How to Spend One Perfect and Active Day in Anchorage, Alaska
I was sitting in Chicago O’hare International Airport as a flight attendant when I got called to board AND worked a flight to Anchorage, Alaska. The trip allowed for a 24-hour layover in the one North American state I had been dreaming of seeing. Anchorage was beautiful and charming in its own way. We, the crew and I, spent the day exploring, and now I have outlined how to spend the perfect day in Anchorage.
When I went it was August. It was still a beautiful sunny day but the weather was quite chilly for it being summertime. Summer is the best time to visit Anchorage because the sun is shining, the weather is warmer, the flowers are blooming, and the skies are clear making it easy to see the Chugach Mountains. If you are wanting to experience the Northern Lights, you will have to visit during mid-August – April. When I was working for the red-eye flight from Anchorage back to Chicago after our perfect day in Anchorage, I got to see the northern lights at 35,000 ft in the air, it was spectacular.
Anchorage is the largest city in the United States which means there are endless things to do and see. Today I have outlined the perfect day in the perfect place.
How to Spend One Day
Downtown Anchorage
Downtown Anchorage
Breakfast at Snow City Cafe or Biscuitclub
We had heard that Snow City Cafe is one of the best spots for breakfast. When we went it was closed so we weren’t able to try it. However, the reviews are top notch and the vibes looked immaculate. This Cafe is more of a “sit-down” breakfast restaurant. Whereas, Biscuitclub, is an order at the counter and sit down after (aka if you are in a rush a perfect spot for a quick breakfast or coffee). I am actually really glad Snow City was closed because Biscuitclub was delicious. This spot is located in downtown Anchorage and offers sweet and savory biscuits with a choice of eggs on top as well.
Rent a Bike from Downtown Bicycle Rentals
Located just around the corner from Biscuitclub at W 4th Ave is the Downtown Bicycle Rentals, Sales & Repair shop that offers mountain or road bikes for a day rental, multi-day rental, or rentals for the week. I would suggest, especially if you are only visiting Anchorage for the day, renting a bike. It is the best way to see North America’s largest city in such a short time frame.
Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is the perfect trail to experience Anchorage’s vast landscape and wildlife. The trail begins in Downtown Anchorage and leads you to Kincaid Park along the coastal shores of the Cook Inlet. The trail takes about half a day and is 11 miles in total. You will not only see important historical artifacts of Anchorage but you might definitely see a bald eagle or even moose. If biking isn’t your thing, the trail is also suitable for running, walking, or even skiing in the winter.
What you will see and how to bike the trail
Start at Elderberry Park which is where you will begin your ride. This section runs parallel to the Alaska Railroad and is right next to the shores of the inlet. In Elderberry Park, you will see the Oscar Anderson House which is one of the oldest houses in the cities. The owner was one of the first 50 people to arrive at Ship Creek which was the first railroad hub.
From Elderberry Park you will come across the Westchester Lagoon. The Westchester Lagoon consists of mud flats which can only be seen when the tide is out. Side note: do not walk on the mud flats it is NOT safe!
On the north end of the inlet, you will see Turnagain Arm, a beautiful waterway in Alaska. After Elderberry Park is Earthquake Park, which will give you historic information on the effects and impacts of the 2964 earthquake that shook and demolished Anchorage. You may also possibly be able to see parts of the volcanos: Mount Spur and Mount Redoubt.
Continuing on past Earthquake park you will see Woronzof Point. This is where you can spot international planes landing and taking off. It also showcases beautiful views of downtown Anchorage and the Chugach Mountains.
Continue another 5 miles to Kincaid Park (the end of the trial) where you will have 1400 acres of beautiful forested scenery and winding hills. This is the perfect place for wildlife viewing. Unfortunately, I was only seconds off from seeing a moose on the trail. It is known, however, that most people do see a moose when they bike this trail.
After reaching Kincaid Park, continue to Lake Hood Seaplane Base where you will be able to watch seaplanes take off and land with background views of the Chugach Mountains. Lake Hood is the world’s busiest seaplane base making it a fun stop along your journey.
Dinner at Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse
After a day of biking and being out in nature, your last stop on your day tour has to be a great and relaxing dinner spot. Humpy’s is known for its live music and laid-back atmosphere. Humpy’s was founded in 1994 and offers a wide selection of draft beers. Their food is also incredible, offering an array of fresh and locally caught seafood. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
If you are staying in Anchorage for more than a day or intend on renting a car,
there are other sites you may want to add to your itinerary. Chugach State Park is the perfect place to experience beautiful wildlife and hiking conditions. It is one of the nation’s largest state parks. Located in Chugach State Park is the Eagle River Nature Center which also houses many beautiful scenic trails. Eklutna Lake is another great destination in Chugach State Park and is located near the village of Eklutna. A national park located nearby Anchorage you may want to add to your list is the Kenai Fjords National Park. It is home to huge glaciers and diverse wildlife including black bears. A bit of a drive away is the Denali National Park and Preserve. This national park holds 6 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness. There are many things to do and see in the surrounding areas of Anchorage. But if you only have a day to visit, definitely stick to the biking plan!
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