Troy’s Guidebook
Popular points of interest within 30 miles of Anchorage
Flattop Mountain is a 3,510 feet mountain, located in Chugach State Park just east of urban Anchorage. It is the most climbed mountain in the state. It is usually reached by driving to the Glen Alps trailhead and following a well-maintained 1.5-mile trail, with an elevation gain of 1280 feet from the parking lot to the plateau. Off the plateau loop is a difficult trail to the peak. Since it is the most accessible mountain to Anchorage, Flattop is a very popular location for hiking, climbing, berry picking, paragliding, and backcountry skiing. Campouts are held on the summit at the summer and winter solstices. Please bring your camera.
Flat Top Mountain
Flattop Mountain is a 3,510 feet mountain, located in Chugach State Park just east of urban Anchorage. It is the most climbed mountain in the state. It is usually reached by driving to the Glen Alps trailhead and following a well-maintained 1.5-mile trail, with an elevation gain of 1280 feet from the parking lot to the plateau. Off the plateau loop is a difficult trail to the peak. Since it is the most accessible mountain to Anchorage, Flattop is a very popular location for hiking, climbing, berry picking, paragliding, and backcountry skiing. Campouts are held on the summit at the summer and winter solstices. Please bring your camera.
Thunderbird Falls is a waterfall located in Eklutna, Alaska. It has an elevation of about 100 feet and flows into the Eklutna River. Due to its proximity to Anchorage, about a thirty-minute drive, it is a popular place for tourists and those living nearby.
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Thunderbird Falls
25321 Old Glenn HighwayThunderbird Falls is a waterfall located in Eklutna, Alaska. It has an elevation of about 100 feet and flows into the Eklutna River. Due to its proximity to Anchorage, about a thirty-minute drive, it is a popular place for tourists and those living nearby.
Ship Creek is an Alaskan river that flows from the Chugach Mountains into Cook Inlet. The Port of Anchorage at the mouth of Ship Creek gave its name to the city of Anchorage that grew up nearby. The river lies entirely within the limits of the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska. Popular local place for salmon fishing.
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Ship Creek
302 E Whitney RdShip Creek is an Alaskan river that flows from the Chugach Mountains into Cook Inlet. The Port of Anchorage at the mouth of Ship Creek gave its name to the city of Anchorage that grew up nearby. The river lies entirely within the limits of the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska. Popular local place for salmon fishing.
Beluga Point, a rocky outpost jutting into the waters of Turnagain Arm, is just south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway. It’s named for the white whales that are often spotted from this location as they make their way up and down the inlet. Interpretive signs and sculpted belugas are also featured at this point.
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Beluga Point Sight
Seward HighwayBeluga Point, a rocky outpost jutting into the waters of Turnagain Arm, is just south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway. It’s named for the white whales that are often spotted from this location as they make their way up and down the inlet. Interpretive signs and sculpted belugas are also featured at this point.
On warm summer days, the lake is a popular destination for Chugiak-Eagle River residents. The lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating and other outdoor recreation.
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Mirror Lake
On warm summer days, the lake is a popular destination for Chugiak-Eagle River residents. The lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating and other outdoor recreation.
Potter Marsh, at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is an ideal break from Anchorage for birders and other wildlife viewers. From the Seward Highway just before the left turn into the Potter Marsh parking lot, you are treated to a stunning view of Turnagain Arm. A wooden boardwalk winds 1,550 feet from the parking area through the marsh and across watery openings and sedges, perfect habitat for a rich variety of birds.
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Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk
2999 E 154th AvePotter Marsh, at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is an ideal break from Anchorage for birders and other wildlife viewers. From the Seward Highway just before the left turn into the Potter Marsh parking lot, you are treated to a stunning view of Turnagain Arm. A wooden boardwalk winds 1,550 feet from the parking area through the marsh and across watery openings and sedges, perfect habitat for a rich variety of birds.
Feel the heartbeat of Alaska’s Indigenous People. Hear their stories. Explore their history and discover a cultural heritage still living and thriving today at the largest cultural institution in Alaska.
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Alaska Native Heritage Center
8800 Heritage Center DrFeel the heartbeat of Alaska’s Indigenous People. Hear their stories. Explore their history and discover a cultural heritage still living and thriving today at the largest cultural institution in Alaska.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile-long trail along the coast of Anchorage, Alaska designated for non-motorized use. The trail runs from Second Avenue in downtown Anchorage and finishes in Kincaid Park. The trail is entirely paved, supports two-way traffic, and connects with the Chester Creek Trail.
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Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Raspberry RoadThe Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile-long trail along the coast of Anchorage, Alaska designated for non-motorized use. The trail runs from Second Avenue in downtown Anchorage and finishes in Kincaid Park. The trail is entirely paved, supports two-way traffic, and connects with the Chester Creek Trail.
