Get acquainted with Anchorage on a quick city sightseeing or trolley tour. These tours are ideal for first-time visitors and pass by many of the must-see sights such as Earthquake Park and Lake Hood. You can also rent a bike and pedal the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

Stop by the Alaska Public Lands Information Center to view free movies and exhibits on Alaskan wildlife and culture and hop on a free park ranger led tour though downtown Anchorage. Next, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about the rich history and culture of Alaska’s indigenous people.

Explore Anchorage’s vibrant craft beer scene with a brewery tour and sample delicious brews from Alaska’s top breweries. Alternatively, head out for an evening wildlife safari or venture outside the city limits to see the northern lights if visiting during fall or winter. 

Head south from Anchorage to explore one of the most scenic drives in America, the Turnagain Arm of the Seward Highway. Explore on your own or choose a guided tour or hop-on hop-off tour. Stop at Beluga Point to look for the namesake whales and then continue on to the Indian Valley Mine for an introduction to Alaska’s gold rush history.

Home to the Alyeska ski area, the resort town of Girdwood is the perfect spot to stop for lunch. Enjoy a scenic ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska via the Alyeska Aerial Tram for panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and surrounding mountains.

Continue south to Portage Glacier and enjoy a cruise to the foot of the glacier. Before heading back to Anchorage, stop off at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and visit the orphaned and injured bears, moose, and elk for which the center cares.