Anchorage isn’t your typical city. It sits between wild mountains and icy waters, with moose roaming its parks and glaciers visible from nearby highways. But beyond the stunning scenery and iconic wildlife, Anchorage is filled with one-of-a-kind landmarks; the kind of places that capture our city’s adventurous spirit and local charm.
If you’re planning a visit to the place we call home, you may be wondering what to include in your itinerary. This guide is here to help! Below, we have highlighted some of the must-see sights in Anchorage, but not necessarily those you’ll find at the top of ‘must-see’ lists.
Scroll down to find our recommendations! And if you have any questions about our guided Anchorage tours at any point, please feel free to contact us for the answers you need.
The Sled Dog Statue – A Tribute to Alaska’s Canine Trailblazers
While New York City may have the famous Balto statue, Anchorage has its own tribute to the dogs that helped shape Alaska’s history. Created by local artist Bill Devine, the Sled Dog Statue stands near the ceremonial start of the Iditarod and the finish line of Fur Rondy’s World Championship Sled Dog Race, a fitting home for a monument dedicated to endurance, teamwork, and the bond between humans and their dogs.
This bronze sculpture honors all sled dogs, not just Balto, recognizing the many breeds and teams that carried mail, supplies, and medicine across Alaska’s frozen landscapes long before modern roads existed. Visitors often call it the “Balto statue,” and it’s easy to see why. Its spirit embodies the courage and loyalty that Balto’s story represents.
Whether you’re a dog lover, a history buff, or simply exploring downtown, this stop offers a quiet moment to reflect on the four-legged trailblazers who helped to make life in the North possible.
Read our Guide to Fur Rondy and the Iditarod in Anchorage, Alaska, to find out more about these two famous events!
The World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall is Right Here in Anchorage!
You might not expect one of Anchorage’s most unusual sights to be made of chocolate, but that’s part of our city’s charm. Inside Alaska Wild Berry Products, visitors can marvel at the world’s largest chocolate waterfall, a 20-foot tower that flows with over 3,000 pounds of real chocolate. The delicious falls cascade down authentic copper candy kettles before settling in a swirling chocolate pool.
It’s a warm, fragrant escape from the winter chill, and a perfect stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. After admiring the cascading chocolate, you can browse the shop’s shelves of local candies, jams, and handmade treats. The waterfall alone makes this one of the most unique things to see in Anchorage, but the experience is made even better with a few chocolate samples to take on your journey.
For a true introduction to the finer things in life, look no further than our Chocolate and Wine Tasting Experience in Anchorage, Alaska. Join us on a culinary adventure to the artisans at a local chocolatier and our friends at a charming local Anchorage winery!
Stroll the Solar System on the Anchorage Lightspeed Planet Walk
For something truly out of this world, take a walk through the solar system right here in town! The Anchorage Lightspeed Planet Walk is a scale model of our solar system that stretches across downtown and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. As you may have already guessed, the time it takes to walk between the “planets” is roughly equivalent to the time it takes for light to travel the same route out in the universe.
The walk starts with the Sun near downtown, with each planet spaced to scale. The inner planets are all located along 5th Avenue. However, Pluto is over 10 miles away in Kincaid Park, so it’s a big commitment to complete the whole trail!
The walk is a smart, local twist on science education that also happens to show off some of our city’s best views. Even if you only make it part of the way, you’ll still get a new perspective on the scale of our universe while sightseeing and staying active.
Renting bikes from downtown and riding along the coastal trail is highly recommended
If you’d prefer to get your steps in elsewhere, don’t miss our recommendations for the best places to hike in Alaska! We cover a range of trails to suit all ability levels.
Turnagain Arm Bore Tide – Witness Nature’s Daily Spectacle
Our home city isn’t short on natural drama, but few Anchorage attractions compare to the Turnagain Arm bore tide. This rare tidal phenomenon happens when a single, powerful wave — sometimes reaching 10 feet tall — rolls down the narrow Turnagain Arm inlet. And it moves at an impressive speed, too, with waves typically clocking in at between six and 24 mph!
It’s caused by the area’s extreme tidal range, and when it hits just right, surfers and paddleboarders ride the wave for miles. The best way to see it is from one of the many roadside pullouts along the Seward Highway, where you can also enjoy views of mountains and sea.
The timing changes daily, so it’s worth checking the bore tide schedule before heading out.
If you’d like to head out on the Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm on a wildlife-spotting experience, we think you’ll love our Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour with Lunch. Read the full itinerary to find out more!
The Seward Highway – America’s Most Scenic Road
Speaking of the Seward Highway, it’s more than a road; it’s a destination in itself. Designated an All-American Road, the full route connects Anchorage with Seward and takes around 2.5 hours to complete one way without stops. But trust us, you will want to stop! This is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful drives in the United States.
And the good news is that one of the best stretches of the highway is the section between Anchorage and Girdwood, which is the exact route we cover on our Half-Day Wildlife Tour. Within minutes of leaving the city, you’re surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Chugach Mountains and the stunning shorelines of Turnagain Arm.
It’s common to spot moose grazing by the roadside or bald eagles circling overhead. At milepost 106, you will likely spot Sall sheep at Windy Corner, while a little further along, near milepost 110, you’ll find Beluga Point, one of the best spots within reach of Anchorage for beluga whale spotting.
We also included a drive along the Seward Highway in our picks for experiences unique to Anchorage! Visit the full guide when you have finished here for even more vacation inspiration.
“GrandmaOlga” Statue – A Tribute to Anchorage’s Indigenous Heart
Not all Anchorage landmarks are about wilderness or adventure. The Grandma Olga Statue in Mountain View is a quiet tribute to one of Anchorage’s most beloved residents: Dena’ina matriarch Olga Nicolai Ezi. Known for her warmth and generosity, Grandma Olga became a symbol of kindness and community spirit.
You can find this meaningful sculpture on Small Boat Launch Road. Here, Grandma Olga stands vigilant, protectively watching over an area that was once a fish camp for the Dena’ina people.
Her statue reminds visitors that Anchorage’s real beauty lies in its people. It’s not a flashy stop, but it’s meaningful; a place where locals and visitors alike pause to appreciate the human side of Alaska.
Matanuska Glacier – A Frozen Giant Within Reach of Anchorage
If you’re looking for something that truly defines Alaska, the Matanuska Glacier delivers. Located about two hours from Anchorage, it’s one of the most accessible glaciers in our state. In fact, it’s the largest glacier in the US that you can access by car.
This ancient ice giant is around 27 miles long and nearly four miles wide. Walking on the glacier feels like stepping into another world. Picture deep blue ice, towering formations, and sweeping mountain views in every direction. While it’s outside the city, it’s well worth the trip, especially with a Matanuska Glacier tour, like ours, that includes transportation, safety gear, and expert, engaging commentary from local experts.
For many visitors, this is the highlight of their entire trip. It often represents the moment when Alaska’s raw, icy beauty becomes something you can touch and experience firsthand.
As we near the end of this blog, let us point you in the direction of its perfect companion piece: The Best Attractions to See and Visit in Anchorage, Alaska. It’s filled with even more local tips and insights to help you make the most of your time in our home city.
Book Your Anchorage Guided Tours with Us!
So, now you know more about some of the must-see sights in Anchorage, it’s time to start planning your trip! Whether you’re snapping photos downtown, chasing the tide along the Seward Highway, or venturing out to the Matanuska Glacier, every stop tells a story of this remarkable place.
To experience Anchorage’s best sights with local flavor and insight, explore our range of guided Anchorage tours. See our city through the eyes of those who know it best!
Do you have any pre-booking questions for us? Please just get in touch! We’re here to help however we can.
