At Alaskan Sights & Bites, we’re locals based right here in Anchorage. We have the privilege of spending our days showing visitors around the place we call home on our Anchorage guided tours. We get to see people’s reactions when they realize that our city is so much more than they thought it would be. It’s a place worth slowing down for, to immerse yourself in. A place with personality, surprises, and more stories than most expect.
Even as locals, we know that dreams of Alaska don’t necessarily have Anchorage at their heart. People come to The Great Land for glistening glaciers, larger-than-life wildlife, majestic mountains, and, depending on the season, the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights. But overlooking Anchorage is a mistake — and in this blog, we’ll show you why!
So, let’s take an honest look at the big question: Is Anchorage worth visiting? If you have any questions for us as we go, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Anchorage is a City With One Foot in the Wild
Anchorage doesn’t look like a typical city. You can be sipping coffee downtown and see a moose cross the road. From your hotel window, you might catch sight of the Chugach Mountains glowing pink at sunset. It’s a city, yes, but it never lets you forget that you’re in Alaska.
And that’s part of what makes it so compelling. Within a 15-minute drive, you can be hiking Flattop, cycling along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or pulling off the Seward Highway to watch beluga whales cruise the Turnagain Arm. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Anchorage doesn’t shout about its beauty, it lets you stumble into it. If you’re looking to get out and explore these stunning landscapes on foot, don’t miss our picks for the best places to hike in Alaska.
Anchorage’s Rich Culture, History, and Thriving Food Scene
Anchorage is where Alaska’s cultural and historical layers come into focus. Our city is home to people from all over the world, including the Indigenous communities who’ve lived on this land for thousands of years. You’ll see this historical diversity reflected in our museums, murals, festivals, and, of course, the food. All these interwoven threads create a range of sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences that you can’t find anywhere else in Alaska.
But let’s talk about that food for a second! Anchorage’s culinary scene might be the most unexpected part of your visit. Yes, you’ll find seafood fresher than you’ve ever tasted before. But you’ll also find reindeer sausage hot dogs sold from carts, bakeries that embrace our long-standing sourdough heritage, delicious bites inspired by local ingredients, and exquisite cuisine from around the world. Looking for more insights? Check out our blog What Food is Alaska Known for?
We designed our range of Alaska food tours to showcase the very best of this cuisine along with some of our city and state’s unmissable sights and hidden gems. Our friendly guides will introduce you to the real flavors of Anchorage. The food that Alaskans actually eat.
Food here isn’t fancy for fancy’s sake — it’s personal, practical, and full of stories.
Anchorage Is a Fun and Fascinating Cultural Hub
Let’s return to that culture and history! If you’re a traveler who loves museums, local legends and folklore, or chatting with artists, Anchorage belongs on your Alaska itinerary.
Start with the Anchorage Museum — a world-class space that weaves together art, science, and Indigenous culture. Then head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you can explore traditional dwellings, watch Native dance performances, and talk with cultural ambassadors.
Will you be in town in February or March? See if your travel dates line up with the Fur Rondy winter festival or the Iditarod ceremonial start, when the whole city comes alive with energy and pride. These two events are great opportunities to experience the true spirit of Anchorage and Alaska. Intrigued? Read our Guide to Fur Rondy and the Iditarod in Anchorage, Alaska, when you have finished here.
But culture in Anchorage isn’t confined to buildings and unique festivals. You’ll find it in the fabric of our city — you might just need a local to help you find the best of it! That’s where Alaskan Sights & Bites comes in. Our Anchorage Walking Tour and Anchorage City Tour are two great ways to explore in the company of an expert storytelling guide, and all while sampling the best bites and drinks in town.
On our tours, we bring stories to life, channeling local voices, promoting the flavors of our city, and uncovering the small details you might otherwise miss.
Anchorage is a Perfect Launchpad (If You Still Want to Move Around!)
Let’s be clear: Anchorage doesn’t have to be the only stop on your trip. It’s also a fantastic home base for discovering the surrounding region. From here, you can easily head south to the Kenai Peninsula, east to Matanuska Glacier, or north to Talkeetna and Denali. Scenic day drives from Anchorage are plentiful. Multi-day loops are easy to plan. And unlike staying in more remote spots, you come back to good meals, reliable roads, city conveniences, and comfortable places to sleep.
That’s part of why many travelers end up wishing they’d booked more time here. You don’t lose time in transit. You get to explore and unwind; and you can see the best of Alaska’s natural wonders without constantly repacking your bags!
Looking for some idea of what’s possible? Our Matanuska Glacier Tour and Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour are two amazing examples of the experiences waiting for you beyond the city.
So, Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! It’s a city that reflects the real Alaska — full of resilience, community, flavor, and yes, moose. And don’t forget the breathtaking landscapes that quietly unfold behind every corner store and coffee shop.
But if you’re just as curious about the soul of Alaska as you are its scenery, then Anchorage is more than worthy of your time. And we’d love to show you around! Come walk with us. Taste with us. Hear the stories, meet the makers, and discover the city that travelers never forget once they’ve truly seen it.
Ready to see what Anchorage is really like? Join one of our Anchorage guided tours and find out why we love this city — and why we think you will, too. Do you have any questions for our team? Please just contact us for the information you need.
