Alaska is a unique place to visit that contains rich, natural beauty. There are never-ending opportunities that are always worthy of a picture. Whether you’re here with your children, spouse, friends, or family, Alaska has great activities to keep you busy.
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If you enjoy being active or love spending time outdoors, there are numerous attractions available. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a paved, eleven mile long trail through Anchorage that appeals to runners, walkers, bikers, skaters, and even skiers in the winter. Kincaid Park is another well-known destination for runners, bikers, and skiers where it is common to see moose. Hiking is also a sensational way to experience the nature of Alaska. Flattop, a mountain located in the Chugach State Park, is hiked regularly by both tourists and residents. You can see gorgeous views of Mt. McKinley on a clear day and may encounter snow on your climb – even during the summer!
You also may enjoy getting face-to-face with animals in Alaska, which is possible in many ways, such as going on a boat trip, visiting the zoo, or watching the Iditarod. I recommend heading to Whittier for a boat trip, where I caught fresh Alaskan fish, stood feet away from gigantic glaciers, and encountered a variety of wildlife such as sea otter, sea lions, whales, and porpoises. The zoo is fun both in the summer and winter. There is a petting zoo for the little ones and some excitement in watching our lively animals. If you happen to come in the winter, you can witness one of my favorite activities as a child, the Iditarod ceremony in downtown Anchorage. The Iditarod, also called The Last Great Race, is a 1049 mile long sled dog race that runs from Anchorage to Nome.
In addition to all of the great recreational options in Alaska, there are also interesting places that are educational. As a student, I have been able to go on many field trips in the past. In elementary school, my class got a hands-on experience with Alaskan animals at the Seward Sea Life Center. Even at a young age, it was fascinating to learn more about the animals that live in our state. My schools also took us to visit the Anchorage Museum and Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaskan culture. The interactive tours helped us gain knowledge about Alaska’s history, which I think is extremely important. Furthermore, you can receive a close-up, personable view at Alaska Native culture by attending a Pow-Wow. Pow-Wows are open to the public, where Alaskan Natives gather to sell handmade items, dance, and eat traditional food. Here, you can talk to Natives, observe their age-old dances and dress, and even eat moose!
After living in Anchorage for seventeen years, I can say that this is a great community to grow up in. Whenever I need a break from all of the action, I love going downtown, which is a great place to relax at a restaurant or wander through cute locally owned boutiques. The Performing Arts Center, also located downtown, is a lovely theater that has plays, shows, and concerts. Alaska offers the perfect balance of urban and rural activities; whether you want to go shopping and see a play or simply embrace the nature, we have it here. Although many people never think of traveling to Alaska, the ones who do will experience adventure like never before.
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