19 Amazing Things to Do in Anchorage Without a Car!
Heading to Alaska and looking for things to do in Anchorage without a car?Having lived in Anchorage for 4 years, we can pretty much guarantee that you DON’T need to rent a car to have an incredible visit to Alaska’s biggest city.
To show you how it’s possible, we’ve gathered together 19 amazing things to do in Anchorage that are also unique to the 49th US state. Here’s our hand-picked list of activities to help you plan an amazing time here.
Visiting Anchorage in the summer months means there are hours of daylight. Think 20 hours 19 minutes daily to pack in as much as you can during your trip.
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker or mountaineer to access many incredible parts of the city either. Anchorage offers amazing and unique experiences for every type of visitor from hiking, glaciers to sky walks.
Anchorage Visitors Log Cabin
Smack in town, between F Street and 4th you will find the main tourist information center. It’s an understated wooden cabin adorned in summer flowers, bursting with mid-summer vibrancy.
This is also where several tours and around town shuttles leave from. Pop inside to learn about any special events going on while you’re in town, especially local festivals and outdoor summer solstice celebrations.
1. Walk or Cycle Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Free Entry. Family Friendly.
Getting Here: Google Maps Link to Coastal Trail
This 11 mile trail hugs the coast of the city. It’s a short walk from downtown to access the trail (which has a smooth surface). As you walk along, you will have uninterrupted views back over the city skyline and behind it the snow capped Chugach mountains.
The path weaves around an area where a severe earthquake happened back in the 1960s. Keep going and you will find yourself in what is known as Earthquake Park where a huge part of the coast fell into the inlet. On a clear day, you may catch a glimpse of Denali, the highest point in the USA!
While on the trail, you will pass by Point Woronzoff, a park named after a Russian who was part of a 1794 expedition here. This is a perfect place for some amazing photos of Anchorage and out over the inlet.
In the summertime, the coastal trail is full of life, people, and local wildlife at times. With over 300 bears and over 1000 moose around town, be prepared for a sighting or a close encounter.
Anchorage has over 40 miles of bike trails around town. It’s straightforward to rent bikes including e-bikes during your visit. Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals, Trek Bike Rentals, and RenaBikeNow are all based downtown.
Their location details on the map below. Rental prices range from around $20 for a 2-3 hour rental depending on the type of bike.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail website has great maps on where to access the trail from downtown and where to rent bikes, or stop for a refreshment!
2. Visit Anchorage’s Downtown Museums
Free Entry. Family Friendly. 625 ‘C’ Street, Anchorage.
Open Daily 10am to 6pm – May to September
Getting Here: Anchorage Museum At Rasmuson
The Alaska Museum at Ramusan is a must when visiting Anchorage. In partnership with the Smithsonian, it’s the largest venue in Alaska. Learn about the state’s fascinating history and culture, both past and present.
If you only have time for one museum when you are in Anchorage, come here.
🎒TPOP Tip!
If you are in Anchorage on the first Friday of the month, entrance is FREE from 6-9pm which is a great way to enjoy an evening in town!
For a deeper insight into Native Alaskan heritage, take a trip to The Alaska Native Heritage Center which is outside downtown at 8800 Heritage Drive. Open daily from 9am-5pm you can jump on the free round-trip shuttle from downtown Anchorage. It leaves from the Visitor Log Cabin!
In summer, the center puts on a huge array of events and performances that will bring you closer to the heart of what it means to be a Native Alaskan. Entrance costs $29 adults/$19 kids or buy your ticket on arrival.
Finally, if you’re interested in how life was a century or more ago in Anchorage, tour the Oscar Anderson House listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You will find it located in Elderberry Park (5th Avenue and M St). Little titbit – Oscar was the 18th person to arrive in Anchorage, to what was then called ‘the tent city’.
3. Explore Kincaid Park And Beach
Free Entry. Family Friendly.
Open Daily Dawn to Dusk
For more challenging hilly terrain rides from downtown, head further along the Coastal Trail to Kincaid Park. With over 80 miles of forested challenging terrain, this is the place to come for an energetic afternoon or evening ride or hike. It’s easily accessible from the city center. With over 19 hours of daylight you can cycle any time!
If the weather is good, head to Kincaid Beach, Anchorage. Yes – the beach in Anchorage is tucked away in Kincaid! If you have kids or just want a break from the city, grab an Uber and picnic. Within 15 mins, you’ll be on the sand. Of course, you’re in Alaska so it’s not exactly sunbathing weather but it’s quiet and relaxing. Did we mention the views are also fantastic over the inlet, the mountains, and next door Fire Island?
🎒TPOP Tip!
Just a word of caution. This coastline around the Inlet is Mud Flats and you can get stuck really quickly. Sadly, every year along the inlet and Turnagain Arm people do lose their lives. So, stay on the solid beach!
