Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Anchorage?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Anchorage?
Most visitors spend one to three days in Anchorage when visiting. The outdoorsy city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the food.
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city. It is a cultural city that offers access to stunning landscapes and dramatic beauty. There are many parks and natural areas to explore nearby including Chugach State Park and the Flattop Mountain Trail. Many people arrive or depart from their Alaskan adventure through Anchorage, and the city offers a great overview to the region's culture and natural beauty.
Do you have one or two days to visit Anchorage? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Anchorage?
One day is generally not enough time to experience everything in Anchorage even though it's not huge. A shorter schedule may leave you feeling like you didn't fully get to take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. To genuinely appreciate the best areas of the outdoorsy city, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for one to three days here. After all, Anchorage, a small city brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.
How to spend a day in Anchorage
Known for it's hiking, Anchorage sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Year Round Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour ($157)
- Glaciers and Wildlife: Super Scenic Day Tour from Anchorage ($235)
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup ($115)
Anchorage is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour OUR MOST POPULAR! ($150)
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Anchorage?
Two days or a full weekend in Anchorage is often considered the right amount of time to spend here, as many tourists take around one to three days for their trip in the area. A 2-day trip would usually give you enough time to check out the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the food. Further down, you'll find our recommendations to kick off your adventure.
Anchorage, Alaska
How to spend 2 days in Anchorage
If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Anchorage, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Don't miss Chugach State Park during your trip to Anchorage, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings ($179)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Anchorage, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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