Anchorage, AK Local Community

Anchorage is a port city with a population of more than 300,000. The urbanized section of the city is kind of small, the rest of it is pretty much tons of mountains.

We are talking about Alaska, so you might already know that the winters are extremely cold. The summers are the best season to visit the city- the days are long and the climate is "moderate," you can even expect a warm afternoon. 

The developed part of Anchorage is spread out and we don't recommend you walk it! On the other hand, the downtown area is very compact and you can enjoy the pleasure of being a pedestrian. The city is divided into 9 main areas: Downton, Midtown, South Anchorage, West Anchorage, Spenard, East Anchorage, Hillside, Eagle River, and Girdwood.

The best way to experience this cold and mountain-full city is by renting a car, but plan carefully ahead because in summer every single car rental will be sold out. Renting a car in Alaska can be more expensive than pretty much anywhere else in America, so consider this when you build your budget. 

One of Anchorage's musts is a visit to the Spencer Glacier. In fact, you can read some of our writer's posts about his experiences and the things you should do once you are here. You should know that it is only accessible by train, but if you are feeling a little bit more adventurous you can raft or kayak for a front row view of this white and blue wonder. 

You can also go to the Kincaid Park, a very iconic place in Alaska because this is where many international events take place. It is also very famous for having Nordic skiing trails and offering other winter activities such as snowshoeing and sledding. During the snowless months, the park is filled with runners, hikers, roller skaters, and dog owners. 

If you are into fishing or if you are just curious and want to see some salmon, you should go to Ship Creek! You will see tons of fishermen and tons of fishes too. Just stand still and enjoy nature's spectacle.
 

Don't forget to visit:

- Alaska Native Heritage Center: we promise this will be much more than just vases and pieces of art behind a glass. Every native Alaskan culture is well represented in this center. 
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Anchorage Zoo: Prepare to see and enjoy some of the most traditional animals native to the Northern climates: Bald Eagles, Moose, Musk Oxen, Grizzlies, and Polar Bear.
- University of Alaska Anchorage Planetarium