Anchorage is home to many museums and historical attractions that present Alaska’s fascinating blend of Russian, Native, gold rush and pioneer history from every imaginable angle.

• Anchorage Museum – collections highlight Alaska Native Cultures and include a Discovery Center and Spark!Lab for kids and families; the museum also houses a Planetarium and features a variety of traveling exhibits; wrap up your visit with a stop by the Museum Store for shopping or Muse for a bite to eat
• Alaska Native Heritage Center – learn about the native cultures of Alaska as you view exhibits and demonstrations of Native art, watch a variety of movies in the theater, and stroll around the lake, visiting six historic village sites, to see how different groups lived their daily lives
• Alaska Zoo – small, but beautiful, the Alaska Zoo provides “a home for orphaned, injured, and captive-born animals;” you’ll see a variety of Arctic and sub-Arctic animals, including polar bears, seals, moose, brown bears, Siberian tigers, and musk ox, to name a few; if you have time, attend one of their education programs while you visit
• Whale Fat Follies – check out this show for a good laugh, particularly if you’ve ever wondered, “Is what I’ve heard really the Alaskan way or just inflated rumor?
• Crow Creek Gold Mine – Crow Creek Mine provides a unique opportunity to relive the Historic Gold Rush of Alaska.

Active

• Hike Flat Top Mountain (other options include the Anchorage Hillside Trail System or Eagle and Symphony Lakes in Eagle River)
• Rent bikes and do the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail from downtown to Kincaid Park (with a stop at Point Woronzof, Earthquake Park, and Westchester Lagoon); also great for walking, running, roller blading, etc.; if you decide to do the entire trail, start at 5th and C and include the Light Speed Planet Walk in your adventure
• Kincaid Park, at the south end of the Coastal Trail, offers large fields for group games, trails for hiking, biking or walking, and a frisbee golf course
• Take a walk on the Potter’s Marsh Boardwalk to see local birds, salmon, and, occasionally, larger wildlife
• The City of Anchorage has over 120 miles of multi-use trails; to learn more about them, visit the Muni’s Trails page (scroll to the bottom)

Day Trips

• Head to Girdwood to ride the Alyeska Tram (only on a clear day and free if you have dinner reservations at Seven Glaciers) and hike lower Winner Creek Trail (generally to the hand tram and back) or any Alyeska-area trail; you can also hear live music at the Sitzmark or grab pizza at Chair Five, sample world cuisine at Jack Sprat’s, or visit Double Musky Inn for a Cajun-inspired feast; for an outdoor alternative, visit the Crow Creek Mine to pan for gold and stick around for dinner and music at their Monday night Salmon Bake
• Visit Whittier to do the Portage Pass hike (be sure to time it right with the Whittier Toll Tunnel) or take the Portage Glacier Cruise; on the way back, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Grab a sandwich at Krazy Moose Subs and head to Hatcher Pass to visit Independence Mine; while there, you can check out a variety of hiking trails or drive through to the Parks Highway for scenery; if you’re headed to Talkeetna for an overnighter, this is a great diversion on the way there
• Drive past Palmer toward Glen Allen and stop at the Matanuska Glacier; for a fee, you can drive closer to the glacier or you can take advantage of local guides to walk or climb on the glacier; once you’re done, grab a meal at Sheep Mountain Lodge
• Although it won’t happen during the conference, if you’re still in town on August 24, head to Palmer to visit the Alaska State Fair; the fair is uniquely Alaskan, from the exhibits (including the Giant Cabbage Contest), to the food, to the Lumberjack show!

A Note on Outdoor Activities
Never forget that you are in bear and moose country. For information on staying safe around wildlife, be sure to check out the following helpful guides:

• Bears and You
• Living with Bears
• Living with Moose
• Living with Wolves

Want to See More?

Below are a few of our favorite places to visit in Alaska. Although we have many more wonderful towns you could spend months visiting, we tried to limit our suggestions to those within driving distance and accessible by road. If you’re looking for other ideas, see Travel Alaska, the official State of Alaska vacation and travel guide.

Talkeetna

Stay at the Talkeetna Roadhouse; dine at the Roadhouse, Mile High Pizza Pie, Flying Squirrel, or Twister Creek (the brewpub of Denali Brewing Company); and for a bit of adventure consider a flight seeing tour of Denali with K2 Aviation or try Mahay’s Devil’s Canyon Tour. Be sure to wander around town and walk to the end of Main Street on a sunny day for great views of Denali.

Denali

Rent an RV, stay in a cabin or lodge, or consider camping at the park. Try to stay for a few nights to take advantage of Denali National Park’s programs, dog kennels, hikes, and bus tours. Stop by 49th State Brewing Company in nearby Healy for dinner. For the best views of Denali on a clear day, pack a lunch and hike to the ridgeline of K’esugi Ridge from Little Coal Creek or take a bus tour into the park that includes Eielson Visitor Center.

Seward

Drive to Seward along the Seward Highway, enjoying the view, photo opportunities, and hikes along the way! Detour to Hope along the way for pie at Tito’s Discovery Cafe. Once in Seward, visit Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park or, for the really adventurous, try the Harding Icefield Trail; learn more about Alaska’s diverse marine life at the Alaska Sea Life Center; kayak with in Resurrection Bay; take a Kenai Fjords Tour to see glaciers, mountains, and marine wildlife; dine at The Cookery, The Smoke Shack, Le Barn Appétit Creperie, or Seward Brewing Company; if you have time, book a fishing charter.

