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all the best things to do & see
near Anchorage, alaska

Favorite Short Hikes
 

    Portage Pass Trail

  • Location: Whittier (accessible through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel).

  • Details: A moderately challenging 2-mile trail with a 750-foot elevation gain, offering stunning views of Portage Glacier and Prince William Sound. The trailhead is located near the town of Whittier.

  • More Information: Chugach National Forest - Portage Pass Trail
     

    Winner Creek Trail

  • Location: Girdwood

  • Details: A scenic hike through lush northern rainforest, featuring a hand tram over a gorge (check current status before visiting). The trail begins near the base of the aerial tram at Alyeska Resort.

  • More Information: Visit Anchorage - Winner Creek Trail
     

    Flattop Mountain Trail

  • Location: Anchorage (access via Upper Huffman Road)

  • Details: A popular hike offering panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding areas. The trail to the saddle is moderately easy, while the final ascent to the summit is more challenging.

  • More Information: Alaska.org - Flattop Mountain
     

    Thunderbird Falls

  • Location: Near Chugiak

  • Details: A family-friendly, 1-mile trail through a birch forest along the Eklutna River canyon, leading to a viewing deck of a 200-foot waterfall.

  • More Information: Alaska.org - Thunderbird Falls Trail
     

    Horsetail Falls

  • Location: Whittier

  • Details: A short and rewarding hike near the old Buckner Building, offering picturesque views of the cascading falls.

  • More Information: AllTrails - Horsetail Falls Trail
     

    April Bowl Trail

  • Location: Hatcher Pass

  • Details: Starting at the summit of Hatcher Pass, this trail leads to two alpine bowls, with opportunities to visit the nearby Independence Mine State Historical Park.

  • More Information: Alaska.org - April Bowl Trail
     

    Eagle River Nature Center Trails

  • Location: Eagle River

  • Details: Offers a variety of short, family-friendly trails with breathtaking views, suitable for leisurely walks and stroller access.

  • More Information: Eagle River Nature Center


 

Favorite Restaurants

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    Southside Bistro

  • Location: Anchorage (1320 Huffman Park Dr).

  • Details: An established neighborhood favorite offering fresh, fun food in a lively atmosphere.

  • Website: Southside Bistro
     

    South Restaurant + Coffeehouse

  • Location: Anchorage (11124 Old Seward Hwy).

  • Details: A trendy spot offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tapas, with a full bar and coffeehouse.

  • Website: South Restaurant + Coffeehouse
     

    Glacier Brewhouse

  • Location: Downtown Anchorage (737 W 5th Ave).

  • Details: Known for its locally brewed beers and hearty meals in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • Website: Glacier Brewhouse
     

    Double Musky Inn

  • Location: Girdwood (Mile 3 Crow Creek Rd).

  • Details: Famous for its New Orleans-style Cajun cuisine. Arrive early to avoid long waits, as they do not take reservations.

  • Website: Double Musky Inn
     

    Birch & Alder

  • Location: Indian (27635 Seward Highway)

  • Details: Drive through bakery and coffee shop that utilizes locally sourced ingredients. A great stop on the way toward Girdwood.

  • Website: Birch & Alder
     

    Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

  • Location: Anchorage (3300 Old Seward Hwy)

  • Details: Regularly ranked as one of the top pizza spots in the U.S., known for its creative pizzas and house-brewed beers.

  • Website: Moose's Tooth
     

    Swiftwater Seafood Café

  • Location: Whittier (Harbor Loop Rd).

  • Details: Famous for its fresh fish and chips, perfect for a casual post-adventure meal.

  • Website: Swiftwater Seafood Café
     

    Dirty Skillet

  • Location: Hope (Mile 15.5 Hope Hwy).

  • Details: A top pick for excellent food and stunning scenery, offering a memorable Alaskan experience. The drive to Hope from Anchorage is a beautiful one!
     

    Turkey Red​

  • Location: Palmer (550 S Alaska St)

  • Details: A great stop in Palmer near the shops, offering fresh and locally sourced meals. Perfect for ducking in after visiting Hatcher Pass.

  • Website: Turkey Red
     

    Vagabond Blues

  • Location: Palmer (642 S Alaska St)

  • Details: A casual coffee shop and café with excellent lunch options and amazing treats. Located in the heart of Palmer.

  • Website: Vagabond Blues

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Favorite Day Trips
 

    Eklutna Lake

  • Location: Chugach State Park, 45 minutes north of Anchorage.

  • Details: A stunning glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains. Rent kayaks or bikes to explore the area, or enjoy a picnic by the shore. The 8-mile Lakeside Trail offers a peaceful escape for hikers and bikers.
     

    Talkeetna

  • Location: About 2.5 hours north of Anchorage on the Parks Highway.