Popular points of interest outside of Anchorage
Paddle, pedal, or power: there are many ways to explore Eklutna Lake. This long lake (featuring more than 15 miles of shoreline) is fed by Eklutna Glacier and is a popular spot for a day of kayaking; rentals and guided trips are available on-site from Lifetime Adventures. A long trail runs the northeast side of the lake, opening up the Chugach to bicycles and ATVs (on select days) as well.
Trails stretch all over the flanking mountains and the far end of the lake, providing hikers with high-elevation views of the lake, the surrounding mountains and glimpses of Eklutna Glacier.
Combine Eklutna Lake with Thunderbird Falls, an easy 2 mile out-and-back hike that ends at a scenic waterfall.
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Eklutna Lake
Paddle, pedal, or power: there are many ways to explore Eklutna Lake. This long lake (featuring more than 15 miles of shoreline) is fed by Eklutna Glacier and is a popular spot for a day of kayaking; rentals and guided trips are available on-site from Lifetime Adventures. A long trail runs the northeast side of the lake, opening up the Chugach to bicycles and ATVs (on select days) as well.
Trails stretch all over the flanking mountains and the far end of the lake, providing hikers with high-elevation views of the lake, the surrounding mountains and glimpses of Eklutna Glacier.
Combine Eklutna Lake with Thunderbird Falls, an easy 2 mile out-and-back hike that ends at a scenic waterfall.
Find out why Portage Glacier is one of Alaska's most popular attractions. Visit the sheer, awesome face of a mighty Alaska glacier located just an hour from Anchorage. Cruising across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan, you'll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age and watch for fractures of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water below.
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Portage Glacier Cruises
1500 Byron Glacier RdFind out why Portage Glacier is one of Alaska's most popular attractions. Visit the sheer, awesome face of a mighty Alaska glacier located just an hour from Anchorage. Cruising across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan, you'll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age and watch for fractures of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water below.
Matanuska Glacier is a valley glacier in the US state of Alaska. At 27 miles long by 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States. Its terminus feeds the Matanuska River. It lies near the Glenn Highway about 100 miles north-east of Anchorage in Glacier View.
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Matanuska Glacier
30820 West Glenn HighwayMatanuska Glacier is a valley glacier in the US state of Alaska. At 27 miles long by 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States. Its terminus feeds the Matanuska River. It lies near the Glenn Highway about 100 miles north-east of Anchorage in Glacier View.
The Alyeska Aerial Tram is a three-to-seven minute scenic ride from The Hotel Alyeska to 2,300 ft in elevation and the top of Mt. Alyeska. From the Tram, you can see for miles in all directions – including views of the Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, and endless peaks deep into the Chugach Mountain range. Don’t forget to look down! In the summer months, moose and bear sightings are common on our aerial tram rides, too. At the Mountain Station, there is an observation deck providing even more breath-taking panoramic views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers, sparkling streams, towering spruce, and an array of wildlife. Conde Nast Traveler rated Alyeska ~ "Best view of any U.S. ski resort." The observation deck is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or a beautiful evening sunset. Telescopes are also available along the deck.
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Alyeska Resort & Hotel Alyeska
1000 Arlberg AveThe Alyeska Aerial Tram is a three-to-seven minute scenic ride from The Hotel Alyeska to 2,300 ft in elevation and the top of Mt. Alyeska. From the Tram, you can see for miles in all directions – including views of the Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, and endless peaks deep into the Chugach Mountain range. Don’t forget to look down! In the summer months, moose and bear sightings are common on our aerial tram rides, too. At the Mountain Station, there is an observation deck providing even more breath-taking panoramic views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers, sparkling streams, towering spruce, and an array of wildlife. Conde Nast Traveler rated Alyeska ~ "Best view of any U.S. ski resort." The observation deck is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or a beautiful evening sunset. Telescopes are also available along the deck.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, AWCC is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying their natural wild behavior as education ambassadors for their species. It is common for visitors to see brown bears swimming, moose strutting, wood bison roaming, muskox playing, wolves posing, and more!
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward HwyThe Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, AWCC is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying their natural wild behavior as education ambassadors for their species. It is common for visitors to see brown bears swimming, moose strutting, wood bison roaming, muskox playing, wolves posing, and more!
Sandwiched between the Kenai mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, with Mt. Marathon rising steeply behind the town.
A spectacular 2.5 hour drive south from Anchorage brings you to this seaside village, which offers a bustling harbor, quaint shops and galleries, and many different ways to tour Kenai Fjords National Park.
