| Welcome to Anchorage | |||
| Anchorage is situated between the waters of Cook Inlet to the west and the massive Chugach Mountains to the east. Roughly the size of the state of Delaware, this busy metropolis is home to 42 percent of Alaska’s population and is the site of regional headquarters for many companies doing business in the state. Visitors will find all of the amenities associated with a large city amidst a magnificent wilderness. Eagles soaring overhead and an occasional moose grazing on a mountain ash tree are common sights. + Anchorage Visitor Center + Anchorage Chamber of Commerce  Anchorage Climate Daylight hours range from as few as six at winter solstice in December to roughly 24 at summer solstice (June). By mid-February, Anchorage boasts more than 12 hours of daylight. Southcentral Alaska is one of the few areas in the nation where the evening television weather report announces the minutes of daylight lost or gained on a daily basis. + Climate facts + Anchorage Weather Camera Summer temperatures average 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 C), but can be as warm as the mid-80s F (25 C) or as cool at the mid-50s F (10 C) during the day. The average range of winter temperatures is 10-35 degrees F (-12 to1 C), depending upon the month, but can dip to below 0 F (32 C) or be as high as 40 degrees F (4 C) at times. What to Wear Dress for comfort, as Alaska dress code is informal and casual. Layers are recommended. Bring good walking shoes, slacks (a few shorts OK in summer months), long sleeve shirts (short sleeves OK in summer), sweater or sweatshirt, water repellant jacket, hat and gloves (winter for sure, summer when windy), waterproof boots in spring and fall (summer if fishing), warm boots in winter, and sunglasses. Pack a good moisturizer, as the climate is dry, not humid, and sun-screen, even in winter as the sun reflects off the snow. Accommodations Visitors have a variety of options when it comes to lodging in Anchorage. Nearly every hotel chain is represented including for example, Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Motel 6, Best Western, Millennium, Holiday Inn, and Preferred Hotels. + Lodging facts Several quality hotels, many newly built, are close to the Anchorage Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC) office at Tudor and C Street: Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and Motel 6. Food Casual to fine dining, it’s available in Southcentral Alaska. Seafood is a favorite with locals and visitors alike and featured at many restaurants. Cuisine at several Alaska-owned and operated restaurants in Anchorage rival that of any major metropolitan area. Sack's Cafe, Simon & Seafort’s, Marx Bros Café, Orso, Glacier Brewhouse, Kincaid Grill, Mick’s at the Inlet, Southside Bistro, and the Double Musky and Seven Glaciers in Girdwood are among the eating establishments that feature creatively prepared and presented dishes, many using local ingredients. Of course, many familiar chain restaurants are represented in Anchorage, including Applebee’s, TGI Friday's, Cattle Company, Outback, Chili’s, and Lonestar, to name a few. + Dining in Anchorage Culture Anchorage does not lack for arts and entertainment; the city had a symphony before it had paved streets. Fall, winter and spring evenings and weekends are filled with local and touring performers ranging from Broadway musicals to choral, theatre and dance groups. + Culture facts Looking to learn more about Alaska history and first people? Spend an afternoon at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and the Alaska Native Heritage Center – each is a very different experience that complement one another and together present a clear picture of Alaska and its people. Activities No matter what the season, there is something to do in Alaska. Fishing season is in full force by mid-May and runs through early September. Fishing derbies can be found in nearly every coastal community, adding to the fun. Fishing isn’t limited to summer months—halibut and late season salmon fishing takes place all winter long out of Seward, Homer and Kodiak. Wildlife viewing is possible year-round, although bears are typically not seen in winter months. Bald eagles, moose, fox, sheep and goats are among the wildlife typically seen in Southcentral. Along the coastal waters you may see sea lions, otters, whale, porpoise and various birds, such as puffins. Alaskans take full advantage of summer’s long sunny days. After all, how many other areas in the country can you secure a 10 p.m. tee-time in June? + Activity facts + Anchorage Visitor Center Hiking, camping, mountain bike riding and flightseeing are among the activities enjoyed during summer months. Alpine and Nordic skiing, telemarking, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are among the outdoors recreation available in winter months. ^ top |
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Map to AADC
Offices
+ Climate
+ What to wear
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+ The History of Anchorage
+ State of Alaska Travel & Vacation Guide
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