4. Browse The Anchorage Weekend Market
Every Saturday and Sunday downtown, you can visit the Anchorage Weekend Market. Full of local people showcasing their talents and there’s a variety of amazing foods to try – some uniquely Alaskan.
The market takes place at 225 E Street Downtown. If you enjoy souvenir shopping, this is a perfect opportunity with vendors selling everything Alaskan from ULU knives to local wild berry jams.
There is often live music playing. So we suggest you stroll the market, buy something for a picnic lunch, and then claim your spot to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a little more laid-back vibe, head to Town Square Park with your picnic lunch! This park is over 13 blocks long and always buzzing with local activities. It used to be a runway hence its odd shape of being long but only 1 block wide and also served as a golf course in years gone by.
The Centennial Rose Garden within the park is not to be missed on a sunny day!
5. Ride The Anchorage Trolley
Ride the Anchorage Trolley around town or book yourself on the Salmon Express Trolley tour. This outing heads to Ship Creek in South Anchorage where you will visit the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery.
This is where over 6 million fish are brought up and then released into Alaskan waters annually. The tour leaves from the Visitor Center Cabin and lasts 2-3 hours. $20 for adults and $12 for kids up to 12.
6. Hike Flattop Mountain
Hiking this mountain with ice picks in the winter was a bit of a challenge for me but every summer-time visitor of ours made it to the top of Flattop Mountain. It’s the best experience to really sense what makes Anchorage so unique in its geography between coast and glacial mountains.
Flattop is the most climbed peak in Alaska largely because it’s so accessible for locals as well as visitors.
Good news – you can pick up a shuttle service from downtown which runs from late May to mid-September to the car park area. From here, it is a short (1 mile) hike to the viewpoints at the top, climbing around 1350 feet in altitude.
Photos never do this view justice. It is simply incredible and although it’s popular it never feels crowded. Book the Hilltop Mountain shuttle or check further details. Cost – $25 per person.
Note: On arrival at the mountain car park, you hike on your own and regroup at the van to return to Anchorage. What’s cool about this shuttle is that you get to see a little more of Anchorage on the drive too!
7. Take To The Air In A Float Plane
Trust me, after a day or so in Anchorage you will start to notice that there’s always a plane in the sky above you. There are more pilots per head of the population than anywhere else in the USA (& probably the world).
I did try this when living in Anchorage but decided it might be safer to let the professionals fly me around!
Rusts Flying Services have been sharing this part of the world with visitors for decades. For example, in mid-June, you can take a Sightseeing Flight from Anchorage for $175pp.
Your 30-minute tour will leave from Lake Hood, worth a visit on its own if you love seeing these planes coming and going from the water. Then you will take to the air over the Chugach frontage range or perhaps over the Cook Inlet.
They offer longer flights around Anchorage or further inland and even over to where bears roam Alaska’s wilderness or around Denali. These, of course, are a little pricier but it’s an awesome experience. If you love aviation, don’t miss a visit to Alaska’s Aviation Museum open daily from 9am-5pm.
8. Have Dinner With Unforgettable Views
Splash out at least one evening and book a table at a restaurant with amazing views over the inlet.
Personal favourites from living here, and which are still on my list every time I visit, are Simon and Seaforts and Crow’s Nest within the Captain Cook Hotel. Both are pricey but so worth it! The fancy Crow’s Nest is right at the top of the hotel and offers a French-style menu.
🎒TPOP Tip!
Take advantage of ‘specials’ at Simons and Seaforts served in their excellent bar with sought-after window seats. Go early for a better chance of getting prime seating!
Also, within the Crow’s Nest is a small bar area with booth seating. Grab a cheaper snack along with one of their delicious cocktails and soak in the stunning views!
A little out of downtown but only a short Uber ride away, you can eat dinner at the Flying Machine Restaurant while watching float planes coming and going from the busiest floatplane port in the world!
Part of the Millennium Hotel, this bistro style venue offers more of a standard American menu but the views of the water take-offs and landings are incredible.
This, with a relaxed ambience, makes it a top notch choice when you’re in town! It’s also a nice spot for a glass of wine or cocktail – sit outside if the weather is good.
There are many places to eat in Downtown Anchorage and in peak season it can get busy, so book ahead if you’re set on a specific restaurant. Breweries are also very popular – more on these below!
9. Enjoy A Show at The Performing Arts Center
Grab tickets for the Alaska Center for Performing Arts for a show in one of its 3 halls right downtown.
As well as touring shows, there are local performances year-round. Check for what’s on during your visit – Performing Arts Center and around Anchorage.
Alternatively, why not find out what’s going on with the many Native Alaskan events in Anchorage and learn more about life in this incredible part of the world.
