Anchorage is a quirky city filled with plenty of great restaurants and breweries. However, it often gets overlooked for other Alaskan destinations like an Alaska cruise, Denali National Park, or the Kenai Peninsula. Since Anchorage Airport is the major international airport in Alaska, most trips to Alaska usually involve a stop in Anchorage so if you’re headed to Alaska, you’ll most likely head through Anchorage. Whether you’re about to board an Alaska cruise, disembarking from an Alaska cruise, or just spending a long weekend in Anchorage Alaska, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Anchorage Alaska.
What to do in Anchorage Alaska
There are plenty of things to do in Anchorage Alaska, especially during the summer months!
Take a hike: Within 30 minutes of Anchorage, there are dozens of beautiful hikes. We recommend heading out with Hike Alaska, a local outfitter that specializes in day hikes as well as overnight hikes around the Anchorage area.
Earthquake Park: For the best views in the city of Anchorage, head to Earthquake park, located near Anchorage Airport. On a clear day, you can see Denali!
Ship Creek: Walk down to Ship Creek overlook park and try your hand at salmon fishing or just enjoy watching the local pros reel them in!
CrossFit Alaska: We always love dropping into CrossFit classes while we’re in new destinations and CrossFit Alaska is where it’s at! Head to CrossFit Alaska for a kick-butt workout. Who knows, they might even include a “bear complex” while you’re there. Hehe….get it?!
Anchorage Restaurants
One of our favorite things to do in Anchorage was indulging in the delicious Anchorage restaurants. When it comes to places to eat in Anchorage, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from.
Glacier Brewhouse: While this local favorite is unassuming from the exterior, it is always going OFF inside! We loved their beers (especially the IPA & Berliner Weiss), their fresh halibut, and king salmon salad.
Simon & Seafort’s: Simon & Seafort’s is an elegant Anchorage restaurant with the best sunset view in the city (if the sun were to ever set!). This Anchorage restaurant is known as one of the best seafood restaurants in the state of Alaska, but honestly – we thought it was overrated! You can get delicious seafood just about anywhere in Alaska and this establishment seemed a little dated and overpriced, albeit it is iconic in Anchorage.
Snow City Café: If you’re a breakfast lover, then Snow City café should definitely be on your list. If you’re in Anchorage on a weekend, definitely head to Snow City for their brunch!
Anchorage Coffee
Kaladi Brothers Coffee: While there are other coffee places in Anchorage, Kaladi Brothers Coffee takes the cake. Kaladi Brothers has been around since 1986 (hey, a good year!), and now is a coffee chain all around Alaska and it has even made its way down to Seattle. We highly recommend ordering the Breve!
Anchorage Breweries
49th State Brewing: 49th State Brewing is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon in Anchorage. In addition to their delicious beers and bar food (try the halibut of course!), it has a beautiful rooftop bar and restaurant with great views of Anchorage.
Anchorage Brewing: Located south of downtown Anchorage, Anchorage Brewing has some of our favorite beers in the U.S.! They have a little fire pit outside, charcuterie boards, and delicious brews!
Blue Central at Williwaw: We didn’t get to visit this speakeasy in Anchorage, but we were told by multiple locals that Blue Central was a really great spot to get a cocktail in Anchorage.
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