In this article, we have prepared a 2-day Anchorage itinerary for you. If you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s close to home, Anchorage, Alaska is an excellent option. The city has a wealth of activities and attractions perfect for anyone looking to spend some time indoors or outdoors.
What is Anchorage, Alaska Like?
Anchorage, Alaska is a bustling hub of activity and commerce on the western coast of North America. The city is home to an abundance of shops and restaurants, as well as a wide range of natural attractions such as picturesque waterways, rugged mountains, and dense forests.
Anchorage also offers easy access to world-renowned wilderness areas like Denali National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
2-day Anchorage Itinerary
Here are some ideas on how you can spend your two days in Anchorage, Alaska:
Day 0: Arrive & Settle in
Welcome to Anchorage! After a long flight, you’ve finally arrived. As you make your way through the airport and into town, take some time to soak in the scenery. You’ll find that there are plenty of things to do and see in this vibrant city. Make your way to your hotel and get ready for a busy day ahead.
Day 1: Hiking & Ice Fishing & Hot Springs
On your first day in Anchorage, you’ll want to get out on the ice. Starting your day with a hike in Talkeetna followed by a trout fishing trip on the Yukon River will give you an unforgettable experience.
Later in the day, make your way to one of Anchorage’s many hot springs for a relaxing soak. This is just an overview of what this amazing city has to offer, so be sure to explore more during your stay!
Day 2: Explore Downtown Anchorage
On the final day of our Anchorage itinerary, we highly recommend that you explore downtown Anchorage. The streets are lined with stores and restaurants, and it’s easy to find something to do.
You can start off by going to the Alaska State Museum, which is beautiful with a lot of interesting displays. Afterward, you can wander around some more before stopping at a cafe for some coffee and pastries. Finally, make your way back downtown to take in some of the sights and sounds of the city.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Anchorage?
Anchorage is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Here are 5 things you should do if you’re in Anchorage:
1. Walk around the harbor. The harbor is a beautiful place to walk, and there are lots of interesting sights and sounds to see.
2. Take a hike up Mt. Susitna. This is an incredibly scenic hike that offers great views of the city and surrounding area.
3. Visit the Historical Museum of Alaska. This museum has a lot of interesting displays of Alaska’s history, from pre-colonial times to modern times.
4. Check out some of the local art galleries. There are many excellent galleries in Anchorage, some with good prices and others with more experimental or avant-garde exhibits.
5. Go shopping at local boutiques and shops.
What Are the Best Places to Stay in Anchorage?
Anchorage, Alaska is known for its beauty, wildlife, and vast landscape. There are many places to stay in Anchorage if you want to experience all of it. Here are the best options:
1. Dena’ina Heritage Inn is located in the heart of downtown and offers historic architecture, comfortable beds, and a central location.
2. Anchorage Hotel offers spacious guest rooms, a heated pool and spa, and easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions.
3. The Holiday Inn Express Anchorage North provides spacious guest rooms with kitchenettes and free high-speed Internet access in every room.
4. The Best Western Plus Birchwood Inn is located on a wooded hilltop overlooking the city and features comfortable guest rooms with private baths.
How to Get to Anchorage From the Mainland?
If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage from the mainland, there are a few different ways you can get there.
The most direct way is to fly into Anchorage International Airport. If you’re looking to save some money, you can also fly into Two Rivers Airport in Fairbanks and then take a taxi or Uber to your final destination.
If you want to experience more of Alaska, consider taking the bus. There are several different companies that offer routes between Anchorage and remote towns and villages throughout the state.
Finally, if you have plenty of time on your hands and don’t mind spending a bit more money, consider renting a car and exploring all of the stunningly scenic areas that make up Alaska’s interior.
Things to Know Before You Go to Anchorage
If you’re thinking of visiting Anchorage, here are a few key things to know:
- The city is home to a vibrant arts community, with plenty of galleries and museums to explore.
- There’s plenty to do outdoors, whether hiking, biking, or fishing.
- The food scene in Anchorage is legendary, with everything from upscale restaurants to hole-in-the-wall joints.
- And if you need some rest and relaxation after all that exploring, the city has plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from.
Tips for Enjoying Your Time in Anchorage
When planning your Anchorage, Alaska trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, be sure to enjoy your time while you’re here. The city has plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy, no matter what your interests may be.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your time in Anchorage:
1. Plan your days ahead. There’s no need to waste time standing around in line or wasting hours at the mall when you can take advantage of all the great things Anchorage has to offer by planning ahead. Make a list of the places you want to visit and plan out how you want to get there.
You’ll be able to save money on transportation costs and have more free time for other activities.
2. Take advantage of free events and activities throughout the year. The city of Anchorage holds free events and activities throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals. Check out this list of upcoming events to see what’s coming up in your area.
3. Take advantage of the many outdoor parks and trails in the area.
4. Visit Alaska’s state parks. The state of Alaska has many beautiful parks that you can visit during the summer months.
5. Visit a museum or gallery. There are many different museums and galleries in Anchorage that have great exhibits and events throughout the year.
Conclusion
This itinerary provides a great overview of what to see and do in Anchorage, Alaska. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s vibrant downtown, take in a concert at the amphitheater, or take a scenic drive down the beautiful Cook Inlet coastline, this list has you covered.
Be sure to also check out our other Anchorage travel guides for more ideas on where to stay, eat, and relax.