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Locals like to say that Anchorage is only 30 minutes from Alaska: wedged between 5000ft peaks and an inlet filled with salmon and whales, the Big Apple of the north is unlike any other city.

Best Things to Do

Things to know, your next trip starts here.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Anchorage Museum

This world-class facility is Anchorage’s cultural jewel. The West Wing, a four-story, shimmering, mirrored facade, adds 80,000 sq ft to what was already…

Alaska Native Heritage Center

If you can't travel to the Bush region to experience Native Alaska culture firsthand, visit this 26-acre center and see how humans survived – and thrived …

Kincaid Park

At the western ‘nose’ of the peninsula and southern terminus of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is this beloved 1400-acre park populated by…

The unique wildlife of the Arctic is on display at this zoo, the only one in North America that specializes in northern animals, including snow leopards,…

Oscar Anderson House

Housed in the city’s oldest wooden-framed home, this little museum overlooks the delightful Elderberry Park. Anderson was the 18th American settler to set…

Far North Bicentennial Park

Comprising 4000 acres of forest and muskeg in east central Anchorage, this park features 20 miles of trails. In the center of the park is the Bureau of…

Imaginarium Discovery Center

Inside the Anchorage Museum, this award-winning center features creative, hands-on Alaska-themed exhibits that include live marine animals in a touch tank…

Ship Creek Viewing Platform

From mid- to late summer, king, coho and pink salmon spawn up Ship Creek, the historical site of Tanaina Indian fish camps. At the overlook you can cheer…

Top picks from our travel experts

16 ways to explore anchorage, alaska’s biggest city.

Crow’s Nest

There’s upscale dining at the Crow’s Nest, at the top of the Hotel Captain Cook, but most come for a drink made by the award-winning bartenders and the…

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Anchorage Region

A nonprofit wildlife center where injured and rescued animals are on display. Particularly of interest are the wood bison, the only herd in the US. They…

Glacier BrewHouse

Grab a table overlooking the three giant stainless-steel brewing tanks and enjoy wood-fired pizzas and rotisserie-grilled ribs and chops with a pint of…

49th State Brewing

The two-level rooftop deck overlooks Cook Inlet, Sleeping Lady, and Denali in the distance, and it's the place to throw back a cold one on a sunny evening…

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Anchorage’s favorite trail is the scenic 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. It begins at the west end of 2nd Ave downtown and passes Elderberry Park…

Rent everything you need to reel in a famed Alaska salmon.

Seven Glaciers Restaurant

Sitting 2300ft above sea level is the best of Alyeska Resort’s six restaurants and bars. The hotel tram will take you to an evening of gourmet dining and…

A gift shop stocking jewelry, carvings and other 'artifacts'. There are booths where craftspeople make fresh knickknacks while you watch.

Phillips Cruises & Tours

Takes you by bus to Whittier and then on a boat past 26 glaciers in Prince William Sound. The five-hour cruise (adult/child $179/119) is offered daily and…

Moose’s Tooth Brewpub

An Anchorage institution serving two-dozen custom-brewed beers, including monthly specials. This is the place to refuel after climbing Flattop, with…

How to enjoy Anchorage for free, come sunshine or snow

Planning tools, expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Neighborhoods

Anchorage’s neighborhoods offer a range of dining, nightlife, historical attractions and natural beauty. Here’s our complete guide.

You might be surprised to see how much of Alaska is accessible from Anchorage.

Money and Costs

Visiting Alaska is a bucket-list dream for a reason, but the views and iconic wildlife don't come cheap. Here's our guide to visiting Anchorage on a budget.

Transportation

Given its immense size and sparse population, Anchorage doesn't have much of a public transport system, but there are still several ways to get around.

Free Things to Do

As you head north of the 60th parallel, prices tend to go in the opposite direction. The good news? There's plenty in Anchorage to see for free.

