

The Chugach Mountains are beckoning, and we recommend you heed their call. Visible from anywhere in Anchorage, these rugged peaks are full of hiking trails waiting to be explored. Most visitors opt to scale