Anchorage, Alaska is a surprising city to visit, and it’s much more than just the hub for starting an AK trip. While you can just have a day or two here, I think a 4 day Anchorage itinerary is great to pair with an Alaska road trip to the National Parks. You can spend time here with the city as a home base for day trips AND you can enjoy Anchorage itself. You’ll love this plan!
If you have any questions about visiting Anchorage or how to plan your time for an Alaska trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We love talking about AK and helping others put together awesome adventures!
Need to Know for Visiting Anchorage
Once you’re here you’ll likely need a rental car. Unless your whole transportation plan in Anchorage consists of guided tours and Ubers, a car is very practical. Downtown Anchorage has great restaurants and quite a bit to do, accessible by foot, but you will indeed want a car to incorporate some of our Anchorage itinerary ideas.
Alaska Native Land Acknowledgement – Honoring the Indigenous People of the Anchorage Area
I think it’s very important to understand the background of any area we travel to. Sometimes that history is beautiful, sometimes it’s ugly or messy, and sometimes it’s both. Alaska was taken from several large groups of people, many of whom were forced to attend Indian Schools to be re-educated. Alaska has a history of segregation between white people and the different tribes who’ve called this land home for tens of thousands of years. This is why it’s important to acknowledge the people and make an effort to learn and travel responsibly.
We acknowledge that the lands we visit or on which we live here are the traditional lands of the Athabascan, Dena’ina, Tanana, Alutiq, Aleut, Yupik, Inupiaq, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian and other Peoples that have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We acknowledge the history and current lives of these people and aim to interact with and visit their ancestral lands respectfully and with gratitude.
When to Visit Anchorage
Being a full size, functioning city with neighborhoods and life, not only tourism to keep it going, you can actually visit Anchorage any time of year. Of course you’ll have the best weather in summer with nice temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the mid 80s F, but late spring and fall are actually my favorite seasons here. I love late spring because the temperatures are warming up and the nature is fully awake, with baby moose all around town and all over everywhere else. Tourism businesses that closed for the winter tend to open in the first week or two of May, so you can enjoy almost everything you can in peak summer.
Fall is my other favorite season in Anchorage, or to do an Alaska road trip. I’m a sucker for fall colors and ANC know how to go from soft greens to flaming orange and yellow better than any other city. Fall in Anchorage is quiet as tourism has calmed down, but it’s also when you can’t visit Denali NP or enjoy a lot of the water activities. That means fall is for HIKING!
Temperatures in the spring and fall tend to be in the 50s and 60s F most days, unless there’s either lingering or early snow. Anchorage is a great place to test out the flexibility of your winter wardrobe.
Getting to Alaska
Flying into Anchorage is actually very easy from the mainland USA or even Hawaii. ANC is the airport code and you’ll find direct flights from lots of cities in the lower 48. There are even a few international flights into ANC:
- Seattle
- Portland
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- Honolulu
- Houston
- Las Vegas
- Minneapolis
- New York (EWR)
- Phoenix
- Salt Lake City
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Frankfurt, Germany
For the most part, you can get here with just one layover from almost everywhere in the USA. The longest USA based travel days start on the east coast at smaller airports like JAX (Jacksonville FL) or PWM (Portalnd ME) where you’ll already have to have a connection to a larger airport to get to the west coast, but even then, you can get direct flights from Dallas or Chicago, making the trip to Anchorage still just a one-stop-shop.
I’ve driven to Alaska several times, and while it’s fun and beyond beautiful, it’s a very long drive and the roads are not always great. Planning a drive from the Lower 48 via the ALCan and/or Cassiar Highways is quite the adventure. You need to be deliberate in your daily drive times, be well versed in simple vehicle maintenance (changing tires), and not get creeped out by never-ending stretches of highway. If this is your plan, you’re best to hit the highways starting in late April or heading south again by early October.
Where to Stay in Anchorage
I’ve had many hotel stays in Anchorage over the years. When I’m here with the intention of exploring the city itself and enjoying the downtown area, I for sure prefer to be within walking distance of most of my Anchorage itinerary items. But it’s a big city and there are lots of options in Midtown and the outskirts of Anchorage too. For downtown stays, my top three picks (and not necessarily in that order) are the Hilton Anchorage, Copper Whale Inn and Highliner Hotel. Each one of these is an easy walk to most downtown activities and all are in a medium price range for the city.
