Are you thinking about visiting Anchorage, Alaska? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Anchorage worth visiting?
This city is a good place to visit for one to three days. 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. We first visited in 2008 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with the nearby wildness and the fun restaurants.
Anchorage, Alaska
Reasons to Visit Anchorage
Hiking
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.
Museums
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.
Food
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.
Shopping
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 Anchorage worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Anchorage is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the hiking and the famous sights and museums.
Summer Weather in Anchorage
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 15°C (59°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| August | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| September | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Anchorage worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather in Anchorage can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 2°C (35°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Anchorage, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, browse the museums, and discover the nearby hiking trails.
Autumn Weather in Anchorage
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 2°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| November | -6°C (22°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| December | -8°C (17°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
Is Anchorage worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Anchorage. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Anchorage can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -9°C (15°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and sample the delicious cuisine.
Winter Weather in Anchorage
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -9°C (15°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| February | -7°C (19°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| March | -3°C (26°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
Is Anchorage worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Anchorage. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Anchorage can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 2°C (36°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. During this season it's fun to experience the shops and boutiques, the museums and landmarks, and the beautiful scenery.
Spring Weather in Anchorage
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 2°C (36°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 8°C (47°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| June | 13°C (55°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Anchorage
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Anchorage with a lively nightlife scene. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Anchorage might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Anchorage here or see if Anchorage is expensive here.
Related
What is Anchorage most famous for?
Anchorage is most famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. The city is very popular for its hiking. And many visitors also come to this city for its museums, food, and shopping. It is often described as cultural, artsy, nature-oriented, outdoorsy, scenic, and breathtaking.
What is the most famous sight in Anchorage?
The most popular sight in Anchorage is Chugach State Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Anchorage on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Chugach State Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Anchorage? Is it a popular city to visit?
Anchorage is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Full day Hiking Adventure: $285
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Coastal Trail Bike Guided Tour: $120
- Guided Ebike tour Bird to Gird E Bike Alaska Anchorage Girdwood: $200
- Dog Sledding Adventure in Willow, Alaska: $243
- Year Round Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour: $157
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Scenic Bike Tour: $139
- Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour: $299
How long should I spend in Anchorage?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Anchorage is one to three days. Since Anchorage has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Anchorage? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Anchorage?.
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