Alaska is massive — larger than the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona combined.
Fortunately, Anchorage offers rail, road, and air connections to make getting around a breeze. For a tailored travel experience, hit the open road. Rent a car or RV, follow the Seward Highway south, and spend the day exploring Chugach National Forest and Kenai Fjords National Park. Or head north on the Glenn Highway, and you’ll find yourself immersed in Denali views and roadside splendor. Anchorage is centered at the heart of Alaska’s highway system, and with plentiful options for car and camper rentals and scheduled transportation, you’ll find everything you need for the road trip of a lifetime.
Looking for something different? The Alaska Railroad is an iconic way to experience South central and Interior Alaska from Anchorage, and the city’s many flight seeing operators provide a unique aerial view of off-road marvels like Katmai National Park and Preserve.
From cozy mountain cabins to plush resorts, South central Alaska has the perfect spot to stretch out and unwind.
Trade backcountry tips at a budget friendly hostel or indulge at a luxurious metropolitan hotel. Either way, wake up to a mountain-studded skyline with exciting adventures waiting just outside the door.
Get inside advice over coffee from the owner of a bed & breakfast, or learn the lay of the land from the caretaker at a wilderness lodge. Swap stories of the day around the fire at a secluded forest campground. Alaskans provide a warm, welcoming place to kick back after a wild day of adventure. Welcome to your home away from home.
Make trip planning a snap. Travel professionals, tour operators, and travel advisors have firsthand experience to map an adventure of a lifetime. Whether a weekend tour or a month-long odyssey, they can personalize an unforgettable Alaska experience to fit any schedule or budget. Bring the family or the whole gang; group tour organizers know what makes a trip fun for everyone. Explore Anchorage and the state with first-class service from friendly guides who know, live, and love the Great Land.
It’s all in a 365-million-acre backyard. From fishing to float trips, gold panning to golf, Alaska is loaded with outdoor adventures.
Take full advantage of the midnight sun; explore Denali from the air, race across a glacier with a dog team, or traverse hidden valleys on horseback. Discover Alaska’s history, science, and diverse culture in entertaining and engaging museums, nature parks, and gardens. Check out the city’s furry, feathered, and finned residents. Cruise Alaska waters teeming with fish and home to a stunning array of seabirds, otters, and whales. Paddle pristine lakes and rivers, or pedal mountain paths and city trails. Zip across pure white clearings on a snowmobile or break fresh powder in the backcountry of the toweMUSH! Watch the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on the first Saturday in March.
The 2022 event marks the 50th anniversary of the famous race, and there’s no better place to celebrate the milestone than at the ceremonial starting line at Fourth Avenue and D Street in the Anchorage
Mushing District. Watch teams prepare for the 1,000-mile journey to Nome: The fun begins Saturday, March 5, 2022. TOUR OF ANCHORAGE The day after Anchorage trails go to the dogs, the Tour of Anchorage cross-country ski marathon slides into Anchorage. Cheer on top athletes – Anchorage has minted many Olympic skiers – and amateurs alike. Or pedal the course in the Fat Bike Tour of Anchorage on Sunday, March 6, 2022.ring Chugach Mountains. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Visit between mid-August and April – it’s the only time Anchorage skies are dark enough to see the northern lights.
Plan enough time: Maximize your opportunities by scheduling several consecutive nights for the northern lights. Even if you don’t go out every night, having more than a single night allows adjustments for weather changes and the best aurora conditions.
Check the forecast: Clear nights are essential, better still if there’s not much moonlight. You can also check the nightly aurora forecast produced by UAF’s Geophysical Institute. A rating of three or above is a prime aurora night – the higher, the better.
Avoid man-made light: Just like stargazing, the best aurora views avoid streetlights and other bright light sources.