Anchorage is an expensive city when it comes to lodging. Even in the off season you can expect to pay more than $200 per night for a very standard type of hotel. During peak season (summer) it’s not uncommon for a hotel room in downtown or midtown to be $400+ per night. Find the accommodations that are right for both your travel plans AND your budget.
Anchorage Itinerary: 4 Days of Alaskan Fun and Culture
I love making itineraries, and Anchorage is a great city to build one for because it’s the perfect combination of culture within the city and adventure just beyond. As you dig into our Anchorage itinerary remember that you can update it to suit your interests, your travel party’s energy level, and your budget. You can rearrange activities or add more day trips to personalize the fun.
Also, the meal recommendations are totally flexible. I’ve included them because these are restaurants I enjoy, but Anchorage has tons of wonderful food, from salmon to pizza, breweries to the most amazing grilled cheese shop (I love Bread & Brew)
Day 1: Anchorage Cultural Sites and Museums
You might be surprised to see how cultured Anchorage is. Yes, there is a history of Gold Rush moments, the Iditarod and fur trapping, but it’s all that and more now. Anchorage is a hub of Alaskan art and progress. Something I love about being here is seeing the historic elements, including Alaska Native culture, integrated into so much of the city. Whether it’s in museum exhibits or pubic art, after day one of our Anchorage itinerary you’ll really start to understand Alaska.
Anchorage Museums to Visit
Anchorage Museum – Start your trip with a visit to the Anchorage Museum, Alaska’s largest museum. Here, you’ll find exhibits on Alaska Native cultures, natural history, and modern Alaskan art. Be sure to check out the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, which showcases artifacts from Indigenous groups throughout Alaska.
Alaska Native Heritage Center – Head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn more about Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. Outdoor exhibits include life-sized replicas of Native dwellings from different regions, and indoor galleries feature art, storytelling, and dance performances. The ANHC is an awesome place to both ask questions and support local Alaska Natives. If you’re looking to bring home something special from your trip to Anchorage the gallery shop has locally made artisan goods and art.
Anchorage History in Small Bites
Oscar Anderson House Museum – Visit this historical home from 1915 for a glimpse into Anchorage’s early settler history. Located near Elderberry Park, this small museum offers guided tours that tell the story of Anchorage’s development. It’s just a peek into Anchorage’s past, but I love getting context of the places I visit, which is why I recommend it. (seasonally open)
Earthquake Park – Learn about Anchorage’s 1964 earthquake at this park with interpretive displays as you walk the trails. The site offers views of the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet and mountains, and you can watch planes landing at the nearby airport, ANC. If you’re planning on including biking on your Anchorage itinerary, you’ll probably come through Earthquake Park again for that.
Anchorage Small Boat Launch – I know this sounds random, but this small park on the north side of downtown is great for both getting a little history insight into Anchorage AND watching for beluga whales. The Small Boat Launch on Ship Creek has an exhibit about Grandma Olga and this particular part of the city. If you’re here while the salmon are running, you may be lucky enough to see belugas very near the launch. Google Maps link here
Anchorage Itinerary Day 1 Dining Picks
Lunch or Breakfast: Snow City Café: This Anchorage favorite is known for its brunch options and local vibe. Try the stuffed French toast, or opt for the Alaskan benedict made with smoked salmon. Keep in mind that the portions are HUGE. I’ve never been able to eat a whole meal on my own.
Dinner at 49th State Brewing: With its rooftop seating and views of Cook Inlet, this brewery is a perfect spot for dinner. Try local specialties like reindeer meatloaf or fish and chips, paired with Alaskan craft beer. I really like the Elk Burger myself, but you do you.
BREWERY BONUS: since you’ve got a car (I’m hoping) do the ten minute drive to Double Shovel Cider Co this afternoon. It’s a local cidery and they have all kinds of hard ciders on draft. I think Double Shovel is one of the coolest Anchorage brewers, so I always like to send people there.
Day 2: Day Trip to Whittier and Turnagain Arm
After a day of exploring the city, today’s part of the Anchorage itinerary takes you out of town for a day trip to Whittier, AK. This is a day for Alaska wildlife and glaciers! While most days on this trip get to be pretty loosely scheduled today it’s important to pay attention to your time. For your glacier experience you need to go through the Whittier tunnel, which is a one-way tunnel on a schedule, so be sure to stay on task!
Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley
Get up early to grab breakfast to go and then begin your drive to Whittier via Turnagain Arm. Start your day with a scenic drive along the water. Stop at overlooks like Beluga Point for sweeping water and mountain views and wildlife sightings. Watch for belugas in late summer and fall, and on the cliffs next to the highway keep your eyes peeled for Dall sheep. Next, continue to Portage Valley for a short walk to the Portage Glacier Lake and visit the Visitor Center to learn about glaciers and local wildlife.
Have you heard of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel? The tunnel to Whittier is a 2.5-mile single-lane passageway shared by cars and trains, and it opens to traffic in each direction at specific intervals. Plan your arrival accordingly by checking the schedule the day before and BE ON TIME.
All-day or half-day Glacier Cruise
Book a half-day or full day glacier cruise from Whittier to explore the stunning Prince William Sound. Cruises typically visit Blackstone Bay or Surprise Glacier, offering close-up views of calving glaciers and marine life like sea otters, harbor seals, and sometimes whales. Bring layers for comfort on the water. I love glacier cruises and actually prefer to do a longer one because you get to see more wildlife and more glaciers. Do what’s right for your travel party though.
I really love the Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise which is perfect for an all-day sailing and includes College Fjord, and then Lazy Otter Tours does a great half day cruise to Blackstone Bay for wildlife and glaciers with a shore landing. Both are great options.
Most glacier cruises offer lunch onboard (both the we listed do), but if not, try Swiftwater Seafood Café in Whittier after your sailing for fresh seafood with a casual, waterfront setting. Whittier is small but fun to hang out in. Check out our guide to Whittier for more info.
Return Drive Option: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
If the timing is right, on the way back to Anchorage, stop at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage to see rescued Alaskan wildlife, including bears, bison, moose, and more. This is a great stop for wildlife photography and learning about conservation efforts in the area. You’ll see species that are native to this specific part of Alaska as well as a few that live up in the far reaches, like the musk ox.
Anchorage Itinerary Day 2 Dining Suggestions
Breakfast to go is not that easy in Anchorage, but it’s doable. I love Kaladi Brothers Coffee, which is a local chain. They have great coffee and breakfast pastries (and more) to go. Also, Fire Island Rustic Bake Shop at K Street Market is awesome, with sandwiches, pastries and much more. And then there’s always Starbucks.
Dinner at Simon & Seafort’s is kind of an Anchorage staple. It’s been around for a long time and is pretty good. Enjoy views of Cook Inlet and the mountains while dining on fresh seafood and steak at this classic spot. Known for their king crab and halibut dishes, Simon & Seafort’s is ideal for a nice evening after a full day of exploring.
Another great option is Whiskey & Ramen. I’ve now eaten here several times and while the food is really good, the cocktails are some of the best in Anchorage. I like that Whiskey & Ramen has all the trendy and metropolitan markings of a NYC or SF restaurant, but it’s still really low key like the rest of Anchorage.
Day 3: Eklutna Lake and Eklutna Village
Have a mellow morning in Anchorage, walking to find breakfast before you head out for the day. Also, grab all the fixings for a picnic, as where we’re heading there aren’t many food options nearby, especially if you’re doing the Anchorage itinerary in fall or early spring. Just be prepared with good snacks and plenty of water.
Morning at Eklutna Lake
Drive to Eklutna Lake (about 45 minutes) to start the day. A glacier-fed lake with stunning mountain views all around, Eklutna Lake is popular for outdoor activities, and in particular kayaking, and the area is surrounded by trails. This is a part of Chugach State Park, the fourth largest state park in the USA.
Kayaking or hiking at Eklutna Lake are both great options from late spring well into autumn. Rent a kayak (available seasonally) to paddle on the lake, or hike the Twin Peaks Trail for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks. This moderately challenging hike is about 3 miles round trip with a steep incline but has great views. This is bear country, so be alert and if you’re carrying bear spray, know how to properly use it.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake, or visit the nearby Eklutna Lakeside Café for a simple meal if open. Hopefully you brought snacks or a full lunch so that you can take your time up here.
