Early summer in Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska has to be one of the most unique places I’ve ever been to. Expansive vistas, imposing mountains, untouched (and in parts, inaccessible) natural beauty - the last frontier has it all.
The flight from Seattle to Anchorage was about 3.5hrs. Our hotel room in Anchorage had sweeping views of the city, the Knik Arm and mountains including Mt. Susitna.
Here is our fun itinerary! Can’t wait to go back and explore more of Alaska.
Day 1:
We drove through the breathtaking Turnagain Arm and visited the Wildlife Conservation Center at Girdwood. We got to see a pair of Grizzly siblings and Black Bear, Moose, Caribou, Wood Bison, Coyotes, Foxes, a Bald Eagle and so many more beautiful animals who have been rescued and are being nurtured back to health. Here is a video I made of the trip.
A scenic drive from Anchorage is Portage Glacier on the Kenai Peninsula. We did the 1 hour narrated cruise on the mv Ptarmigan which takes you really close to the glacier across the Portage Lake - the cruise was equal parts beautiful and serene. The clouds started to clear out as we made our way to the glacier and it made the views all the more stunning! I would recommend carrying a warm jacket, hat and gloves.
Day 2:
We spent the day exploring Anchorage. The city is charming and quaint and walking around the downtown area is a great way to see all that the city has to offer - local parks, great shopping options and lots of good places to grab a bite. We walked to the Elderberry Park which has great views of Mt. Susitna and access to the local trail. We also took the narrated Trolley Tour through the city - we saw seaplanes land on Lake Hood and visited Earthquake Park.
Recommendations:
Eat:
Tent City Taphouse - for lunch/ dinner.
Snow City Cafe - for the best breakfast and brunch options.
Midnight Sun Cafe - for an intimate breakfast/ brunch place.
Wild Scoops for ice cream!
Shop:
There are lots of great Alaskan gift shops in downtown Anchorage to explore and enjoy.
Do:
1. Visit the parks in Anchorage.
2. Walk the trails.
3. Take the Anchorage Trolley City Tour: Deluxe Tour - anchoragetrolley
4. Visit Portage Glacier - a true ice-age relic: Portage Glacier Cruise a Self-Guided Tour 2025 - Anchorage
5. Drive through the beautiful Turnagain Arm - so many photo opportunities at every bend of the road!
6. Visit the Wildlife Conservation Center: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Animal Sanctuary
Stay:
Hilton, Anchorage Hilton Downtown Anchorage Hotel
