Discover Anchorage
My Favorite Hiking, Biking and Walking Spots
- A variety of hiking and biking trails in Anchorage and the incredible Chugach Mountain range.
- Highly Recommend Checking out AllTrails.com to find the best hike that suites your style or desired intensity.
- Bears can pose danger on any hike in Alaska. I recommend considering purchasing bear spray and reviewing the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Advice and Recommendations for traveling in Bear Country
My favorite bike path in Anchorage. 11 miles of easy riding stretching from Downtown Anchorage, out to Kincaid Park with endless scenery along the way. One of the most likely spots to see some moose.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Raspberry RoadMy favorite bike path in Anchorage. 11 miles of easy riding stretching from Downtown Anchorage, out to Kincaid Park with endless scenery along the way. One of the most likely spots to see some moose.
By far the most popular mountain hike in all of Anchorage. Easy access and the hike can be done in 1.5-3 hours depending on pace. Can get quite busy during the summer.
I still recommend a drive up to the parking lot if you are not feeling up for the hike. ADA pathways from the parking lot to the overlook are available. The views of Anchorage are some of the best!
Many other hikes of varying difficulty branch off from the Glenn Alps trailhead and parking lot. $5 parking fee. Get there in the morning before the lot fills up and people start parking on the road.
241 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Flattop Mountain
By far the most popular mountain hike in all of Anchorage. Easy access and the hike can be done in 1.5-3 hours depending on pace. Can get quite busy during the summer.
I still recommend a drive up to the parking lot if you are not feeling up for the hike. ADA pathways from the parking lot to the overlook are available. The views of Anchorage are some of the best!
Many other hikes of varying difficulty branch off from the Glenn Alps trailhead and parking lot. $5 parking fee. Get there in the morning before the lot fills up and people start parking on the road.
Same parking lot access as Flattop Mountain, but the crowds will be cut way down when you head out into Powerline Pass.
Little O'Malley Peak is across the Powerline valley from the parking lot. A quicker ascent than Flattop but starts getting you back into more unique country.
Bring binoculars. If you look beyond Little O'Malley Peak to the backside of Wolverine Peak there are Dall Sheep that generally come onto the peaks and grazing meadows during the summer.
Keep hiking up the spine ridges of Little O'Malley to get to Big O'Malley
Little O'Malley Peak
Same parking lot access as Flattop Mountain, but the crowds will be cut way down when you head out into Powerline Pass.
Little O'Malley Peak is across the Powerline valley from the parking lot. A quicker ascent than Flattop but starts getting you back into more unique country.
Bring binoculars. If you look beyond Little O'Malley Peak to the backside of Wolverine Peak there are Dall Sheep that generally come onto the peaks and grazing meadows during the summer.
Keep hiking up the spine ridges of Little O'Malley to get to Big O'Malley
Looking for a long adventurous out and back day hike?
Williwaw Lakes is a perfect trail for that. It's a solid trek back, but it's mostly easy going because the trails sticks low in the valley floor.
Nothing more rewarding than lunch at the lakes.
Williwaw Lakes
Looking for a long adventurous out and back day hike?
Williwaw Lakes is a perfect trail for that. It's a solid trek back, but it's mostly easy going because the trails sticks low in the valley floor.
Nothing more rewarding than lunch at the lakes.
Easy going bike trail that meanders through the heart of Anchorage. Great for simple rides, walking or running.
Stop at the Arctic Road Runner old Alaska family restaurant for some of the best burgers in town and relax in the sun by Campbell Creek
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Campbell Creek Trail
Campbell Creek TrailEasy going bike trail that meanders through the heart of Anchorage. Great for simple rides, walking or running.
Stop at the Arctic Road Runner old Alaska family restaurant for some of the best burgers in town and relax in the sun by Campbell Creek
An awesome short day trip hike out from Anchorage that takes you up directly to the face of Byron Glacier. About an hour drive south of Anchorage to Girdwood and the trail head. Insta-worthy picture opportunites in the ice caves.
