One Day in Anchorage: Best Things to Do & 3 Itinerary Ideas

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Have one day in Anchorage and wondering if it’s worth staying in the city and what to see and do? In this guide, you’ll find our experience-based recommendations and suggested itineraries for visiting Anchorage.

Since your Alaska adventure is likely to start or end in Anchorage, why not take the opportunity to explore what the Tent City has to offer? That’s exactly what I did on my recent road trip, and I have to say, Anchorage pleasantly surprised me.

While many travelers pass through Anchorage on their way to Alaska’s national parks and remote wilderness, the city itself is worth a short visit too. With fascinating culture, vibrant street art, and a fantastic food scene, there’s plenty to see and experience. That said, one day is enough to get a good feel for the city; or a few half-days, if that works better for your schedule.

In this guide, you’ll find:

Best Things to Do in Anchorage.
1-Day Anchorage Itinerary Options – three different itinerary ideas to match your travel style.
Restaurant Recommendations.

Whether you’re into museums and history, want to explore the city’s highlights, or prefer to sample local food and stroll through downtown, you’ll find a perfect 1-day Anchorage itinerary for your trip. Choose the one that suits you best, or mix and match to create your own perfect itinerary for a fun day in Anchorage.

Good to know: In this article, I only cover the highlights of Anchorage itself. If you are looking for the best experiences outside the city, check out my guide on day trips from Anchorage linked below.

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Anchorage

TIP: If you’re looking for a place to stay in Anchorage, I highly recommend Hotel Captain Cook (higher budget) or Aviator Hotel (mid-range). I stayed at both during my trip and had excellent experiences. These hotels are centrally located, making them ideal for exploring the city and easy access to day trips. Whatever you choose, reserve asap – accommodation options in Anchorage are very limited.

Anchorage things to do and one day itinerary — Don’t forget to save this image to your Pinterest travel board!

Best Things to Do in Anchorage

Even with just one day in Anchorage, you can experience some of the city’s top attractions. Here are the best things to do:

Anchorage Trolley Tours. The most popular tourist attraction in Anchorage, this is a fun and informative way to see the city’s highlights with a local guide. Choose a 1-hour tour for a quick introduction or a deluxe 1.5-2-hour tour for a deeper dive. Both tours pass iconic spots such as Earthquake Park, Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Captain Cook Monument, and more. The deluxe tour also includes stops where you can get out, take pictures, and explore. TIP: All trolley tours come with a coupon book with discounts for restaurants and shops, so it’s best to take this tour early in your visit.

Anchorage Museum. A great introduction to Alaska’s history and indigenous cultures, plus some cool contemporary exhibits. The museum is surprisingly diverse and truly worth it – even if you only have a day in Anchorage! As a minimum, plan 1-1.5 hours. For more info and tickets, please see here.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. One of the most scenic urban trails in the USA, perfect for a walk or bike ride. It’s also the best place to spot moose in Anchorage. The best way to explore is with this highly-rated e-bike tour.

Downtown, Street Art & Local Shops. While Anchorage’s downtown may be compact, it offers much more than it looks at first sight. Explore quirky street art, visit local galleries, and check out unique stores and gift shops. TIP: Consider a tour with a local guide to get the most out of your visit. For example, this popular tour combines city highlights with traditional food tastings.

Alaska Native Heritage Center. Located just outside the city center, this is a top spot to explore Alaska’s indigenous cultures, history, and traditions. The center offers a range of exhibits, performances, and interactive experiences, providing an educational experience rather than purely entertainment. For more info, see their website. You can also find more info and get tickets here. Keep in mind that you will need a car or a taxi to get here from the city center.

Food & Drinks. Anchorage’s food scene is surprisingly diverse, with fantastic seafood, craft beer, and local specialties like reindeer sausage and fresh seafood. Whether you want a quick bite or a fine dining experience, there are plenty of great options (see the ‘where to eat’ section further below for restaurant recommendations). TIP: Check out these popular food tours and dining experiences to sample the best of local cuisine.

Anchorage Trolley Tours - best way to see the main landmarks — Anchorage Trolley Tours – a great way to see the main landmarks.

