Anchorage Self Guided Tour

Anchorage may not be one of America’s largest cities, but it’s got just as many, if not more, unique experiences as anywhere else. With cultural opportunities experienced through unique artistic endeavors, artisanal shops and culinary opportunities to tantalize the taste buds, Anchorage is more than just an outdoorsman’s paradise, it’s the cultural hub of the North.

Anchorage Self-Guided Tour & Itinerary

 Anchorage may not be one of America’s largest cities, but it’s got just as many, if not more, unique experiences as anywhere else. With cultural opportunities experienced through unique artistic endeavors, artisanal shops and culinary opportunities to tantalize the taste buds, Anchorage is more than just an outdoorsman’s paradise, it’s the cultural hub of the North.

1. If you want to explore Alaska’s untouched wilderness, trailheads and off-path adventures, car rentals will provide you the best way to get around. Renting a car opens up Anchorage’s opportunities. Unlike major cities, getting around by bus or train can be difficult and limited, meaning if you want to take advantage of Anchorage’s early sunrises and midnight sunsets, a rental is a must.

2. Downtown Anchorage has more stories and sights than meets the eye. A local-guided walking tour of historic downtown Anchorage grants you the opportunity to see the city through the eyes of its 500,000 residents. Not only does it get you acclimated with the area, but an Anchorage walking tour will introduce you to the history of its historic buildings, streets districts and homes.

3. The Native Heritage Center provides an immersive opportunity to learn about Native Alaskan culture and beliefs. With exhibits, displays and performances representing the handicraft, dance and storytelling of Alaska’s Natives, the Native Heritage Center displays wondrous works of art and artifacts.

4. Anchorage Museum, Alaska’s largest museum, presents a world-class opportunity to learn the real story of the North through the hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. Easily, you could spend the entire day amongst the marine life exhibits, contemporary art and historic artifacts.

5. The Alaska Railroad Museum is a quaint space that provides a unique opportunity to learn about the significance of the railway in developing Alaska. Additionally, interactive exhibits highlight the railroad’s importance in protecting the state during World War II.

6. One of the state’s most unique hatcheries, Ship Creek Salmon Run offers an opportunity to see the state’s most renowned fish fighting their way upstream between July and August. With waterways full of monstrous Coho Salmon and enthusiastic fishermen, the Salmon Run is an interesting opportunity.

7. Fourth Avenue provides an eclectic chance to view some of the state’s artisan gift shops and quirky antique shops. With an abundance of local, authentic cuisine and variety of shopping along the historic street, Fourth Avenue provides a lovely reprise in the middle of the North.

8.  The Anchorage Performing Arts Center serves the purpose of bringing the community together through theater. With a central location right in the center of downtown, the building is a memorable feature of the city’s skyline. With excellent opportunities become immersed in iconic performances and learn about the state’s infamous wolves, glaciers and northern lights, the Performing Arts Center provides an authentic, regional opportunity.

9. With many workshops, guided hikes and trailheads at your fingertips, Eagle River Nature Center provides the chance to see some of Alaska’s infamous wildlife. Just a short drive north, Eagle River Nature Center provides a chance to explore Alaska’s great outdoors.

10. At just over 3,000 feet, Flattop Mountain in Chugach State Park provides some of the best vistas of Anchorage anywhere. With little more than a 10 minute stroll you can reach the vista point, while a more daring climb to the mountain’s peak provides additional challenges and new vistas.

11. Unique wildlife viewing can be accessed slightly south of Anchorage at Potter’s Marsh and Nature Preserve. Immersed amongst the reeds, ducks, geese, waterfowl and the occasional moose can be viewed from the boardwalk that guides you through the pristine, serene wetlands.

12. The name says it all: Beluga Point provides sightings of the white-backed whales during high tide. Just a little less than a 10 minutes ride south of Anchorage, the mountains surrounding the point hosts Dahl sheep roaming across the mountainside.

13. An opportune chance to learn about Alaska’s Arctic wildlife, the Alaska Zoo is compact with a wide range of regional animals to be seen. Easily fit amongst a daily itinerary, if you can’t see what you want to see elsewhere, chances are its on display here.

14. Just a short walk away from downtown Anchorage, the Tony Knowles Trail winds around the Cook Inlet providing trails with opportunity to view flora, wildflowers, moose and the occasional Beluga that enter the Inlet. At just over 11 miles long, the Tony Knowles Trail is a great bike ride for early morning sunrises or midnight sunsets.

15. With trails and interactive displays, Earthquake Park is an interpretive opportunity to experience the hilly areas molded by the devastating 1964 event.

16. Lake Hood Seaplane Base at the entrance of the International Airport is the largest floating plane lake-port in the world. By parking behind the Department of Transportation, you can witness the planes landing and taking off in, what feels like, mere feet above your head.

Included in your Tour *All lodging *All transportation including light seeing, van & boat *All park and entrance fees *National & State Park Fees *All activities except those stated as optional *Complimentary beverages, water, soda or juice *Some breakfasts & lunches where listed.

Not Included in this Tour Airfare from your home to Anchorage, and some of your meals.