Anchorage tours

Anchorage, Alaska, offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some must-do things in Anchorage: Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: This scenic 11-mile coastal trail is perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading, offering stunning views of the Cook Inlet, Denali (on clear days), and the surrounding mountains. It's a great way to experience Anchorage's natural beauty. Alaska Native Heritage Center: Learn about Alaska's indigenous cultures and heritage at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Explore exhibits, watch traditional dance performances, and participate in cultural demonstrations to gain insight into Alaska Native traditions and history. Anchorage Museum: Discover Alaska's art, history, and science at the Anchorage Museum. Explore exhibits on Alaska's wildlife, geology, and culture, as well as contemporary art and Alaska Native artifacts. Don't miss the museum's planetarium and interactive displays. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Located a short drive from Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is home to a variety of rescued and orphaned animals, including bears, moose, wolves, and eagles. Visitors can observe these animals up close and learn about wildlife conservation efforts in Alaska. Flattop Mountain Trail: For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking Flattop Mountain Trail is a must-do activity in Anchorage. The trail offers panoramic views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and the Chugach Mountains, making it a popular spot for hiking and photography. Alaska Zoo: Spend a day exploring the Alaska Zoo, home to a diverse range of Arctic and sub-Arctic animals, including polar bears, muskoxen, and wolves. The zoo focuses on education and conservation and offers informative exhibits and animal encounters. Ship Creek: Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at Ship Creek, known for its salmon runs. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, you can cast a line and fish for salmon, trout, or other freshwater species right in downtown Anchorage. Eklutna Village Historic Park: Visit Eklutna Village Historic Park to learn about the indigenous Dena'ina Athabascan culture and view colorful spirit houses at the historic cemetery. Take a guided tour to explore the village, visit the Russian Orthodox church, and discover traditional Dena'ina craftsmanship. These are just a few highlights of what Anchorage has to offer. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or wildlife viewing, Anchorage has something for everyone to enjoy.

ToursByLocals guides set their own prices in order to compensate themselves fairly for the hard work they do and the time spent preparing for the private tour as well as delivering the tour itself. Therefore there is no expectation for ToursByLocals customers to tip their guide. Writing a review after the tour is a great way to show your appreciation to your guide as it helps them receive more inquiries in the future.

Guided tours are perfect for getting in-depth knowledge about the history, culture, and significance of the places you're visiting. If you're interested in learning about Anchorage from a local expert, a guided tour can be very informative, and an excellent use of your vacation time. If you have limited time in Anchorage and want to see as much as possible in a short period, a private guided tour can be efficient. That way you are not restricted by a set schedule and can prioritise what you want to see in the time you have. Although private tours are generally more expensive than a group tour, they’re remarkably value: a good guide can provide you with insider tips, hidden gems, and local recommendations that will help you avoid tourist traps or overpriced places during your stay. ToursByLocals guided tours can be tailored to specific interests, such as art, history, or food. If you have a niche interest, a specialised tour can enhance your experience.

Yes, you can hire a tour guide in Anchorage. Hiring a tour guide can be a great way to enhance your travel experience and gain valuable insights into the local culture, history, and attractions. ToursByLocals has several local guides in Anchorage who are local experts and offer a wide range of customizable private tours. They will work with you to customize an itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Private tour guides can provide a more personalized experience and offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and activities.

The cost of a private tour in Anchorage can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of the tour, the specific attractions or areas you wish to visit, the level of customization, and the number of people in your group. Additionally, prices may vary among different guides, as they set their own prices with ToursByLocals. The cost of a private tour in Anchorage typically ranges from around $550 - $1200. It's important to note that each guide sets their own prices, which is why there can be a large variation between one guide and another. When planning a private tour, be sure to read the 'what's included' and 'what's extra' sections of the tour page. If you don't quite see what you are looking for, you can send a message to the guide and discuss customizing a tour to meet your specific needs and budget.

Here are some of the top tours in Anchorage, each highly rated with many five star reviews! 1) Anchorage City and Moose Search Private Tour 2) Anchorage N' Beyond-The Ultimate Day Tour 3) Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Transfer and Tour 4) Extended Anchorage City Private Tour 5) Full Day Portage Glacier Valley

Anchorage serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty and attractions of Alaska. Here are some fantastic day trip destinations from Anchorage: Girdwood and Alyeska Resort: Just a 40-minute drive south of Anchorage, Girdwood offers outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Visit Alyeska Resort for skiing in the winter or hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Take the Alyeska Aerial Tram for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Portage Glacier: Located about an hour's drive from Anchorage, Portage Glacier is a popular day trip destination. Take a cruise on Portage Lake to get up close to the glacier and learn about its formation and retreat. Visit the Begich Boggs Visitor Center to explore interactive exhibits and enjoy panoramic views of the glacier. Whittier is a unique coastal town located about an hour's drive south of Anchorage, accessible through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Explore the quaint harbor town, visit the Whittier Museum, and take a wildlife and glacier cruise in Prince William Sound. Matanuska Glacier: For a thrilling glacier adventure, head north from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers. Take a guided glacier trekking tour or explore the glacier on your own with proper equipment and precautions. Enjoy stunning views of the ice formations and surrounding mountains. Hatcher Pass: Experience the rugged beauty of the Talkeetna Mountains with a day trip to Hatcher Pass. Located about an hour and a half northeast of Anchorage, Hatcher Pass offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visit Independence Mine State Historical Park to learn about Alaska's gold mining history. Kenai Peninsula: While it's a longer day trip, the Kenai Peninsula offers stunning scenery and outdoor adventures worth exploring. Drive south from Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway to reach destinations like Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Homer, and the Russian River for fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Chugach State Park: For outdoor enthusiasts, Chugach State Park offers endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Explore trails like Flattop Mountain, Eagle River Nature Center, and Thunderbird Falls, all within an hour's drive from Anchorage. These are just a few options for day trips from Anchorage, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. Whether you're interested in glaciers, wildlife, or outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone to enjoy within a short drive of Anchorage.

