Epic Summer in Anchorage: Midnight Sun Adventures and Local Gems
Experts agree there's never a bad time to visit Anchorage, but summer stands out. With nearly 495,000 acres of Chugach State Park within city limits, you can hike by day and enjoy top breweries, restaurants, and live music by night—followed by tennis or golf. The sun sets after 11 p.m. in July and 10 p.m. in August, extending your adventures.
Beyond extended daylight, Anchorage summers offer prime wildlife viewing, accessible hiking, biking, boating, and seasonal feasts from farmers' markets and trails.
This summer brings fewer cruise visitors, giving you and locals more space. Here are five top ways to make the most of it.
Explore the Wilderness
Just seven miles east of downtown, reach Chugach State Park's western foothills. Hike the 1.5-mile Flattop Mountain trail to panoramic views of Denali, Kenai Mountains, and Anchorage. Easier trails and overlooks are available nearby.
Discover Knik Arm (north) and Turnagain Arm (south), branches of Cook Inlet. Drive the Glenn Highway north to Eagle River Nature Center for trails, moose, birds, and paddling. South on the Seward Highway—a scenic byway—visit Potter Marsh for birdwatching amid salmon runs and eagles.
Spot Dall sheep, moose, and grizzlies from the road. Don't miss Beluga Point for beluga whales, orcas, and the bore tide, especially near full/new moons.
Extend to Girdwood for rainforest hikes, Alyeska tram rides, or Portage Glacier and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for bear, elk, and reindeer encounters.
Savor Local Flavors
Alaska's seafood shines, but summer highlights local produce like record-breaking cabbage. Enjoy salmon, halibut, king crab, berry-picking trails, the Alaska State Fair (August 20-September 6), and farmers' markets.
Top spots: Breakfast at Snow City Café (Obama-approved cinnamon rolls, local produce); lunch at White Spot Café for halibut sandwiches; dinner at Bridge Seafood for grilled salmon.
Discover Coffee and Craft Beer
Anchorage's coffee and brewery scenes thrive. Daytime: Uncle Leroy’s (small-batch roasts, biscuits) or Kaladi Brothers Coffee (nitro brews, Sludge).
Evening: World-class Anchorage Brewing (Deal With the Devil barleywine) or Cynosure Brewing for fresh lagers and Hefeweizen.
Play Under the Midnight Sun
Golf at Anchorage Golf Course with Chugach and Denali views (wildlife possible), or tennis in parks. Try summer dog sledding via helicopter to glaciers.
Travel Responsibly
Check current health guidelines. Anchorage's vast spaces support social distancing. Look for businesses displaying the Healthy Anchorage Pledge for enhanced safety practices.