Afternoon of History and Hiking
Make your way back down from the lake to Eklutna Historical Park. This is an easy stop and won’t take a lot of time, but it’s interesting. Visit Eklutna Village to learn about the Dena’ina Athabascan culture at Eklutna Historical Park, whose highlights include St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and brightly painted spirit houses, which honor the blending of Russian Orthodox and Native traditions. It’s for sure a unique place to wander through respectfully.
From here head to Thunderbird Falls, also a part of Chugach State Park. This is an easy hike for the most part, at just over two miles round trip. I love the winding path and views into the gorge below. At the end is a small but pretty waterfall with a viewing platform. It’s a nice finish to the afternoon.
On the drive back to Anchorage, stop off at Mirror Lake (Google Maps link here). This is a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset (if it’s even setting during your Anchorage trip). If you’ve got your own kayak or SUP gear, you can launch here to enjoy the calm, mirror-like waters of the lake. I love it at sunrise too!
Dinner Suggestions for Day 3 on the Anchorage Itinerary
I’ve got two great ideas for a meal tonight since you’re driving back into Anchorage. You could either head to Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria for some of the highest rated pizza in Anchorage, or have dinner at South Restaurant + Coffeehouse. Known for its creative menu and cozy atmosphere, South has Alaskan dishes with a modern twist, from seafood to vegetarian options. The atmosphere is casual but nicer than you might expect, making it a great choice to end your day. Either pick is low-key, but Moose’s Tooth will likely be busier.
Day 4: Hiking and Outdoor Activities Near Anchorage
I know you’ve had a great time thus far with our Anchorage itinerary, so we’ll end out trip with a wonderful day of activities that really highlight the outdoor nature of the city. I’m never bored here and I can’t imagine you will have been either.
Morning Biking on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Begin your day with a big breakfast, so if you didn’t already go to Snow City Cafe for a meal (or just not for breakfast) head there! A few doors down from here you’ll find Alaska Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals. Get an E-bike or mountain bike and head down a block to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This is 11 miles of beautiful, well maintained bike paths with views and wildlife the whole way.
NOTE: there really are a lot of moose in the area, as this trail goes through several parks and the whole area is green space. Watch for moose right after the estuary and then in both Earthquake Park and Kincaid Park.
After you’ve ridden the trail from the north end to the south, do some exploring on foot. Continue your outdoor exploration at Kincaid Park, where you can walk along forested trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy views over the Cook Inlet. This park has numerous trails for all skill levels and is a great spot for nature photography (awesome moose and birdwatching). When you’re done, ride back and return your bikes.
Last Afternoon Around Anchorage
Head to Flattop Mountain in Chugach State Park for Anchorage’s most popular hike. The Flattop Trail is about 3 miles round trip with a steep ascent, offering spectacular views over Anchorage, Cook Inlet, and on clear days, Denali in the distance. The first time I hiked this I thought I was so in shape… It was a hard hike. Worth it, but exhausting if you’re not fit.
After your hiking, come back downtown to wrap up the sights in the city. Spend some time just wandering on foot, checking out the different shops with local art and artisan crafts, Iditarod gear, find yourself a good looking Alaska hat and just have fun. As you wind out the Anchorage itinerary, be sure to pay attention to the many murals and sculptures you’ll see around the city, from totem poles to Balto the sled dog. Anchorage is fun on foot.
Final Day on Dining in Anchorage
As I mentioned, if you haven’t eaten at Snow City Cafe yet, make this your final breakfast spot. You’ll thank me later. For lunch (or breakfast if you want), Middle Way Café in and eclectic café for a healthy meal featuring locally sourced ingredients and vegetarian-friendly options. It’s a great example of Anchorage offering the same sorts of dining as big cities in the Lower 48, including LOTS of gluten-free options.
Someday if it reopens, I would say to enjoy a dining experience at Marx Bros Café, one of Anchorage’s best fine-dining spots, but it may have been a bit too upscale for Anchorage. We’ll see if/how it reopens. But don’t worry, I have two more great spots that I love and I know you will too.