The glacier retreats a good amount during the summer but still offers great views.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Byron Glacier Trail Head
1500 Byron Glacier RdAn awesome short day trip hike out from Anchorage that takes you up directly to the face of Byron Glacier. About an hour drive south of Anchorage to Girdwood and the trail head. Insta-worthy picture opportunites in the ice caves.
The glacier retreats a good amount during the summer but still offers great views.
30 minute drive from Anchorage.
Easy 1.8 mile hike back to the stunning views of Thunderbird Falls
80 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thunderbird Falls
25321 Old Glenn Highway30 minute drive from Anchorage.
Easy 1.8 mile hike back to the stunning views of Thunderbird Falls
Want to feel the calves burn? Bird Ridge offers some truly remarkable views of Turnagain Arm, but they don't come easy! Sea Level to 3,400 ft in under 2.5 miles. It is an intense battle against gravity and elevation but so worth the burn.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bird Ridge Trailhead
Bird to Gird PathwayWant to feel the calves burn? Bird Ridge offers some truly remarkable views of Turnagain Arm, but they don't come easy! Sea Level to 3,400 ft in under 2.5 miles. It is an intense battle against gravity and elevation but so worth the burn.
Day excursion north of Anchorage. Pack a lunch and then rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddle board at the lake and go have a picturesque picnic on the lakeshore. Great easy walking trail along the lake edge to take in the views.
75 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eklutna Lake
Day excursion north of Anchorage. Pack a lunch and then rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddle board at the lake and go have a picturesque picnic on the lakeshore. Great easy walking trail along the lake edge to take in the views.
Just a few minute walk from the property. Earthquake Park offers quick access to the Coastal Trail and informational signs all about the 1964 Good Friday 9.2 Magnitude Earthquake (the largest in North America) that lasted 4.5 minutes. This whole area of Anchorage buckled, and much of the land slid into the ocean.
82 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Earthquake Park
5101 Point Woronzof RdJust a few minute walk from the property. Earthquake Park offers quick access to the Coastal Trail and informational signs all about the 1964 Good Friday 9.2 Magnitude Earthquake (the largest in North America) that lasted 4.5 minutes. This whole area of Anchorage buckled, and much of the land slid into the ocean.
Sightseeing
One of the best scenic pullout spots along Turnagain Arm. 25 minute drive from Anchorage. Look up when the incoming tide will be and you might just witness the jaw dropping site of the Turnagain Arm Bore tide - a unique tidal phenomenon only found in a few places in the world. Some wild Alaskans even surf the incoming Bore Tide or ride it on Standup paddle boards.
Dallsheep can frequently be seen on the mountain slopes along the Seward highway
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beluga Point Sight
Seward HighwayOne of the best scenic pullout spots along Turnagain Arm. 25 minute drive from Anchorage. Look up when the incoming tide will be and you might just witness the jaw dropping site of the Turnagain Arm Bore tide - a unique tidal phenomenon only found in a few places in the world. Some wild Alaskans even surf the incoming Bore Tide or ride it on Standup paddle boards.
Dallsheep can frequently be seen on the mountain slopes along the Seward highway
Family friendly park and hangout area. Many activities or gatherings always going on here. Check the local Anchorage even calendar to see if any events are happening. Great spot for an afternoon picnic. Plenty of birdwatching to do.
91 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Westchester Lagoon
Family friendly park and hangout area. Many activities or gatherings always going on here. Check the local Anchorage even calendar to see if any events are happening. Great spot for an afternoon picnic. Plenty of birdwatching to do.
Haven't seen any bears or wildlife yet on your hikes yet? Head down to the Wildlife Conservation Center and get up close to Grizzlies, Bison, caribou, muskox and plenty of other Alaskan critters. They always are hosting informational talks or info about Alaskan conservation
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward HwyHaven't seen any bears or wildlife yet on your hikes yet? Head down to the Wildlife Conservation Center and get up close to Grizzlies, Bison, caribou, muskox and plenty of other Alaskan critters. They always are hosting informational talks or info about Alaskan conservation
Anchorage's very own salmon stream! Rod and tackle available to rent. Slam’n Salm’n Derby June 11-20, 2021. Pick up a free derby ticket before wetting a line for the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
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Ship Creek
302 E Whitney RdAnchorage's very own salmon stream! Rod and tackle available to rent. Slam’n Salm’n Derby June 11-20, 2021. Pick up a free derby ticket before wetting a line for the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
Renowned collection of Alaskan artifacts and loaded with endless Alaskan history. Frequently hosts revolving exhibits. Check their local calendar.