Anchorage 1-Day Itinerary Suggestions

Below, you’ll find three different itineraries for a day in Anchorage. Each itinerary considers the starting times, duration, and departure locations of recommended tours, ensuring they’re all feasible within one day. However, be sure to double-check the details as some activities are seasonal or have specific schedules!

Option 1: City Highlights

Looking for a relaxed yet well-rounded introduction to Anchorage? This itinerary combines sightseeing, culture, and great food, giving you a chance to experience some of the city’s top attractions. Start your day with a guided tour that covers major landmarks and local specialties, then explore downtown’s street art and shops. In the afternoon, visit the Anchorage Museum to learn more about Alaska’s history and art before ending the day with dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

Morning: Sightseeing + Food Tour (4.5 hours).
Afternoon: Anchorage downtown, street art, and souvenir shopping.
4 – 6 PM: Anchorage Museum.
Evening: Dinner.

Colorful bears at Anchorage Museum — Anchorage Museum is not to be missed!

Option 2: Culture, Food & Landmarks

This itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore Anchorage through its history, culture, and food. You’ll visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for an in-depth look at indigenous traditions, explore the Anchorage Museum, and take a guided food & history walking tour. End the day with a scenic trolley ride before dinner at a local favorite like 49th Street Brewing or Moose’s Tooth.

9-11 AM: Alaska Native Heritage Center (a bit outside the city center).
11.30 AM – 1.30 PM: Light lunch and Anchorage Museum.
2 – 5 PM: Food & History Walking Tour.
Evening: Trolley Tour and dinner.

Wyland Whale mural in Anchorage — Wyland Whale Mural in Anchorage.

Option 3: Sightseeing Itinerary

For those who want to see it all, this itinerary covers Anchorage’s top sights with a mix of city highlights and outdoor adventures. Start with a trolley tour to get an overview of the city, then explore downtown at your own pace. In the afternoon, cycle along the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, followed by a visit to the Anchorage Museum. Finish your day with dinner and some last-minute souvenir shopping. If you prefer a slower pace, you can skip either the trolley or e-bike tour.

9 – 11 AM: Deluxe Trolley City Tour.
11 – 1 PM: Explore Anchorage downtown, street art, and have lunch.
1 – 3 PM: Tony Knowles Trail e-bike tour.
4 – 6 PM: Anchorage Museum.
Evening: Souvenir shopping and dinner.

Racing in the Footsteps of a Legend husky dog sculpture in Anchorage Alaska — ‘Racing in the Footsteps of a Legend’ husky sculpture in Anchorage.

Where to Eat

If you’re looking for great places to eat in Anchorage, here are some top restaurant recommendations:

Casual Eats & Local Favorites:

Snow City Cafe – Famous for breakfast and brunch.
Midnight Sun Cafe – Great for coffee and sandwiches.
Biscuitclub – A brunch favorite.
49th State Brewing – Local craft beer and hearty pub fare.
Tent City Taphouse – A solid choice for Alaskan comfort food.
Glacier Brewhouse – A great mix of seafood, steak, and local beer.
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria – Anchorage’s most famous pizza spot.

Upscale Dining:

Simon & Seafort’s – Seafood and steaks with stunning views.
Whisky & Ramen – A creative twist on a classic dish.
Crow’s Nest – Elegant dining with a rooftop setting.

Pizza at Moose's Tooth Pub in Anchorage — Pizza at Moose’s Tooth Pub.

So, this is our guide to the best of Anchorage. No matter which itinerary you choose, there’s truly something for every type of traveler. Visiting Anchorage for a day is a great way to kick off or wind down your Alaskan adventure.

TIP: Planning a trip to Alaska? Be sure to check out our guides to the top destinations and bucket list experiences linked below. While Anchorage is nice to see, the true magic of Alaska lies in its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures!

More travel inspiration for Alaska:

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Jurga Rubinovaite

Jurga is the founder of Full Suitcase, one of the world’s leading family travel blogs with millions of readers. Her travel advice has been featured on CNN, BBC, and Lonely Planet. Since 2015, she has shared experience-based tips, destination guides, and trip advice to help travelers plan unforgettable trips with family and friends.
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