Two Days in Anchorage in May

Question

Hi. We are two reasonably active seniors who will be visiting Alaska in May as part of a land-based portion of a cruise tour. We are doing the Deluxe trolley tour the afternoon we arrive. However, we are having trouble deciding whether to take one of the full day tours offered by the cruise company the next day or spend the day wandering around Anchorage as we like to walk. Should we decide to stay in Anchorage for the day (otherwise, apart from the locations from the trolley trip, we will not see the city), do you have any recommendations as to what to see? We will primarily be walking but are open to hopping local buses as we enjoy seeing their routes. Also, any recommendations for food...we like simple, mom and pop places with local food, food trucks or the like. At this point, I do not know what hotel they will have us at so I am open to going to any part of the city. Thanks.

Answer

Anchorage is a surprisingly walkable city with plenty of opportunities to explore local culture, scenic views, and Alaskan cuisine. Since you are reasonably active and enjoy walking, spending your second day wandering Anchorage can be a very rewarding experience, especially in May when daylight is long and the weather is generally mild.

Walking and Sightseeing in Anchorage:

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This is a mostly flat, scenic trail along the coast that offers stunning views of Cook Inlet, the Alaska Range, and local wildlife. You can walk a few miles or the entire 11-mile roundtrip depending on your energy level.
Downtown Anchorage: Explore the downtown area, which has a mix of historic buildings, small shops, and art galleries. Don’t miss Town Square Park and the historic Anchorage Museum area.
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center: A great spot for learning about Alaskan history, culture, and art. Even if you don’t spend the whole day here, a couple of hours are worthwhile.
Ship Creek: You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront where local fishermen often bring in salmon, especially in May, giving a sense of the local life.

Optional Short Excursions:

Local Bus Adventures: Anchorage has a decent bus system, and hopping on a local route can give you a feel for neighborhoods outside of downtown. Consider routes that go toward Westchester Lagoon or University Lake for scenic views.
Earthquake Park: Learn about the 1964 Alaska earthquake while enjoying a short walk along the coastal boardwalk and viewing the tidal flats.

Food Recommendations: Anchorage has a mix of casual eateries and mom-and-pop places offering fresh local ingredients:

Snow City Cafe: A local favorite for breakfast and brunch with hearty portions and Alaskan flair.
Bear Tooth Theatrepub: Unique spot offering craft beers, pizza, and burgers—great if you want a casual evening meal.
Food Trucks: Try local food trucks for a quick bite, often serving fresh seafood or Alaskan specialties like halibut tacos or reindeer sausage.
Middle Way Cafe: Offers fresh and healthy options with vegetarian-friendly choices, perfect for a lighter lunch while exploring.

Decision Guidance: If you enjoy walking and want to get a feel for Anchorage itself, skipping the cruise company’s full-day tour and exploring independently will give you a more personal experience. You can cover the coastal trail, downtown, and a museum at your own pace. Alternatively, if you want to see areas outside Anchorage that require longer travel—like wildlife reserves or nearby glaciers—a full-day organized tour may make sense.

Overall, Anchorage offers a nice blend of urban exploration and scenic walks, and a full day on foot will allow you to see aspects of Alaska that you might miss on a larger organized tour.

Two Days in Anchorage in May

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