313 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
625 C StRenowned collection of Alaskan artifacts and loaded with endless Alaskan history. Frequently hosts revolving exhibits. Check their local calendar.
A rich cultural experience to learn, understand and honor the indigenous people who have lived in Alaska for thousands of years. Great place to gain a better understanding of Alaska’s history and culture before exploring the rest of the city.
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alaska Native Heritage Center
8800 Heritage Center DrA rich cultural experience to learn, understand and honor the indigenous people who have lived in Alaska for thousands of years. Great place to gain a better understanding of Alaska’s history and culture before exploring the rest of the city.
Bars, Breweries and Good Times
One of my favorite bars with a patio in Anchorage. Sit out in the sun and watch the floatplanes take off and land on Lake Hood. Ask the server about the rotating Alaskan Pilot Series brews.
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Fancy Moose Lounge & Bar
4800 Spenard RdOne of my favorite bars with a patio in Anchorage. Sit out in the sun and watch the floatplanes take off and land on Lake Hood. Ask the server about the rotating Alaskan Pilot Series brews.
6 minute drive from the property. Huge open and airy brewery with a great top deck lounge area. They may start firing up the live music again summer 2021.
Go to brew: Snow Bike White
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Matanuska Brewing Midtown, Anchorage
2830 C St6 minute drive from the property. Huge open and airy brewery with a great top deck lounge area. They may start firing up the live music again summer 2021.
Go to brew: Snow Bike White
The first micro-cidery in Alaska! These guys whip up some delicious, naturally gluten-free hard ciders right here in Anchorage. Never had hard cider before? Give their cider flight a try and you may just discover your new favorite drink.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Double Shovel Cider Company
502 W 58th AveThe first micro-cidery in Alaska! These guys whip up some delicious, naturally gluten-free hard ciders right here in Anchorage. Never had hard cider before? Give their cider flight a try and you may just discover your new favorite drink.
Best atmosphere of any bar in town! The outdoor patio gets bumping at night. Surprisingly delicious bar food as well.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bernie's Bungalow Lounge
626 D StreetBest atmosphere of any bar in town! The outdoor patio gets bumping at night. Surprisingly delicious bar food as well.
Classier bar and lounge attached to the Hotel Captain Cook, but don't overlook it. It turns into a popular pre-game spot to kick off a night downtown.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Whale's Tail
939 W 5th AveClassier bar and lounge attached to the Hotel Captain Cook, but don't overlook it. It turns into a popular pre-game spot to kick off a night downtown.
Some of the best bar food in town. Fish and chips are excellent or the eggs Benedict.
Turns into a happening spot at night with the younger crowds
106 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
F Street Station
325 F StSome of the best bar food in town. Fish and chips are excellent or the eggs Benedict.
Turns into a happening spot at night with the younger crowds
One of the popular dive-style bars in town with the 20-30s crowd. Place get going Thursday-Saturday night
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pioneer Bar
739 W 4th AveOne of the popular dive-style bars in town with the 20-30s crowd. Place get going Thursday-Saturday night
Ahh The Gaslight. Many arrive with great intentions, and then you wake up with pictures of you riding the mechanical bull all over social media wondering what happened. Always a rowdy time on the weekends. I don't recommend sticking around until bar closing Downtown. Things can sometimes get a little sketchy with all of the rowdy partiers flowing out into the streets.
The Gaslight Bar
721 W 4th AveAhh The Gaslight. Many arrive with great intentions, and then you wake up with pictures of you riding the mechanical bull all over social media wondering what happened. Always a rowdy time on the weekends. I don't recommend sticking around until bar closing Downtown. Things can sometimes get a little sketchy with all of the rowdy partiers flowing out into the streets.