  • Details: A charming and historic small town with some of the best views of Denali. Stroll through local shops, art galleries, and eateries, or book a flightseeing tour for a closer look at the Alaska Range.
     

    Hatcher Pass

  • Location: About 1.5 hours northeast of Anchorage near Palmer.

  • Details: A picturesque alpine destination with scenic drives, trails, and opportunities to watch paragliders launch from the summit. Summit Lake offers tranquil views, and the April Bowl Trail provides a moderate hike with stunning scenery.
     

    Independence Mine State Historical Park

  • Location: Adjacent to Hatcher Pass near Palmer.

  • Details: Step back in time by exploring the remnants of this historic gold mining site. Interpretive trails wind through the preserved buildings, with hiking options nearby to take in the mountain views.
     

    Whittier

  • Location: 1.5 hours south of Anchorage via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.

  • Details: This coastal town is accessible through a one-way, 2.5-mile tunnel. Whittier offers hikes, kayak rentals, and fresh seafood. The popular 26 Glacier Cruise departs from its harbor, providing incredible views of tidewater glaciers and wildlife.
     

    Seward

  • Location: A 2.5-hour drive south of Anchorage on the scenic Seward Highway.

  • Details: A bustling harbor town known for its black sand beaches at Lowell Point, Kenai Fjords National Park access, and Major Marine wildlife tours. The town is filled with shops and adventure opportunities at Miller’s Landing, making it a favorite destination.
     

    Kenai Lake & Cooper Landing

  • Location: About 2 hours south of Anchorage on the Sterling Highway.

  • Details: This glacial lake with striking turquoise waters is a highlight of the Kenai Peninsula. Charter a fishing trip, hike nearby trails, or enjoy rafting. Cooper Landing has a few great spots for dining after a day of adventure.
     

    Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

  • Location: Anchorage, beginning downtown near 2nd Avenue.

  • Details: An 11-mile paved trail offering scenic views of Cook Inlet, Kincaid Park, and even wildlife such as moose and eagles. Ideal for biking, jogging, or leisurely walks, with rentals available downtown.
     

    McHugh Creek Recreation Area

  • Location: Along the Seward Highway, 25 minutes south of Anchorage.

  • Details: A perfect spot for picnics and short hikes through lush forests with stunning views of Turnagain Arm. It’s an accessible option for families or casual hikers looking to enjoy the outdoors.

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Wildlife Viewing

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    From the Lodge

  • Wildlife is often visible right from the deck, offering an incredible opportunity to observe Alaska’s natural inhabitants without leaving your accommodation. Frequent sightings include lynx, bears, moose, coyotes, owls, eagles, and other birds of prey. Keep your camera ready, especially during dawn and dusk.
     

    Moose Spotting on Local Roads

  • Moose are commonly seen along roads, particularly in the early morning or late evening. Drive cautiously and slowly when traveling down or up the hill, as they may cross unexpectedly. These gentle giants are a quintessential part of the Alaskan experience.
     

    Bears and Safe Viewing Tips

  • While bears are a thrilling sight in the wild, safety is key. They are less likely to approach groups, so hike, bike, or run with others whenever possible. Carry bear spray, use a bear bell, or make noise to alert them to your presence—they’re more afraid of you than you are of them.
     

    Eagle River Nature Center

  • Located about 30 minutes from Anchorage, this center offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife such as moose, black bears, and eagles. The surrounding trails provide a peaceful way to connect with nature while keeping an eye out for animals.
     

    Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary

  • Just south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway, this wetland area is a hotspot for birdwatchers. You’ll find waterfowl, swans, and even bald eagles. The boardwalk makes it an easy, accessible spot for families.
     

    Turnagain Arm

  • Traveling along the Seward Highway, keep an eye on the shoreline at Turnagain Arm, especially during low tide. Beluga whales can sometimes be spotted from the highway as they follow the salmon runs in late summer.
     

    Denali National Park and Preserve

  • If you're headed north, Denali offers one of the best chances to see a wide range of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, and more. The park’s bus tours provide guided experiences to help you safely spot animals in their natural habitat.
     

    Kincaid Park

  • Located on the edge of Anchorage, Kincaid Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, foxes, and eagles. The park’s trails are perfect for hiking or biking while enjoying nature and its creatures.
     

    Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

  • If you prefer guaranteed wildlife viewing in a controlled setting, this center near Girdwood is an excellent stop. It’s home to rescued animals like brown bears, musk oxen, bison, and wolves. A great educational option for families and visitors of all ages.
     

    Safety Tips for Wildlife Viewing

  • Always respect wildlife by observing from a safe distance and never feeding animals. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for closer views. When hiking, stay on designated trails and remain alert. Following these guidelines ensures both your safety and the well-being of the animals.

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