Latest stories from Anchorage

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THE 10 BEST Anchorage Tours & Excursions

Anchorage tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Anchorage Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience

2. Year Round Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour

3. Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour

4. Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour

5. Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage

6. Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour

7. Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest

8. 26 Glacier Cruise and Coach from Anchorage, AK

9. Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley

10. 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK

11. Full-Day Tour in Turnagain

12. Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo

13. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward Round-Trip Same Day Return

14. Grand Knik Helicopter Tour - 2 hours 3 landings - ANCHORAGE AREA

15. Northern Lights Adventure of a Liftetime from Anchorage

16. Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer

17. Viator Exclusive: Go eBike Alaska on Tony Knowles Trail

18. Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup

19. Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour

20. Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour

21. All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike from Anchorage

22. Private Mat-Su Valley, Hatcher Pass & Local Wildlife Tour

23. Bears, Trains & Icebergs Tour

24. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward One Way

25. Downtown Anchorage Tour on 14-Passenger Electric Vehicle

26. Anchorage Trolley Tour

27. Alaska Wildlife Tour

28. Turnagain Arm Tour

29. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Scenic Bike Tour

30. Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Anchorage Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience
• Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour
• Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage
• Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour
• Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour
• Alaska Railroad
• McKinley Explorer
• Ultra Dome Railcar
• Glacier Discovery Train
• Alaskan Husky Adventures
• PicTours Alaska
• Salmon Berry Travel & Tours
• Alaska Sled Dog Tours
• Alaska Tour & Travel
• 49th State Motor Tours
• Infinite Adventures
• Ascending Path
• 907 Tours: Anchorage Day Tours
• Alaska Wild Guides

Anchorage Alaska

The epicenter of adventure in Alaska.

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Things to Do in Anchorage

Anchorage transportation.

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Alaska Railroad Anchorage

FAQs & Advice

Although many travelers in Alaska will pass through Anchorage, the state's largest city has humble roots. The site was originally chosen as the headquarters for the construction of the Alaska Railroad . Thousands of workers employed by the railroad congregated in a hastily built tent city on the banks of Ship Creek. As for the city's name, it has a similarly no-frills origin. In lieu of a better option, the post office began using Anchorage, literally "port," as the place name.

By the time the railroad was complete in 1923, the Anchorage town center had moved onto a bluff overlooking Ship Creek. From there it spread, seeing population booms during World War II and after the discovery of oil on Alaska's North Slope. Today the city is a major transportation hub for both air travel from out of state and bush plane travel within it. The Anchorage area is home to nearly half of Alaska's residents, along with some 300 moose, 250 black bears, and 60 brown bears.

Don't let Anchorage's city feel fool you, the big wilds of Alaska are close by. The city is bordered to the east by the peaks of Chugach State Park and to the south by the Turnagain Arm, a tumultuously beautiful waterway that sees the tide change up to 40 feet on a given day. Keep reading for expert Anchorage advice on where to stay , things to do , and how to get around .

As a bustling city with a love for the outdoors, Anchorage is full of interest for active travelers. Take a bike ride on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or check out the extensive hiking trail system east of downtown in the Chugach Mountains. Cultural enthusiasts will find much to learn at the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. There are plentiful city-wide farmers markets in the summertime, plus many local restaurants, bars, galleries, and gift shops to explore.

Local tour operators offer a variety of guided trips that range from private day tours to brewery excursions to glacier walks . Anchorage is also home to the largest float plane base in the world, so fly-in bear viewing tours and fishing charters make for especially memorable day trips. Check out our Things to Do in Anchorage page for more ideas.

Anchorage offers a broad selection of hotels concentrated near the airport or downtown, two areas roughly six miles apart. For travelers seeking an airport hotel, we recommend the Lakefront Anchorage Hotel . Closer to downtown, the convenient Wingate by Wyndham is a good choice for visitors who'll be traveling by train . We typically recommend staying one night in Anchorage, preferably at the beginning or end of your trip. During the summer months, hotel rooms book up quickly, so make your reservations with us well in advance. Check out our Anchorage lodging page for a complete list of options.

Anchorage is served by several national airlines, with Alaska Airlines offering the widest selection of flights both in state and connecting to the continental United States. The Alaska Railroad offers daily summer service to Seward, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks. The Park Connection Motorcoach connects to the same towns (excluding Fairbanks). Rental cars are available from several companies at or near the Anchorage airport. Check out our Anchorage transportation page for more information.

