The best time to see the aurora in Anchorage is from late August to mid-April, with the season starting a couple of weeks earlier and ending a couple of weeks later than Fairbanks due to Anchorage's lower latitude. February through April is particularly good, thanks to clearer skies and enhanced auroral activity around the March equinox. March is often the best month for aurora chasing in Anchorage, while early September is another excellent option with warmer weather, clear skies, and bare roads—perfect for those who prefer milder conditions.

Auroras are not visible from mid-May to early August due to the midnight sun. September to early October offers great opportunities for aurora viewing before cloudier weather often settles in later in the fall. By February, clearer skies and slightly warmer conditions make it an ideal time for aurora chasers. For those looking to capture snowy aurora photos, December and January are perfect, as the trees remain covered in fresh snow.

In Anchorage, aurora season spans from late August to late April. During the summer months, Alaska's skies remain too bright to see stars or the aurora due to extended daylight. For instance, in Anchorage, all days between June 8 and July 5 experience 24 hours of civil twilight—a period when the Sun is just below the horizon but still lights up the sky. This continuous brightness makes it impossible to view the night sky or the aurora during this time.

Alaska is the only U.S. state with all three bear species—polar, black, and brown. Anchorage is home to wild black and brown bears, with several excellent bear viewing locations nearby. While Anchorage is not a natural habitat for polar bears, you can see one at the Alaska Zoo, where Cranbeary the polar bear resides.

For wild polar bear sightings, head to Alaska's Arctic Ocean coast. Some tour operators offer polar bear tours from Anchorage, including airfare, meals, and transportation. These tours run during October and November, the prime months for viewing polar bears on land, as they spend much of the rest of the year on sea ice.

Anchorage, home to over 300,000 residents, isn’t ideal for Northern Lights viewing due to light pollution, but the aurora is visible during moderate to strong activity. Popular spots within the city include Point Woronzof, the Downtown Viewpoint, and Hillside areas. For darker skies and better visibility, there are many great locations just outside town, offering excellent opportunities to see the aurora.

Temperatures in Anchorage during the winter can drop well below freezing, though not as extreme as in Fairbanks. Proper clothing is essential to stay safe and comfortable outdoors. Dressing in layers is the best way to prepare for the cold. Here's a recommended setup:

Bottom Half:

• Wool base layer (long underwear/long johns)
• Sweatpants or lined jeans
• Snow pants (preferably bibs)

Top Half:

• Wool base layer
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Sweatshirt or hoodie
• Insulated parka

Extremities (Feet, Head, Hands):

• Wool socks
• Insulated winter boots (not regular shoes)
• Balaclava
• Hat
• Glove liners
• Mittens or insulated mitten shells

Whenever possible, opt for wool fabrics. Wool is breathable, retains heat when wet, and wicks away moisture from sweat, unlike cotton, which can leave you feeling cold and damp. For outer layers, choose slightly larger sizes to allow for an insulating layer of warm air between them. Properly layered clothing will help keep you warm and comfortable, even in Anchorage's winter conditions.

Flying into Anchorage provides the perfect starting point for exploring Alaska’s renowned parks, glaciers, and wildlife. With a combination of trains, cars, and other transportation, you’ll have the flexibility to experience the state’s best sights and gain a deeper perspective on what makes Alaska unique.

Downtown Anchorage is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore without a car. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft provide convenient transportation, and many accommodations offer shuttles to and from the airport or downtown. However, for adventures beyond the city—whether heading north to Denali or south to the Kenai Peninsula and Kenai Fjords National Park—having a car is highly recommended. Anchorage offers the largest selection of car rentals, making it an ideal base for road trips.

If driving isn’t your preference, Anchorage is also a hub for other transportation options. The Alaska Railroad departs daily during the summer to destinations like Denali, Spencer Glacier, and Kenai Fjords National Park. Many guided tours also start in Anchorage, offering wildlife viewing, glacier tours, and guided hikes without the hassle of driving.

For remote destinations off the road system, flightseeing tours provide access to incredible experiences like bear viewing, remote fishing, and Denali visits. Anchorage’s location and transportation options make it the perfect gateway to explore Alaska’s natural wonders.

You don't need to book an aurora tour, but it is recommended to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora.

Learn why this is in my blog article!

If you want to book an aurora tour, there is no better option for Anchorage than Greatland Adventures. Greatland is Alaska's HIGHEST RATED aurora tour company, and takes guests out every night to see the aurora from August until April. You can book a tour with Greatland Adventures right on my website!

If you want to aurora chase on your own, consider buying my my Beginner's Guide to Aurora Chasing e-book.

