20 Amazing Things To Do In Anchorage This Summer

Some of you are probably skeptical that Alaska can be a great summer destination. But with long days and mild temperatures, you might be surprised at how much fun it can be. This is especially true of Anchorage, Alaska-the “land of the midnight sun,” which offers so many things to do.

While it’s not the capital, it’s Alaska’s largest city. Upon entering Anchorage Airport, you can feel the city’s energy: a blend of urban, tribal, and natural aesthetics. 

Nowhere else except a museum will you see so many taxidermized animals in plain view. Of all the United States, Alaska is my favorite.

You may visit Anchorage as part of your Alaska itinerary from Vancouver. Alaska cruise season from May to September offers many itineraries, including Whittier or Seward.

But after you’ve taken that in, you are free to traverse the town; where to begin? If you’re looking for things to do in Anchorage, Alaska, you’re in the right place. Here are 20 Anchorage activities to make your summer vacation last a lifetime. 

1. Go Inside A Glacier 

If you visit Anchorage, Alaska, people will ask if you saw a glacier. Many guided tours let you explore them up close. Cruises often pass fjords where you can see glaciers from the water.

But some tours offer more. Why just say you saw one when you could say you went inside a glacier?

The Matanuska Glacier offers incredible views and guided tours where you can stand on the ice, snap photos, or drink fresh glacier water. Sometimes, guides even find ice caves you can enter—just dress warmly. It’s one of Alaska’s must-do adventures.

Spencer Glacier, south of Whittier, is another stunning glacier accessible by train at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop on the Alaska Railroad. Similar to Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay, it is a majestic site of massive ice and snow. 

Exit Glacier near Seward is reachable by road and offers both guided and self-guided hikes to its edge.

2. Bike The Tony Knowles Trail

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is open for non-motorized use only and runs along the coast of Anchorage. So, rent a mountain bike in Anchorage and hit the trail. At 11 miles long, on this coastal trail, you can turn around whenever you want.

The paved path is ideal for bikers and follows a series of marshes. With the wetlands, you could encounter wildlife, namely moose! Other wildlife sightings could include bears, bald eagles, foxes, coyotes, and sea otters.

Take Second Avenue in downtown Anchorage and finish in Kincaid Park if you’re up for the challenge.

3. See The Northern Lights 

There are plenty of options in Anchorage as soon as night falls. Along with Anchorage’s beer culture (stay tuned), one of the best Alaskan experiences worth paying for is to take a Northern Lights tour. 

These aurora tours take a few hours to a few days, depending on how badly you want to remove this item from your bucket list. All excursions start after dark. Rejoice, night owls. There is a tour just for you. 

There are plenty of viewing points around Anchorage; Glen Alps and Eagle River Nature Center are both excellent. You can even schedule a wake-up call to see the aurora from your hotel room. 

However, you need to plan carefully if you want to see the aurora borealis. Although the Northern Lights are visible year-round, you can only see them at night. 

The best times to see the Northern Lights in summer are late April and late August-September. Being away from light pollution increases your viewing chances.

4. Take In A Festival

Did you know that Anchorage, Alaska has 22 hours of daylight in summer? The city gets more sunlight than anywhere else in the United States.

You could even pick an Anchorage tour that lasts into the night. If you come at the right time of year, you can catch the summer Solstice festival in Anchorage.

Solstice varies slightly by year, so you should check a calendar before making travel plans. Then, you can celebrate the longest day in Anchorage, AK.

If you’re into fishing, you have to come in June. A competition to catch the biggest fish, the annual “Slam’n Salm’n Derby,” takes place then. Of course, you can have your fish professionally prepared afterward!

But even if there is no major festival when you arrive, there are still things to do. Other summer activities include Live After Five concerts, movies in the park, and more. Enjoy live music and plenty of liquor as the midnight sun shines on.

You will miss Fur Rendezvous (also known as Fur Rondy), a pure Alaskan frontier festival if you come in summer.

We could go on about festivals, but we encourage you to check out the town of Anchorage’s official website for more festive happenings in downtown Anchorage. There’s always something going on!

5. Take A Scenic Cruise 

If you like getting many things in one package, your best bet might be a day cruise. If you want glaciers, you may also see some wildlife and vice versa. The 26 Glacier Cruise out of Whittier makes a great day trip from Anchorage. The tour combines wildlife viewing with seeing more than two dozen glaciers.

Seeing sea otters, whales, porpoises, sea lions and harbor seals was the highlight for me. I took the tour in May when seals were welcoming new life. Near Harvard Glacier, I saw lots of seals with their pups laying on icebergs.

6. Kayak At Eklutna Lake

Eklutna Lake, located a short 40-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, is an ideal spot for a day trip. With over 1,400 hectares of crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks that flow from the Eklutna Glacier, it’s perfect for kayaking.

You can also enjoy more than 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and fishing opportunities. Eklutna Lake is the largest body of water in Chugach State Park and provides stunning views of glaciers and the Chugach Mountains.

Bike and kayak rentals are available onsite at the campground during the summer. With its stunning landscape and abundant recreational activities, Eklutna Lake will surely make any Alaskan vacation truly memorable!

7. Go Hiking

There are many parks, outdoor activities, and hiking trails in Alaska, and Anchorage has a few. The city boasts 135 miles of trails within the numerous parks.

Earthquake Park is named as a result of a 1964 earthquake that impacted this area of downtown Anchorage.

The best place to see Anchorage’s beauty is along the many local trails. Hiking is an ideal way to stay fit and enjoy the scenery during the summer months. Here are just a few:

• Anchorage has many nature trails of varying difficulties, so it is easy to find your perfect hike. Flattop Mountain is Anchorage’s most climbed summit, offering routes for all abilities, including a wheelchair accessible one.

• Hike up a mountain. Mount Alyeska offers trails for all levels of hikers. You may choose to stay at the luxurious Alyeska Resort while enjoying the skiing.

8. Enjoy A National Park 

One of the best things about going to Alaska is that cities are right near nature preserves. Anchorage is near five National Parks: Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Katmai National Park, and Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park. 

If you’re planning an Alaska road trip, you can add several parks to your itinerary. Denali National Park is among the most popular. It’s included as part of a ‘Cruise-Land’ tour on Alaska cruises which start or end in Vancouver.

Kenai Fjords National Park is approximately 125 miles to the south of Anchorage. While it’s another incredible national reserve, include it on your itinerary if you have several days in Anchorage.

Chugach State Park is another way to enjoy the majestic outdoors. Located east of Anchorage, take the AK-1 highway from downtown to the park headquarters. Chugach Mountain is situated within the park.

Lake Hood is located southwest of Anchorage and is home to many local seaplanes. By booking a tour, these charters provide spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

9. View (and Buy) Native Art 

Anchorage Airport features native Alaskan art, and there’s plenty more across the city.

The Anchorage Museum is a four-level attraction and a must-see. Its main exhibit, Living Our Cultures, Sharing Our Heritage, features Inuit, Aleut, Yupik, and Tlingit artifacts once in the Smithsonian.

The museum also has a shop selling Indigenous-made gifts and fantastic Alaskan souvenirs, as well as a great restaurant. Buying here supports local artists.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center focuses even more on Indigenous art and history. It offers exhibits, performances, and educational programs. Check their website for hours.

You’ll also find Native art in local Anchorage shops—just ask who made it to ensure it’s authentic.

10. Go Bear Or Wildlife Watching 

Along with glaciers, nothing says “Alaska” quite like bears. Between polar bears and the iconic image of black bears fishing for salmon, these animals are synonymous with Alaska.

So where, oh where, can you see a bear in Anchorage, Alaska? One way is to go on a bear-watching tour. You can go by helicopter or bus and are guaranteed to get within a safe viewing distance. 

There are also a few spots on popular trails that are good for bear-watching. Cook Inlet, Redoubt Bay, and Katmai are all popular places to find bears. And if you have ever seen a photo of a bear snatching a fish, it was probably taken at Brooks Falls. 

But these methods will only get you close to the black and brown bears. If you want the full Arctic experience, you want to see a polar bear, right? 

The only way to guarantee that you will see a polar bear is to visit the Alaska Zoo, which specializes in northern wildlife. 

Bears hibernate from November to April. If you come up in summer, you are right on time to see these majestic creatures in the wild. Come in July if you want to take your own photo of bears catching salmon!

Chugach National Forest is located east of Chugach State Park. It offers pristine trees, with the opportunity to see wildlife. 

The Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary is another wildlife haven to see. It is located about 11 miles south of Anchorage off AK-1 Highway. 

11. Eat Alaskan Food

Anchorage has an astonishing variety of food. Alaska is known for its seafood, including five different types of salmon and king crab legs. Come at the right time in summer, and you can catch some yourself!

Seafood is just the tip of the iceberg (terrible pun) regarding food in Anchorage, AK. Besides (expected but excellent) seafood, Anchorage’s local restaurant have Japanese cuisine, steak, and Mexican fare.

Despite Alaska being a conservative state with tight liquor regulations, Anchorage has a robust brewing culture. Many brewhouses are wise enough to offer suggested food pairings for their drinks. We loved the 49th State Brewing restaurant and their amazing yak burger.

However, there are still brewery food tours if you come in the summer. If you love the nightlife, you’ll find plenty to like about Anchorage. Whatever you do, be sure to try the Alaskan Amber Ale.

12. Ride The Alaska Railroad

Anchorage started as a railroad town. Like the White Pass Railway in Skagway, the Alaska railroad provides a leisurely way to enjoy the beauty of Alaska year round.

Not only are many of the attractions accessible by train, but a train ride offers unique views of Alaska landscape! Take the Glacier Discovery train to Spencer Whistle for a ride that will make you beg for window seats. 

But if you want to stay in the city, you can still experience some railroad culture. Anchorage has a 1-hour trolley tour detailing the town’s history, wildlife, and sights. Learn more about the trolley tour at its official site here. 

The Anchorage trolley tour is a fantastic way to start your trip. It’s inexpensive and comes with a coupon book with USD 200 worth of savings! 