Anchorage Lodging

From lakeside accommodations to downtown rooms within walking distance of major attractions, Anchorage offers an overnight option for every budget. Learn More >

As the state's largest city, Anchorage offers activities for every visitor. World-class museums, historical sites, and miles of trails await. Learn More >

A major transportation hub for Alaska, in Anchorage visitors can easily coordinate travel by air, rail, motorcoach, and car. Learn More >

Anchorage Tips, Advice & FAQs

What's there to do in Anchorage? Where should I stay? Find quick answer to these commonly asked questions and more. Learn More >

Anchorage Map

Get the lay of the land in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city and main travel hub. Anchorage is in Southcentral Alaska. Learn More >

Anchorage Restaurants

Mingle with locals at Moose's Tooth, sip a martini at Simon's, try the fresh halibut specials at Glacier Brewhouse. Check out the Anchorage eats we most often recommend. Learn More >

As the original headquarters of the Alaska Railroad, Anchorage is the center of train travel in Alaska. All train routes depart from its downtown depot. Learn More >

Anchorage   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Blue Poppy | Getty Images

Why Go To Anchorage

Alaska's most populous city sits on land occupied for centuries by the Dena'ina Athabascan people, whose access to the temperate climate and abundance of subsistence resources aligned perfectly with the land. Anchorage proper was founded upon the muddy banks of Ship Creek in 1914 with the arrival of the Alaska Railroad . An unimpressive collection of tents then, the city grew into a neat grid of homes and businesses that has since blossomed into the state's financial, commercial and cultural hub, with 40% of the state's population residing in the "Anchorage Bowl," with Cook Inlet to the west and the Chugach Mountains to the east. More than 100 languages are spoken at Anchorage schools, and 20 unique Alaska Native groups live within the municipality.

From the ground, Anchorage looks like any other urban sprawl, and not much like the tourist brochures. It isn't until you step off the ordinary, everyday sidewalks and into a wealth of activities that one realizes the "real" Alaska was right here, all along. The convenience of urban resources combines with an allure of rural wilderness, meeting quite comfortably in parks, on trails and among its fabulous eateries. Anchorage is the logical home base for visitors to Alaska, boasting a plethora of attractions , including museums, cultural centers, recreational opportunities and access to remote sections of the state thanks to the Lake Hood Seaplane Base , the busiest in the world. Visit during the summer to experience the "City of Lights and Flowers" (home to about 80,000 flowers throughout 460 flower beds) in full bloom, or between September and April to be dazzled by the sparkling northern lights (several of the best Alaska tours can help you spot them).

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• # 14 in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.

Best of Anchorage

Best hotels in anchorage.

• # 1 in Alyeska Resort
• # 2 in Hotel Captain Cook
• # 3 in Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown

Best Things to Do in Anchorage

• # 1 in Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
• # 2 in Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• # 3 in Alaska Native Heritage Center

Popular Tours

Anchorage Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience

(1987 reviews)

from $ 209.99

Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour

(91 reviews)

from $ 310.00

Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour + Transfer

(15 reviews)

from $ 197.00

Anchorage Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Anchorage is June through August. Summer is the most popular time to visit Anchorage, with most visitors arriving between May and September. Alaska's famous "midnight sun" brings long, lingering daylight and short nights (solstice is celebrated on June 21 each year), and a full array of blooming gardens and flower beds almost everywhere you look. But don't expect swimsuit weather; Anchorage's position on the map means a temperate climate, with temperatures between June and August hovering in the mid-60s. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds along with stunning foliage in bright yellows and reds. Winter in Anchorage means cold temperatures, but lots of sunshine and snow-themed sports, including dog mushing, skiing and ice skating. You'll also have a better chance to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights . The spring months are a time of change, with snow melting by late April, and a wealth of early-season travel deals on hand for visitors.

Weather in Anchorage

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Take time to see the city The municipality of Anchorage covers a huge area of 1,947 square miles, stretching south to the community of Girdwood, and north to the village of Eklutna. Plan to spend at least three days in Alaska's largest city, and get to know its urban and rural attractions.

Make reservations Know that Alaska welcomes more than 2 million visitors each year, and many of them stop in Anchorage. Hotels, rental cars, flights and restaurants are packed, so securing reservations at least six months in advance of your arrival is a must.

Become educated about wildlife Anchorage is home to black and brown bears, moose, bald eagles and many other animals. Residents learn from an early age how to avoid conflicts and make smart decisions regarding wildlife viewing or photo-ops. Before arriving in Anchorage, take time to review the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's bear and moose safety resources .

How to Save Money in Anchorage

Book early Alaska's high season between May and October means paying a premium for lodging and most attractions, so making reservations for both can mean the difference between an affordable visit and an exorbitant one.

Buy the Alaska TourSaver The Alaska TourSaver is a trusted coupon book with two-for-one deals on everything from flightseeing to RV rentals. Currently priced at $99, the TourSaver can save visitors hundreds of dollars.

