Anchorage

From Eco Friendly Travels

Eco-friendly travel guide to Anchorage advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America.

The coastline of Kincaid Park in the middle of winter


  • Air quality: 3/ 5
  • Exploring by foot: 3.85 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 3.7 / 5
  • Public transportation: 3.6 / 5
  • Parks: 3.75 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 4 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 5 / 5
  • Safety: 3.85 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$20 - $800
  • Budget per day: US$75 - $1,000

Responsible Travel

Anchorage may not be the most exciting destination for tourists but it's truly a unique city. If you fancy a place where you can drink cocktails at hip bars and enjoy walking on glaciers all on the same day, Anchorage is a fine place for you. Anchorage is worth including on any Alaska trip; with its surprisingly diverse culinary options, a thriving cultural scene, and endless outdoor activities, this remote metropolis, today, houses a massive 40 percent of the state's population.

Who would have believed that Anchorage used to be a collection of tents? Because, this Alaska's most sophisticated city now hosts all the amenities of a cosmopolitan American city and it has as well become a hotspot for those who want to peruse the vast wilderness that lies beyond and discover the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountain ranges as they journey through the major northernmost city in the United States of America.

If nature is your true calling, bear in mind that Anchorage is a non-regrettable option to opt-in for because aside from its plethora of attractions which range from a fantastic zoo and nightlife venues to shops and museums, it's grown to be a paradisiacal home base for wildlife watchers, fishermen, hikers, and skiers. With Anchorage offering quite an enjoyable stay, do well to play your part in traveling responsibly, and you can use these few tips to arm yourself;

  • It rains caffeine in this city, you might want to tag along, and act like the locals. One of the notable things about Anchorage is that its residents are highly caffeinated. For every 1,600 residents in this city, there's one coffee establishment catering to them. Anchorage alone is home to more than 180 coffee shops, stands slinging espressos, and carts. Alaskans do take their java seriously and as the city's establishments keep churning out well over a million pounds of coffee each year, a brand; Kaladi Brothers Coffee, has risen to be a local favorite roaster — all because of the love of the good stuff.
  • Don’t touch the wildlife. Wildlife is pretty common in this city. Sometimes, you'll see some casually strolling through a busy intersection and you can as well spot them at the parking lot of a grocery store or at some of the big or small parks around. Basically, there's nowhere you can't find them because they're often roaming around, and this is the reason why a bucket list item for visitors to Alaska is seeing a moose or two. Nevertheless, do well not to perturb this wildlife because most of them don’t like it when humans get too close, and while it's understandable that seeing them could spur some kind of excitement, don't make them uncomfortable by trying to get closer.
  • Bear it in mind that things will be more expensive. It's better to be prepared than to be shocked by it because a whole lot of things could appear to be pretty expensive in this city. And, this is actually because the fuel costs for getting goods to Alaska are reflected in the total, considering the fact that most of what gets in this state are either driven in by trucks that had traveled miles, flown in, or shipped up by barge. The increase in demand will even make prices of some stuff to be generally more expensive when the tourist season is in full swing during the summer months.
  • Go beyond downtown. Anchorage does offer more beyond its downtown and sustainable travelers in this city should not deprive themselves an opportunity of having the time of their life by sticking to just one area because the river chock-full of salmon heading upstream, cute shops, and the solid restaurant and bar scene tend to get a lot of visitors spending their time milling around downtown. Modern amenities and outdoor opportunities work in tandem in a city like Anchorage and you definitely will be missing out on so much of what this beautiful Alaska's largest city has to offer if you only explore downtown. If you've got enough time, watch the seaplanes take off at Lake Hood, watch the sunset at Kincaid Park or Point Woronzof; check out the Alaska Native Cultural Center, and explore the Chugach Mountains.
  • Check to see if there’s a market of festival happening, and attend one. The Anchorage Market and Festival each weekend and the Slam’n Salm’n Derby and the Summer Solstice Festival are some of the festivals summers see in this city. There's a myriad of quirky festivals to enjoy in Alaska and Anchorage is beautifully playing its part pretty well. Even when winter shows up, the festivity never goes into oblivion as there's the Fur Rendezvous Festival that comes into the picture.
  • Getting around is easy. There are a series of options to get around this city conveniently. Featuring an up-to-the-minute bus tracker app and offering a fairly reliable and cheap service; the Anchorage People Mover public buses are viable options to transit around the city. There’s also the standard yellow cab taxi companies and thankfully, more options for getting around the city have been encouraged with Uber and Lyft being welcomed back to Anchorage recently. If you also take delights in being in charge, having your own car will make exploring on your own terms easier and there are tons of car rental agencies available in the city. And, the beautiful thing about driving in this city is that on weekdays and weekends, parking is free after 6 p.m and, parking meter officials are incredibly good at their jobs in downtown. You can also get around this city enjoyably by biking around. You'll find several bike rental stands downtown, especially in the summer because lots of local businesses capitalize on the fact that Anchorage is fairly bikeable.
  • Renting a car. Renting a car offers much convenience in getting around and it gets more interesting knowing that Anchorage has much less traffic congestion than in other big cities and the road grid is relatively easy to follow. Your best choice is to rent a car if you plan to go beyond the usual tourist venues. It could a long way between destinations if you want to take advantage of the city's good bike and foot paths across the city at the expense of getting a car because the city core sprawls more than 50 square miles and the layout of the municipality still favors cars over walkers. '
  • Marijuana is legal, but there are still rules. Recreational marijuana is available for purchase; either via ATM or cash. However, take note that you must have your ID before you can purchase up to the normal ounce of weed you can buy and carry and you must be over 21. The opening of pot shops has been facilitated by the new legislation in the state but there were a few rules you must adhere to. Rather than consuming at your own risk, you're to ask your host as a general rule of thumb, even though there's no good answer as to where visitors can smoke. And, under state law, smoking isn’t allowed in public.


