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Most cities can’t boast that they are surrounded by some of the most exciting and pristine wilderness on Planet Earth.
But downtown Anchorage is a metropolitan gem lying at the base of the Chugach Mountains in south-central Alaska. The city traces its origins to Russian Orthodox missionaries who established a mission in 1835, with the city’s official founding in 1914.
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, with a metropolitan area population of about 320,000 Alaskans living in or near the city.
While Anchorage is known for the beauty that surrounds it, there are plenty of things to do in downtown Anchorage. It’s home to the University of Alaska, the Museum of History and Art, and the Alaska Heritage Library and Museum, which is known for its large collection of native artifacts and art, and the Alaska Zoo.
Downtown Anchorage also features a bevy of restaurants, nightlife, and fine hotels. If camping Anchorage is your preference, or if you’re looking for RV parks in Anchorage there are several grounds in and nearby Anchorage
As Alaska's largest city, downtown Anchorage has a veritable potpourri of shopping opportunities, with a downtown mall and plenty of gift shops, lots of galleries with local art, and the Oomingmak Anchorage Cooperative. The cooperative features clothing known as Qiviut, made from the musk ox.
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What’s there to do in Anchorage? Look for moose, see and hear glaciers (yes, you can hear them!), and even spend an afternoon watching floatplanes take off and land at Lake Hood, the world's largest seaplane base. And don't forget, Anchorage area fishing is among the best in the world!
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Anchorage is an undiscovered jewel offering a variety of local craft beers, along with plenty of options for eating. Restaurants, whether seafood, sushi, Thai, Italian, or vegan, line the streets, and you haven’t been to Alaska if you haven’t tried the reindeer sausage! There are many choices, you won't go hungry.
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Anchorage has the distinction of being the ceremonial start point of the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Its parks, including Far North Bicentennial Park, features a ski area, miles and miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, and a wildlife area featuring moose and bears. Chugach State Park and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot Alaskan wildlife.
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About 30 miles southeast of Anchorage, walk up and around this 3,510-ft. peak in Chugach State Park
Watch floatplanes take off from the world’s largest seaplane base
Held annually in late February, this event has everything from outhouse races to snowshoe softball.
Check out the marker in Anchorage for the start of the 1,100-mile Last Great Race. Located at Fourth Avenue and D Street.
About 90 miles north of Anchorage, hikers of all ages can explore a real live glacier.
They’re everywhere, but don’t get too close.
See ten-ft. waves traveling at 15 mph. Located 15 miles southeast of Anchorage.
Starting in Anchorage, an 11-mile trail is entirely paved and a great way to check out local flora and fauna.
Starting in Anchorage, Alaska’s beauty rolls by on this scenic route to Denali National Park and Preserve.