Consider a fall, spring or winter visit  Most people want to arrive in Alaska during the summer months, thinking they'll miss out on things like bear-viewing, fishing or cruising otherwise. But Alaska is truly a four-season destination, with spring and fall offering the sweetest deals on many of the activities for which the state is famous. Try booking a trip in May or September for bear-viewing and fishing; or February and March to spot the famous aurora borealis .

Getting Around Anchorage

The best way to get around Anchorage is by car. Anchorage is a sprawling municipality stretching almost 70 miles between the communities of Girdwood to the south and Eklutna village to the north. While there is plenty to see and do in the downtown Anchorage area by foot or bike, having access to a vehicle expands access to activities. Rental car agencies are plentiful in Anchorage, either at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) or satellite locations across the city. In general, rates will be higher at the airport. Most Anchorage hotels will offer a shuttle service to and from the airport, but check ahead of time to ensure transportation will be available during your visit.

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail winds its way from downtown Anchorage south to Kincaid Park .

Explore More of Anchorage

Things To Do

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13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Anchorage, Alaska

Written by Chloë Ernst and Brad Lane Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains in Southcentral Alaska, Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and commercial center (though much smaller Juneau is the state capital). A modern style pervades the city, rebuilt after a devastating 1964 earthquake and tsunami. The city appeals to urbanites and its approximately 290,000 residents with plenty of cultural attractions.

However, the real draw for tourists and residents of Anchorage is the city's easy access to wild Alaskan landscapes. The nearly half-million-acre Chugach State Park is at the city's backdoor. Also within easy reach of the city is Mount Alyeska Resort , which offers skiing throughout the year; the popular Portage Glacier (50 miles southeast); and the Kenai Peninsula . You can also do a road trip from Anchorage to Denali National Park or visit the fjord-riddled coast.

Anchorage is Alaska's most important traffic hub, welcoming many international airlines and home to the world's largest seaplane base. The Alaska Railroad also runs through Anchorage, connecting other scenic cultural hubs and tying together the region's rich history. Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Anchorage.

See also: Where to Stay in Anchorage

1. Observe the Residents at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

2. take a bicycle ride on the tony knowles coastal trail, 3. explore the culture at the alaska native heritage center, 4. engage at the anchorage museum at rasmuson center, 5. dive into chugach state park, 6. hike the flattop mountain trail, 7. watch seaplanes land at the alaska aviation museum, 8. hop aboard the alaska railroad, 9. ski girdwood, alaska, 10. alaska zoo, 11. seward, alaska, 12. kenai fjords national park, 13. gain some altitude with rust's flying service, where to stay in anchorage for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in anchorage, alaska.

This animal sanctuary adopts injured or orphaned wildlife from the Alaska area, sometimes providing them with a permanent place to stay. The Conservation Center is an hour southeast of Anchorage, and guests can visit the resident animals and their 200 acres of spacious habitat throughout the year. This access enables up-close views of bison, bears, moose, owls, elk, eagles, wolves, and a lynx.

This nonprofit organization strives to research these animals and educate the public about Alaska wildlife, and in accordance offers a variety of classes, programs, and tours . For anyone looking to add to their conservation efforts, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has many volunteer opportunities available.

An easy way to explore the Wildlife Conservation Center is by booking a guided tour with round-trip transportation. Trips like the Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience not only offer a ride to the animal sanctuary, they make several scenic stops along the way. And the professional narration of the trip offers an easy way to learn about the beauty at each site.

Address: Mile 79 Seward Highway, Portage, Alaska

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail trims 11 miles of the Anchorage shoreline, heading southwest from downtown. The coastal walking and biking trail starts near the city's oldest home, Oscar Anderson House , and continues to the somber setting of Earthquake Park , where information panels describe how the 1964 earthquake swallowed stretches of shoreline.

Wildlife sightings often include moose and beluga whales along the rest of this popular route. The path also lends a preview to some of the city's most defining natural landscapes, including Denali, the Chugach Mountains, and the downtown skyline. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail ends at the large Kincaid Park, with especially panoramic mountain views.

One of the most popular ways to traverse the length of the trail is via bicycle. For those visiting without their own two wheels, local gear shops, like Downtown Bicycle Rental , offer affordable daytime rentals.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center , northeast of the city center, explores the cultures of 11 Alaskan Indigenous groups. It's a family-friendly place to gain a better understanding of Alaska's history and culture before exploring the rest of the city. At the Heritage Center, six traditional dwellings surround the small Lake Tiulana, with each demonstration village displaying artifacts and offering various experiences.