Homer

Stay at Land’s End Resort or camp in a tent or RV along Kachemak Bay; dine at Fat Olive’s, Two Sisters Bakery, Fresh Sourdough Express Bakery & Café, AJ’s Old Town Steakhouse & Tavern, or Cosmic Kitchen; shop and dine along the Homer Spit; grab a drink at the Salty Dawg Saloon or the Bear Creek Winery; take a ferry to Halibut Cove to shop for local art; book a Halibut or Salmon fishing charter. On the way to Homer, stop at the beautiful, old Russian Orthodox churches in Kenai and Ninilchik.

Valdez

For a great, and very Alaskan, road trip, drive north through Copper Center and continue to Valdez; stop at Worthington Glacier, Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falls, and Thompson Pass; visit the Wrangell St. Elias National Park Visitor Center; take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry back to Whittier (on the way to Anchorage) for a chance to see glaciers, mountains, and whales (plus other marine life).

When you are exploring the great outdoors, don’t forget to spend time exploring the great indoors. The wide variety of products available in Anchorage means your suitcase should go home just a little, or a lot, heavier than when you arrive. You’ll find there is something for the most dedicated shopper, the one who’s just along to hold the purse and everyone who falls somewhere in between. No sales tax is an added benefit, and most of the local gift shops will ship purchases around the world.

Anchorage dining includes some of the freshest seafood in the world, which Alaska chefs offer up in a variety of mouth-watering creations in Anchorage restaurants.

Where to Eat

• Moose’s Tooth – not your mom’s pizzeria, Moose’s Tooth features weekly specials, gourmet pizzas, and a wide selection of local and specialty beers; lines can be long during the summer so be prepared to wait, eat at an off-time, or visit their sister location, Bear Tooth Theatrepub and Grill which has different beers and a Southwest flair – if you plan to see a movie, tickets can be purchased a week in advance online
• Snow City – a popular downtown brunch location, Snow City’s menu includes standard and Alaskan-influenced brunch fare with options for vegan and gluten-free; use their website to make a reservation and avoid the line
• Spenard Roadhouse – described as “contemporary comfort food,” Spenard Roadhouse is locally known for their Bacon of the Month, loaded tater tots, Sunday Night TV Dinners, and a variety of specialty drinks concocted by their mixologists
• Ginger – featuring modern Asian fusion cuisine, this cozy, downtown restaurant features unique options such as sea scallop mac & cheese, mu shu tacos, and an extensive drink menu
• South – whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down dinner or bistro coffee experience, South is a great destination; a highlight of the restaurant is the variety of tapas and sharable dishes while the coffee house specializes in sandwiches, salads, and a fun variety of sweets
• Simon and Seafort’s – if you’re looking for good, local seafood (try the Halibut cheeks!), and don’t mind spending a bit, Simon and Seafort’s is a great choice; be sure to make reservations early as it’s quite popular with locals and visitors alike. For halibut on a budget (and more along the fish and chips variety), try Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse or F Street Station.
• Glacier Brewhouse – another great choice for Alaskan seafood, Glacier’s menu highlights roasted meats, brick oven pizzas, soups and salads, and handcrafted ales with a bit of a Southern twist (think buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, jalapenos, and succotash)
• Middle Way Café – if you’re looking for a local favorite serving breakfast and lunch options for a vegan or vegetarian diet, Middle Way is for you; their selection of smoothies, fresh juices, and baked goods is also quite good (plus, the menu includes non-vegetarian options as well)
• Midnight Sun Brewing Company – local brewery hidden in South Anchorage’s industrial area, they have a variety of beers and a food menu that changes daily; if the sun is out, be sure to spend some time on their deck
• 49th State Brewing Company – local brewpub featuring small-batch artisan crafted ales and lagers, a diverse and delicious menu, and an outdoor deck with views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range. Plus, if you’re a Geek Who Drinks, trivia happens here on Monday nights!
• Tommy’s Burger Stop – in their words, an “award-winning eclectic dive in the Heart of Spenard, serving Cajun influence Burgers, PoBoys, and Philly’s made with love;” if you’re going for lunch, call ahead – there will be a line!
• Although the food truck changes daily (so it’s hard to speak to the menu), if cider is your preference, don’t miss Double Shovel Cider Company!

Sweets, Treats, and Coffee

• For a great cup of locally-roasted coffee, be sure to visit one of the Kaladi Brothers locations or Black Cup.
• Modern Dwellers – local chocolate lounge; includes a wide selection of truffles and drinking chocolate
• Sweet Caribou – started by a UAA grad and known for their selection of macaroons
• Celestial Sweets – open late, you’ll find cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and plated desserts, as well as a complementary selection of tea and coffee on the menu
• Fire Island Bake Shop – Closed Monday and Tuesday, Fire Island’s offerings include wonderful breads, scones, tarts, galettes, cookies, cakes, and soups and sandwiches; there are two locations – the original shop at 14th & G and a neighborhood shop at 16th & Logan
• Wild Scoops – Alaskan microcreamery specializing in traditional and uniquely Alaskan ice cream flavors