Top 15 things to do in Anchorage, Alaska

In just 11 miles, you can spot moose, see an earthquake fault line and glimpse the tallest mountain in North America. That’s what you get when you explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage’s most popular path that's named for a previous Alaska governor. When you book a Princess trail-biking excursion here, you’ll cycle alongside an expert guide who will point out all the hidden gems of the Anchorage area.

The at and paved trail passes through Earthquake Park and Point Woronzoff, two photo-worthy places to stop and see snowcapped mountain peaks and lush greenery, the local moose and the beluga whales chasing salmon in the bay.

All aboard! Hop on the MV Ptarmigan for an unforgettable one-hour cruise that brings you just 300 yards from the area’s largest and most accessible glacier. The 6-mile-long Portage Glacier is an Ice Age relic that sits at the end of Portage Lake and stands 10 stories tall. Watch closely for any fractures in the dazzling blue ice — you’ll get to witness a chunk of glacier crash into the lake below.

Step into the land of the fjords by exploring Prince William Sound, a 10,000 mile protected area of rivers, islands, fjords and 150 glaciers. There are a few ways to experience this vast region: One of the best is to set sail with a Princess excursion that brings you up close to some of the awe-inspiring fjords and glaciers, such as the Columbia Glacier, which is one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers.

You can also ride a train through a mountain tunnel to Whittier, the remote gateway of the Prince William Sound. Fun fact: Most of the residents of this legendary town live in one 14-story apartment building! Whittier is also known for its network of underground tunnels, which you can explore as you experience the stunning beauty of the area's surrounding fjords and mountains.

What better way to take in all the best spots in Anchorage than a trolley. Hop aboard one of the iconic red trolleys to make the most out of your time before or after your Alaska cruise. While you relax and listen to the full narration, you’ll see the city, Earthquake Park, mountain views and seaplanes splash landing on Lake Hood. Your Alaska guides on the trolley will also add a are of culture: They’ll tell stories, share their family histories and expound on the history of the area. 

Did you know that the largest earthquake in North America occurred in Anchorage, Alaska? On March 27, 1964, this city experienced a 9.2 magnitude quake where an entire neighborhood slid into the sea. Earthquake Park is where you can step into history and learn about this massive quake and the ways it forever altered the Anchorage landscape. Take a stroll through the park, and you’ll nd signs pointing out the reminders of the earthquake — like a sharp drop-off where you can see peculiar rolling hills created by the four-minute shake in ’64.

Explore Earthquake Park with Princess by biking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or taking the trolley tour when you’re in Anchorage for a port of call or after your Alaska cruise. 

Watch planes make a splash — literally! Aviation lovers everywhere can’t get enough of the excitement at this unique airport where small aircraft take off and land directly on the surface of the water. This is the world’s largest and busiest seaplane base with over 200 ights a day and sometimes as many as 500! It’s also home to 1,000 aircrafts you can look at and some of the best lakeside views in Anchorage. Walk along the pedestrian path to spot some of the ights landing and taking off during the day.

Lake Hood is surrounded by the city and the Anchorage Airport, so hop on the Anchorage trolley tour to take in this unforgettable sight.

Explore Alaska’s largest city by experiencing the culture of downtown. Start at the Log Cabin Visitor Center at 4th Avenue to get a map, or hop on the Anchorage Trolley Tour to see everything with a local guide. Check out the Anchorage Mushing District to see the iconic statue of Balto and where the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Races start. Stop in at the Small Boat Harbor to spot a statue honoring Grandma Olga Ezi, a Dena’ina Athabascan matriarch, and read the signs to learn about the area’s native Dena’ina heritage.

Don’t miss 6th Avenue and the local murals on the SEED Lab exterior or Ship Creek, which is one of the oldest shing spots in the region (it predates the city itself), where you can see anglers catching salmon. Check out downtown green spaces like the Centennial Rose Garden, a lush garden on the western end of Delaney Park.

