Looking for the top hot springs in Colorado to check out? We’ve got you covered with our 20 favorite options in this gorgeous state!

A trip to Colorado has endless options! Looking at a map of Colorado, it may seem like every other town is named after a geothermal spring that bubbles up to the surface. Colorado is home to hundreds of natural hot springs; you can find some of them in century-old facilities or on the roadside.

Colorado’s mountains are the best spot to get your heart racing and keep it calm. After a hard day of trekking or skiing, relax in one of its numerous hot springs, many of which include water slides and other kid-friendly features.

If you want to relax through 100% natural warm water, keep reading: this guide lists the most gorgeous hot springs in Colorado to plan your getaway.

The Best Hot Springs in Colorado

Here are the 20 best hot springs in Colorado right now that you definitely won’t want to miss!

20. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa: Sulphur Springs

The Hot Sulfur Springs Resort & Spa in Grand County’s northwest corner is a tranquil haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. The pools are situated on a picturesque hillside in a small mountain community of the same name, which is also one of our favorite small towns in Colorado to visit.

This is one of our favorite Colorado hot springs to visit for a spa-like vacation!

Granby and Kremmling are also nearby, as are Fraser and Winter Park. All year round, guests can stay at the resort, which offers on-site housing.

At Hot Sulfur Springs, there are 21 mineral pools and baths, making this one of the most extensive hot springs in Colorado. Each spring receives water supply from well under the surface. Pool temperatures range from 95°F to 112°F, and the facilities are well-maintained and accessible.

In addition to the many various styles of outdoor springs, there’s also a colder indoor pool where you can swim laps if you prefer the traditional pool vibe.

19. Strawberry Park Hot Springs: Steamboat Springs

Located next to a mountain stream, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the most beautiful hot springs. As a result of the springs’ natural feeding, they can become rather hot near their origin. When you’re in Steamboat Springs, this is a great spot to unwind and recharge. Multiple pools of various sizes and temperatures are available at the resort.

Each stone pond has been thoughtfully planned and is a breeze to go around. Mineral-rich water fills the hot springs pools’ sand-covered bottoms, making them therapeutic. The pool’s lowest temperature is 102°F.

There are more swimming pools open in the summer than in the winter. During the winter, a chilly pond and stream surround the main pools. The pond is warm enough to swim in during the summer months. Before returning to the hot springs, some brave souls can take a refreshing dip in the cold creek.

Bring a flashlight since the pools are located at the foot of a slight slope if you visit at night. The lack of lighting is mainly attributable to the fact that it becomes clothing-optional after dark. Having a warm cabin and a tepee for changing is convenient. Restrooms and a picnic area are available on-site.

There are many massage and water shiatsu therapies available in Strawberry Park in addition to the natural hot springs. You can also arrange accommodations. You can also stay overnight in a covered wagon or railroad caboose and stay in rustic cottages and tent sites.

18. Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs

You can witness one of the best views of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers and adjacent sandstone cliffs at Iron Mountain Hot Springs near Glenwood Springs.

There are 16 different pools, each with a varying temperature of 98-108 ℉. A separate silent area provides a tranquil setting for soaking and unwinding.

Parents can unwind in an elevated whirlpool while children play in the more extensive freshwater family pool. This pool is accessible by a steep ramp. After a swim in the pool, the Rejuvenation Station serves as a rest stop.

The bathhouse has locker rooms and a retail store that sells swimwear, apparel accessories, and other items. Pizza, sandwiches, and snacks are available in the Sopris Café, and hot and cold beverages like beer, wine, and pre-made cocktails. The poolside Sandbar is open all year long and offers refreshments.

17. Penny Hot Springs, Carbondale

There is no charge to visit Penny Hot Springs, which receives its hot mineral water from underground springs. It’s roughly forty-five minutes from Aspen to this spot on the Crystal River, just beyond Carbondale.

Rugged, snow-capped mountains and jaw-dropping valleys surround the springs. In the end, it’s a great way to relax after a long day of enjoying the area’s activities, such as fishing and climbing.

There is a temperature of above 130 ℉ at Penny Hot Springs. Penny has many rustic ponds isolated from the river by a wall of placed rocks.

Penny Hot Springs is only open for daily use. Pets are welcome at these hot springs, but a leash is required at all times (sadly, dogs are not permitted in the hot springs). There is no place to tent or camp at the hot springs.

Wearing a swimming suit is a good idea because of the number of people that visit this hot spring. The source is hot, so be cautious. Also, Avalanche Hot Springs is only a short drive away.

16. Overlook Hot Springs Spa, PagosaSprings

New hot springs spa, Overlook Hot Springs in Pagosa, Colorado, has opened its doors to the public! Three rooftop spas and five indoor pools are available for guests to soak in Victorian-era style. You’ll also enjoy the sauna and hot tub on the rooftop.

