Options for a day in Anchorage

Question

We will have 2 nights in Anchorage in early June and would like suggestions on how to spend the one full day we have there before we head to Seaward for a cruise. Is it worth hiring a car for the day or is there enough to keep us entertained in Anchorage? We are fit and active 60 year olds.

Thanks

Answer

Anchorage offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty, so for one full day, you can enjoy both without necessarily hiring a car, though a rental can give you flexibility if you want to venture further outside the city.

If you stay within Anchorage, you can see the main highlights on foot or via short taxi/ride-share trips. Key activities include:

Alaska Native Heritage Center: Offers cultural exhibits, traditional dances, and hands-on experiences. It provides a great overview of Alaskan native history and is easily accessible with a short drive.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: A beautiful paved trail for walking, biking, or even renting a scooter. You’ll get excellent views of the coastline, mountains, and possibly wildlife such as eagles or moose.
Anchorage Museum: Combines Alaskan history, art, and science. A great indoor option in case of rain.
Downtown Anchorage: Stroll around 4th Avenue and Town Square for shops, cafés, and local markets. You can also explore local murals and art installations.
Wildlife viewing: Kincaid Park or the coastal areas may offer sightings of moose, foxes, and various bird species without leaving the city.

If you rent a car, you can expand your day to include scenic drives and short hikes outside the city:

Flattop Mountain Trail: A popular moderate hike with panoramic views of Anchorage and surrounding ranges.
Chugach State Park: Multiple trailheads offer shorter hikes or viewpoints. The Glen Alps area has easy-access trails with great vistas.
Portage Glacier: About 1 hour from Anchorage, you can view the glacier and even take a short boat tour if time allows.
Beluga Point: On the Seward Highway, a scenic pull-off for birdwatching and spotting beluga whales from shore.

Overall, if you prefer a relaxed day mostly in town with cultural and scenic experiences, you can skip renting a car. If you want to include short hikes or scenic drives outside Anchorage, having a car is worth it, especially to access Flattop, Portage, or the Seward Highway viewpoints.

Options for a day in Anchorage

More Anchorage Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions