If you’re craving wild landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, and adrenaline-packed adventures, Anchorage, Alaska is your dream destination. Surrounded by rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and pristine forests, this gateway city to Alaska’s wilderness offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hoping to kayak alongside icebergs, witness the Northern Lights, or hike through breathtaking alpine scenery, Anchorage delivers experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. Here are 10 incredible things to do in Anchorage for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
1. Hike Flattop Mountain
Flattop Mountain is Anchorage’s most popular hike and for good reason. Just a short drive from downtown, this moderate-to-challenging trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the city, Cook Inlet, and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. The 3.3-mile round-trip trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows and rocky outcrops, offering incredible photo ops along the way. On clear days, you might even glimpse Denali in the distance. It’s a must-do for hikers and sunset chasers looking to soak in Anchorage’s natural beauty.
2. Take a Glacier and Wildlife Cruise
For a classic Alaskan adventure, hop on a glacier and wildlife cruise from nearby Whittier or Seward, both easily accessible from Anchorage. These unforgettable boat tours glide through icy fjords where towering glaciers calve into the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, and bald eagles. The dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks and floating icebergs creates a surreal, bucket-list-worthy experience perfect for photographers and wildlife lovers alike.
3. Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
One of Anchorage’s most beloved outdoor activities is biking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an 11-mile paved path stretching from downtown to Kincaid Park. The trail hugs the coastline of Cook Inlet, offering stunning views of the water, Mount Susitna (known as “The Sleeping Lady”), and the surrounding wilderness. Along the way, you might encounter moose grazing beside the trail or catch sight of beluga whales offshore. Whether biking, running, or walking, it’s a serene escape into nature within city limits.
4. Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
If you want to see Alaska’s iconic wildlife up close, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a must-visit. Located about an hour from Anchorage, this 200-acre sanctuary is home to rescued bears, moose, bison, wolves, and more. Stroll the scenic 1.5-mile loop or drive through to view the animals in spacious natural habitats. Educational programs and feeding demonstrations make it a great stop for families and photographers eager to capture Alaska’s majestic creatures safely and ethically.
5. Paddle on Eklutna Lake
Adventure seekers will love kayaking or paddleboarding on Eklutna Lake, a glacially-fed, turquoise-colored lake located about 45 minutes from Anchorage. The serene waters are surrounded by towering mountains, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape. Rentals are available on-site, and there are numerous hiking and biking trails around the lake for those who want to explore by land as well. Pack a picnic, spend the day on the water, and soak up some of Alaska’s most beautiful backcountry scenery.
6. Chase the Northern Lights
From late August to April, Anchorage becomes one of the best places in the United States to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. On clear, dark nights, the skies above Anchorage and nearby wilderness areas dance with ribbons of green, purple, and red light. Popular viewing spots include Point Woronzof, Glen Alps, and Eagle River Nature Center. Join a guided Northern Lights tour for expert tips on finding the perfect spot and capturing those magical photos to remember the experience.
7. Go Dog Sledding on a Glacier
For a true taste of Alaskan tradition, book a dog sledding tour on a glacier. Accessible via helicopter from Anchorage, these excursions let you soar above stunning icefields before landing on a remote glacier, where a team of huskies awaits. Meet the mushers, learn about dog mushing’s history, and take an exhilarating ride across the icy expanse. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure combining flightseeing, glacier exploration, and a classic Alaskan sport in one thrilling experience.
8. Visit the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center
Anchorage isn’t just about outdoor adventure it’s also a cultural hub. Spend a day at the Anchorage Museum to explore exhibits on Alaska’s natural history, art, and Indigenous cultures. Then, head to the nearby Alaska Native Heritage Center for live dance performances, traditional storytelling, and exhibits celebrating the diverse Native groups of Alaska. Stroll through life-sized re-creations of Native dwellings and learn about their deep connection to the land and wildlife.
9. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Seward Highway
The drive from Anchorage to Seward along the Seward Highway is one of the most scenic routes in North America. Hugging the coastline of Turnagain Arm and framed by towering peaks, this 127-mile stretch is packed with photo-worthy stops. Watch for beluga whales in the water, Dall sheep on the cliffs, and eagles overhead. Pull over at viewpoints like Beluga Point, Bird Point, and Portage Glacier for short hikes and breathtaking scenery. It’s an unforgettable road trip for nature enthusiasts.
10. Experience a Floatplane Adventure
Anchorage is often called the “Floatplane Capital of the World,” and one of the most exhilarating ways to see the region’s vast wilderness is by air. Book a floatplane tour from Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base, and soar over glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildlife-filled valleys. Some tours offer remote landings on mountain lakes or rivers, giving you the chance to fish, hike, or simply enjoy the untouched Alaskan backcountry. It’s an adventurous, scenic, and uniquely Alaskan experience.