There are various indoor hot springs pools to select from on the first level. In addition to towel rentals, there are locker rooms with showers accessible. At the front desk, you can buy beer and wine as minor concessions.

You will enjoy the starry sky at night during your stay here. The major attraction is on the upper deck, and the upper deck is two hot spring pools. They look out over the San Juan River and provide a stunning view of Pagosa Springs.

The rental of the private tub room gives you complete privacy and control over the temperature of the water.

The Overlook Mineral Springs Spa offers various massages for you to enjoy, such as  Swedish, prenatal, deep tissue, and hot stone. All massages include direct connections to the hot springs.

15. Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs, Redstone

There’s nothing like escaping Avalanche Ranch, a 36-acre property nestled in the Rocky Mountains. An apartment with one bedroom and a three-bedroom home with outstanding Rocky Mountain views are among the thirteen lovely log cottages on the property.

On-site, there are three hot springs pools. At the same time, the use of the hot springs is included in the price of the cottage and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There is a lodge, trout fishing pond, river frontage of about half a mile, and a farm for children to play in. Some summer weddings, year-round retreats, and family reunions hold at Avalanche Ranch.

14. Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs, Ouray

Twin Peaks Lodge has three excellent hot springs pools in the San Juan Mountains. The scenery of the mountains from the hot springs, which are pet-friendly, are spectacular.

The mineral-rich water that strikes the surface at 156 ℉ and then cools naturally before entering the pools is not treated with any chemicals. In addition to late-night visitors, the pools are available for use throughout the day.

The spa offers robe rentals, pedicures, manicures, facials, and massages, as well as a variety of other services. You can use the hot spring pools for both day and overnight stays and find a large warmed hot springs pool and tiny hot springs soaking tub outside. There’s a separate section for adults-only bathing here.

Guests can choose from six different accommodation kinds, including the Queen, Double Queen, Two-Bedroom Unit, Family Suite, and the King Suite if they’d want to stay the night. In addition to complimentary hot breakfast and drinks during work hours, the hotel provides additional amenities for overnight visitors.

You can enjoy many other facilities, such as 24-hour guest laundry, 24-hour gym, and photocopy & fax services.

13. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Glenwood Springs

Visitors to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort have been doing so for more than a century, creating a long-lasting family tradition. Because of its central location between the world-famous ski resorts of Aspen and Vail, Colorado’s historic Glenwood Springs is a sought-after tourist destination.

There is nothing like soaking in the mineral-rich water of the world’s most significant hot springs pool to relax the mind and body, and this unique and historic site contains all you need for memorable hot springs pool holiday. The historical city of Glenwood Springs is a short walk from the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

Take a walk over the pedestrian bridge and see the awe-inspiring scenery of the surrounding mountains and the gorgeous Colorado River.

12. Ouray Hot Springs Pool, Ouray

Ouray Hot Springs Pool debuted on July 4, 1927, and has been one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions ever since.

You can find the biggest resort in town right at the beginning of downtown at this location. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxing dip in the sun.

There are all kinds of options available to unwind and soak, swim laps, and have some fun with the kids. For the convenience of all visitors, the vast pool has been separated into many sections. Also, an enormous water slide is available throughout the summer.

You have access to bathrooms and showers in the locker rooms inside. Nautilus gym equipment is available at the resort’s 1800-square-foot fitness facility for guests who want to stay in shape.

There is a pleasant space next to the swimming pool. It is possible to have a massage after an exhausting exercise, which you can also do there. You can enjoy all of these facilities, as well as BBQ grills and picnic tables in the park.

11. Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, Buenavista

For hundreds of years, the Ute Indians utilized Cottonwood Hot Springs as a spiritual meeting place. They are now an entirely constructed collection of rustic hot springs and overnight accommodations west of Buena Vista, Colorado.

To go to Almont and CB, you have to cross Cottonwood Pass, where you can find the rustic lodge. Cottonwood is a bathing paradise located near the Continental Divide, where guests can choose from many options. Locals love it because it offers overnight accommodations and a laid-back ambiance.

These hot mineral springs, supplied only by gravity, are famed for their medical and therapeutic properties. Pools of varied sizes and temperatures are available, with the hottest peaking at 110°F and the coldest at 94°F, respectively. A dry sauna and two private creekside pools are also available for an extra cost to visitors of the pool.

All of the hot springs are natural, and nothing is added to them. Swimming suits are needed at all times, and no smoking, alcohol, pets, or glass is allowed in the pool area. Lifeguards aren’t on duty at night; thus, children under 16 cannot utilize the hot springs after sunset.

Accommodations on the grounds offer the hot springs on arrival and departure days. Cabins of various sizes, coed dorms, and tent sites are all options available year-round. In addition to three double beds, there are three single beds in the dorm and a kitchen and a bathroom. If you want to bring your pet, you’ll have to pay a fee.