10. Visit a Local Bar Brewery in Anchorage
With super long evenings, it’s easy to enjoy a cocktail or beer in a local Anchorage brewery or bar where you’ll often meet locals also gathering at the end of the day.
Three of my favourites that continue to thrive are Humpy’s Great Alaskan Ale House, Glacier Brewhouse, and F Street Station. These have been around town for 30+ years and that’s saying something in an ever-changing world.
But newcomers are also a delight to enjoy when you visit. I love 49th State Brewing (they also own F Street Station) – great views from the deck!
The best pizzas I’ve found in town are at the Moose’s Tooth Brewery (founded in 1996) which is not walkable as it’s in Midtown at 3300 Old Seward Highway.
Here you will also find the Bear Tooth Grill Theatrepub which has a wider menu. They are known for their live music so check who is playing – every Thursday!
🎒TPOP Tip
You will see Brewery Tours advertised but honestly, the places we mention are all pretty close together so maybe save your money for a glacier tour and just do your own brewery hopping!
There is also a micro-cidery and a mead brewery along with other beer spots across town, so if you’re up for grabbing an Uber you can easily check them out.
11. Pedal Anchorage Tour For Coffee & Ice-Cream
Maybe you’re ready for a little break from hiking and walking. Well, a fun way to do this is by a pedal bike with 13 other people.
On your ride, enjoy a coffee break in the morning, or perhaps spend an afternoon with kids and have a fun ice-cream stop. Check out Pedal Tours in Anchorage.
12. Stop by the Oomingmak Co-op
In the heart of downtown, visit the Alaskan Oomingmak Co-operative and discover a traditional wool used by native Alaskans called Qiviut.
Shorn from Alaskan musk ox, it’s incredibly soft to the touch and although pricey, a hat from here will last for years. Many of the patterns have been handed down through generations and originated in villages around Alaska.
13. Watch the Highest Bore Tide in the USA!
Watch a 30 feet Bore Tide as it happens in Turnagain Arm. Grab an Uber or Tour down to Beluga Point where you can watch in amazement as tidal waters roll in or out!
Beluga Point gets its obvious name from being a great place to also spot playful belugas!
We suggest that you chat with the friendly folks at the Visitors Cabin to check your best options to see this tidal phenomenon as they have tide charts to hand.
14. Day Trip to Girdwood by Train
With over 600 miles of track between Seward and Fairbanks, Anchorage is a perfect embarkation point for a trip on one of Alaska’s famous scenic trains. The easier destination for a day trip is the call town of Girdwood, around 40 miles south of Anchorage.
Having spent many weekends here when I lived in Anchorage, in both winter and summer, it’s a village with a big attitude and loads to do without a car.
First, enjoy the stunning beauty of Turnagain Arm inlet. Sit (reserve your seat) on the right side of the train if you can for best views of the water going down south.
However, if you’re on the other side, look up the sheer mountain cliffs for dall sheep and other Alaskan wildlife like moose, eagles!
Glacier Valley Transit Shuttle (GVT)
You will arrive at the tiny station in Girdwood which is a little distance from the heart of the village and Alyeska Resort.
Use the FREE Glacier Valley Transit (GVT) to get around from the train station to town, including over to Alyeska Hotel and back.
Just remember to be back at the train station for your return trip to Anchorage as there’s only one train each way a day!
Girdwood town is easy to explore on foot. Head to the wonderful quirky Bake Shop for a morning coffee and/or lunch. This has always been our favorite fueling spot, and in summer this area is decorated with gorgeous hanging flower baskets.
Afterwards, take the shuttle (or walk) round to the Alyeska Hotel where you will find the aerial tram station and access to Alaska’s main winter ski resort. This is where I learned to ski!
A tram ticket to the summit at 2,300 ft will cost $48 which is a little pricey for a 7 minute ride I’ll admit, but there are discounts for kids and older people.
We suggest you pack a picnic with you and enjoy a full afternoon here around the viewing deck (Glacier Terminal).
An alternative is just to hike around the hotel area. Just ask at reception for a trail map and you’re all set. Berrypicking is also popular around the gentle slopes of the resort but do be mindful of bears harvesting too!
15. Fancy a Skybridge Walk?
Veilbreaker Skybridges is a brand new experience (opened 2023)! If you fancy being suspended around 2500 feet above the valley strapped into a harness, try it.
With a guide, you then walk the sky bridges – a distance of around 400 feet. $150 per person with a maximum group size of 10 per crossing. Allow 2-3 hours. For all the details to book this experience, go to the Alyeska Site.