Excellent friendly atmosphere with incredible Alaskan seafood. Travel TV hosted Man vs. Food here where the host Adam successfully completed the Kodiak Arrest Challenge, which consists of 3 pounds of king crab legs, 12 ounces of reindeer sausage, seven 2-ounce wild Alaskan salmon cakes, 6 ounces of sour-cream-and-chive mashed potatoes, 6 ounces of assorted sautéed vegetables, and for dessert, mixed berry crisp (served à la mode).
Great back patio as well
118 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse
610 W 6th AveExcellent friendly atmosphere with incredible Alaskan seafood. Travel TV hosted Man vs. Food here where the host Adam successfully completed the Kodiak Arrest Challenge, which consists of 3 pounds of king crab legs, 12 ounces of reindeer sausage, seven 2-ounce wild Alaskan salmon cakes, 6 ounces of sour-cream-and-chive mashed potatoes, 6 ounces of assorted sautéed vegetables, and for dessert, mixed berry crisp (served à la mode).
Great back patio as well
Great classy bar/restaurant with one of the best rooftop patios in town.
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Williwaw Social
609 F StGreat classy bar/restaurant with one of the best rooftop patios in town.
Tastiest Spots Around Town
A trip to Anchorage wouldn't be complete without a cold brew and gourmet slice at the Moose's Tooth. In 2017 Moose's Tooth was the highest grossing independent pizza restaurant in the USA! Given Anchorage only has around 300,000 residents, Moose's Tooth is clearly doing something right.
Incredible selection of their famous brews. Treat the youngins to one of their homemade rootbeers or cream sodas.
Go to starter: Diablo Bread Sticks and the Chugach Session Ale
Pro-tip: Get the 4 Sampler Flight and then take home a growler for around $10.
Plan ahead because they are ALWAYS packed.
347 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward HwyA trip to Anchorage wouldn't be complete without a cold brew and gourmet slice at the Moose's Tooth. In 2017 Moose's Tooth was the highest grossing independent pizza restaurant in the USA! Given Anchorage only has around 300,000 residents, Moose's Tooth is clearly doing something right.
Incredible selection of their famous brews. Treat the youngins to one of their homemade rootbeers or cream sodas.
Go to starter: Diablo Bread Sticks and the Chugach Session Ale
Pro-tip: Get the 4 Sampler Flight and then take home a growler for around $10.
Plan ahead because they are ALWAYS packed.
One of the most happening restaurants/brewing companies downtown. Delicious food, great brews, and epic views of Cook Inlet. What more do you need!
Call ahead because they are always busy.
191 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
49th State Brewing Co - Anchorage
717 W 3rd AveOne of the most happening restaurants/brewing companies downtown. Delicious food, great brews, and epic views of Cook Inlet. What more do you need!
Call ahead because they are always busy.
Hip, trendy and delicious. (And just down the road from the property)
Great selection of craft brews. And an eclectic menu of revamped classics. Try the Bison Sliders!
124 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rustic Goat
2800 Turnagain StHip, trendy and delicious. (And just down the road from the property)
Great selection of craft brews. And an eclectic menu of revamped classics. Try the Bison Sliders!
Fancying an upscale cocktail with a jaw-dropping view? Head to the Hotel Captain Cook and take the elevator all the way up! Food is absolutely top-notch but definitely expect the pricy side. Fun spot to just grab an appetizer and drink and take in the views of Anchorage.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Crow's Nest
939 W 5th AveFancying an upscale cocktail with a jaw-dropping view? Head to the Hotel Captain Cook and take the elevator all the way up! Food is absolutely top-notch but definitely expect the pricy side. Fun spot to just grab an appetizer and drink and take in the views of Anchorage.
I always seem to end up here for the occasions worth celebrating. The Glacier Brewhouse never disappoints.