The ideal length of time to tour Anchorage depends on your interests and how much you want to explore. Here's a rough guideline: One to Two Days: If you're short on time, you can still experience the highlights of Anchorage in a day or two. Focus on visiting attractions like the Anchorage Museum, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and Alaska Native Heritage Center. You can also explore downtown Anchorage, visit local shops and restaurants, and take a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm. Three to Four Days: With three to four days, you'll have more time to delve deeper into Anchorage's attractions and explore some of the surrounding areas. In addition to the must-see sights, you can take day trips to destinations like Portage Glacier, Girdwood, and Matanuska Glacier. You'll also have time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Five or More Days: If you have five or more days, you can truly immerse yourself in all that Anchorage and its surroundings have to offer. You can take your time exploring the city's museums, neighborhoods, and cultural attractions, as well as venture further afield for longer day trips or overnight excursions. Consider adding activities like fishing trips, wildlife cruises, or flightseeing tours to your itinerary. Of course, these are just suggestions, and you can tailor your itinerary based on your interests and how much time you have available. Anchorage is a dynamic city with a lot to offer, so the more time you have to explore, the better!

Here is a selection of the best guided tours in Anchorage: 1) Matanuska Glacier Valley - Full Day Tour 2) Anchorage to Seward Full Day Tour 3) Full Day Anchorage Highlights Tour 4) Full Day Whittier drive and coastal Alaska run! 5) Anchorage Highlights Tour & Campfire Roast

When choosing where to stay in Anchorage, you have several options depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some popular areas to consider: Downtown Anchorage: Staying in downtown Anchorage puts you in the heart of the city's cultural, dining, and shopping attractions. You'll find a range of accommodation options, including hotels, boutique lodges, and vacation rentals. Downtown is also a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like the Anchorage Museum and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Midtown Anchorage: Midtown Anchorage offers a more suburban atmosphere with easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, and businesses. This area is popular with business travelers and offers a variety of accommodation options, including chain hotels and extended-stay suites. South Anchorage: South Anchorage is known for its residential neighborhoods and outdoor recreational opportunities. If you prefer a quieter setting away from the city center, South Anchorage offers accommodation options ranging from bed and breakfasts to vacation rentals. It's also a good base for exploring destinations like the Alaska Zoo and Kincaid Park. Airport Area: If you're looking for convenience, staying near the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport can be a good option, especially if you have an early flight or late arrival. There are several hotels located near the airport offering shuttle services and easy access to major highways. Spenard and Lake Hood: Spenard is a quirky and eclectic neighborhood located near Lake Hood, the world's busiest seaplane base. You'll find a mix of budget-friendly motels, boutique hotels, and hostels in this area. It's a good choice if you want to experience a more local vibe and be close to outdoor activities like fishing and aviation tours. Ultimately, the best place to stay in Anchorage depends on your preferences, budget, and what you plan to do during your visit. Whether you prefer the convenience of downtown, the suburban feel of Midtown, or the tranquility of South Anchorage, you'll find accommodation options to suit your needs.

The best time to visit Anchorage depends on your preferences for weather, outdoor activities, and events. Here's a breakdown of the different seasons: Summer (June to August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Anchorage, with long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Average temperatures range from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit (10-20°C), making it ideal for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the city's parks and trails. Summer also brings festivals and events, such as the Alaska State Fair and the Bear Paw Festival in nearby Eagle River. Fall (September to November): Fall in Anchorage offers beautiful autumn foliage, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures. Average temperatures range from the 40s to 50s Fahrenheit (5-15°C), with occasional rain showers. Fall is a great time for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing, as well as attending events like the Alaska Day Festival in October. Winter (December to February): Winter in Anchorage is cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from the single digits to the 20s Fahrenheit (-10 to -5°C). While winter brings shorter daylight hours, it's a magical time to visit for winter sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and ice fishing, as well as view the Northern Lights on clear nights. Spring (March to May): Spring in Anchorage is characterized by melting snow, longer daylight hours, and the return of wildlife. Average temperatures range from the 20s to 40s Fahrenheit (-5 to 5°C), with occasional rain showers. Spring is a transitional season, but it's a great time for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and visiting attractions like the Alaska Botanical Garden. Overall, the best time to visit Anchorage depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your trip. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures in the summer, winter sports in the snow, or experiencing the changing seasons, Anchorage has something to offer year-round.