Beside the influx of visitors every summer, Seward becomes a big magnet for two annual events during the high season. Every July 4, runners race to the summit of Mt Marathon, in America's second- oldest footrace. The town's population also balloons during the August Silver Salmon derby, the state’s largest. You can get out on the water and cast your line for several-hundred-pound halibut or salmon so numerous they bump into your boat.
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Seward
Sandwiched between the Kenai mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, with Mt. Marathon rising steeply behind the town.
A spectacular 2.5 hour drive south from Anchorage brings you to this seaside village, which offers a bustling harbor, quaint shops and galleries, and many different ways to tour Kenai Fjords National Park.
Beside the influx of visitors every summer, Seward becomes a big magnet for two annual events during the high season. Every July 4, runners race to the summit of Mt Marathon, in America's second- oldest footrace. The town's population also balloons during the August Silver Salmon derby, the state’s largest. You can get out on the water and cast your line for several-hundred-pound halibut or salmon so numerous they bump into your boat.
Located near the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is variously described as “where the land ends and the sea begins,” “the cosmic hamlet by the sea,” an arts community, and a fishing community. Common to almost any description is an acknowledgement that Homer is situated in one of the most beautiful places in the world, with spectacular views of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains, and several volcanic peaks across Cook Inlet including Mt. Augustine, Mt. Iliamna, and Mt. Redoubt.
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Homer
Located near the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is variously described as “where the land ends and the sea begins,” “the cosmic hamlet by the sea,” an arts community, and a fishing community. Common to almost any description is an acknowledgement that Homer is situated in one of the most beautiful places in the world, with spectacular views of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains, and several volcanic peaks across Cook Inlet including Mt. Augustine, Mt. Iliamna, and Mt. Redoubt.
Talkeetna is a charming Alaska town in southcentral about two hours north of Anchorage. It’s the launch point for most climbing expeditions of Denali and has gorgeous views of the mountain. With it’s combination of walkability, outdoor opportunities, creative businesses, and history, Talkeetna has lots to like. There’s enough to do in Talkeetna to keep you entertained for days, but it’s also possible to check off a lot of the town’s activities in a single visit.
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Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a charming Alaska town in southcentral about two hours north of Anchorage. It’s the launch point for most climbing expeditions of Denali and has gorgeous views of the mountain. With it’s combination of walkability, outdoor opportunities, creative businesses, and history, Talkeetna has lots to like. There’s enough to do in Talkeetna to keep you entertained for days, but it’s also possible to check off a lot of the town’s activities in a single visit.
Visitors to Alaska’s most well known national park, Denali, are often rewarded with sights that will stay with them the rest of their lives. A golden eagle may be seen soaring off the colorful cliffs at Polychrome Pass, or a herd of Dall’s sheep could be spotted resting along the green shoulder of Primrose Ridge. A massive grizzly bear might ramble over the tundra at Sable Pass. Maybe a caribou will pause on a ridgetop, silhouetted by the warm light of day’s end, or a loon will call across Wonder Lake.
Perhaps the park’s famous—and often notorious—clouds will part to reveal the great massif of Denali itself, 20,320 feet high, the roof of North America.
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Denali National Park & Preserve
Parks HwyVisitors to Alaska’s most well known national park, Denali, are often rewarded with sights that will stay with them the rest of their lives. A golden eagle may be seen soaring off the colorful cliffs at Polychrome Pass, or a herd of Dall’s sheep could be spotted resting along the green shoulder of Primrose Ridge. A massive grizzly bear might ramble over the tundra at Sable Pass. Maybe a caribou will pause on a ridgetop, silhouetted by the warm light of day’s end, or a loon will call across Wonder Lake.
Perhaps the park’s famous—and often notorious—clouds will part to reveal the great massif of Denali itself, 20,320 feet high, the roof of North America.
Popular dining locations in Anchorage
Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Club Paris has been serving steaks and seafood to Alaskans and Visitors alike since the late 1950's.
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Club Paris
417 W 5th AveLocated in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Club Paris has been serving steaks and seafood to Alaskans and Visitors alike since the late 1950's.
Snow City is fresh, friendly and local! They specialize in breakfast, lunch, and brunch which they serve all day, 7 days a week. Everything is always fresh, to-order, and as locally sourced as possible!
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Snow City Cafe
1034 W 4th AveSnow City is fresh, friendly and local! They specialize in breakfast, lunch, and brunch which they serve all day, 7 days a week. Everything is always fresh, to-order, and as locally sourced as possible!
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria is a pizzeria and brewery located in Anchorage, Alaska. The restaurant was ranked as the 3rd best pizzeria in the United States.
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Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward HwyMoose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria is a pizzeria and brewery located in Anchorage, Alaska. The restaurant was ranked as the 3rd best pizzeria in the United States.
