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Must-Visit

Must-See Attractions

AnchorageUnited States

Anchorage is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Must-see attractions include the Anchorage Museum, which showcases Alaska’s history and culture, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the mesas at Chugach State Park, which offer stunning views of the city and the Chugach Mountains. The warm maritime climate allows you to fish downtown at Ship Creek, hike in nearby mountains, photograph glaciers, and dine at four-star restaurants. Anchorage is a popular destination in both winter and summer, with a variety of events, festivals, tours, and amenities available year-round. Parks and Outdoor Recreation Anchorage offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, road biking, mountain biking, walking, running, water sports, and more. Anchorage has 223 municipal parks and 122 miles of paved trails. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail The popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail stretches 11 miles along the Cook Inlet from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. This multi-use paved trail is a paradise for walkers, runners, and cyclists in the summer, and cross-country skiers and fat-tire bikers in the winter. The trail hugs the shoreline of the Cook Inlet tidal flats, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains, including Sleeping Beauty (Susitna Peak), the Chugach Mountains, and even Denali on clear days. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including moose, black bears, lynx, bald eagles, and a variety of birds—just keep your distance from wildlife and don’t try to pass a moose or bear on the trail. Earthquake Park is located along the Coast Trail, an area that was severely damaged by the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. Today, visitors can see traces of the Earth’s movement in this picturesque park through interpretive exhibits that explain Anchorage’s experience during that devastating earthquake. Kincaid Park A popular year-round recreation destination, Kincaid Park covers 1,400 acres and features 40 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of singletrack trails. The rolling terrain of forested hills offers stunning views of Mount Susitna and Denali on clear days and fiery sunsets in the evenings. Moose, black bears, lynx, eagles, and ptarmigan can also be seen in the park. In the winter, many trails are well-groomed and lit for cross-country skiing, and fat-tire bikers can enjoy snow-covered singletrack trails. Chugach State Park Bordering much of the city, Chugach State Park (Chugach State Park) is a 495,000-acre wilderness area that is the fourth largest state park in the United States. With more than 280 miles of trails, the park offers hiking, backpacking and biking opportunities for all levels, with many trailheads 30 minutes or less from downtown Anchorage. Popular trails include Crow Pass, Bird Ridge, Thunderbird Falls, Turnagain Arm Trail and Flattop Mountain, Anchorage’s most popular hike. Alaska Coastal Wildlife Refuge Located 12 miles southwest of Anchorage, Porter Marsh, also known as the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is the best birding destination in Anchorage. A boardwalk leads visitors through the marsh to spot ducks, songbirds, grebes, swans, gulls and, occasionally, moose. Far North Bicentennial Park Far North Bicentennial Park feels like a slice of wilderness in the heart of Anchorage. This 4,000-acre preserve features forests, marshes, and 20 miles of trails. In the summer, streams teem with spawning salmon. Visitors can often spot moose and bears in the spring and summer, and in the fall, see the gorgeous fall foliage. Alaska Botanical Gardens The Alaska Botanical Gardens is a colorful showcase of native plant species. Winding paths lead visitors through wooded, manicured herb, rock, and perennial gardens. The mile-long Lowen Fels Family Nature Trail is designed to teach visitors about native Alaska plants. Alaska Public Lands Information Center The Alaska Public Lands Information Center is the perfect place to get information and maps about outdoor activities in Alaska, including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, cabin rentals, and more. There are also exciting wildlife exhibits, free movies, fun dioramas, maps and brochures, and knowledgeable staff to help you plan your next outdoor adventure. Fishing From mid- to late summer, king, coho and pink salmon spawn in Ship Creek, the historic site of Tanaina Fishing Camp. Located just below downtown, Ship Creek is the best place in town for urban fishing, and several local tackle shops offer all the gear you need to catch the big fish. If you just want to enjoy the view, the Ship Creek Salmon Viewing Platform is the best place to watch the salmon spawn. Scenic Flights Anchorage offers a variety of scenic flights, each of which gives you a bird's-eye view of the wilderness, glaciers and mountains just outside the city. Many people choose to head to Prince William Sound to experience glacier tours of Black Rock Glacier or even Columbia Glacier. Others head north to Knik Glacier or Denali.

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