A Second Trip to Anchorage: The Ultimate Guide
A second trip to Anchorage, and I've compiled this ultimate guide✨
Hey everyone! Today, I'm sharing all my experiences from my second trip to Anchorage, guiding you through this charming American city and its unique icy scenery🌨
Must-Try Activities
Alpine Skiing: Embrace the Thrill of Speed
The ski resorts around Anchorage are fantastic, with Alyeska Resort in Girdwood being the most famous. With a variety of slopes, it caters to both beginners and experienced skiers. Gear up, glide down from the heights, and feel the wind rushing past – it's truly exhilarating!
Local Winter Activities: Non-Stop Fun
Don't miss the dazzling fireworks display on New Year's Eve, painting the night sky with vibrant colors and creating a magical atmosphere. From February 25 to March 6, experience the local culture at the Fur Rondy festival. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on March 5 is a spectacular event, with dogs pulling sleds across the snowy landscape, a truly awe-inspiring sight. During late winter and early spring, the Arctic Winter Games showcase the talents of local youth in traditional sports competitions.
Aurora Train: A Journey Through Dreamy Landscapes
In winter, take the Aurora Train to Fairbanks, enjoying scenic views of Wasilla, Talkeetna, Healy, and other locations along the way. Remember to book your tickets 1–3 months in advance to avoid missing out on this romantic journey.
Ice Fishing: Embrace the Tranquility of Winter
Anchorage offers many open lakes perfect for ice fishing, such as Campbell Point, Delong Lake, and Mirror Lake. Drill a hole in the ice, cast your line, and wait for a bite, enjoying the peace and quiet. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a big one!
Ice Skating: Fun on the Ice
Westchester Lagoon in the city center is a great spot for ice skating. Put on your skates and glide across the ice, feeling the wind in your hair. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, and even if you don't skate, it's a lovely place to relax and watch.
Glacier Hiking: Explore Natural Wonders
Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier in Alaska, is a breathtaking sight. The hike is relatively easy, suitable even for beginners. Walking on the glacier, you'll experience the wonders of nature up close, feeling like you've stepped into a winter wonderland.
Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling: Unique Adventures
Run with adorable sled dogs across the snowy terrain for a unique and fun dog sledding experience. Snowmobiling is another exciting option, allowing you to speed through the icy landscape, experiencing the thrill of speed and adventure.
Reindeer Farm: Get Up Close with Adorable Animals
The reindeer farm is home to reindeer, elk, alpacas, and many other cute animals. You can feed and pet them for free, enjoying close encounters and photo opportunities. It's a truly heartwarming experience!
Transportation Guide
Anchorage Airport (ANC) is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. Uber can be scarce in winter, so try Lyft. However, during peak hours, it can be difficult to get a ride. Renting a car or joining a tour offers more flexibility and allows you to customize your itinerary.
Food Recommendations
Don't miss out on Alaskan seafood! King crab and salmon are must-tries. Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill, a long-standing restaurant by the sea, offers stunning ocean views and sunsets from its windows. Their steak, salmon, and strawberry shortcake are all excellent choices. Glacier Brewhouse is a popular brewpub known for its delicious food, especially the salmon, crab legs, and Glacier Brewhouse beer.
Follow this guide, and your Anchorage trip will be amazing. Save it and start planning now!