Tequila 61 is a fun, upscale Mexican cantina type restaurant with fancy street tacos and beautiful cocktails. I love it here, and if you don’t want a meal here, just stop in for a beverage, because it’s awesome. The other top pick for a final, and might I say, a very Anchorage meal, is F Street Station. A pilot’s bar and really great kitchen make this a fun last meal in town. It’s the perfect way to round our your Anchorage itinerary.
Bonus Day: Adding a National Park to Anchorage
In the event that you don’t have more of Alaska in your plans for this trip but you really want to add a National Park visit to your Anchorage itinerary, we’ve got some options. While Denali National Park is a bit far to add for just one day when you’re in Anchorage, you do have two other great options: Kenai Fjords National Park or Lake Clark National Park. For Kenai Fjords NP, you’ll need to do the two hour drive down to Seward for a boat tour of the park. It’s an incredible experience for wildlife and glaciers, and even though Whittier was a whole day of this itinerary, I think Kenai Fjords is also worth the time and money.
- Kenai Fjords National Park Tour – 6 hours – includes lunch and some snacks, visits Aialik or Holgate Glacier
- Northwestern Fjord Tour **MY FAVORITE** – 8 hours – includes light breakfast and lunch w/ some snacks, visits Northwestern, Northeastern, Redstone and Southwest Glacier
The other National Park option to add is Lake Clark NP for bear viewing. For this adventure you’ll need to fly via seaplane across Cook Inlet over to the Alaskan Peninsula. Lake Clark is kind of in the relative area of Katmai National Park, so you can just imagine how incredible it is. Flying into the beautiful turquoise lake bowl past Mount Redoubt is amazing, and then the number of bear you see just everywhere… Amazing.
- Book Lake Clark NP w/ Rust’s Flying Service — **Discount: We’ve partnered with Rust’s Flying Service to bring some savings to this amazing experience. Use the code 2TRAVELDADS when booking online or over the phone for a 10% discount!
More Things to do in Anchorage
I think Anchorage is a great city to visit, whether it’s the main area you choose to visit on your Alaska trip or it’s the jumping off point for an epic Alaska road adventure. Anchorage has changed a lot in the last 25 years (I still remember my first visit) and it’s become a city with great dining, interesting things to do within the city, and of course incredible nature just beyond downtown.
A visit to Anchorage needs to include activities like the Alaska Native Heritage Center, visiting Kincaid park for walking and wildlife watching, and enjoying some hiking outside of town. It’s really easy to add activities to your Anchorage visit both down on the Turnagain Arm (Seward Highway) or in Chugach State Park (Eklutna Lake and Thunderbird Falls). If you’re ever bored in Anchorage, you’re not paying attention.
Here are some things to do in Anchorage that can be added to part of your day when you visit, just in case you don’t have lots of time:
- Anchorage Museum
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- rent bikes for the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- watch for beluga whales at the Anchorage Small Boat Launch
- day trip to Eklutna Lake and town site
- day trip to Portage or Whittier for a Prince William Sound adventure
Here are some Anchorage ideas:
Where to Eat in Anchorage
Let’s assume that you’re staying in the downtown area of Anchorage and you’re looking for a great meal. Well, there are lots of choices, but I’ve picked my favorites that are both solid Anchorage standards and are new and awesome.
- Snow City Cafe – breakfast
- K Street Market – bakery, breakfast, lunch and cool shops
- F Street Station – vintage Anchorage with delicious food. And a cheese block.
- 49th State Brewing – busy but really good food and beer
- Tequila 61 – modern and trendy Mexican favorites w/ great cocktails
- Whisky & Ramen – fantastic Asian fusion food and craft cocktails
- Double Shovel Cider Co – not downtown, but it’s worth the visit for awesome ciders
Where to Stay in Anchorage
When you’re looking for a hotel in Anchorage, you’ll see that the city is broken into several areas with hotels mostly being in downtown, midtown and at the airport. If you’re just here for one night, any area will do, but for several days, downtown is the best area to stay because it’s such a walkable city. I enjoy staying in the hub of Anchorage activities because there are lots of things to do, restaurants and easy access to biking routes and the Alaska Railroad. Check out the options below.
I hope you’re excited for a fun visit to do it all on our Anchorage itinerary. Now you can see that it’s much more than just the travel hub for doing everything else in Alaska. If you have any questions or need any more specific recommendations for visiting Anchorage, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others plan awesome Alaska trips!
