Your cruise ship has docked in one of the most scenic outdoorsy cities in the United States – Anchorage – so what now? This cosmopolitan coastal city has much to offer, whether you’re headed downtown or out into the surrounding glaciers, mountains and dense forests. From dog-sledding to day cruises, from museums to mountain-top dining, we have your days in port covered, day to night. Here are our top suggestions for what to do when your cruise ship is docked in Anchorage.
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1. Listen (and Watch) for Glaciers
Sure, you’re going to see gigantic glaciers when you’re in Anchorage – but did you know you should listen for them, too? Keep an ear out for the mighty splash of calving icebergs as they break off from the ice shelves and glaciers. From Anchorage, the best way to see glaciers is on a day cruise to Seward (130 miles south) or Whittier (60 miles south), or a helicopter flightseeing tour. When you’re at the glaciers, watch for whales, otters, sea lions, puffins and Dall porpoises cavorting nearby.
Sure, you’re going to see gigantic glaciers when you’re in Anchorage – but did you know you should listen for them, too? Keep an ear out for the mighty splash of calving icebergs as they break off from the ice shelves and glaciers. From Anchorage, the best way to see glaciers is on a day cruise to Seward (130 miles south) or Whittier (60 miles south), or a helicopter flightseeing tour. When you’re at the glaciers, watch for whales, otters, sea lions, puffins and Dall porpoises cavorting nearby.
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2. Take a Ride on the Alaska Railroad
Hearken back to the birth of Alaska – via railroad – when you ride the Glacier Discovery train to Spencer Whistler Stop. The ride will take you to a remote wilderness area that is only accessible by train … and there are more glaciers! Walk a 1.3-mile path to the Spencer Glacier overlook, explore on your own or take a guided tour on the glacier itself, all decked out in crampons and a helmet. There’s also the opportunity to take a gentle boat ride amongst the icebergs.
Hearken back to the birth of Alaska – via railroad – when you ride the Glacier Discovery train to Spencer Whistler Stop. The ride will take you to a remote wilderness area that is only accessible by train … and there are more glaciers! Walk a 1.3-mile path to the Spencer Glacier overlook, explore on your own or take a guided tour on the glacier itself, all decked out in crampons and a helmet. There’s also the opportunity to take a gentle boat ride amongst the icebergs.
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3. Learn About Alaska’s Native Cultures
Go even farther back in time at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about the traditions, languages and lifestyles of the area’s native people through a variety of stories, exhibits, dance performances and more. You’ll feel more connected to the destination after your visit.
Go even farther back in time at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about the traditions, languages and lifestyles of the area’s native people through a variety of stories, exhibits, dance performances and more. You’ll feel more connected to the destination after your visit.
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4. Spend a Day at Alaska’s Largest Museum
largest. Art and history exhibits tell the story not only of the Anchorage area, but Alaska as a whole. See Alaska Native art from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution. View paintings and photography of the northern landscape and wilderness. And hear the story of Alaska from multiple perspectives. The museum store has been ranked one of the top ten in the world, so definitely stop by.
largest. Art and history exhibits tell the story not only of the Anchorage area, but Alaska as a whole. See Alaska Native art from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution. View paintings and photography of the northern landscape and wilderness. And hear the story of Alaska from multiple perspectives. The museum store has been ranked one of the top ten in the world, so definitely stop by.
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5. Spot Whales
The best places near Anchorage to spot whales at Turnagain Arm, Seward and Whittier. Cook Inlet is home to a small beluga whale population. Count yourself fortunate if you see one as these gentle giants are critically endangered. The highway to Turnagain also boasts many access points for great hiking, including McHugh Creek, Rainbow and Bird trailheads.
The best places near Anchorage to spot whales at Turnagain Arm, Seward and Whittier. Cook Inlet is home to a small beluga whale population. Count yourself fortunate if you see one as these gentle giants are critically endangered. The highway to Turnagain also boasts many access points for great hiking, including McHugh Creek, Rainbow and Bird trailheads.
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6. View Bears in the Wild
Did you know Alaska is home to black, brown and polar bears? It’s the only place in the United States that can say this. From Anchorage, you can take a quick flight into Katmai or Lake Clark national parks, or head to Chinitna Bay, where you can see majestic coast brown bears from a safe distance. Prefer to stay closer to civilization? Head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can view black and brown bears, wood bison, caribou, moose, lynx and bald eagles, all orphaned and being rehabbed to reenter the wild.