10. Valley View Hot Springs, Villa Grove

Valley View Hot Springs is at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and is a quiet, secluded resort. In the woods, you’ll find several hot spring pools. As far as we know, the springs are owned and operated by a non-profit organization known as the Orient Land Trust.

There is a 1/4-mile uphill trek to get to the furthest pools, the Top Ponds, connected by a dirt track. It is a unique location that as many people should see. There is no dress code, so it means you will not bother to wear suits.

At Valley View, there are seven ponds and pools. For convenience, one large pool and two smaller hot tubs are located adjacent to the parking lot. The pool is the best place to cool down when it’s hot. Whereas, the hot tubs are maintained at temperatures from 104° to 106°F

Tent and vehicle camping and private rooms and cottages are options for those looking to stay on site. The hot springs are open to nighttime guests after the crowds have gone. Make reservations if you want to keep up the night during the summer months since they can sometimes become rather busy.

Year-round, a wide range of rustic lodging options is available. Due to high demand, making a reservation is strongly advised. Up to three months in advance might be reserved by members who have contributed to the organization. Non-members can book up to two weeks ahead for reservations.

No pets are allowed in the Oak House and Sunset Rooms. In addition to the shared kitchen and eating room, all overnight visitors have access to a small library, a computer, free wi-fi, and snacks for sale from the Welcome Center.

9. Antero Hot Springs Cabins, Nathrop

Three charming cottages with a soaking pool are available at Antero Hot Springs. At the foot of Mount Princeton, in Chalk Creek Canyon, is a lovely resort.

Each cottage has its hot spring just outside the door! Temperatures range from 100 to 112 ℉ in the pools, with water leaving the earth at 135℉. Private yoga lessons, hot herbal wraps, and deep-tissue massages are just some spa treatment options.

The cottages are Cottonwood Cabin, Hortense Cabin, and Chalk Cliffs. You can find private hot spring pools in the form of hand-carved rock formations just outside each establishment’s entrance. The mineral-rich, sulfur-free water in these enormous soaking pools comes from a hot spring on the property.

These locations are very delightful! They seem isolated and exotic because of their position between Mount Antero and Mount Princeton, where 1,500-foot cliffs are visible from the hot tubs. At the same time, you can discover Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Goats perched on neighboring rock faces.

At about 15 minutes from Buena Vista (and 20 minutes from Salida), the Antero Hot Springs are accessible through well-maintained, paved county roads. It takes roughly 2.5 hours to go from Denver or Colorado Springs.

8. Waunita Hot Springs Ranch

Family-owned, Waunita Hot Springs is a bed and breakfast and guest ranch situated east of Gunnison, Colorado. There is year-round access to the hot springs, and daily usage is provided during the winter months.

If you’re looking for a western vacation that’s ideal for big groups, the Waunita Hot Springs Ranch in the Rocky Mountains is the place for you. The family-owned is a superb place to stay because of its magnificent setting, excellent amenities, great accommodations, and friendly staff.

You can go fishing, horseback riding, and swimming in the hot springs-fed pool while staying at this isolated lodge surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest. Activities for children include horseshoes, hayrides, and fishing at this family-friendly ranch.

The Hillside Lodge and Ranch House are both available for overnight stays. You have access to billiards, a dining a library, room, and two fireplaces on the Ranch house’s main level. Each of the Hillside Lodge’s two four-room portions is distinct. When you stay in Waunita Hot Springs, you’ll feel right at home. Each room has a private bath, and the mattresses are comfy.

Walking to the pool table and dining hall are just some of the lodging amenities at the Ranch House. Additionally, they provide delicious home-cooked meals served in a family-style setting and created using locally sourced products.

7. Indian Springs Resort, Idaho Springs

 

Indian Hot Springs is a pleasant diversion from the mountains’ drive back. Located just off I-70 near Idaho Springs, it’s one of the nearest hot springs to the city of Denver. Private hot springs baths are available for guests, a gift store, and a lounge. Additionally, a comprehensive spa offers a wide range of services.

You can enjoy the hot mineral water bursting up from the earth by many tribes without any danger of conflict. The Ute and Arapahoe Indians exploited these hot springs as a source of drinking water. Soda Creek passes through Indian Hot Springs—a place of peace—was a point of contention between the two communities.

Indian Hot Springs Resort activities include a hot spring pool and geothermal caverns with hot mineral bathing facilities. A tropical dome covers the hot mineral water in the indoor swimming pool. All of the vegetation around the pool are tropical, including Banana and Palm trees and many blooming varieties.

Eleven private indoor hot springs rooms are available for rent if you want a more intimate experience. One 8’x4’x3′ tub is included in each unit. At 106 ° F, they contain natural hot mineral water. Also available for rental are 108°F mineral-water-filled outdoor jacuzzis, all of which are enclosed in high-tech privacy gates.

