Anchorage Activities and Things to Do in Summer

Summer in Alaska is spectacular! Better plan on making the greatest use of long days and short nights for your sightseeing, restaurant enjoyment, tours, and activities! While the sun graces many days, always be prepared for a shower or cool breeze, especially if your plans take you to the mountains or on the water!

Alaska day cruises are within a short drive – Whittier and Seward ports are popular. From Anchorage, you can take the Alaska Railroad to Seward, enjoy a day cruise, and return that evening to your Anchorage B&B.

If you prefer to drive, consider stops in Girdwood, Hope, Cooper Landing, or further down on the Kenai Peninsula.  Great sights grace the entire road trip, starting with Potter Marsh and Beluga Point on the south end of Anchorage, then stopping at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. To the north, consider the Mat-Su valley, Talkeetna, Eklutna, and don’t forget the Matanuska Glacier. You will find Travel Partners from Anchorage to Fairbanks as well as south to Seward.

For great attractions, you need not travel outside of Anchorage.  From Earthquake Park to Flattop Mountain and its outlook point above the city and Turnagain Arm, to museums and cultural centers, from wonderful dining experiences to leisurely walks and trails for all levels of fitness, you will find plenty of opportunities to explore. From the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to the Eagle River Nature Center, you will see Alaska’s scenic beauty up close. The Alaska Botanical Garden, bird-sighting points, and displays of Alaska Native arts may keep you on the land – but then again, a flight-seeing tour may be just your desire!

Want to fish? Hike? See bear or moose? Walk on a glacier? AABBA hosts can help you find something just right for you!

Plan ahead, especially if you are visiting during an event such as the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon. Held on or near the date of Summer Solstice, the Marathon draws a large crowd. Whether you crave a run under the midnight sun, a sighting of wildlife, or a memorable meal, you can work it into summer’s long days. And Anchorage and environs stretch through a valley – with all its AABBA Bed & Breakfasts a short drive to the city at its heart!

To guide your choices, consider the calendar of events published by the Alaska Dispatch News (ADN, as it is called by locals), the Visit Anchorage Events Calendar, the “Plan & Book Your Dream Trip” on Alaska.org. 

Lest you forget, your B&B host has lived in the area for many years and is familiar with many off-the-beaten-path opportunities that visitors love. Your host knows many of the Travel Partners on a first-name basis, too. Just ask – you will get ideas meant just for you!