Air Quality and Pollution

The poor air quality in the state of Alaska generally is resulting from the wildfire smoke and wood-burning stoves, and there are concerns for Alaskans who are living in areas where this unhealthy air is most prevalent. Alaska is regarded to have some of the worst air quality in the United States of America and this is corroborated by the 2019 report of the American Lung Association “State of the Air.” The 2018 report of this world-renowned lung association enlisted Anchorage as the 14th-most polluted city for short-term particulates. Nevertheless, Anchorage is making significant progress to clean up the air, and recently, the improvements have been noticeable.


Respect the Culture

Home to one of the largest state parks in the country, 300 miles of wilderness trails, six surrounding mountain ranges, a salmon stream in the heart of the city, and over 60 glaciers within 50 miles of downtown, it's no surprise that a visit to Anchorage is a full-on adventure! And, when it comes to culture generally, Anchorage has plenty to offer; whether you're excited by exquisite treasures and galleries or you're someone who enjoys culture, honing in on history, or you're simply a fan of fine art.

Anchorage offers you plentiful opportunities to experience Alaska Native arts and culture and have a firm understanding of their traditions, customs, and lifestyles. Portrayed throughout Anchorage in art, dance, story, and song, you have an opportunity to be cognizant of the traditions passed across generations by these Alaska's first people. Alaska Native cultures are alive, dynamic, and pretty dominant in Anchorage, and having a good grasp of this culture puts you in the know of respecting the culture in this city. The traditional life in Anchorage is shaped by Alaska's five distinct geographic regions.


Top 10 Places to Visit

Anchorage is home to close to 300,000 people and it has grown up since it was settled in 1914. Now bustling with fun, exciting, and free things to do all year long, you can enjoy visiting a glacier, seeing Alaskan wildlife, and a variety of exciting things to see and do throughout the year. Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and there's the Alaska Zoo, a botanical garden, and great museums visitors can enjoy in addition to the scenic touring and outdoor recreation. Whether you're visiting Anchorage on a long or short stay, you're sure to get a culture of Alaska and a good sense of the natural beauty, and you'll be able to fit in two or three attractions in a day with long hours of sunlight in the summer.

This stunning city of Anchorage is undoubtedly a must-visit at least once in your life whether you're on a longer vacation or planning a quick weekend getaway because of its unique wildlife, diverse cultural attractions, and stunning views. Being a beautiful, unique vacation destination, having a picnic surrounded by nature, learning about wildlife photography, riding the scenic Glacier Discovery Train, and seeing the glaciers at Portage Lake from up close are some of the best things to do, and here are some of the best places to check out during your visit;

