Is Anchorage your gateway to Alaska? Whether you’re arriving at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport or rolling into town after a cruise or road trip, our city has some truly unique experiences waiting for you. The place we call home isn’t just Alaska’s biggest city; it’s a blend of cultures and traditions framed by some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see.
Anchorage has its own rhythm, shaped by Indigenous cultures, mountain-backed horizons, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. Our Anchorage guided tours are the perfect introduction to the best our city and its surrounding areas have to offer. We’re perfectly placed to recommend some unique experiences in Anchorage that will give you a true sense of the city.
Scroll down to find our picks! And if you have questions for the Alaskan Sights & Bites team at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Visit the ANHC and Learn About Anchorage from Indigenous People
Anchorage stands on the traditional homeland of the Dena’ina people. In their land acknowledgement, the Anchorage Museum uses the phrase “This is Dena’ina Ełnena” to appreciate this. And while the museum is a fantastic addition to any Anchorage itinerary, our first pick is the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC).
The special place is a living cultural center that promotes active observance of Alaska Native culture and traditions. It celebrates and supports all Alaskan native cultures, including:
- Inupiaq
- Tanana
- Yup’ik
- Ahtna
- Alutiiq/Sugpiaq
- Unangax
- Kushokwim
This isn’t a museum where you quietly read plaques and move along — it’s a truly immersive experience. At the ANHC, you can walk through life-size village sites, hear stories passed down for generations, and watch dance performances that connect the past with the present. But please note that many of these activities are only available during the summer, so we recommend checking the ANHC schedule before you visit. Alaska Native Heritage Center preserves and strengthens the traditions, languages, and arts of Alaska’s Native Peoples through statewide collaboration, celebration, and education.
What makes it one of the most important Anchorage cultural experiences is who’s doing the teaching. You’ll hear directly from Alaska Native people sharing their traditions in their own words. It’s a chance to understand Anchorage not just as a city, but as part of a much older cultural landscape. For many travelers, a visit here changes the way they see the rest of Alaska.
We also included the Alaska Native Heritage Center in our picks for the best attractions to see and visit in Anchorage.
Take a Ride Down the Seward Highway
Step outside Anchorage and you’re immediately surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes. Nowhere is that more obvious than on the Seward Highway drive, which starts right in the heart of the city. This world-famous route is officially designated as an “All-American Road”, one of the highest honors a highway in the United States can receive. The road links Anchorage with the seaside community of Seward, but you don’t need to cover the whole length to enjoy some of its highlights.
Starting from Anchorage, the first two hours of the drive will take you between the rugged peaks of the Chugach Mountains on one side and the dramatic shorelines of Turnagain Arm, a stretch of water famous for its massive tidal swings, on the other. Keep your eyes peeled for beluga whale sightings, especially at Beluga Point (near milepost 110) and Dall sheep at Windy Corner (milepost 106).
This is one of America’s most scenic drives, and Anchorage is your launchpad. Whether you explore on your own or join a guided trip like our Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour, the Seward Highway gives you a taste of Alaska’s wild beauty without straying far from the city.
Attend Anchorage Fur Rondy or the Iditarod Ceremonial Start
Every winter, Anchorage turns into the stage for two events unlike anything else in the US. The first is Fur Rendezvous, better known as Fur Rondy, a 12-day festival that’s part carnival, part heritage celebration, and part quirky fun. Think outhouse races down snowy streets, traditional blanket toss competitions, and a feeling that the whole city has come out to play.
Hot on its heels comes the ceremonial start of the Iditarod, an epic 1,000-mile race from Anchorage to Nome. Even if you don’t know much about sled dog racing, seeing mushers and their teams race down a snow-packed 4th Avenue is unforgettable. This isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of Alaska’s endurance and spirit, and Anchorage is where it begins.
If you happen to be here in late February or early March, these events offer the most authentic snapshot of local life you’ll find anywhere. Be sure to read our Guide to Fur Rondy and the Iditarod in Anchorage to find out more about these one-of-a-kind events.
Take a Tour to Matanuska Glacier
Alaska has thousands of glaciers, but most are remote or require a plane to see. The exception is the mighty Matanuska, the largest glacier in the US that’s accessible by car. Just a couple of hours from Anchorage, it’s one of those rare places where you don’t just look at the ice — you walk on it.
A Matanuska Glacier tour lets you attach microspikes to your shoes (wear stiff-soles!) and explore the deep blues and wild shapes of the glacier itself. Crevasses, ice caves, and frozen rivers create a landscape that feels otherworldly, yet it’s remarkably easy to reach from Anchorage.
Our own Matanuska Glacier Tour makes the day seamless, with expert guides who know how to keep you safe while leading you into the heart of the ice. It’s a true Alaskan adventure, and one you’ll be talking about long after your trip ends.
Looking for more pre-trip reading? Our Ultimate Guide to Matanuska Glacier in Anchorage, Alaska is exactly what you need!
Explore One of the Most Unique Food Scenes in the US
Anchorage might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of food cities, but spend a few days here and you’ll realize you’re in one of the most surprising dining destinations in the country.
Our city’s food scene reflects Alaska’s diversity: succulent reindeer sausage from a street cart, delectable salmon served every way imaginable, delicious dishes from one of the largest Filipino communities per capita in the US, and Indigenous recipes rooted in tradition. And don’t skip dessert — Alaskans know how to do sweets, from wild berry pies to mouthwatering doughnuts.
What makes our food scene unique isn’t just the fresh, local ingredients, but the mix of influences you won’t find anywhere else. If you want to taste it all, Anchorage food tours are the way to go. At Alaskan Sights & Bites, we love showing visitors how food connects to history, culture, and daily life in Alaska’s biggest city.
Hungry for more? Read our blogs What Food is Alaska Known For? and 5 Unforgettable Alaskan Desserts to start planning your food-based adventures!
Explore Anchorage with Our Guided Food and Culture Tours
So, now you know what experiences are unique to Anchorage, Alaska, it’s time to start planning the rest of your time in our city. Browsing our range of Anchorage guided tours is the perfect place to start! Look through our fun and fascinating excursions and see which one makes the best fit for you.
Do you have any pre-booking questions? Please just get in touch for the answers you need.
