How to Time Your Trip to Anchorage

Anchorage is on the southern side of Alaska, but for most visitors it seems like the North Pole. Summer is the best time to travel this far north - not just for the warmth and the continuous daylight, but also for the vitality summer brings to all things Alaskan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Travel Clothes
• Local Guidebooks To Alaska
• Maps
• Insect Repellents
• Airline Tickets
• Travel Services
• Cameras
• Film

General Considerations

1. Soak up plenty of sunshine and warmth (with little rain) during the summer in Anchorage. The winters aren't as bad as you'd think, except for the darkness. Late spring and early fall can be pleasant too. The average January low is 4 degrees F and the average July high 65 degrees F.
2. Check out what festivals, attractions and live performances are happening.
3. Take care of your flight, transportation and accommodations (see Related eHows).
4. Check the weather forecast for Anchorage shortly before leaving.

Attractions and Seasonal Events

5. Party 'till the sun never goes down. Anchorage is so far north the sun never sets during summer solstice. You can worship the midnight sun at events from June 16-25, including the Juneteenth Festival, the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon, the AWAIC solstice festival, and the Alyeska resort solstice festival.
6. Pedal around this bike-friendly city's 60 miles (100 kms) of bike paths. Watch for whales if you ride down the scenic Coastal Trail.
7. Get outta town! Alaskans joke that their state begins just north of Anchorage city limits. Anchorage is everything Alaska is not - urban, commercial and busy. The Chugach mountains are a short drive south, and Mt. McKinley (the highest point on the continent) is a longer drive north.
8. Missed out on Alaskan wildlife? Snap some pix of bear, moose, fox, seals and musk oxen at the Alaska Zoo.
9. Learn about Alaskan indigenous culture and history at the Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum.
10. Take part in the Alaska State Fair, less than an hour from Anchorage. It boasts more than 200 exhibits. Late August to early September: (800) 850-FAIR.