  • The Anchorage Museum: Students and adults alike are presented a full calendar of public programs at this museum which is a community-based institution. Situated in downtown Anchorage, it's renowned for featuring more than 20 exhibitions a year focusing on the history, culture, and art of Alaska, and it's the largest museum in Alaska. Children of all ages can learn about science through play at the interactive, hands-on, and minds-on center here; Imaginarium Discovery Center, which is one of its most popular attractions. World-class exhibits from science museums across the globe are featured here amidst the over 80 exhibits and, a trip into the solar system and beyond, a journey through the center of the Earth, kinetic space presentations, tidal pools, auroras, and simulated earthquakes are some of the displays of this museum.
  • Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge: Offering excellent bird-watching and wildlife viewing opportunities with the wide range of animals that can be found here, both birders and wildlife lovers will be glad to be here. Migrating snow geese and Sandhill cranes see this place as a critical resting and feeding place and, this is also one of the responsibilities of the wildlife center. Sheltering a wealth of local wildlife, it stretches for 16 miles from Point Woronzof to Potter Creek. Visitors can as well enjoy the beautiful surroundings at a winding wooden walkway featured at another refuge for wildlife and birds; the Potter Marsh, which is situated at the southern end of the refuge. Moose also frequent the marsh year-round and you should as well keep an eye out for geese, ducks, and grebes as they hustle for their prey.
  • Alaska Zoo: The Species Survival Program for snow leopards and tigers is one of the varieties of education programs it offers, and it's also involved in research, animal husbandry, and conservation. With the DVD showing archival zoo footage, vintage photographs, and interpretive displays at the Discovery Center, you can enjoy discovering the year-round rich history and progress and unique beginnings of the zoo. Home to some exotic species like Bactrian Camels, Amur tigers, and yaks, it's also popular for hosting a variety of animals native to Alaska. It represents over 50 species and shelters more than 100 animals and birds. For over 40 years, it's been a refuge for animals that are captive-born, injured, orphaned, and it was established in 1969.
  • Valley of the Moon Park: It's a great place for picnicking and relaxing with the family with its plenty of tables and benches. Offering access to the popular Chester Creek Trail, a Little League baseball field, and a large open play field are some of its amenities. A rocket ship-shaped playset, slides, monkey bars, and swings are some of its array of accessible play equipment. Its playground is one of the largest in the city and it's no surprise that its lovely picnic spots and excellent playgrounds are some of what makes this beautiful public park in Anchorage popular. The Valley of the Moon Park is named after the Indian title for Sonoma Valley in California.
  • Kincaid Park: For adults and children, and across a variety of sports, it offers a range of programs, workshops, and classes, and its two facilities which are available for private indoor functions are Lidia Selkregg Chalet and Kincaid Outdoor Center. It has a particular unique motocross track that is open at certain times of the year, and biathlon, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing are some of its famous winter pursuits. The winter months do offer world-class Nordic skiing tracks and on the other hand, snowless months promise excellent hiking and biking paths. It has some of the best sunsets in Alaska, it boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and natural terrain with a variety of wildlife, and it's situated on 1,400 acres of pristine. Throughout the year, there's an awesome array of outdoor activities and adventures visitors and residents enjoy at this Kincaid Park that's situated in the heart of Anchorage.
  • The Glacier Discovery Train: Before reaching the final destination of Grandview, visitors may see glacial runoff and snowmelt that plummets down the mountain faces, explore the alpine regions of the Chugach Mountains, and can as well enjoy canoe trips, rafting, and hiking at Spencer Lake or go on a glacier cruise in Whittier. With the Glacier Discovery Train, you can enjoy taking in the breathtaking natural scenery and glaciers of Whittier as it travels south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm towards Grandview. As you're pampered in style, you can enjoy soaking up the views as you slide through the countryside as this luxury train journey offers you a unique and interesting way to see and experience Alaska. And, you can enjoy being treated to wildflower and wildlife sanctuaries, spectacular alpine scenery, and take on a day rail tour into the historic "loop district" once you're in Grandview which is the final destination.
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center: It offers special events, workshops, and classes. The Alaska Native Heritage Center features an indoor amphitheater, and there's as well The Gathering Place where dance programs, Native drumming, and several presentations take place. From the Yup'ik and Inupiaq to Athabascans and Tlingit, the traditional structures of native Alaskans are recreated by outdoor exhibits. Contemporary art and issues, the impact of Alaska statehood, and traditional art and artifacts are some of what its exhibits feature, and if you seek a place to learn about Alaska's indigenous people, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is the place to be.
  • Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center: It offers exhibits on the natural history and culture of Alaska and it's also a museum of sorts. This is a place where you can procure guide books and purchase recreation passes or pick up free maps and brochures. All your inquiries and questions on gear requirements, license, special permit, how to get there, what to do, and where to go can be easily solved here for there are readily available representatives from the various agencies ready to feed you with needful information here. It's a great place to start your adventure, especially for those who want to spend time outdoors in public lands, national parks, and state parks.
  • Take a hike. Hiking is one of the most enjoyable activities in Anchorage and, the 2.6-mile Ship Creek Trail in downtown Anchorage, the 3.9-mile urban Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail, the 11-mile long Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and the 5.7-mile Campbell Creek Trail are some of the major trails in the Anchorage system. Without having to travel far from town, you can spend some time in the scenic outdoors with the wide selection of trails available in the city, and this proves why Anchorage is known to some as a "top trail town."
  • Alaska Botanical Garden: The flowers here are brilliant from June through August and this is the best time to visit this botanical garden but, it's still open year-round and accessible for those who would be visiting at a later time. Along with the well-designed gardens, visitors can enjoy the local scenery and wildlife, and there's also a mile of nature trails within this place for those who wouldn't mind wandering a bit. Themed gardens include wildflowers, perennials, and herbs.
Valley of the Moon Park