Anchorage is a fantastic place to see moose, with an estimated 1,500 living in and around the city. Moose are often spotted munching on backyard trees or wandering through neighborhoods, making them easier to find here than in remote locations. Popular viewing spots include Potter Marsh, Kincaid Park, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Chester Creek Trail, and Russian Jack Springs Park. Moose prefer areas near rivers, streams, and marshy clearings with willow, aspen, or birch trees. They are most active during the early morning and evening hours, especially in summer when they rest midday to avoid the heat.

If you’re in a hurry to see a moose, head to Point Woronzof Park or similar nearby locations right after arriving in Anchorage—you might spot one within an hour. For guaranteed sightings, visit the Alaska Zoo or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can learn more about moose and other Alaskan wildlife from knowledgeable staff. Whether exploring on your own or joining a guided tour, Anchorage offers plenty of opportunities to view these iconic animals. Just remember to give moose plenty of space, watch for signs of agitation, and always snap photos from a safe distance.

Anchorage has an amazing food scene with plenty of great places to eat. Here are some top spots to check out:

• South AK: A must-visit for brunch lovers, offering delicious food and creative mimosas. It’s popular, so join the waitlist early.

• Sami’s City Diner: A classic diner serving hearty breakfasts like eggs and bacon. Their banana pancakes are a standout favorite.

• Market Juice: Perfect for a healthy start with fresh juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, and amazing avocado toast.

• Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop: A local favorite for fresh bread, sandwiches, and soups. Their chocolate chip cookies are a must-try.

• Rustic Goat: Known for its tasty food and drinks. The nachos and drunken clams are perfect for sharing.

• Hearth Artisan Pizza: Often considered the best pizza in Anchorage. Grab one to-go and enjoy it with a view at Beluga Point.

• Wee B’s: A hidden gem serving amazing burgers. It’s worth the wait for the big portions and bold flavors.

• 49th State Brewing: A lively brewery with great food and drinks. Reservations are recommended to avoid long waits.

• Anchorage Brewing Company: A local brewery with rooftop seating, live music, and stunning views of the Chugach Mountains.

• Altura Bistro: A cozy spot with creative dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Great for a special dinner.

• Crow’s Nest: Located at the Captain Cook Hotel, offering incredible views and gourmet Alaskan cuisine.

• Snow City Café: A breakfast and brunch favorite known for its pancakes, Benedicts, and friendly atmosphere.

• Moose’s Tooth: Famous for its creative pizza toppings and fun, lively vibe. A must-visit for pizza lovers.

• Jack Sprat: Located in Girdwood, serving fresh, creative dishes with local ingredients in a cozy setting.

Anchorage offers everything from cozy breakfast spots to lively breweries and fine dining. There’s something delicious for everyone!

About half of Anchorage visitors include a cruise as part of their Alaska trip. Cruises from this area are a great way to explore the state, and there’s plenty to do before or after you set sail.

Why Pick a One-Way Cruise
One-way cruises are a top choice. They stop in towns like Juneau and Ketchikan, visit Glacier Bay National Park, and cross the Gulf of Alaska. These trips also include unique spots like College Fjord and Prince William Sound, and they give you more time to explore Alaska on land.

When to Cruise Alaska
Cruise season runs from May to September, with a few trips in late April or early October. July and August are the warmest months, while May and September have fewer crowds and better deals. Late August also brings darker skies, giving you a chance to see the northern lights.

Northbound or Southbound?
One-way cruises sail between Vancouver and the Alaska ports of Seward or Whittier. The stops are the same either way, so it’s all about what fits your plans best.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Activities
Anchorage is the perfect base for exploring Alaska on land. You can visit Denali or Kenai Fjords National Park, try local foods, and enjoy cultural sites like the Anchorage Museum or Alaska Native Heritage Center. Trips to Seward and Whittier also let you explore more of Alaska’s beauty.

Tips for Your Alaska Cruise

• Scenic Transfers: The drive between Anchorage and Seward or Whittier offers amazing views along Turnagain Arm, with chances to spot wildlife.
• Day Cruises: Smaller boats in Prince William Sound or Kenai Fjords get you closer to glaciers and wildlife. They’re great for a day trip.
• Flightseeing: Anchorage is a hub for flight tours. See glaciers, Prince William Sound, or even Denali from above.
• Wildlife Viewing: Moose, salmon, belugas, and Dall sheep are common near Anchorage. Visit the Alaska Zoo or Wildlife Conservation Center for guaranteed sightings.
• Cultural Stops: The Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center offer a great way to learn about Alaska’s history and culture.

Anchorage is the ideal starting point for an Alaska cruise, combining easy access to sailings with plenty of ways to explore the state’s natural beauty and culture.