13. Visit The Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center operates a recreated Indigenous village which celebrates its people’s culture. Its outdoor space has six dwellings, surrounding Lake Tiulana.

We enjoyed exploring the humble dwelling and seeing how the people lived. During the summer program, staff give demonstrations on weaving, building, and drying fish.

We visited at the end of the winter season when demonstrations weren’t offered. However, touring the village was still worthwhile.

14. Browse The Alaska Aviation Museum

Aviation has played a vital role in Alaska’s development and remote communities. Explore the state’s rich aviation history by visiting the Alaska Aviation Museum at Anchorage International Airport’s world-famous Lake Hood seaplane base.

During the summer, you can view over thirty aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia, daily from 10 am to 5 pm. A big hit with visitors is the flight simulators and two theaters that show films on flight.

Among the exhibits, you can find a Northern Air Cargo DC-6, a 1944 Stinson Gullwing, and a 1931 American Pilgrim.

If you stop by the restaurant, you’ll enjoy your meal below the 1965 DeHavilland Beaver that hangs from the ceiling. Take advantage of your chance to delve into Alaska’s aviation past!

15. Seek Out The Belugas

Beluga whales swim in Turnagain Arm near Anchorage from mid-July through August. These white, finless mammals often travel in pods.

Look for their white backs and small blowhole sprays breaking the surface. Beluga Point, along the Seward Highway, offers one of the best viewing spots.

In late fall, you might also spot them near Nome as they follow tomcod migrations. Other good viewing areas include Ship Creek Small Boat Launch and Point Woronzof Park during incoming high tide.

16. Enjoy The Alaska Botanical Garden

The Alaska Botanical Garden is a must-see for nature lovers. Spanning 110 acres of spruce and birch forest, it features over 1,100 hardy perennials and 150 native plant species. Highlights include the Gold Medal Peony Collection, Anchorage Heritage Garden, and a 20-year-old Herb Garden.

Visitors can explore through photography or painting, or walk the Lowenfels-Hoersting Nature Trail to Campbell Creek, home to salmon and ptarmigan.

Don’t miss the vintage vehicles turned planters and the creative garden art scattered among the blooms.

17. Visit Portage Lake And Glacier

Nestled within the Chugach National Forest of Southcentral Alaska, the majestic Portage Glacier awaits exploration. The lake is reachable from the road but it takes a one hour boat ride to see the glacier.

Start your journey at Begich Boggs Visitor Center situated on Portage Lake’s terminal moraine. This visitors’ center features an informative exhibit about the 1964 earthquake, and a theater showing nature documentaries. I enjoyed the boat tour which was inexpensive at under USD 50.

If you’re into hiking, you should trek these two trails: Portage Pass Trail for a two-mile walk to Portage Glacier and Byron Glacier Trail for 1.4 miles leading to Byron Glacier’s terminus.

18. Browse The Anchorage Market

If you’re looking for one-stop Alaskan souvenir shopping, check out the Anchorage Market. Open from May to September on Saturdays and Sundays, you can find everything from Alaska-inspired clothing, carved antlers, produce, and food.

Located outside the Dimond Center Mall, admission is free, and over 100 vendors will entice you to shop till you drop. You’ll find Alaskan art, handmade Ulu knives, and photography, perfect for gift-giving.

There are plenty of places to try food and drink. If you love shave ice, you’ll find it here. You can graze your way through the many food trucks. Salmon tacos, reindeer hot dogs, or salmon quesadilla, anyone? 

19. Support The Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on the Seward Highway. This non-profit sanctuary protects and rehabilitates Alaska’s injured and endangered wildlife.

Spread across 200 acres, the center features a 1.5-mile loop you can drive or walk. It’s a great rainy-day activity near Anchorage and perfect for close-up wildlife photography.

Afternoon visits often include feeding time—watch bears, bison, muskox, wolves, caribou, and porcupines. Our favorites were the brown bears and the moose. In early May, we were fortunate to view some newborn wood bison, one less than an hour old.

Your admission, donations, and gift shop purchases help support Alaska’s wildlife recovery.

20. Go Fishing

Anchorage offers many fishing opportunities if you’re an avid angler or new to the sport. Fishing trips can last a day to several days, and you can fish for trout, halibut, salmon, or several other species.

The best fishing trips for those without a budget are the fly-in ones. You’ll access a remote area by floatplane and enjoy casting a line while distracted by the scenic views.

If you want to try your luck in Anchorage, The Bait Shack (212 West Whitney Road) rents a complete fishing package (rod, reel, tackle box, waders, bait, and day license) for USD 100 a day.

Wrap It Up

Downtown Anchorage offers plenty to enjoy in summer, from museums to tours and festivals. Beyond the city, stunning landscapes await. Visit near Solstice to experience the midnight sun, but remember—Anchorage shines year-round.

If you miss summer, return in winter for a different thrill. From Spencer Glacier to endless vistas, Anchorage promises memories worth capturing.

As a Canadian who has enjoyed much of North America, Alaska remains one of my favorite destinations.