Here are some links and information that we think will be helpful in planning cultural, sightseeing, and outdoor excursions in and around Anchorage, including options for those who are not planning to rent a car.  Check back from time to time as we will continue to add links.

 

Here are some links and information that we think will be helpful in planning cultural, sightseeing, and outdoor excursions in and around Anchorage, including options for those who are not planning to rent a car.  Check back from time to time as we will continue to add links.

 

General interest

• Visit Anchorage (https://www.anchorage.net/) is the official source for Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities.
• The world-class Anchorage Museum (https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/) is a leading center for scholarship, engagement, and investigation of Alaska and the North.  The museum is within walking distance of the meeting venue.
• The Alaska Native Heritage Center (http://www.alaskanative.net/en/para-nav/home/) is a renowned cultural center and museum in Anchorage where all people can come to expand their understanding of Alaska’s Indigenous people.  Shuttles from downtown Anchorage are available (http://www.alaskanative.net/en/main-nav/plan-your-visit/how-to-get-here/).
• The Alaska SeaLife Center (http://www.alaskasealife.org/), in Seward, combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response.  Day trips departing from downtown Anchorage via Alaska Railroad are available (https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/day-trips).
• The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (https://www.alaskawildlife.org/visit/), in Portage (a 45-minute drive south of Anchorage), is a sanctuary that takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides them with spacious enclosures and quality animal care.
• The Hatcher Pass Management Area (http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/hatcherpass/hatcherpass.htm), located in the Talkeetna Mountains, offers hiking options to lakes, glaciers, and the Independence Mine State Historical Park. A 1.5-hour drive north of Anchorage.

Maps of local bike paths and hiking trails

• Anchorage-wide bike map (includes the nearby Coastal Trail): https://www.muni.org/Departments/health/PHIP/EmergencyPreparedness/Documents/2015%20Bike%20to%20Work/2015_AnchBikeMap_toWEB.pdf
• Kincaid Park trails map (accessible from Downtown via the Coastal Trail): https://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Documents/Kincaid_STA_Trail_map.pdf
• Chugach State Park maps: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/trailmaps.htm

Bicycle and outdoor gear rentals

• Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental: http://www.alaskaoutdoorgearrental.com/  Mention the AFS meeting to receive a 5% discount; large groups receive free delivery and pick up at their hotel.
• Anchorage Bike Rentals: http://www.lifetimeadventure.net/anchorage-bike-rentals/
• Downtown Bicycle Rental, Sales and Repair: http://www.alaska-bike-rentals.com/  Mention the AFS meeting for a 20% discount on bike rentals.
• Pablo’s Bike Rentals: https://pablobicyclerentals.com/
• REI: https://www.rei.com/stores/rentals.html#alaska

Sport fishing information from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game

• Fishing regulations: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.sc_sportfish
• Fishing licenses: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/
• Fishing reports (with additional links to other fishing information): http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/FishingReports/
• Anchorage May fishing summary: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/FishingReports/index.cfm?ADFG=R2.summary&Area_key=1&RecordID=5

Alternative transportation to destinations around south-central Alaska

• The Alaska Railroad (https://www.alaskarailroad.com/) runs north to Denali National Park and Faribanks and south to Seward, with additional stops in between.  Many day trip and flag-stop/whistle-stop options are available (https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/day-trips). Trains depart from the depot in downtown Anchorage.
• The Homer Stage Line (http://stagelineinhomer.com/stage_line_in_homer) offers transportation from midtown Anchorage to Homer and points in between.
• Flattop Mountain Shuttle (http://www.hike-anchorage-alaska.com/) provides transportation from Downtown Anchorage to the Glen Alps Trailhead for hiking access to Flattop Mountain and the Chugach State Park.  Mention the AFS meeting for a 10% discount.

Guided trips and commercial tours

• Ascending Path Alaska (https://www.ascendingpath.com/) offers guided outdoor adventures around south-central Alaska.  Trips to Spencer Glacier, departing from downtown Anchorage via the Alaska Railroad, begin on May 26.  Use the offer code “AFS2018” for a 15% discount.
• Fishingbooker.com can help you book a trip with a local sportfishing guide.  Use this link to receive a 10% refund following your trip: https://fishingbooker.com/?utm_source=WDAFS_Anchorage_meeting&utm_medium=refer&utm_campaign=promo
• Gray Line Alaska (https://www.graylinealaska.com/) offers tours to destinations around south-central Alaska including trips to Denali National Park (via Alaska Railroad) that depart from Downtown Anchorage.
• Long Live the Kings (http://www.longlivethekings.com/index.htm 907-398-2854) offers guided sportfishing charters in Homer.  Mention the AFS meeting to receive a 10% discount on saltwater or freshwater fishing trips.
• Major Marine Tours offers world-class wildlife and glacier cruises to Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound.  Boats depart from Seward and Whittier, respectively. Use the link https://majormarine.com/wdafs/ for a 20% discount on tours.  The Alaska Railroad offers packages that depart from downtown Anchorage (https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/day-trips/).
• Phillips Cruises and Tours (https://www.phillipscruises.com/) provides Prince William Sound glacier cruises departing from Whittier.  The Alaska Railroad offers packages that depart from downtown Anchorage (https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/day-trips/).
• Portage Glacier Cruises (http://www.portageglaciercruises.com/) offers tour boat service across Portage Lake to the foot of the rapidly retreating Portage Glacier.  Tours that depart from Downtown Anchorage are available.
• Talkeetna Air Taxi (http://www.talkeetnaair.com/flightseeing/index) offers flightseeing tours out of Talkeetna that include rivers, glaciers, and mountains of the Alaska Range, including Denali. Mention the AFS meeting to receive a 10% discount.