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- Things to Do
Spend A Weekend in Anchorage, Alaska
Plan your trip with our off-road reports. You’ll find articles about everything from the best trail food to activities in Alaska that are worthy of the 49th State.
Alaska is worth the visit no matter how much time you have to explore. A quick weekend trip may inspire you to visit longer next time, you can jam pack your itinerary and try to see Denali while having some fun adventures along the way. Choose a long weekend for your trip & read on to see how to make the most of your trip to this beautiful state.
Make the Most of Your Weekend in Anchorage, Alaska
We recommend flying into Anchorage early Saturday, or overnight Friday for this adventure. Visiting Alaska will be an exciting weekend you’ll never forget! Plus, when you visit in the summertime you’ll have so much daylight to help you explore!
Our weekend itinerary includes some of our favorite adventures, along with ATVing of course, that will lead you north on a journey to spot Denali.
Day 1 – Explore Anchorage
Land in Anchorage, pick up a rental car, and get ready to explore! Anchorage is full of beautiful viewpoints and yummy restaurants.
Start your trip by fighting off the jet lag with a walk around the Anchorage Market. This event only happens on the weekends, and would be a great spot to shop for some souvenirs and try some local food. Once your legs have warmed up, head over to Flattop Mountain for a hike to see some really beautiful views. You could also opt to walk around the boardwalk at Potter’s Marsh for wildlife viewing.
You’ve likely worked up an appetite. Try Moose’s Tooth Pizza or Snow City Cafe for lunch.
For the afternoon, drive down to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see some local wildlife. This is a great way to ensure that you see moose and bears, and will allow you to spot other wildlife like wolves, musk ox, eagles, foxes, and more!
After a full day of exploring, treat yourself to some yummy dinner. Try Club Paris or Pearl for excellent steak, seafood and drinks.
To end the evening, go for a walk in Kincaid Park. You can stare across the water of the Cook Inlet at the mountains, and enjoy walking the paved trails and through wooded forests. You may even spot Denali off in the distance.
Day 2 – Get Out of Anchorage
Time for an exciting day trip! Get out of Anchorage and go explore the Alaskan backcountry. Start your morning with an exhilarating ride in the Knik River Valley. Our guides will teach you how to ride in a UTV, get you geared up, and ready for some fun! Weave through the birch forest, cross through deep and splashy creeks, and take in the scenic views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
This quick trip is perfect for those heading north for a chance to see Denali! Prepare to get dusty on your ATV tour and be sure to bring your camera along to capture the beautiful views! You may even see some wildlife so early in the morning.
After your fun wake up ride, grab coffee or a snack in Palmer before you head north to Talkeetna. Talkeetna is an adorable and historic town that is worth walking around. Learn mountaineering history, and pop into the local shops. Opt to go flightseeing for a better chance to spot Denali up close (our recommendation), or head to a viewpoint to see if the mountain is out!
Grab a snack at the Spinach Bread truck or some tasty lunch Mountain High Pizza Pie.
Oh – and don’t forget to stop by the Nagley Store and meet the Mayor, Aurora. She’s a cat!
Start your drive back to Anchorage. Enjoy the views along the way, and opt to take a detour to Eklutna Lake if you have the time. The water in this lake is glacially fed and so beautiful. Rent some kayaks and paddle around, or walk and explore along the shore.
Grab some dinner before your flight. 49th State Brewery is a great option for some comfort food and seafood. Charlie’s Chinese Bakery or Pelmeni’s are also a great choice for a quick and tasty meal.
Head to the airport and sleep on the plane after a long couple days of adventuring!
Bonus Day 3 – Put Your Holiday Weekend to Good Use
Take another day to spend in Alaska and go see the ocean! Stay another night in Anchorage and hold onto that rental car. Head over to Whittier for a glacier cruise you’ll always remember! No matter the weather, seeing tidal glaciers and wildlife from a boat is so much fun.
Make a stop in Girdwood afterwards for dinner. You can take the tram for some mountain views and fine dining at Seven Glaciers, or see downtown and dine at Jack Spratt or Double Musky. If you have some time, go for a walk in the northernmost rain forest!
Catch a late flight back home from Anchorage and dream of your adventures while on the plane.
See You on the Trail!
We can’t wait for you to visit Alaska and come riding with us! Hit the trail for an exciting adventure on your way up to go visit Denali! Your short but sweet trip to Alaska will be one full of adventure when you take some tips from our weekend itinerary.
