Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Anchorage?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Anchorage?
Most visitors spend one to three days in Anchorage when visiting. The scenic 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Anchorage?
Three days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Anchorage at your own pace to experience the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the food. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend 3 days 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)
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)
This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.
Is 4 days enough time in Anchorage?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Anchorage has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Anchorage as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and the museums and landmarks at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for couples. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Anchorage, Alaska
How to spend 4 days in Anchorage
If you have more than 4 days in Anchorage, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Shopping in Anchorage is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.
Is 5 days enough time in Anchorage?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Anchorage, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The hiking, the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the food on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Anchorage as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend 5 days in Anchorage
Having 5 days in Anchorage will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
After you've explored most of Anchorage, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Anchorage, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.