Geoff and I started a vacation rental last April! We listed it on Airbnb and VRBO and started getting bookings right away. The summer was packed with visitors and even though it's slowed down a bit I'm surprised at how many guests we're getting through the winter.
It's been a blast meeting people from all over the world who are coming to Alaska for various reasons. Some are just passing through Anchorage on their way to other places and some stay here for their entire trip.
I really enjoy getting the space ready for each guest and helping to make their trip as smooth as possible on our end.
We often get asked for hike recommendations and things to do so i'm collecting some ideas here.
I'm gearing my recommendations towards someone who likes to hike, fish, and sight see. Alaska is so big that a lot of driving is required so be prepared for that.
Unless otherwise noted most these things can be done as a day trip if you're staying in Anchorage.
My Top Recommendations for things to do in Anchorage:
Very interesting to learn about the different native cultures here in Alaska.
"During your visit, you will stroll through six authentic life-sized Native dwellings situated in a wooded area around beautiful Lake Tiulana. One of our Culture Bearers will introduce you to the traditional lifeways of the Iñupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Athabascan, Eyak, Haida, Tsimshian, Tlingit, Unangax̂, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Yup’ik, and Cup’ik peoples.
Each village site has a traditional structure along with artifacts that each group used in their daily lives." -from their website
Anchorage Museum a good idea for a rainy day. It also has a lot of information on or native cultures and Alaska history.
Potter Marsh is a easy short walk along a boardwalk. You'll see lots of birds and pretty view. Very short, so this a good thing to tuck into a free moment here or there. Or to stop by on your way in or out of town.
There's a fishing derby held at Ship Creek downtown Anchorage each June.
Drive up Toilsom Road to the Glen Alps trail head for an amazing view over looking Anchorage. You can see Denali on a clear day. Park there and enjoy the overlook or continue hiking up Flattop, a very popular hike in Anchorage.
Outside of Anchorage:
Take the only road south out of Anchorage, the Seward Highway, for a beautiful drive along Turnagain Arm. Keep an eye out for beluga whales in the water and Dall Sheep up on the mountains. You'll probably see an eagle or two along the way, maybe even some moose!
Pull off the highway at Bird Point for a great view of the mountains and water.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is worth a visit and right off the Seward Hwy an hour outside of Anchorage.
Tickets can be purchased day of visit.
I would park the car and walk the 1.5 mile loop.
Byron Glacier is easy to access with a mostly flat 3.2 mile round trip walk.
(You could do the wildlife center and Byron Glacier in one day)
The town of Whittier is fun to visit.
You have to drive through a 2.5 mile tunnel to get to the town. This takes a bit of planning as the tunnel is one lane and shared with the railroad. The entry into Whittier on on the half hour and exit from Whittier is on the hour. View the tunnel schedule here. Note: there is a toll fee.
The history of Whittier and the tunnel is interesting so be sure to do some research on that.
Fun fact, most of the town lives in one big building!
Since it's a deep water port some cruise ships dock here and you can take day cruises out of Whitter to see the glaciers and wildlife.
Some of my very favorite hikes are in Whittier.
I'd recommend downloading the free AllTrails app for hike direction and up to date trail information.
Portage Pass Trail is amazing with views of Prince William Sound on one side and Portage Glacier on the other. Can't miss this one!
We pack a lunch and hike up to the pass and hang out up there for a while before hiking back down and driving into town from some ice cream and exploring. The first bit is steep and rocky but it's less than a mile to the top of the pass and totally worth it!
Horsetail Falls trail has an amazing view overlooking Whittier and Prince William Sound.
(From here if you want to explore more of the Kenai Peninsula. I would find lodging in Seward or Homer. It's too much driving for one day.)
Fish for kings or rainbow trout in the Kenai River. Or take a float trip down the river.
Seward is about 2 and a half hours from Anchorage.
Things to do in Seward:
You don't want to miss Exit Glacier and the Harding Ice Field
After Seward drive down to Homer, "The Halibut Capital of the World"
The drive from Seward to Homer is 3 1/2 hours.
Stop on the way at The Moose is Loose bakery in Soldotna for a coffee and donuts to enjoy the last leg down to Homer.
I love Homer. It's so beautiful. Be sure to stop at the pullout overlook on your way into town. Amazing view.
We just like to spend the day on the Spit. Walking on the beach, browsing the shops, and finding new restaurants to try. The Spit is a 4.5 mile long piece of land jutting out into Kachemak Bay.
You can also take the water taxi or short flights to bear and wildlife viewings from Homer.
It's just over a 4 hour drive back up to Anchorage from Homer.
Now for recommended day trips North of Anchorage.
Visit a Reindeer Farm and hike the Butte in Palmer.
The Butte and Reindeer Farm are literally right next to each other so you could easily do both in a day while staying in Anchorage.
Another day trip from Anchorage idea is spend the day exploring Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine in Wasilla.
There are a lot of amazing hikes in Hatcher Pass
Talkeetna can be done in a day if you're willing to drive 2 hours one way.
Great little town. Views of Denali on a clear day. You can catch fishing charters out of Talkeetna. There's also a 3 hour zip line tour.
There you go! As you can see there is plenty to keep you busy during a visit to our area.
We would be thrilled to host you during your stay so keep our place in mind for your next visit to Anchorage.
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