While this narrow strip of water is named after explorer James Cook turning around, there are plenty of reasons to venture into the arm. It’s a fantastic place to spot wildlife, especially beluga whales and salmon, and features staggering mountain views. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the rare but unforgettable bore tide, a massive wave of water that rushes down the arm and can be more than 6 feet tall.

Experience Turnagain Arm from the comfort of an Alaska train with a Princess excursion. Your luxurious train will take you right to the shores of Turnagain Arm, where you can enjoy the views and try to spot beluga whales.

You’ll be pressing your face against the glass to take in all the views from the Alaska Railroad! Board the train with your Princess excursion in Anchorage and see sky-high peaks, glittering fjords, and miles and miles of ancient trees all while enjoying the comforts of the train. First, you’ll travel along the shore of Turnagain Arm before passing through the Chugach National Forest, which is the second largest national forest in the U.S. Finally, you’ll pass through the mountain tunnels to Whittier, the gateway to a stunning fjord in the Prince William Sound.

Taking the train hearkens back to Alaska’s days as a frontier state and helps you step into the past as you enjoy the best shoreside views near Anchorage.

Talk about an unforgettable day! Take a scenic Alaska train ride to see a 3,500-foot-high glacier set in a stunning lake surrounded by the Chugach National Forest. Spencer Glacier is only accessible by train, which you’ll board the train in Anchorage, then hop off at the Spencer Glacier whistle stop. Here, you’ll meet up with a forest ranger who will take you to the glacier and teach you all about the ancient forest you walk through.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like moose, coyotes, wolves and bears.

Alaska’s wild beauty meets cutting-edge art and culture at Anchorage Museum, the largest museum in the state. As part of your Princess tour of Anchorage, you’ll learn all about Alaska through art, science and exhibits — and this museum houses more than 17,500 artifacts.

Learn more by visiting the Alaska Exhibition, which explores 13 themes reecting essential aspects of life in Alaska, both for today and throughout the state’s history. Guests of all ages should stop in at the Discovery Center where they'll learn about the Arctic through technology, interactive installations, artwork and marine-life tanks.

Moose, bears and bison, oh my. At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, you’ll get close to some of the most spectacular animals that live in the state. This spacious habitat is home to creatures that can’t survive in the wild and are protected and cared for at the center, like Bri the gray wolf who was born in the center and Uli the black bear who was found as a lone cub. Enjoy a narrated tour that will teach you all about the largest mammals in Alaska — like the moose, bear, bison and musk ox — before enjoying the gift shop to nd the perfect vacation souvenir.

Meet the feathered creatures of Alaska by visiting Potter Marsh. This bird sanctuary sits on 2 miles of freshwater marsh, where at least 130 species of migratory and nesting birds swim and y. There’s 1,500 feet of family-friendly boardwalk that lets you get close enough to see anything from uffy baby geese to mated pairs of black-billed swans. Watch for moose and muskrats that frequent the marshy areas — and spawning salmon in the summer.

Jutting out into the Cook Inlet is one of the largest parks in Anchorage where you can enjoy classic park activities and [ital] get the best of Alaska’s wilderness. Play disc golf on Kincaid Park's 18-hole course and spot moose or even a bear while hiking. The contrast is what makes this park a must-see spot when you’re in Anchorage.

The park is also where the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail begins, so when you book your biking excursion with Princess, you’ll get to see the highlights.

Get to know Anchorage by trying its local delicacy: Alaska’s famous reindeer sausage. This sausage is made from pork, beef, yes, real reindeer meat, which has a smoky and spicy avor. You can stop in for a bite to eat as you’re walking around downtown Anchorage before or after your cruise at Alaska Sausage & Seafood, the most famous spot for reindeer sausage.

Not a fan of reindeer? Try wild Alaska salmon instead.

Anchorage, Alaska, is home to everything from rare wildlife and icy fjords to the state’s largest museum. When you book an Alaska sailing with Princess Cruises, you'll experience all that and more as you journey into the heart of this stunning state.

Experience the unique allure of Anchorage aboard a Princess Alaska cruise.