16. Try Your Luck at Gold Panning
Perhaps less intense but still exciting is to go gold panning at Crow Creek Mine. When you’re in Girdwood for the day, take advantage of the GVT shuttle to go the mine. This is such fun and was always popular with my visitors who came to Anchorage. What’s also fascinating about Crow Creek Mine is learning a bit about its history from way back in 1896!
You can choose to just tour the mine ($13 adults/$6 for kids 12 and younger). If you want to pan while you visit, there’s no need to pre-book. Pay your $25($16 for kids) and you will get your kit including a gold pan, bucket and shovel and of course a bag to put your gold treasures into! Staff are helpful and you may meet professional planners during your visit too!
17. Get Close To Glaciers In Prince William Sound
If you’re up for a longer train journey and didn’t arrive in a cruise ship, seeing a glacier and having a boat ride in Prince William Sound is not to be missed. Get the train in downtown Anchorage and head to Whittier, passing through a 2.5 mile tunnel. National Geographic rate this as one of the Top 10 rail journeys in the USA and I totally agree!
Once in Whittier you have time to check out the town, then get onto a tour boat and enjoy the glaciers and wildlife of the sound. Check train schedules/costs at Alaskatrain.com.
18. Visit Denali From Anchorage Without A Car
Alternatively, take a train from Anchorage to Denali and enjoy a night in the National Park. This is also quite expensive in peak season – currently you will pay $386 per person for a train ride to Denali.
Alternatively, The Park Connection Motorcoach runs daily in the summer between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and south to Seward. At $105 per person, this is a reasonable option.
Note: you can’t stay inside Denali, but there is good accommodation at Denali Park Village just outside the park.
You can also try white water rafting here as well as enjoy the park tours. All tours are on buses as cars are not permitted in the park – another reason not to bother hiring one!
19. Bring Home Fresh Salmon (without fishing!)
Maybe you have an interest in going fishing for prized Alaskan salmon yourself, or you can hire a guide. As locals, let’s be honest, the best fishing is not going to be in Anchorage but rather in the glacial fed rivers and inlets around the Kenai Peninsula.
An easier way if you’re only in town for a few days is to buy some salmon from 10th & M seafoods, at 1020 M Street, Anchorage. They will box it ready for you to take on your flight home. Just drop by on your way to the airport to collect!
Don’t worry about extra baggage fees because if you fly with Alaska Airlines they will transport a box of fish for free in a specially prepared container!! Having transported salmon from Anchorage to many destinations over the years, I can vouch for how long it stays frozen. But do check as airline regulations change all the time 🙂
Where To Stay in Anchorage Without a Car
I lived around 10th street and it was only around a 20 mins walk to downtown, so it’s totally possible if you’re thinking about Air B&B to find somewhere within this type of radius. Midtown hotels may be a little further out but many offer free shuttles to the railway station (downtown) so you’re able to get a free ride into town as you need it and take advantage of likely lower hotel rates.
There are numerous hotels downtown from the celebrated classic Captain Cook Hotel to global brands like Hilton and Marriott. A few smaller local inns and B&Bs like Copper Tail are also centrally located. Some of the bigger hotels are used by cruise and tour groups so if you want somewhere more intimate, bear this in mind, especially in July and August.
Why Anchorage Without A Car Saves You $$
A recent check with Alaska.org suggests you will pay a minimum of $100-$150 per day for basic car hire, more in the peak months of July and August. So think about if you don’t rent a car, you will avoid spending over $1000-$1500.
That’s why we feel indulging in some of these bucket-list adventures is so worth it while you are in Anchorage. Also driving in Alaska can take hours as distances are so vast, so take that into account as well!
FAQs
Is Anchorage a Walkable City?
Yes – We think downtown Anchorage is best explored by walking around! While the city sprawls for some miles and up what we locals call Hillside, the central city nestles around the waters edge.
This makes it a pleasure to walk around coastal trails and explore 4th and 5th Streets where most of the activities are. There are some great places to eat and drink in central Anchorage too.
Does Anchorage have good public transport?
If you are staying downtown you don’t really need public transport to get around this part of the city. There is a great trolley service around town, a shuttle to/from the airport and many hotels also run rides to/from railway station. The Alaska Railroad will take you north or south from Anchorage from the heart of the city!
Is there Uber in Anchorage?
Yes, Anchorage has both Uber and Lyft services and they operate similar to any other major city via their App.
Want To Explore More of Alaska?
So, there you have it! 19 things to do in Anchorage without a car and this doesn’t even begin to cover all the amazing things left to do in Alaska when you return.
For more ideas as you plan a trip to Alaska, use our Guide to Alaska Year Round with suggested festivals and events each month, as well as more tips for getting ready to venture to the Last Frontier!
Anchorage’s motto is Big Wild Life. Whether you’re planning 2-3 days here after a cruise or a week before flying to remote parts of the state, these experiences will last a life-time!