Visitors can take in cultural dances, games, and artist demonstrations, with knowledgeable guides providing details and answering questions. The center also features local and regional artworks in a Hall of Cultures and a Theater that plays educational film series throughout the day.

Transportation is available to the center from the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center .

To expand on this introduction to Anchorage, a guided Anchorage City Tour provides further insights into the history and culture that define Anchorage. This two-hour tour stops at prominent city landmarks and natural spaces, including the Alaska Native Heritage Center. It offers a more complete story of Anchorage that's otherwise not easy to discover on your own.

Address: 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage, Alaska

A modern, glass-fronted building houses the expansive Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center . The facility contains a broad range of art and historic items related to Alaska and the Arctic. The museum also features numerous traveling exhibits from around the world each year.

Located on the first floor, the Spark!Lab has hands-on science and technology exhibits popular for young researchers. Throughout the rest of the four-story facility, permanent exhibits include Art of the North and a Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center . This is a great place to visit for families or anyone looking to entertain children for a day.

A planetarium at the facility offers other visual forms of entertainment. Regular showings at the Thomas Planetarium include educational films focusing on the environment, the cosmos, and human wellness. And just sitting in the large park in front of the museum is a lovely way to enjoy Alaska's long summer days.

Address: 625 C Street, Anchorage, Alaska

Chugach State Park is one of the four largest state parks in the United States, covering a staggering 700-plus square miles. This rugged terrain of mountains, rivers, lakes, and glaciers is home to wolves, moose, bears, beavers, lynxes, and other wildlife. It's also a popular area for hiking, skiing, and camping within the vicinity of Anchorage.

The park borders the city to the east and meets the saltwater at various points along the Seward Highway, traveling along the shores of Turnagain Arm . Several trailheads lead right from the city streets into this wild environment. The Glen Alps Trailhead offers an easy introduction to Chugach right from the city limits.

The lands adjoin Chugach National Forest , where attractions like the Portage Glacier (in retreat) draw in tourists and cruise-ship visitors traveling between Anchorage and Seward or Whittier.

Address: 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, Alaska

Flattop Mountain offers a popular hiking route on the southeast side of the commercial center. It's often referred to as the most commonly climbed mountain in Alaska thanks to this proximity, as well as the relatively short 1.7-mile hike to the top. However, the route gains a hearty 1,300 feet along the way, with some scrambling near the peak, making it no easy walk in the park.

Flattop Mountain is still a popular place to visit for those not interested in hiking to the top. A short and flat trail leads from the parking area to a fantastic view of Anchorage with an easy walk. Other trail options throughout the area enable all types of hikes at the fringe of Chugach National Park.

Restored vintage aircraft, photographs, and other related memorabilia are displayed at the Alaska Aviation Museum , honoring the pioneers of Alaska aviation. Best of all, the museum is on the shores of Lake Hood , near both the world's busiest seaplane base and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport .

The aircraft on display are in various states of repair, with some being no more than a frame. Patrons can observe some of these vintage aircraft coming back to life in the Restoration Hanger. Watching take-offs and landings on nearby Lake Hood from a retired control tower , complete with a live radio feed, is also a fun part of any visit.

The museum is open seven days a week, with a small price of admission for adults and children. Members of the museum receive free admission.

Address: 4721 Aircraft Drive, Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage began in the early 20th century as a tent town to support the construction of the Alaska Railroad. After President Warren G. Harding drove the Golden Spike into the ground in 1923, the railroad endured a legacy tied to World War II, colossal earthquakes, and a tumultuous economy.

Today, the Alaska Railroad is owned by the state and offers dozens of passenger services and event trains while accommodating more than half a million travelers each year. What has remained constant in the near-century of operation is the elevated terrain seen alongside the tracks.

The tracks stretch for 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, with a prominent stop in Anchorage along the way. It connects several communities and otherwise hard-to-reach areas, spanning from the Southcentral coast into Inland Alaska. Train stops include Denali National Park & Preserve , Girdwood, and accessible-only-by-train backcountry areas .

The Alaska Railroad operates year-round, with more frequent service between mid-May and mid-September. Several packages are available to make the most out of a trip, including lodging and guided adventure services.

