Anchorage suggestions

[simonsmom]

We will be in Anchorage for 1 full day before a cruise next week. Looking for suggestions on things to do and places to eat. We will have a car. It will be myself, my mother and 2 teen girls. Thanks

 

[MAH4546]

We will be in Anchorage for 1 full day before a cruise next week. Looking for suggestions on things to do and places to eat. We will have a car. It will be myself, my mother and 2 teen girls. Thanks

There is a lot of stuff to do in central downtown without needing to use a car.

Snow Goose in downtown has reindeer burgers, which are delicious.

Anchorage Museum downtown is also very nice - lots of exhibits and recently expanded and rennovated.

The Alaska Experience Theatre shows some good tourists films, including a cheesy earthquake documentary.

Depending on where you are from, you might find the shopping in downtown to be nice - and sales tax free. Nordstrom, Apple Store, Abercrombie & Fitch, etc.

If you are there in August, then maybe a trip to the State Fair which is about a 45 minute drive north.

 

[Flight]

Rent bicycles and ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail which begins in downtown. You might encounter wildlife such as moose, nice views, easy ride with minimal hills, and the excersize will help justify all the eating on board the ship!

 

[donac]

I agree with Anchorage Museum. My dh and I spent a number of hours there last month while waiting for a late flight.

If you are there on Saturday there is an open air market,

 

[NancyIL]

We enjoyed pizza and dessert at Moose's Tooth: http://moosestooth.net/

Another restaurant where he had a great lunch was the Glacier Brewhouse: http://www.glacierbrewhouse.com/

I agree with the recommendations for the Anchorage Museum downtown: http://www.anchoragemuseum.org/ Another to consider is the Alaska Native Heritage Center: http://www.alaskanative.net/

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

If I had one day in Anchorage I would do the drive to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. It's about 45 miles and the scenery is spectacular. There is a good soup restaurant in Girdwood and then do the ride up the mountain for more awesome views. There are a couple of shops in Girdwood. Be careful driving, there will be a lot of RV's and it's a two lane road with little in the way of a shoulder.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree with visiting the Anchorage Museum and Glacier Brewhouse is a good place for a casual meal.

If you want to shop, I would skip the mall there. The stores with Alaskan products are a lot more interesting.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

We spent the day driving and sightseeing from Anchorage to Seward. Whittier is also along the route if your ship will be porting there.
We stopped at the Potter Marsh just outside Anchorage and spent a while hiking, watching birds and otters. It was a surprise treasure that was a highlight of the day.
You can do a google search of things to see along the drive. It also has great bird and wildlife identification charts and what mile marker to look for them.
We got to our port of Seward and explored there. They also have boat tours to the Kenai Fiords which are pretty awesome.