Anchorage tours

Things to do in Anchorage

Anchorage stands where city life and wild nature meet beneath Alaska's expansive skies. Here, adventure is always just around the corner, from the call of eagles above to the mountains that frame your view. Anchorage tours with a local guide bring this unique blend to life, diving into the city's culture and untamed allure. On the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, you breathe in the crisp air as your guide points out beluga whales riding the Inlet's waves. With private tours, you skip crowded spots, diving into local favourites instead. Whether enjoying a culinary tour of Alaskan seafood or exploring indigenous art, your guide makes Anchorage feel like a place you belong, even if only for a short while. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Anchorage. Explore Anchorage your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Anchorage tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Anchorage for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Watch for belugas along Turnagain Arm at Beluga Point, spot eagles and moose at Potter Marsh, and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for close views of bears, musk ox, and bison. In summer, you can check Ship Creek for salmon runs and seals right in town. Layover tours: From ANC, a quick circuit can include Earthquake Park’s 1964 slides, the Lake Hood seaplane base, downtown viewpoints, and Ship Creek’s fish ladder before drop-off. Evening or overnight layovers can add a short Flattop Mountain overlook or a northern lights search in the right season. History tours: Learn about Alaska Native cultures through dance and lifeways at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, then see 1964 quake exhibits at the Anchorage Museum. Add Eklutna Historical Park’s colourful spirit houses or the Oscar Anderson House for early settler stories. Anchorage is not very walkable for major sights, and buses are limited for short visits. You can book tours with private transportation or ask your guide for a chauffeured itinerary that matches your time and interests. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Anchorage inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Consider taking a private walking tour to dive into the heart of Anchorage and explore some of its popular neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to understand a neighborhood than having someone from the area by your side. - Downtown: Perfect for cultural tourists, Downtown Anchorage offers museums, art galleries, and a bustling shopping district. It's a hub of activity where you can learn about Alaska's history and culture. - Spenard: Known for its eclectic vibe, Spenard caters to those seeking meaningful connections and unique experiences. The area is filled with quirky shops, local eateries, and art spaces. - Midtown: Ideal for families, Midtown provides a mix of parks, family-friendly restaurants, and community centers. It's a convenient spot to relax and enjoy a day with your loved ones. Day trip ideas from Anchorage Use Anchorage as your base, then head out to nearby towns, glaciers, and mountain valleys; these day trips fit into a single day and work well as private tours with time for photos and short walks. - Seward and Exit Glacier: Follow the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm for big coastal views, then reach Exit Glacier for easy trails and clear glacier lookouts. Seward adds a working harbour, local seafood, and a small-town feel that suits photography, history fans, and anyone who likes relaxed seaside stops. - Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine: Drive into green valleys and high tundra for mining history and broad ridge views; in summer and early fall, trails range from gentle strolls to longer hikes. This area fits hikers, photographers, and curious minds who like stories of Alaska’s gold past and wide-open scenery. - Talkeetna: A quirky rail town with Denali views on clear days, riverside paths, and local art. Good for slow exploring, café hopping, and gallery browsing, and you still get plenty of Alaska character without a long drive. - Turnagain Arm to Girdwood and Portage Valley: Stop at cliffside pullouts to spot Dall sheep or belugas in season, then walk rainforest paths like Winner Creek Gorge or the Byron Glacier trail. Ideal for easy nature time, families, and anyone who wants close-up valley and glacier scenery without technical hiking. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Anchorage most travellers miss.