Anchorage Depot Address: 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska

Girdwood, less than an hour's drive south of Anchorage, was a prosperous gold mining and railroad town until the 1930s. It now finds its wealth in the mountains — specifically Alyeska Resort . After mine closures left the community a virtual ghost town and then the devastating blow of the 1964 earthquake, Girdwood relocated inland.

Today, the town is primarily a recreation area and is known as one of the premier Alaska ski resorts . Thousands of locals and tourists descend upon the slopes to "Ski Girdwood" every year. The Alyeska Resort encompasses over 1,700 acres, commonly described as "Steep and Deep."

It's not all snow sports that draw a crowd to Girdwood. The summer brings an equal amount of mountain recreation, including a wide variety of hiking and mountain biking trails. The Alyeska Aerial Tram , which brings skiers up the slope during the winter, also offers a scenic way to ascend the mountain in the summer.

As well as the ample snow sports and many things to do in the summer, the eclectic town provides fun places to eat, shop, and get a taste of the community.

The Alaska Zoo is a 25-acre facility with a variety of native wildlife species , including brown bears, wolves, musk oxen, Dall sheep, and reindeer. This Anchorage tourist attraction also has a small collection of exotic animals, including Amur Tigers and Bactrian Camels.

The zoo offers a wide range of events and special encounters, including Zoo Lights and opportunities to help feed the wolves. Visitors can combine a trip to the facility, which is located southeast of the town center while driving the Seward Highway .

Address: 4731 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, Alaska

Seward is the last stop on the Seward Highway, located south of Anchorage at the northeast end of Resurrection Bay . It's also the terminus of the Alaska Railroad . The town is a major access point to Kenai Fjords National Park and a great base to explore the surrounding area.

Visitors charter boats or planes and arrange fishing, hunting, or sightseeing trips from town. But Seward's chief tourist attraction is the Alaska SeaLife Center , home to Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and seabirds. At the center, look for species particular to the Gulf of Alaska, like the gangly king crab and impressive Giant Pacific octopus.

Visitors from Anchorage reach Seward with an approximately three-hour drive or a roughly four-hour train ride. This distance encourages an overnight visit, and several hotels line the northern tip of Resurrection Bay.

Kenai Fjords National Park , on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, is known for its glaciers, coastal mountains, and fantastic landscapes centering on the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield . The park covers more than 900 square miles total, but the only area accessible by road is Exit Glacier . Here, visitors can walk on trails near the glacier, or take a guided tour to learn about the ice-shaped landscape.

The 8.2-mile round trip on the Harding Ice Field is a popular hiking trail leading from Exit Glacier, though the route is strenuous with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The national park is also explored by air or boat, either on a tour or independently. Hiring outfitters and guides or joining ranger-led programs is often the best way to see and learn about this park.

Exit Glacier is most easily accessible from Seward off Highway 9, which is home to other tourist attractions and visitor resources. Other tourist-friendly towns on the Kenai Peninsula include Homer and Kenai, accessible from Highway 1.

Rust's Flying Service has been in business since 1963, offering sightseeing seaplane tours to Denali National Park , Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, and over various surrounding glaciers. It has become a bit of an institution in this part of the country. The planes also take visitors to remote Alaska fishing lodges or on wildlife-viewing treks to see bears.

For anyone harboring the romantic idea of flying around Alaska in a bush plane, this will surely fulfill that dream. The planes include Cessnas, Beavers, and Turbine Otter seaplanes on floats, and the experience is as much about the flight as the sightseeing. Flights depart from Lake Hood, the world's largest seaplane base, with the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum next door.

As an alternative high-flying adventure, a Helicopter Tour and Glacier Landing from Anchorage offers a similar perspective on the rugged Alaskan landscape. This 60-minute helicopter tour includes a scenic flight from Anchorage over glaciers and offers a good chance of seeing wildlife.

Address: 4525 Enstrom Circle, Anchorage, Alaska

The best place to stay in Anchorage is right downtown, near restaurants, the shops of 4th Street, and a few of the area's top attractions, including the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Below are some highly rated hotels in good locations:

Luxury Hotels :

• The Hotel Captain Cook is Anchorage's premier luxury hotel. Just a few steps from the Coastal Trail, it features well-appointed rooms and some with scenic city views.
• The large Anchorage Marriott Downtown is in the heart of the action and convenient to the cruise terminal and 4th Street.
• Close to a number of good restaurants, the Hilton has recently upgraded rooms, some with mountain views, and a pool.
• In the same category and just a short walk from the Anchorage Museum, the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel offers contemporary-styled rooms with good views.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• The Embassy Suites by Hilton is an all-suite hotel with a complimentary breakfast and free shuttle service to the airport and around the downtown area.
• For some historical charm, try the boutique Historic Anchorage Hotel . Built in 1916, this property has only 26 rooms and has a wonderful central location in the city center.