Explore

There are a whole lot of reasons why Anchorage never stops appealing to tourists. Anchorage is connected with other scenic cultural hubs via the Alaska Railroad that runs through the city and with the city having the world's largest seaplane base, it welcomes many international airlines as it's Alaska's most important traffic hub. Its close proximity to the Kenai Peninsula, the popular Portage Glacier, and the Mount Alyeska Resort, which offers skiing throughout the year, also volumes up its popularity.

Anchorage is a good base for excursions inland to the many attractions and due to a devastating 1964 earthquake and tsunami, a fairly modern style pervades the city. Anchorage is the commercial center of the state. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, it offers an apt combination of the best of the modern and natural rugged environments.

Anchorage is the place for you if you're a serious nature person because you've got a great chance of encountering more wild in Alaska than anywhere else in the world. Anchorage is a fine place to explore! It's got vast stretches of natural parks that seem to end nowhere, it hosts North America’s highest peak, and while it offers all these, urbanists can still have a great time enjoying five-star dinner at night in downtown restaurants and watching moose in the mountains during the morning hours.


City Parks

Anchorage is home to a lot of nice parks that are really worth checking out!

  • Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park: It has a fitness area and ice skating in the winter and small boats in summer on the lagoon side. Kiwanis overlook at the high west side and Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park has a frisbee golf course and a coastal trail. For an outstanding body-weight-oriented exercise, it provides all the equipment necessary to achieve such, and it's pretty ideal for older kids. It has over 89.3 acres of parkland.
  • Cuddy Family Park: Wheelchair access is available and it offers rope features, monkey bars, exercise tracking, and seasonal ice skating. It has an outdoor amphitheater, paved aerobic trails, paved speed skating oval, and a large playground. Boasting over 15.4 acres of parkland, it's a unique park in Anchorage.
  • Kincaid Park: It has some of the best sunsets in Alaska, it boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and natural terrain with a variety of wildlife, and it's situated on 1,400 acres of pristine. Throughout the year, there's an awesome array of outdoor activities and adventures visitors and residents enjoy at this Kincaid Park that's situated in the heart of Anchorage.
  • Valley of the Moon Park: It's a great place for picnicking and relaxing with the family with its plenty of tables and benches. Offering access to the popular Chester Creek Trail, a Little League baseball field and a large open play field are some of its amenities. A rocket ship-shaped playset, slides, monkey bars, and swings are some of its array of accessible play equipment. Its playground is one of the largest in the city and it's no surprise that its lovely picnic spots and excellent playgrounds are some of what makes this beautiful public park in Anchorage popular. The Valley of the Moon Park is named after the Indian title for Sonoma Valley in California.
Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park


National Parks

Alaska is home to 17 national parks and the interesting part about this is that Anchorage offers many ways to enjoy these parks because it's in the center of it all.

And, the closest national parks to Anchorage include; Wrangell-Saint Elias, Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Denali National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park.

The mesmerising Wrangell-Saint Elias


Beaches

Whether you crave a morning stroll along the tideline, a day on the water, or the perfect beaches for afternoon picnics, you'll be glad to find out that Anchorage is also dotted with lakes and lined with ocean.

