Reasons Why You Should Visit Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage Alaska
Anchorage Alaska | © Flyver / Alamy Stock Photo
Alyssa Ament

Alaska is a vast state that is nearly overwhelming in what it has to offer both tourists and locals. As the state’s largest city, Anchorage should definitely be on your list of places to see. Read on to discover our top 12 reasons why!

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Referred to simply as “The Coastal Trail,” this 11-mile (17.7-kilometer) path follows the Cook Inlet from Kincaid Park to downtown Anchorage. The trail is perfect for walking, biking, running, and even skiing in the winter. It winds through forested areas, has several overlooks, passes Earthquake Park, showcases the inlet, and even has a spot to stop and watch the airplanes fly directly overhead. There are several access points to the trail, which allow you to choose just how long you want your adventure to last. For those seeking a moose-sighting, start from the Kincaid side.

Kincaid Park

Before you start your trip down the Coastal Trail, take the time to explore Kincaid Park. These 1,400 acres of forested land boast numerous trails to walk or bike, beautiful vistas, and an Outdoor Center, which people can rent for wedding receptions and barbecues alike. You’re highly likely to see a moose while wandering down the various paths or catch an eagle flying overhead. Kincaid is a great place to escape the main part of the city while remaining within its limits. The Jodhpur Motocross Track also sits within the park’s boundaries, for those with an adventurous side.

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts sits in downtown Anchorage and is the hub for the city’s creativity. The Center consists of a concert hall, two theaters, and various recital and lecture halls. The Discovery Theatre hosts a variety of theatre, opera, dance, and musical performances in an intimate setting that seats 700, while the Sydney Laurence Theatre is roughly half this size and is mainly used for theater and chamber music. The Elvera Voth Hall is an open 1,800-square-foot (167.2-square-meter) space used for recitals, lectures, black box theater, and special events. The largest space is the Atwood Concert Hall. It seats 2,000 people for orchestral performances, dance exhibitions, Broadway musicals, and concerts. Their upcoming events include a concert by Melissa Etheridge, a performance by the Anchorage Symphony, and a production of Cinderella.

Anchorage Museum

The largest museum in Alaska, the Anchorage Museum dedicates itself to exposing people to the social, political, economic, cultural, historical and artistic aspects of the North. It highlights the present and past of the Alaska Native culture, the Russian-American period, and the circumpolar North. The Discovery Center provides a hands-on experience of art, history, and science for children of all ages, and the planetarium teaches kids about Earth and its solar system. In addition to the exhibitions, the museum offers guided tours, panel discussions, workshops, and creative dance. The museum has been undergoing renovations since the summer of 2016, but it will reopen this fall. Be one of the first to see its newly improved facilities.

Flattop Mountain

For those who want a hiking experience without leaving the city limits, Flattop Mountain is a perfect place to go. The 3.4-mile (5.5-kilometer) loop provides a moderate hike during the warmer months. There are steps roughly halfway up that provide a break from the dirt trail, and a large flat area sits toward the end, giving hikers a beautiful vista that overlooks the city and the ocean. From here, adventurous folks have the option to climb a rock scramble for an even more incredible viewpoint. For those simply looking for a lovely view, there is an overlook connected to the parking lot that does not require a hike.

The bar scene

Anchorage boasts a wide variety of bars and pubs. Driven by an eclectic patronage, local bars offer several different ambiance options, from Irish pub to Asian cocktail lounge. Some favorites include F Street Station, where space on a Saturday is standing room only, 49th State Brewery, Kinley’s Restaurant & Bar, Ginger, and the Glacier Brewhouse. For those who like a good local brew, try out one of the Alaskan specialties at the breweries. For those who like unique cocktails, Ginger’s Balkan Spy is the perfect mix of tart and sweet. You could also try a carafe of their Hakutsuru plum wine.

Live music

For those who have a love for live music, the Anchorage bar scene offers this secondary benefit. Williwaw is one of Anchorage’s top venues, providing a myriad of musical choices from reggae and folk to open mic night with acoustic guitars and box drums. You can even find the occasional ’90s dance party at this lively bar. Every first Friday of the month, the city’s galleries, boutiques, and restaurants showcase local and visiting artists. Live music is a frequent accompaniment to the displays.

Biking trails

For those who like to bike for fun, or desire to keep up with your daily routine, biking in Anchorage is a treat. There are numerous paved trails to ride, including the Coastal Trail, the Chester Creek Trail, the Campbell Creek Trail, and the Ship Creek Trail. Each provides a beautiful view of Anchorage that you’ll miss if you don’t take the opportunity to explore. Kincaid Park offers 40 additional miles of trails, many of which are single track. Visitors will find bike rentals throughout the city for fairly reasonable rates.

Local shopping

Anchorage boasts several local, small businesses that feature authentic and one-of-a-kind items to commemorate your visit to Alaska. Stop by Grizzly’s Gifts to search for the perfect gift for friends and family back home. If you’re looking for stationery, cards, or fine china, The Kobuk is where you’ll find it. Everyone should have an Alaska ulu knife in their kitchen. Visit The ULU Factory for an introduction to its history, a view of how they’re made, and to buy one to take home. For all of your Alaskan apparel needs, visit AK Starfish Co. for one of their signature sweatshirts. Last, but most certainly not least, make sure you stop by Alaska Wild Berry Products to get a taste of some of the best locally made chocolate and candy in the state.

Lake Hood

For those with an eye for aviation, or if you’re just looking for a pleasant walk, visit Lake Hood Seaplane Base. The lake is 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) around, with a clear path the entire way. With nearly 200 operations a day, Lake Hood is the largest floatplane base in the world. You are guaranteed to see several takeoff and landing maneuvers along your journey.

Alaska Zoo

The Alaska Zoo has been around for nearly four decades and is home to orphaned, injured, and captive-born animals. Many of the animals are local wildlife that have been rescued and brought to the zoo for rehabilitation. They include bears, lynx, porcupine, Dall sheep, arctic foxes, and caribou. Other animals you’ll find are tigers, otter, and polar bears. Admission fees are $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 3–17. Children two and under enter for free.

The food

Anchorage is a diverse city with an equally diverse offering of restaurants. Try out Moose’s Tooth for some of the best pizza in Anchorage, with delicious gluten-free options available. The 49th State Brewing Company offers delicious entrées such as the free-range buffalo meatloaf, which you can wash down with one of their signature beers. Tequila 61 is the best place to head for Taco Tuesday. Spenard Roadhouse houses one of the best mac ‘n’ cheese recipes in the city, with the tasty addition of bacon and breadcrumbs. Whatever your taste, Anchorage has a restaurant for you.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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