Did you know Alaska is home to black, brown and polar bears? It’s the only place in the United States that can say this. From Anchorage, you can take a quick flight into Katmai or Lake Clark national parks, or head to Chinitna Bay, where you can see majestic coast brown bears from a safe distance. Prefer to stay closer to civilization? Head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can view black and brown bears, wood bison, caribou, moose, lynx and bald eagles, all orphaned and being rehabbed to reenter the wild.
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7. Watch the Sky Dance
If you’re visiting Anchorage between September and April, you will likely have the chance to view the Northern Lights. The most popular areas for viewing the Aurora Borealis near Anchorage are Eklutna Tailrace, Girdwood and the Knik River area. On the other hand, if you are visiting Anchorage between March and September, you’ll be able to take advantage of longer days due to the Midnight Sun.
If you’re visiting Anchorage between September and April, you will likely have the chance to view the Northern Lights. The most popular areas for viewing the Aurora Borealis near Anchorage are Eklutna Tailrace, Girdwood and the Knik River area. On the other hand, if you are visiting Anchorage between March and September, you’ll be able to take advantage of longer days due to the Midnight Sun.
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8. Alyeska Tramway
In nearby Girdwood, visitors to Anchorage can ride the Alyeska Tramway 2,000 feet up Mount Alyeska. Up top, there are two restaurants, the Roundhouse Museum and plenty of hiking and guided adventures, ranging from easy nature hikes to adventurous treks on the Alyeska Glacier.
In nearby Girdwood, visitors to Anchorage can ride the Alyeska Tramway 2,000 feet up Mount Alyeska. Up top, there are two restaurants, the Roundhouse Museum and plenty of hiking and guided adventures, ranging from easy nature hikes to adventurous treks on the Alyeska Glacier.
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9. Savor Seafood
Enjoy a taste of Alaska, dining on such fresh, local specialties as king crab, halibut, salmon and Kachemak Bay oysters. For a distinctly Anchorage dish, try reindeer sausage. You’ll find it at food carts and trucks around the city as well as at summer festivals and fairs (be sure to ask for sauteed onions on top). Anchorage also has numerous breweries, so if you’re a craft beer fan, definitely put a few on your list. There are also a couple of popular distilleries, with everything from moonshine-style whiskey to ghost pepper vodkas.
Enjoy a taste of Alaska, dining on such fresh, local specialties as king crab, halibut, salmon and Kachemak Bay oysters. For a distinctly Anchorage dish, try reindeer sausage. You’ll find it at food carts and trucks around the city as well as at summer festivals and fairs (be sure to ask for sauteed onions on top). Anchorage also has numerous breweries, so if you’re a craft beer fan, definitely put a few on your list. There are also a couple of popular distilleries, with everything from moonshine-style whiskey to ghost pepper vodkas.
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10. Shop for Alaska Art and Crafts
Shopping in Anchorage is tax-free, so fill up your suitcase with treasures. You’ll find traditional Alaska Native art pieces, each with a rich history behind it. Local salmon, halibut, crab and shellfish can be prepped, packed up and sent home to you to enjoy later. Pick up some homegrown Anchorage products such as ulu knives, musk-ox wool hats or scarves, natural herbal soaps and even Alaska skincare products made of glacial mud.
Shopping in Anchorage is tax-free, so fill up your suitcase with treasures. You’ll find traditional Alaska Native art pieces, each with a rich history behind it. Local salmon, halibut, crab and shellfish can be prepped, packed up and sent home to you to enjoy later. Pick up some homegrown Anchorage products such as ulu knives, musk-ox wool hats or scarves, natural herbal soaps and even Alaska skincare products made of glacial mud.
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11. Try Dog-Sledding
It’s an invigorating and romantic image – gliding across the frozen tundra behind a fluffy pack of puppies. Dog sledding is a winter sport, of course, so summer cruisers may not get the chance to fulfill this daydream, but there is still the opportunity to visit the dog kennels year-round. Meet the adorable puppies, learn about their life as sled dogs and take a ride in a cart. If you’re the adventurous type, you can take a helicopter ride to a glacier to meet the mushers who camp there in the summer and who would be thrilled to take you for a ride – in shortsleeves!
It’s an invigorating and romantic image – gliding across the frozen tundra behind a fluffy pack of puppies. Dog sledding is a winter sport, of course, so summer cruisers may not get the chance to fulfill this daydream, but there is still the opportunity to visit the dog kennels year-round. Meet the adorable puppies, learn about their life as sled dogs and take a ride in a cart. If you’re the adventurous type, you can take a helicopter ride to a glacier to meet the mushers who camp there in the summer and who would be thrilled to take you for a ride – in shortsleeves!