With eight national parks spread out across more than 660,000 square miles, the Alaska wilderness is vast and endlessly beautiful. But in addition to its stunning natural landscapes, the “Great Land” is also renowned for its rich culture and history — and there’s no better place to experience it than in the bustling metropolis of Anchorage. While many visitors opt to visit during the warmer spring or summer months, Anchorage is appealing any time of year. That’s especially true in winter, when, despite the cooler temperatures, the city comes alive with fun themed festivals and cultural attractions, and visitors can score great deals without the crowds. No matter when you choose to visit, here are the best must-sees and hidden gems in Alaska’s largest city.
The Northern Lights
No trip to Alaska is complete without experiencing the northern lights, but did you know there are plenty of excellent viewing locations within a few miles of downtown Anchorage? The aurora borealis is a colorful and awe-inspiring natural light display that illuminates the sky with brilliant swirling tones. In Anchorage, the best time to see the northern lights is from mid-August through April, but this season is particularly special, as it’s anticipated to be a solar maximum — a period that occurs once every 11 years, in which the aurora appears particularly vibrant.
If you’re looking for a prime viewpoint, drive about 25 minutes from downtown to the Glen Alps Overlook. This 2,200-foot peak can be accessed by easy-to-walk trails and provides some of the best views anywhere in the city, without any light pollution. If you’d prefer to stay in the city core, head to a parking area just off the aptly named East Northern Lights Boulevard. This quiet spot has limited light pollution, allowing guests to view nature’s incredible light show in all its glory.
Alyeska Resort
For those looking to relax and recharge, the Alyeska Resort — located 40 miles southeast of downtown Anchorage — should be at the top of your list. The adults-only Alyeska Nordic Spa, nestled in the shadows of the Chugach Mountains, features cold pools, hot pools, and a variety of treatment options. For those looking for a bit more adrenaline, the resort has a mountain with 76 ski trails that receives over 669 inches of snowfall annually. The resort is also home to the decadent Seven Glaciers restaurant, a fine-dining establishment that offers up delicious meals as well as spectacular views of the seven surrounding glaciers.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
Known among locals as “Fur Rondy,” the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous is an annual winter festival that has been held in the city since 1936. If you’ve never attended before, next year is a great opportunity to do so, as the 90th edition of this spectacle is set to take place from February 20 to March 2, 2025. As the largest and oldest winter festival in the entire state, Fur Rondy annually attracts huge crowds of people looking to experience authentic Alaskan culture.
Popular events include the Running of the Reindeer — akin to the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain — as well as the Outhouse Races, where outhouses on skis are steered through the streets of the city, and the Blanket Toss, a tradition in which people are launched into the air atop a walrus skin. The festival is also renowned for its events that revolve around Indigenous cultures — be sure to check out all of the beautiful Alaska Native art that’s exhibited at the festival year after year.
Leaf Peeping
You may think that leaf peeping is an autumn activity mainly enjoyed in the Northeast United States, but you’d be mistaken — the colorful fall leaves of Alaska are some of the best in the country. Alaska’s fall season generally begins in late August and runs until mid-October, during which time the leaves turn gorgeous shades of yellow and red. These months also mark the harvest season, meaning there are plenty of farmers markets around the city where you can indulge in freshly caught silver salmon and cups of hot apple cider.
Visitors can also try their hand at wild berry picking — with fresh cranberries, blueberries, and currants found on mountainsides, trails, and even in city parks. Autumn is an excellent time to visit if you’re an animal lover, as you’re likely to see moose wandering in Anchorage. Nearby, you might also be able to watch grizzlies trying to fatten up on salmon before winter arrives.
Alaska Federation of Natives
Held each October, the Alaska Federation of Natives marks the largest annual gathering of any Native peoples in the United States. In 2024, the event will be held at the Dena’ina Center in downtown Anchorage, with the theme “Our Children — Our Future Ancestors.” The event is entirely free for public observers, who can listen to inspiring speeches about the Native peoples’ rich history, view their gorgeous art displays on exhibition, and even participate in traditional Native dances. It’s an essential experience to learn more about the Native peoples who continue to shape Alaska’s history.
Salmon Derby
If you find yourself in Anchorage in June, be sure to visit the Salmon Derby, a popular competition in which anglers vie to reel in the biggest king salmon. You can either watch the pros go at it or rent some gear and try your luck to see if you can win a prize. And if you work up an appetite, head to the nearby Bridge, Co. restaurant for dinner. This unique eatery is built atop a 1920s railroad bridge, where diners can see fishermen right from their table as they dig into fresh Alaska salmon and other fresh, local seafood dishes.
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse
Speaking of can’t-miss eateries, Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse has served up delicious meals and refreshing brews since 1994, and the restaurant prides itself on the 60-plus beers that it always has on tap. If you’re feeling particularly hungry or ambitious, try your hand at the Kodiak Arrest Challenge. This hefty meal comes with 4 pounds of Alaska king crab, seven crab nuggets, 14 inches of reindeer sausage, tons of tasty sides, and a wild berry crisp with ice cream to top it all off. The price is a whopping $365, but the memories will last long after you leave — whether you finish or not. Those who complete the challenge walk away with not only a free T-shirt but also a spot on the restaurant’s storied Wall of Fame. The current record is held by diner Jefory C., who managed to eat all that tasty food in just 12 minutes and 10 seconds.
Wildbirch Hotel
Anchorage has no shortage of places to stay, from modern hotels to cozy B&Bs, but one of the most exciting new openings of 2024 is the Wildbirch Hotel. The property is located right downtown in the Mushing District, on West 4th Avenue, and some rooms even look out onto the Cook Inlet, where guests can watch the passing ships and may even see a couple of beluga whales. While the hotel is still putting on the finishing touches, its funky retro vibe — right down to the vintage mini fridges in the rooms — and unbeatable location make it a great option for your Anchorage visit.
Ready to go now? Visit Anchorage is your go-to resource for planning the ultimate Alaska vacation.
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