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Anchorage, Alaska, may be part of the “last frontier,” but that doesn’t mean that it’s empty of things to do! There are a ton of free things to do in Anchorage that will keep your costs low—since traveling there in the first place will probably eat up a big part of your travel budget! Many of the opportunities there are outside, meaning they’ll be great for burning off some energy!
Top 25 Free Things to Do in Anchorage
Explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
This is one of Anchorage’s most popular trails and gives you a view of the coast as well as Mount McKinley. You might spot moose or even beluga whales!
Visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center
This visitor center is an interactive destination with movies and lots of information about Alaska.
Go to the Campbell Creek Science Center
This nature center offers programs and events that will help you explore the natural habitats found on Alaska’s public lands.
Look for salmon at Ship Creek
This is a favorite fishing spot where you can spot all kinds of wildlife, including salmon, many of which spawn in this area.
Visit the Alaska Trooper Museum
The Fraternal Order of the Alaska State Troopers hosts this Alaska Law Enforcement Museum where you can better understand how police officers operate in this rugged terrain.
Read a book at the Loussac Library
Even if I weren’t interested in reading a book, this library is so beautiful I’d like to go just to catch a glimpse!
Play disc golf
Stash a disc in your luggage and plan an afternoon in the amazing weather playing a couple of rounds!
Wander the Anchorage Market
The Anchorage Market changes depending on the season, but it looks like there is always something interesting going on!
Tour the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Learn more about the native populations of Alaska at this museum.
Visit the Alyeska Roundhouse Museum
This museum is literally on top of the mountain and showcases the history of the local area.
Tour the Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo
Here’s another museum where you can learn more about the heritage and settling of the Alaskan state.
Look for birds at the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary gives you the opportunity to spot many different types of wildlife—make sure to take your binoculars!
Hike Crow Pass
Located 1 hour south of Anchorage, the views along this trail look to be breathtaking.
Explore Earthquake Park
This park commemorates an earthquake that took place in 1964 that was the largest quake ever recorded in North America. The geographical features at the park are all a result of the earthquake itself.
Hike Thunderbird Falls
This hike is only 1 mile to a beautiful waterfall and is great for families with small kids!
Climb Flattop Mountain
Even if you don’t climb all the way to the top, there are beautiful views all along the way.
Walk Mile High Saddle Trail
This hike goes about 3.4 miles total, so is a more moderately difficult hike than some other ones in the area. However, it’s supposed to be great for running!
Go on the Lake Hood Floatplane Base Walking Tour
This is the largest seaplane base in the world, so walking the base (about an hour)
Drive Seward Highway
This highway is a two-hour one-way trip from Anchorage to Seward, AK, and you’ll see lots of national heritage areas along the drive. Plenty of drive-by photo opportunities!
Explore Point Woronzof Park
This park is on the coast—and so you might spot some whales while you’re hanging out. You may also see planes arriving or departing from a nearby airport.
Play at Kincaid Park
This park offers lots of fun outdoor activities, and both moose and bears have been spotted here, so keep a lookout!
Hike around Eagle and Symphony Lakes
The different habitats represented due to the combination of mountains and lakes mean that a large variety of wildlife lives in this area. Stretch your legs and see what you can find!
Hike to the top of Mt. Baldy
This hike is moderately difficult and goes for about 1.5 miles one way. It overlooks the Eagle River and the top is a bare mountaintop.
Hike Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood
This trail is a little bit of a drive outside of Anchorage, but the views look to be worth it!
Go on the Anchorage Light Speed Planet Walk
I keep hearing about opportunities like this in different cities, and it seems super cool! Basically, there are planets set up along a distance so that your walking mimics how long it would take to travel between the planets at light speed.
Headed to the opposite end of the country? Check out our top 25 free things to do in Miami!