Aside from the fact that Anchorage is most famous for its wildlife opportunities and easy access to nature, places like Kincaid Park, Point Woronzof, Goose Lake, and Mirror Lake give you the chance of having a nice beach time in the city.


Landmarks

Here are some of the best museums you'll be glad to check out in Anchorage.

Although, most of them are museums, and could as well appear again on the list of the best museums in Anchorage. 
  • Anchorage Museum: With links to places, ideas, and individuals around the world, it brings up North artistic science, culture, and practice. It's charged with the responsibility of honoring the people of Dena'ina languages, cultures, and soil, and as it recognizes them, it offers anything for all as it carves out a vibrant, insightful view of the human experience. It's a community-oriented museum and it was established in 1968. It has collections from the local historical society.
  • Oscar Anderson House Museum: It affords free entry for AAHP members and it continues its educational and research program as it stays dedicated to using its profits to preserve the property and serving as a connection between local, state, and national historic groups. It's committed to tracking and promoting policy that's geared towards historical preservation and it does show its supports for historical preservation programs across Alaska. By appointment and on a daily basis from Memorial Day weekends through Labor Day weekends, tours are available here. This museum and landmark was constructed in 1915.
Outside the Anchorage Museum


Museums

Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum is one of the best museums in Anchorage. It offers free entry for members and kids below 3 years old. With five distinct exhibit halls and outdoor, static displays, it comes alive. Boasting four display hangars and vintage aircraft, this large museum has items from Alaska's early aviators' collections it shows with many interactive exhibits and films. It's one of the most unique aviation heritage in Alaska and visitors can also enjoy watching watch takeoffs and landings here, for in half a mile away, there are the world's air crossroads, The ted stevens international airport. On an annual basis, this museum makes over 87,000 takeoffs and landings and it was founded in 1988.

The Anchorage Museum is another popular museum in Anchorage. Situated in downtown Anchorage, it's renowned for featuring more than 20 exhibitions a year focusing on the history, culture, and art of Alaska, and it's the largest museum in Alaska. Children of all ages can learn about science through play at the interactive, hands-on, and minds-on center here; Imaginarium Discovery Center, which is one of its most popular attractions. World-class exhibits from science museums across the globe are featured here amidst the over 80 exhibits and, a trip into the solar system and beyond, a journey through the center of the Earth, kinetic space presentations, tidal pools, auroras, and simulated earthquakes are some of the displays of this museum.

Alaska Museum of Science and Nature is also worth checking out. It focuses exclusively on the unique ecological, cultural, and geological history of Alaska, and it fills a special need for science education in Alaska. Taking both young and old on a learning adventure around the state, it offers knowledgeable info from prehistoric times to the present and the Aleutians to the North Slope to the Panhandle.


Eat

Anchorage has a lot to satisfy your gullet and if you'll be visiting this city, it's advised that you leave your well-intentioned diet at home because exotic meats like yak burgers and reindeer hot dogs flow endlessly in this city. Anchorage boasts a range of dining options to suit any diner and it has a remarkable diversity of restaurants.


Traditional Local Restaurants

Some of the best traditional local restaurants in Anchorage include:

  • Glacier BrewHouse
  • Southside Grill
  • F Street Station
  • Altura Bistro
  • Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill
  • Bread and Brew Alaska


Vegetarian and Vegan

Anchorage is home to a handful of vegan and vegetarian restaurants:

  • Acai Alaska
  • Ginger
  • Hearth Artisan Pizza
  • Bear Tooth Theatrepub
  • BurgerFi


Street Food

Spenard Food Truck Carnival, Anchorage Market and Festival, Spenard Farmers' Market, and South Anchorage Farmers' Market are some of the best places to enjoy street food in Anchorage.


Drink

When it comes to drinking in Anchorage, the plentiful bars in the city do rise to the occasion.


Tap-water

Anchorage tap water comes from both ground and surface waters. And, you can enjoy drinking directly from the tap water because the city's water is noted to be safe to drink.


Organic Cafés

Organic Oasis and Middle Way Cafe are the top choice for those looking for the best organic cafés to patronize in this city.


Breweries

Good beer is easy to find in Anchorage and these breweries just made it a whole lot easier!

