With over 40% of the state's population or around 300,000 people, The Anchorage metro area is the largest city in Alaska. Surrounded by sprawling mountain ranges, a long coastline, and towering glaciers, the city is where exciting urban life meets natural grandiosity. Anchorage is also the gateway to unique adventures and iconic Alaskan experiences. 

Here are the top reasons Anchorage should be part of your Alaska itinerary! 

One of The Most Accessible Places in Alaska

Starting your unforgettable Alaskan adventure in Anchorage makes sense if you fly to Alaska from the lower 48 or another country. The Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport provides direct flights to all major US hubs and destinations across the state. Road, rail, and air ties offer quick connections to Katmai, Denali National Park, and Kenai Fjords, among other must-see parks. 

The Famous Alaska Wildlife

 

Anchorage is one of the only big cities where you'll encounter moose meandering along city bike paths, American Robin, Northern Wheater, and other migratory birds flock to Potter Marsh, and black bears wander around local parks and berry patches. You will never need to travel far to spot some majestic wildlife in Anchorage. 

Gateway to the Glaciers

Surrounded by ancient rivers, there are 50+ glaciers within 60 miles of Anchorage. These majestic formations are sometimes a short hike, drive, or flightseeing tour away. 

You can spend your morning exploring the dozens of glaciers on Prince William Sound by taking a day cruise from Whitter (1.5 hours drive South of Anchorage). Once at Whitter, you can also take a boat to admire the 10-story tall Portage Glacier. You could also continue for about 2 hours on the Seward Highway south from Whittier to visit the Exit Glacier. 

Other local glaciers located less than 2 hours away include the Eklutna and Matanuska Glaciers. 

To get to the Eklutna Glacier, from Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway (which is part of Alaska Route 1) north towards Glennallen and exit on the Eklutna exit; from there, drive to the Eklutna Campground, then head to the lake by foot.

The Matanuska Glacier is located 93 miles from Anchorage, and you can reach it by taking the Glenn Highway towards Glennallen and exiting at Mile 102.  

Miles and Miles of Open Spaces

Visiting Anchorage is a must if you enjoy fishing, hiking, climbing, or other outdoor activities. With dozens of trails and bordered by hundreds of thousands of acres of wild parklands, Anchorage is an outdoors person's paradise. Located 7 miles outside the city, Chugach State Park is one of the four largest parks in the USA! Where else can you fill your lungs with clear mountain air and return to the hustle and bustle of the city by dinner time? To get the full experience, we recommend you book a guided day tour when visiting Chugach State Park. 

Gateway to Denali and Seward 

If you are already in Anchorage, you should visit Denali National Park and Preserve. This national park is 240 miles north of Anchorage, and the drive usually takes about 4 hours. If driving, set the park's entrance coordinates on your GPS (63.728443, -148.886572) to ensure you don't get lost.

Please visit the NPS website for more information on how to get there. 

A great place to visit if you are in Anchorage is Seward AK, a port city on the Kenai peninsula located 120 miles South of Anchorage. If you visit Seward, we recommend you take a day cruise to the Kenai Fjords National Park where you will see the majestic Exit Glacier. Other activities include dog sledding, kayaking, gold-panning, and more.

Take a look at these 8 Best Day Trips from Anchorage to Experience Alaska's Natural Beauty. 

A Unique Cultural Experience

 

With its Dena'ina Athabascan roots and other Native influences and its unique history and international ties, Anchorage offers an unforgettable cultural experience. Local attractions include the Anchorage Museum- an art, history, ethnography, and science museum that houses a permanent collection focused on Alaska history and art. 

A must-go museum is the Alaska Native Heritage Center. In this interactive museum, you can experience an in-depth look at Alaska Native life by watching live dance performances, listening to traditional stories, and meeting Native Alaskan artisans. 

Anchorage is also home to other museums, including the Alaska Aviation Museum and The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature. The city also hosts a thriving artist community of galleries, restaurants, and cafes. 

From the great outdoors to museums and cultural events, Anchorage has something for everyone, especially in the summer!

To learn more about the must-do activities available in the Anchorage area, click here.