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Going Places: Destinations |
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Once a railroad camp on the shores of Ship Creek, Anchorage now holds almost 300,000 people-nearly half of Alaska's entire population. But people aren't the only ones living here: It's also home to around 300 bears, 1,500 moose, and all five species of Pacific salmon.
Anchorage embodies a laid-back Pacific Northwest vibe. Its personality comes from the meeting point of city life and wilderness-lush greenbelts cutting through downtown, towering mountains on the horizon, and a wonderfully diverse population that calls this northern outpost home.
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Never miss a deal to Anchorage! Head to the Going app to find deals around $343 roundtrip (that's 44% off the regular price).
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Anchorage, where big adventures are within reach
Anchorage ties the best of Alaska together, from pristine landscapes and trails teeming with wildlife, to a lively urban scene full of art, culture, and local flavor. Year-round adventures offer endless ways to immerse yourself in natural wonders without going too far from city comforts.
Looking for that perfect photo-op? Spend a day cruising or paddling through glacial-fed waters to witness those ancient time capsules. To heighten the thrill, take a flightseeing tour above untouched lands and massive glaciers for even more breathtaking views.
In winter, Anchorage transforms into a scenic winter wonderland with warm, festive cheer. Spend your days skiing, snow tubing, or fat tire biking and keep an eye out for wildlife like moose, mountain goats, or red foxes. As the day winds down, try to catch the northern lights, Alaska's magical show. Anchorage offers experiences that linger long after you leave. Plan your next adventure today.
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Snow place like Anchorage |
Anchorage doesn't hibernate when the temperature drops-it thrives. Whether you're in it for the festivals, the wildlife, or the glow of the northern lights, winter here is full of reasons to bundle up and head out. |
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Westchester Lagoon: Transforms into a dreamy skating rink ringed by snow-capped trees and twinkling city lights.
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New Year's Eve: The party heads outdoors, with live music, food trucks, and fireworks illuminating the snow.
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Fur Rendezvous (aka Fur Rondy): Alaska's quirkiest winter festival, featuring outhouse races (teams maneuvering outhouses on skis), sled-dog sprints, and a blanket toss (Alaska Native tradition where people hold the edges of a skin blanket and loft one person sitting in the middle into the air).
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Northern lights: Visible from the city on clear, dark nights (your chances of seeing them increase outside the urban core).
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A cosmopolitan melting pot
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Visitors are often surprised to see how diverse Alaska's Indigenous population is. At the recently renovated Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, you can learn about the specialized technologies and cultures that Alaska Native peoples-including the Unangax̂, Sugpiaq, Athabascan, Tlingit, Haida, Ts'msyen, Yup'ik, Cup'ik, Iñupiat, Eyak, and more-developed to not only survive but thrive among the varied terrain, weather, and wildlife. Visit to see demonstrations and tour life-size recreations of traditional dwellings.
-Lisa Maloney, Going contributor
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Anchorage might be Alaska's biggest city, but it doesn't feel like one. You're never far from a trailhead, a glacier, or a quiet spot to take in the view. |
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Portage Glacier cruise: Hop aboard the M/V Ptarmigan to see ice up close.
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Dena'ina Athabascan place-naming post trail: Find markers all across Anchorage to learn about the Indigenous influence woven through the city's geography and storytelling.
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Walk, bike, or snowshoe the trails: Spend an entire afternoon wandering through the city's parks and greenbelts-Anchorage has over 200 miles of multiuse trails that make nature part of daily life.
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For an experience like no other, take the Alaska Railroad north from Anchorage to Denali. The journey is as breathtaking as the destination, with windows filled with mountain vistas, river valleys, and maybe even a glimpse of a moose or two.
-Ren Newman, Going Marketing Coordinator
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Spring in Anchorage is that rare overlap when snow lingers on the mountains and baby moose wander near the trails. If you're thinking of visiting in the first half of 2026, now's the time to book your flights. |
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Ceremonial start of the Iditarod: In early March, the annual long-distance sled dog race, when mushers and their teams travel a short course through Anchorage before officially launching from Willow the next day. Animal rights groups have brought up ethical questions around the race, yet it remains a massive and important cultural event. Read more on the history behind it.
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Alyeska Slush Cup: Part of the greater Spring Carnival, it's where costumed skiers skim across a pool of icy water-locals' favorite sign that summer's on the way.
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Wildlife spotting: Watch for whales, moose calves, and bears emerging from hibernation as the days lengthen.
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Good to know
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Budget: $$$$$
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When to go: Dec-Mar (winter activities, festivals); Jul-Aug (summer recreation, wildlife viewing); May, June, and early Sept (shoulder seasons, for those on a budget)
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Family friendly:
★★★★☆
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Public transportation:
★★☆☆☆
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Main language(s): English
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US Peace Index rank: Alaska ranks #33 for safety in the US. For visitors in Anchorage, try not to store luggage and other valuables in your vehicle, whether visible or not, as car theft can be a concern (similar to other cities). Neighborhoods just east of downtown may feel slightly less safe for some crowds, though shouldn't be disregarded, as the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature and plenty of restaurants can be found here.
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LGBTQ+ Equality Index rank: Alaska ranks #29 in the US, with a score of 72/100. Anchorage leans mildly left and offers LGBTQ-friendly spaces, such as Mad Myrna's.
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ANC flight price history
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$343 Average Going deal
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$607 Normal ticket price
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