  • Girdwood Brewing Company
  • Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
  • Anchorage Brewing Co.
  • King Street Brewing Company


Activities

Anchorage is a city to connect with nature and local culture in a unique way. Resting at the foot of mountains and snuggled against an inlet, it offers access to some of the best nature in the world with fascinating history, fresh local food, and local art galleries to be enjoyed at its charming downtown.

The beautiful thing about Anchorage is that it gives you an opportunity to hike through a rainforest or alpine meadow, watch brown bears in the wild, or kayak among icebergs and, wildlife viewing, cultural demonstrations, adventurous activities, and magnificent scenery are some of what you stand to enjoy outdoors in this urban city.


Yoga and Retreats

Some of the best places you can trust for your yoga and retreats in Anchorage include:

  • Snow Buddha - Mindfulness Meditation
  • Namaste North Yoga
  • Anchorage Yoga
  • Open Space Yoga Studio
  • Alaska Fitness


Accommodation

Accommodation options are in good quality and quantity in Anchorage and you don't need to look too far before you'll find one that's suitable for you.


Green Hotels

Some of the best green hotels in Anchorage are:

  • HOME2 Suites by Hilton Anchorage / Midtown
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage
  • Hampton Inn Anchorage
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Anchorage


Hostels and Guest Houses

Anchorage's got enough hostels and guesthouses for its travelers:

  • Susitna Place
  • Spenard Hostel International
  • Arctic Adventure Hostel
  • Bent Prop Inn & Hostel-Downtown
  • ShaligoHomes Backpackers International Hostel
  • Providence Guest House


Apartments

Apartments are not difficult to find in Anchorage. You can make enquiries online or save yourself from more stress by obliging to an option from Airbnb.


Couchsurfing

There's a good chance of finding a host for couchsurfing in Anchorage.


Camping

Camping has been made more enjoyable in Anchorage with places like;

  • Centennial Campground
  • Black Spruce Campground
  • famcamp
  • Bird Creek
  • Ship Creek RV Park


How to Get There

Flying into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the best option to get into Anchorage.


Air

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the main airport serving Anchorage.


Bus

Long-distance bus services do not really serve Anchorage.


Train

The Alaska Railroad runs to the North Pole from Seward through Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage.


Hitchhiking

It's illegal to hitch on the highway in Anchorage.


Others

Several cruise lines provide transportation from their terminals to Anchorage.


Moving Around

The best ways to get around Anchorage are by foot and car.


Walk

Anchorage's downtown is ideal for walking; it features a laid-back vibe plus it's easy to navigate.


Bicycle

For around $30 a day, you can rent bikes in the downtown area, and you'll find several bike routes and trails in the city.


Electronic Vehicles

You should be able to pick up an electronic vehicle at one of the car rental companies around.


Public Bus

Depending on the route, public buses in this city only come about once every half hour or once an hour. Anchorage operates a public bus system known as the People Mover, and it's very much affordable.


Tram, Train and Subway

The Alaska Railroad offers several train tours in and around the city and hitting the rails is one of the best ways to get to know Anchorage and its surroundings.


Sustainable Shopping

Anchorage is home to a handful of eco-friendly stores and shopping sustainably in this city shouldn't be impossible.


Food Markets

Some of the best food markets in Anchorage include;

  • Anchorage Farmers Market
  • Spenard Farmers Market
  • South Anchorage Farmers Market
  • Center Market
  • Northway Mall Wednesday Market


Flea Markets

Anchorage Market is the most popular flea market in Anchorage.


Second Hand Stores

Looking for the best second-hand stores in Anchorage? Check out any of these;

  • Value Village
  • Goodwill Retail Store and Donation Center
  • Bishop's Attic
  • The Archangel Attic Thrift Store
  • Plato's Closet
  • Second Run


Eco-Fashion

REI is a great stop for those seeking ethical and sustainable fashion in Anchorage.


Recycling

Anchorage offers residential and commercial recycling and some of the recyclables it accepts include newspaper, mixed paper, plastics, aluminum, cardboards, and bottles.


Waste

Anchorage Solid Waste Services provides commercial and residential trash collection in the city.


Work and Study Abroad

Anchorage may be more known for its wildlife opportunities but it's also a fine location for work and study abroad.


Exchange Student

A number of the colleges in Anchorage offer the exchange student program which is actually geared towards sharing the city's native culture.


Au Pair

There's a good chance of finding opportunities as an au pair in Anchorage.


Volunteering

Volunteering opportunities are not scarce in Anchorage and you're sure to find one after you've determined your skillset.


See Also