Things to do around Anchorage, Alaska

12.02.11

The Fancy Moose at the Millenium Hotel.

Anchorage, Alaska is a great place to visit. There’s plenty of things to do and see within this metropolitan city with an obvious mountain town feel, plus a lifetime’s worth of outdoor and fishing options within a short drive.

If you have (or can make) the time before of after you fishing trip with us, here’s a short list of possibilities.

Want to step away from the “big city” of Anchorage?  Just south lies the Kenai Peninsula, a playground for both fishermen and families.

Anchorage

Dining

• The Fancy Moose bar for a casual atmosphere is right next to Lake Hood in the Millennium Hotel, where dozens of float planes take off daily. The hotel has a great lobby with lots of interesting wall hangings (pictures, artifacts, animals). Close to the Anchorage airport.
• Gwennie’s for a great breakfast with fun atmosphere. Lots of interesting wall hangings.
• Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, downtown restaurant with more casual dining, good food, lively atmosphere.
• Moose’s Tooth for casual micro-brewery/pizza joint atmosphere. Very good pizza.
• Simon and Seafort’s for fine dining and view over Cook Inlet.

Misc

• Anchorage Museum downtown is definitely worth the time.
• Alaska Aviation Air Museum
• The Alaska Zoo is impressive and worth the time.
• Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, 11 miles of hiking trails from downtown following coast around Cook Inlet to Kincaid Park. Great views on clear days.
• Market Days, on Sat. and Sun. downtown, has local crafts. Usually done by early September.
• Plenty of window shopping in downtown around 4th, 5th and 6th streets.
  • The ULU factory, for traditional Native cutting knife and other gifts
  • Oomingmak, Native owned co-op offering Arctic Musk Ox hats and scarves. Pricey gifts, but definitely unique.
• Hike along Ship Creek, walking distance from downtown, to watch the combat fishing. It’s quite a sight to see!

Fishing

• Ship Creek, supports salmon runs and often crowds of combat fishermen.
• Campbell Creek meanders through town as well and offers some limited fishing opportunities.
• See our Fly Fishing Guide and Shop links for more information on local fly fishing shops.

Near Anchorage

Girdwood

Just a short drive south of Anchorage

A small town just south of Anchorage with fewer people and decent tourist options, including the popular Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Alaska Candle Factory. A very popular ski area in winter. Good hiking trails in the summer.

Portage Glacier

An easy day trip close to Anchorage. Worthwhile. Good visitor center.

Learn more: Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park, King Salmon

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