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Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Anchorage: Where Urban Excitement Meets Alaskan Wilderness Anchorage isn't your typical city. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet, it's a place where towering skyscrapers share the skyline with snow-…

#Northernmost city in the United States#Largest city in Alaska#Gateway to the Arctic#Outdoor adventure#Cultural diversity

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Anchorage.

Top Hotels in Anchorage

Top Flights to Anchorage

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Anchorage.

Tours

Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Discover Alaska's diverse wildlife habitats and get up-close with bears, bison, elk, and more in a natural setting.

Anchorage Museum

Explore Alaska's rich history, art, and science exhibits that showcase the culture and heritage of Alaska's Indigenous peoples.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

A cultural institution that educates visitors about the traditional and contemporary lives of Alaska's indigenous cultures.

Shopping

Shopping at Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall

A premier shopping destination featuring a variety of stores from high-end brands to local Alaskan shops.

Anchorage Market & Festival

Explore one of the largest open-air markets in Alaska featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment.

Outdoor

Hiking Flattop Mountain

Hike the most climbed mountain in Alaska offering panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding wilderness.

Glacier Viewing at Portage Glacier

Experience the thrill of viewing one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska via a scenic boat tour.

Visit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Enjoy a scenic walk or cycle on this coastal trail with magnificent views of the Cook Inlet and the chance to spot beluga whales.

Kenai Fjords National Park Day Trip

Explore dramatic fjords, glaciers, and wildlife on a day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park from Anchorage.

Dog Sledding Adventure

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a dog sledding adventure through the stunning Alaskan wilderness.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Anchorage.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Anchorage, Alaska is '0.3 million'.

Languages

English, English, Spanish, Tagalog, Hmong

Average weather

Anchorage

Jan

-2°-10°

Feb

-1°-9°

Mar

2°-7°

Apr

7°-3°

May

13°2°

Jun

17°7°

Jul

19°11°

Aug

18°10°

Sep

13°6°

Oct

6°-1°

Nov

-2°-8°

Dec

-5°-11°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Anchorage.

What people love

Some of the pros of traveling to Anchorage, Alaska include:

Scenic Beauty: Anchorage is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Outdoor Adventures: Anchorage offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to kayaking and fishing in the summer. There are also opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bears, moose, and whales.
Cultural Attractions: Anchorage has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing local artists and performers. Visitors can also explore the city's history and heritage at sites like the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Local Cuisine: Anchorage is known for its fresh seafood, including salmon and king crab. Visitors can sample local cuisine at restaurants and food markets throughout the city.
Northern Lights: Anchorage is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon where colorful lights dance across the night sky. Visitors can take guided tours or venture out on their own to catch a glimpse of this awe-inspiring spectacle.

Overall, traveling to Anchorage offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and outdoor adventures of Alaska, along with its rich cultural heritage and delicious local cuisine.

What to know

Traveling to Anchorage, Alaska, like any destination, has its own set of cons. Some potential drawbacks of traveling to Anchorage include:

Weather: Anchorage has a cold climate with long winters and short summers. The weather can be unpredictable and harsh, with temperatures dropping significantly during the winter months. This may not be ideal for travelers who prefer warmer climates.
Cost of Living: Alaska, in general, has a higher cost of living compared to other states in the U.S. This can translate to higher prices for accommodations, food, and activities for travelers visiting Anchorage.
Isolation: Anchorage is geographically isolated from the rest of the United States, with limited road access to other parts of the state. Travelers may find it challenging to explore other regions of Alaska without additional transportation arrangements.
Wildlife Encounters: While seeing wildlife can be an amazing experience, travelers need to be cautious of potential encounters with bears, moose, and other wild animals in and around Anchorage. It's important to be aware of safety precautions and guidelines when exploring outdoor areas.
Limited Public Transportation: Anchorage's public transportation system is not as extensive as in larger cities, which may make getting around the city more challenging for visitors who rely on public transportation.
Shorter Daylight Hours in Winter: During the winter months, Anchorage experiences shorter daylight hours, with some days having only a few hours of daylight. This can affect outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities for travelers.

Overall, while Anchorage offers unique natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, travelers should be prepared for the potential challenges that come with visiting this remote city in Alaska.

Anchorage, Alaska, located in the south-central part of the state, is the largest city in Alaska and plays a significant role in the state's history and development. Here is a detailed history of Anchorage:

Early History

Indigenous Peoples: The area now known as Anchorage has been inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples, primarily the Dena'ina Athabascans. The Dena'ina had a well-established presence in the region, relying on the rich resources of the land and sea.

Founding and Early 20th Century

1914 - Establishment: Anchorage was founded in 1914 as a construction port for the Alaska Railroad. The U.S. government selected the area as a headquarters for the railroad due to its strategic location.
1915 - Tent City: The initial settlement began as a tent city on Ship Creek, which served as the construction base for the railroad.
1915 - Townsite Auction: In July 1915, the federal government held a townsite auction, and the city began to grow rapidly as a result.

Mid-20th Century Growth

1930s-1940s - Military Presence: The construction of military bases, such as Elmendorf Air Force Base (now part of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) and Fort Richardson, contributed to Anchorage's growth. The strategic importance of these bases increased during World War II.
1950s - Economic Development: The discovery of oil in Alaska, especially the Swanson River oil field in 1957, brought economic growth and infrastructure development to Anchorage.

Statehood and Expansion

1959 - Statehood: Alaska became the 49th state of the United States in 1959, and Anchorage continued to grow as a key city within the state.
1964 - Good Friday Earthquake: On March 27, 1964, Anchorage was struck by the Good Friday Earthquake, one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, with a magnitude of 9.2. It caused widespread destruction, but the city rebuilt and continued to expand.

Late 20th Century Developments

1970s - Oil Boom: The discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay in 1968 and the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in the 1970s brought a significant economic boom to Anchorage, as it served as a logistical and business hub.
1990s - Growth and Modernization: Anchorage continued to grow, with development in infrastructure, culture, and economy. The city evolved into a modern urban center.

Significant Landmarks

Anchorage Museum: A key cultural institution, the Anchorage Museum offers insights into Alaskan history, art, and science.
Alaska Native Heritage Center: This center highlights the cultures of Alaska's Indigenous peoples, offering educational programs and exhibits.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: A popular recreational trail that offers scenic views of the coast and mountains.
Earthquake Park: This park commemorates the 1964 earthquake and provides information about its impact on Anchorage.

Historical Figures

James A. Wickersham: An early advocate for the development of Alaska, Wickersham was instrumental in the establishment of the Alaska Railroad.
E.L. "Bob" Bartlett: As a significant political figure, Bartlett played a crucial role in Alaska achieving statehood.

Anchorage's history is marked by its strategic location, economic development driven by military and oil industries, and its resilience in the face of natural disasters. The city remains a vital hub for commerce, culture, and transportation in Alaska.