Budget Hotels:

• The Anchorage Grand Hotel is a good budget option, only a few short blocks from the downtown core.
• The Voyager Inn has large, bright rooms in a quiet location near downtown and a variety of good restaurants.
• The centrally located Clarion Suites Downtown offers decent rooms, a pool, and a complimentary breakfast.

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Are guests visiting you in Alaska? Here are a few easy options for quick journeys or easy day trips.

Independence Mine State Historical Park and its parking lots become clear from cloud cover for a brief minute on July 30, 2023. This view of the valley is from Gold Cord Lake. (Anne Raup / ADN)

Ever since moving to Alaska decades ago, friends and relatives call or write to have me help them plan their trip. That often includes crashing on our couch and picking them up from their midnight flight.

Start planning now for your guests’ arrival. There are hundreds of options for your visitors, but here are a few plug-and-play day trips or quick journeys to get started.

On the first day, get your visitors up early and drive them up to Flat Top. Depending on their energy level and the snowpack, you can take a short stroll from the parking lot to the overlook, head up to the top of the mountain, or hike up Powerline Pass for some stunning alpine views.

Then, take them to some of Anchorage’s coolest places, rain or shine. That includes the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Alaska Botanical Gardens and the Alaska Zoo. Let them buy you lunch!

For day two, consider a trip south to Girdwood for a ride on the tram at Alyeska Resort. It’s always a hit. Long-time Girdwood enthusiasts will insist on a stop at the Bake Shop for a big sweet roll.

After your tram ride, continue heading down the highway to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Check out the bears, the Musk Oxen, the elk, the porcupines, the bison and all the other critters.

Finally, take the cutoff to Whittier. Don’t go through the tunnel, though. That’s another full-day excursion to go on the 26 Glacier Cruise. Instead, head for the Portage Glacier Cruise for a journey on the MV Ptarmigan to the face of the glacier.

For day three, head north to Talkeetna. I was there yesterday for lunch at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, and Denali is still there — bigger than ever. A couple of flightseeing planes landed as I munched on a sandwich with some friends in the visitor industry. The flight up and around Denali is a fun thing to do, especially if your pilot lands on a glacier.

If you’re more comfortable at ground level, go for a jetboat ride with Mahay’s Jetboat Adventures. Just after launching from the dock on the Talkeetna River, there’s a great photo opportunity of Denali when they turn the boat and head up the Susitna River.

My favorite pizza in town is at Denali Brewing’s location close to the Parks Highway. Of course, there’s also a great selection of their beer.

The flightseeing trips are weather-dependent. If you can’t fly, head back to town, but take the cutoff to Palmer over Hatcher Pass. This is a fabulous drive through some incredible alpine country. The last time I saw a bear ... from a comfortable distance. Once you’re over the summit, you’ll see the Independence Mine historical site on the left. Make a stop. Stretch your legs and check out the old mine buildings. In fact, they’re still mining in the valley.

For day number four you can head back down the Seward Highway to either Seward or Whittier for a glacier and wildlife cruise.

Trips further afield include overnight accommodations, which require a little more advance planning.

A trip to Homer is fun. The Homer Spit is one of our family’s favorite beaches in Alaska. Be sure and make plans to head across the bay. Ride with Mako’s Water Taxi and take a trip to hike to Grewingk Glacier. Pack a lunch from La Baleine Cafe , located near Mako’s office at Homer’s small boat harbor.

Take the Seldovia Bay Ferry from Homer over to Seldovia for the day. The town is walkable — and you can hike the Otter Bahn trail to Outside Beach for some beautiful views.

The Danny J sails each day from Homer’s small boat harbor to Halibut Cove, where guests can enjoy lunch or dinner at the Saltry restaurant. The restaurant looks over the cove — and it’s a great way to spend a day on the water.