Some of the best Alaskan seafood and dining in town. They have the best Calamari appetizer I have found yet and any of their halibut dishes are 5 stars.
Also have an amazing selection of their in house beers. Give the Imperial Blonde a try. You'll be feeling great real quick because it's a 9% brew.
211 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Glacier Brewhouse
737 W 5th AveI always seem to end up here for the occasions worth celebrating. The Glacier Brewhouse never disappoints.
Some of the best Alaskan seafood and dining in town. They have the best Calamari appetizer I have found yet and any of their halibut dishes are 5 stars.
Also have an amazing selection of their in house beers. Give the Imperial Blonde a try. You'll be feeling great real quick because it's a 9% brew.
Sure New York claims they have the best hotdog stands, but in Alaska, a quick food cart bite includes a delicious reindeer hotdog (sorry Rudolph) Take a break from exploring downtown and pop over to Red Umbrella Reindeer cart in front of City Hall for a cheap bite and variety of hotdog favorites
Red Umbrella Reindeer
Sure New York claims they have the best hotdog stands, but in Alaska, a quick food cart bite includes a delicious reindeer hotdog (sorry Rudolph) Take a break from exploring downtown and pop over to Red Umbrella Reindeer cart in front of City Hall for a cheap bite and variety of hotdog favorites
Best Mexican style food truck in town! Great menu variety, locally sourced ingredients and offer keto and organic options.
Late night out on the town? Refuel in the morning with their breakfast burrito.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Green-Go's
390 L StreetBest Mexican style food truck in town! Great menu variety, locally sourced ingredients and offer keto and organic options.
Late night out on the town? Refuel in the morning with their breakfast burrito.
Anchorage is home to a thriving sushi scene. There are plenty to choose from but Sushi and Sushi never fails me.
Favorite rolls: 911 Roll and Chong Roll
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Sushi & Sushi
639 West International Airport RoadAnchorage is home to a thriving sushi scene. There are plenty to choose from but Sushi and Sushi never fails me.
Favorite rolls: 911 Roll and Chong Roll
Tons of great Thai and Pho restaurants around town but Pho Lena has to be my favorite.
Can't go wrong with #59 Kaeng Karie (Yellow Curry) or #30 Pho Thin Sliced Beef and Beef Meatball
Great place to order out for pickup and take back to the place.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Phở Lena
3311 Spenard RdTons of great Thai and Pho restaurants around town but Pho Lena has to be my favorite.
Can't go wrong with #59 Kaeng Karie (Yellow Curry) or #30 Pho Thin Sliced Beef and Beef Meatball
Great place to order out for pickup and take back to the place.
The most classic old time Alaskan burger joint. Many childhood memories here grabbing a milkshake and a burger and soaking up the sun by Campbell Creek.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arctic Roadrunner
5300 Old Seward HwyThe most classic old time Alaskan burger joint. Many childhood memories here grabbing a milkshake and a burger and soaking up the sun by Campbell Creek.
Alaska is the proud home to a large community of Pacific Islanders and Hula Hands shines through by bringing the best food of the Islands to Anchorage.
Give the Waena (regular) Combo a try.
Super generous with their portions
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hula Hands Restaurant
501 W Fireweed LnAlaska is the proud home to a large community of Pacific Islanders and Hula Hands shines through by bringing the best food of the Islands to Anchorage.
Give the Waena (regular) Combo a try.
Super generous with their portions
In my opinion, the most iconic and unforgettable dining experiences in all of Alaska. World class food that you take a tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska to get to. 47 minute drive from Anchorage to Girdwood, but well worth the trip. Highly awarded restaurant and wine selection.
Tram costs: $18-25 depending on age. The restaurant is expensive, but truly 5 stars.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seven Glaciers Restaurant
1000 Arlberg AveIn my opinion, the most iconic and unforgettable dining experiences in all of Alaska. World class food that you take a tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska to get to. 47 minute drive from Anchorage to Girdwood, but well worth the trip. Highly awarded restaurant and wine selection.
Tram costs: $18-25 depending on age. The restaurant is expensive, but truly 5 stars.