The skyline of Anchorage is stark and dramatic, a cluster of skyscrapers surrounded by mountains and an endless expanse of wilderness.

“There aren’t many places where ‘there’s a moose sitting in the driveway’ is a legitimate excuse for being late for work,” said Jack Bonney, vice president of communications, Visit Anchorage.

Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America, rises on the northern horizon, and the glacial Alaska Range and nearby lakes provide limitless adventure opportunities. Alaska is famous for its aviation — with the highest per capita airplane ownership in the nation — and Lake Hood is the world’s busiest seaplane base; more than 500 takeoffs and landings occur daily in peak summer season, and flightseeing is ever-popular in the city. A major hub for Alaska Airlines, Anchorage expects increased airlift across multiple carriers that will add new non-stop connections and extend seasonal routes in the coming year.

Rail travel is also popular in Anchorage, as the Alaska Railroad runs through the city along its 470-mile stretch from Seward north to Fairbanks. The Coastal Classic route departing Anchorage takes passengers along Turnagain Arm, the country’s largest tidal range, where the steep mountains of the Chugach Range descend to the sea below. Anchorage, an economic hub and the most populous city in Alaska, houses roughly 40 percent of the state’s residents. The city also makes a point to honor its indigenous roots, and recent major renovations commemorate its native history.

Alaska Native Heritage Center © Ashley Heimbigner

“The Alaska Native Heritage Center unveiled the first phase of a major remodel last year, and work continues in public/private partnership on the Indigenous Placenames Project to recognize Denaina names for Anchorage locations,” said Bonney.

The sheer amount and scale of street art in the city will impress visitors, as more murals by artists such as Crystal Worl and James Temte have gone up on walls all over town in recent years. For business travelers, Anchorage also houses the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, the largest in Alaska, only a short walk from Town Square Park. Of course, everything in Anchorage lies a relatively short walk away, as the Park Strip downtown extends only one block wide and 13 blocks long, but those city blocks feel extra-long in the wintertime when temperatures drop to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit (remember to pack layers). Nevertheless, the city bustles with activity in the colder months, particularly during the Iditarod. The sled dog trail known as “The Last Great Race” celebrates the state’s culture and history.

“It’s not a race for the competitors; it’s a lifestyle; they live this every day of the year,” said Teri Hendricks, communications operations manager, Visit Anchorage.

The accompanying festivals of the Fur Rendezvous (known as the Fur Rondy) feature carnivals, fireworks, snow sculptures and an annual running of the reindeer. Other popular winter activities for travelers include aurora borealis viewing and downhill skiing. Last year Alyeska Resort had more snow than any other ski resort in all 50 states; it boasts a recently opened Nordic Spa.

Street mural honoring John the Flower Guy © Brian Adams

Anchorage has seen significant investment in accommodations for leisure and business travelers, as well, with projects at Hotel Captain Cook; Hilton Anchorage; and the brand-new Wildbirch Hotel, set to open in late spring 2025.

SCENIC DRIVES

Alaska abounds with amazing roadside glaciers, and some of the most beautiful spots lie just outside Anchorage in Portage Valley.
These hanging glaciers can be found in the Chugach National Forest, also home to idyllic camping in the Portage Valley and local fishing spots on Tangle Creek and Tangle Pond. Drive an hour south (48 miles) from Anchorage on Seward Highway, where you’ll spot the Middle Glaciers on the south side of the 5-mile Portage Spur Road. The glaciers sit halfway from Seward Highway to Portage Lake (hence their name). Drive to the end of Portage Spur Road to explore Portage and Byron glaciers — the former via a 1-mile scenic walk, the latter by a boat tour from the dock.

Alternately, head north to Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley to explore the region’s beautiful mountains, rushing rivers and vast open plains. Drive 100 miles (roughly two hours) north on the Parks Highway to Mile 98 to explore the charming town of Talkeetna. This town serves as the base camp for mountaineers looking to summit North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley (formerly known as Denali). There are amazing art galleries in Talkeetna and spectacular wildlife viewing along the way.