Combine a trip to Fairbanks with a ride on the Alaska Railroad. The train leaves each morning headed north. It’s an all-day excursion. But it’s a fun ride. The train slows down going over the Hurricane Bridge, where you can look down into the gulch, nearly 300 feet below. This is the railroad’s 101st season.

You’ll need a car to get around Fairbanks. Don’t miss a visit to the Museum of the North on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. On the drive over, you might see some migrating waterfowl at Creamer’s Field .

Check out Explore Fairbanks’ website for a list of great things to see and do. Then fly back home to Anchorage on Alaska Airlines. One way on the train is enough!

Look east for one of my favorite adventures: to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Take the scenic drive up the Glenn Highway from Anchorage through the Matanuska River Valley. Once you get to Glennallen, take a right and head down the Richardson Highway to Valdez. Take the cutoff to Chitina past Copper Center. After you cross the Copper River, you’re officially inside the nation’s largest national park. The McCarthy Road is one of Alaska’s classic 35-miles-per-hour highways, along with the Denali Highway and the Taylor Highway. Most of it is gravel.

Be sure and let your hosts know when you expect to arrive in McCarthy. Some lodges are before the bridge over the Kennicott River — and they can give you directions. Otherwise, park at the bridge, walk across and get a shuttle on the other side. You can stay up at the historic mining district at Kennecott, about five miles north of McCarthy. Or, there are several options right in McCarthy.

Be sure and check out options to tour the old mill buildings and hike on the Root Glacier with St. Elias Alpine Guides.

You also can skip the drive on the gravel McCarthy Road and fly back with Wrangell Mountain Air from Chitina. The 60-mile flight is one of the best flightseeing tours around. The pilot often will fly up through Fourth of July Pass and come out over the Kennicott Glacier for million-dollar views of the whole valley, including the historic Kennecott Mining District. The word “Kennecott” is alternatively spelled with an “e” or an “i.” There’s a whole story behind the various spellings.

After spending a couple of days in the McCarthy area, head back to the Richardson Highway and drive south to Valdez. The drive up over Thompson Pass and then down past the waterfalls in Keystone Canyon is spectacular! Plan on spending the night in Valdez to be on time for the early-morning departure of the Alaska State Ferry. Be sure and confirm the schedule well in advance.

Roll your car onto the ferry and sail away to Whittier. This is the ultimate shortcut for your return to Anchorage! Once you arrive in Whittier, it’s just a one-hour drive back to Anchorage. Plus, there’s no fee to drive out through the tunnel!

These are just a few itineraries to get started. Stitch together your own plan using these guides, available online or through the mail:

a. The Visit Anchorage guide offers lots of options in and around our city.

b. The Travel Alaska guide features options all over the state, from Ketchikan to the Arctic.

c. The Mat-Su Valley’s guide includes options from Talkeetna to Lake Louise to Knik Glacier.

d. The Homer Chamber of Commerce offers tips on fishing, bear viewing and sightseeing.

So get some rest and fill up your tank. Company’s coming.

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at [email protected]. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.

FAA lifts temporary ground stop of Alaska Airlines flights after technical issue is resolved

The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a ground stop for all Alaska Airlines flights Wednesday after grounding the planes earlier as a result of a computer problem at the carrier.

The Seattle-based airline said in a statement that an issue arose “while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates our weight and balance.”

The FAA initially approved a ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon flights starting at approximately 10:50 a.m. ET.

It was lifted just before 11:45 a.m. ET.

It wasn't immediately clear how many flights were affected. An Alaska spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

FAA lifts ground stop of Alaska Airlines flights after system issues resolved

The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a ground stop that applied to all Alaska Airlines and subcarrier flights after about an hour Wednesday. The order was first instituted because of a software issue at the airline.

"This morning we experienced an issue while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates our weight and balance. Out of an abundance of caution, we requested a ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon flights, which was instituted at approximately 7:30 a.m. PT," Alaska said in a statement to USA TODAY. "The issue was mitigated and the ground stop for Alaska and Horizon flights expired at 8:30 a.m. PT. We have begun releasing flights. Residual delays are expected throughout the day. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage guests to check the status of their flights on alaskaair.com or the Alaska App prior to heading to the airport."

The ground stop did not apply to Alaska flights operated by regional carrier SkyWest.

Although Alaska said it anticipates some delays throughout its system Wednesday as a result of the ground stop, as of 11:50 a.m. ET, the airline was not reporting any cancellations, according to FlightAware .

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

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