10 Best Things to Do in Anchorage During Summer

Summer is one of the best times to visit Anchorage. Long daylight hours, comfortable temperatures, and easy access to mountains, wildlife, and scenic drives make it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience Alaska. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or using Anchorage as your home base for a larger Alaska adventure, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy.

Here are ten of the best things to do in Anchorage during the summer.

1. Walk or Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is one of Anchorage’s most popular attractions. This scenic paved trail stretches along the coastline and offers views of Cook Inlet, the Alaska Range, and surrounding forests.

Whether you choose to walk, jog, or rent a bike, the trail provides a great way to experience Anchorage’s natural beauty while staying close to the city.

2. Visit Potter Marsh

Located just south of Anchorage, Potter Marsh is a favorite destination for wildlife viewing. The boardwalk offers easy access to marshland habitats where visitors often spot birds, salmon, and occasionally moose.

Its flat terrain and beautiful scenery make it a great stop for travelers of all ages.

3. Drive Along Turnagain Arm

Few scenic drives in Alaska are as memorable as Turnagain Arm. Located just outside Anchorage, this route follows the shoreline with stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Popular stops include Beluga Point and several scenic pullouts where visitors can enjoy photographs and short walks.

4. Explore the Anchorage Museum

For travelers interested in Alaska’s history, culture, and art, the Anchorage Museum is a must-visit attraction. Exhibits cover everything from Indigenous cultures and modern Alaska life to science and natural history.

It is also an excellent activity for rainy days or when you need a break from outdoor adventures.

5. Hike Flattop Mountain

Flattop Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in Alaska. The trail offers incredible views of Anchorage, Cook Inlet, and the surrounding Chugach Mountains.

Visitors looking for an active outdoor experience will find this hike rewarding, especially on clear summer days.

6. Watch Floatplanes at Lake Hood

Lake Hood is the world’s busiest seaplane base and offers a uniquely Alaskan experience. Visitors can watch floatplanes take off and land throughout the day while enjoying views of the water and nearby mountains.

It is a simple but memorable stop that showcases how important aviation is to life in Alaska.

7. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center provides an opportunity to learn about Alaska’s Indigenous cultures through exhibits, demonstrations, storytelling, and traditional village displays.

Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Alaska’s history while experiencing authentic cultural presentations.

8. Spend Time at Westchester Lagoon

Westchester Lagoon is a popular gathering place during summer. Families, cyclists, walkers, and bird watchers all enjoy the area’s open spaces and connections to the Coastal Trail.

It is an easy and relaxing way to enjoy Anchorage’s outdoor lifestyle.

9. Take a Day Trip to Girdwood

Located less than an hour from Anchorage, Girdwood is a charming mountain town surrounded by stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy hiking, sightseeing, local dining, and beautiful mountain views.

Its proximity makes it one of the most popular day trips from Anchorage during the summer.

10. Look for Wildlife

One of the biggest reasons people visit Alaska is the chance to see wildlife. During the summer months, visitors may spot moose, bald eagles, salmon, and a variety of bird species throughout Anchorage and surrounding areas.

Always maintain a safe distance and respect wildlife when viewing or photographing animals.

Make Creekwood Inn Your Summer Base

Creekwood Inn’s convenient midtown location makes it easy to explore all of Anchorage’s top summer attractions. Guests can quickly reach popular destinations like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Potter Marsh, Lake Hood, and downtown Anchorage while enjoying comfortable accommodations and easy access to major roads.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer Alaska vacation, Creekwood Inn provides a comfortable home base for experiencing everything Anchorage has to offer during the summer months.