Glacier Brewhouse
You will know the moment you walk in that this is not your typical brew pub. The scent of the alder wood grill and wood fired oven, the energy of the sparking exhibition cooking line and the glow of the brewery delight your senses. The BrewHouse features rotisserie grilled meats, the freshest Alaskan seafood, brick oven pizza and award winning hand crafted ales. The BrewHouse is Anchorage’s downtown landmark restaurant-“Where Alaskans meet Alaskans”.
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Glacier Brewhouse
737 W 5th AveGlacier Brewhouse
You will know the moment you walk in that this is not your typical brew pub. The scent of the alder wood grill and wood fired oven, the energy of the sparking exhibition cooking line and the glow of the brewery delight your senses. The BrewHouse features rotisserie grilled meats, the freshest Alaskan seafood, brick oven pizza and award winning hand crafted ales. The BrewHouse is Anchorage’s downtown landmark restaurant-“Where Alaskans meet Alaskans”.
"Sullivan’s Steakhouse is a vibrant neighborhood American Steakic.house featuring the finest steaks, seafood, hand-shaken martinis and live music.
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Sullivan's Steakhouse
320 W 5th Ave"Sullivan’s Steakhouse is a vibrant neighborhood American Steakic.house featuring the finest steaks, seafood, hand-shaken martinis and live music.
Known by the locals simply as "Simon's" this Anchorage landmark has beautiful panoramic views overlooking Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna and the Alaska Range.
This classic American grill has been artfully serving quality USDA prime-aged steak, fresh and innovative seafood since 1978. Enjoy a daily lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, or perhaps a special business or romantic occasion in their warm, inviting and spacious dining room.
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Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
420 L StreetKnown by the locals simply as "Simon's" this Anchorage landmark has beautiful panoramic views overlooking Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna and the Alaska Range.
This classic American grill has been artfully serving quality USDA prime-aged steak, fresh and innovative seafood since 1978. Enjoy a daily lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, or perhaps a special business or romantic occasion in their warm, inviting and spacious dining room.
"Proudly Brewed in Alaska" "A place where locals dine and visitors make memories."
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49th State Brewing Co - Anchorage
717 W 3rd Ave"Proudly Brewed in Alaska" "A place where locals dine and visitors make memories."
Low-key bar serving up seafood & draft beer, plus a weekend brunch with a popular eggs Benedict.
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F Street Station
325 F StLow-key bar serving up seafood & draft beer, plus a weekend brunch with a popular eggs Benedict.
Within walking distance; excellent food at reasonable prices. A local favorite.
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Kava's Pancake House
100 Muldoon RdWithin walking distance; excellent food at reasonable prices. A local favorite.
Shopping in Anchorage
Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall is a distinctive, five level shopping center surrounded by the buzz of Anchorage’s downtown core. Boasting more than 110 stores ranging from jewelry to electronics to women’s apparel, nowhere else in Alaska offers more choices.
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Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall
320 W 5th AveAnchorage 5th Avenue Mall is a distinctive, five level shopping center surrounded by the buzz of Anchorage’s downtown core. Boasting more than 110 stores ranging from jewelry to electronics to women’s apparel, nowhere else in Alaska offers more choices.
The Dimond Center is a regional shopping mall in Anchorage, Alaska, United States, located on the southwest corner of East Dimond Boulevard and the Old Seward Highway in south Anchorage. It is the largest enclosed mall in the state of Alaska.
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Dimond Center Mall
800 E Dimond BlvdThe Dimond Center is a regional shopping mall in Anchorage, Alaska, United States, located on the southwest corner of East Dimond Boulevard and the Old Seward Highway in south Anchorage. It is the largest enclosed mall in the state of Alaska.
Polar Bear Gifts is a famous Alaskan gift shop. They pride themselves on being the largest in Anchorage, Alaska.
Polar Bear Gift Shop
600 W 4th AvePolar Bear Gifts is a famous Alaskan gift shop. They pride themselves on being the largest in Anchorage, Alaska.
Tikahtnu Commons is Anchorage, Alaska’s premier retail and entertainment center. Tikahtnu Commons is an 85 acre regional shopping center serving the growing needs of Anchorage, Eagle River, and the Mat-Su Valley. The shopping center is presently anchored by Target, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy and Regal Cinemas.
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Tikahtnu Commons
1142 North Muldoon RoadTikahtnu Commons is Anchorage, Alaska’s premier retail and entertainment center. Tikahtnu Commons is an 85 acre regional shopping center serving the growing needs of Anchorage, Eagle River, and the Mat-Su Valley. The shopping center is presently anchored by Target, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy and Regal Cinemas.