There is also the option of getting body treatments like massages and mineral-rich clay mud baths available at “Club Mud.” The mud will cleanse the toxins in your body.

On-site hotel options include a range of rooms, cottages, and a campsite with water and power connections for guests seeking to spend the night. Pets aren’t allowed here. After going through the historic downtown area, the Soda Creek Resort is only a short drive from downtown Idaho Springs. Look for a large sign on the town’s main thoroughfare.

6. Sand Dunes Pool, Hooper

Resort amenities include two swimming pools (one for laps and one for leisure), picnic spots, decks, a greenhouse lounge near the Great Sand Dunes north of Alamosa. Year-round pleasure at the Sand Dunes Pool, often referred to as “Hooper Pool” by the locals. Artesian well that extends 4,400 feet deep, initially sunk in the early 1930s for oil, supplies the reservoir.

The supply water has a temperature of 118 ℉, though the pool is kept at 98 to 100 ℉. You can use it to relax muscles and joints. Therapy pools are available for individuals who like the temperature to be slightly higher, with a 25-person capacity. The resort provides swimming and aerobics programs during the summer months, which offer a low-impact training option.

A four-person family travel trailer with a bathroom, kitchen, and living area is available for rent. Renting one of the cottages is also an option. Campgrounds for both RVs and tents are available for rent. Fire pits, tables, grass, and parking are all included with the ten tent sites. Campers receive a discount on the pool entrance.

5. Desert Reef Hot Spring, Florence

Located in the state’s “banana belt,” Desert Reef Hot Springs is a clothing-optional hot spring pool. The ten-acre property is semi-private and offers stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Swimming in a hot springs pool at Desert Reef is a unique experience. At 132 ℉, the water that emerges from a 1,096-foot-deep well is scorching. Adjustments are made to the temperature by convection currents.

An artesian well provides hot mineral water for a single big pool. It is 36 feet wide by 50 feet long. Summertime temperatures are maintained at or below body temperature, whereas wintertime temperatures are kept at or above 100° F. The blue coloration is due to the presence of the mineral Travertine. Every week, the pool is emptied to maintain its high standard of cleanliness.

Sun terrace, greenhouse lounge, and lots of seats throughout the facilities are all available for guests to utilize. An outdoor BBQ grill,  a water cooler, a microwave,  and a refrigerator are all accessible for visitors to use. You also have bathrooms and showers in the dressing rooms.

Desert Reef’s hot springs are open to the public, and visitors are free to come and go as they like. You can arrive early and go late since your entrance is open all day. There is no admission for single guys.

4. Juniper Hot Springs, Lay

A few soaking pools outside Lay, Moffat County, were established about 1880. Juniper Hot Springs provides a unique vacation experience for those fortunate enough to find themselves here in northwest Colorado.

The overflow from four smaller pools fills a massive pool with a concrete bottom. The sand and clay on the bottom of these smaller pools make it easy for the water to rise. The water temperature is roughly 102 ° F.

The hot springs, exposed during daytime hours, charge a nominal daily fee for visitors’ usage. Campsites on gravel are also available but with no electricity or water.

Bathing suits are mandatory, and drinking is not allowed in the pool area. A parent or guardian must accompany guests under the age of 18.

3. Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, Salida

Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is America’s most extensive indoor hot spring facility in Salida, Colorado. You can soak, swim, take classes, and play in the children’s wading pool in a massive pool.

The water from the hot springs has no odor or color, and it has minerals such as bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, sodium,  potassium, and sulfate.

The Aquatic Center has three indoor pools and a store that sells swimsuits, inflatable toys, goggles, and more. The largest pool is 75 feet in length and has a temperature of around 90˚ F. ‘

A barrier divides a 100°F soaking pool from the rest of the pool. This part of the pool is 4 feet deep and spans the whole width of the pool. The final pool is just 18 inches deep and designed for kids.

Fitness courses are available to the general public throughout the day, and some of them are arthritis and water volleyball. There are also swimming classes available for those who want to swim. Everything occurs in the pool, and there’s a reasonable fee to cover the costs involved.

You can rent several smaller pools by the hour if you want a more intimate experience. If so, we advise you to book in advance due to high demand. The individual baths are heated to over 100 ℉ using natural hot springs. Those above 18 are permitted to use these private swimming pools.

2. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop

As a genuine resort, Mount Princeton Hot Springs has everything you’d expect from a spa, including a restaurant, gift shop, and several huge pools. It is situated in Chalk Creek Canyon, located south of Buena Vista.

Mount Princeton rises majestically behind the resort, providing stunning views of the surrounding area. In addition to individual cabins, there are also hillside, cliffside, and lodge accommodations to choose from.

Mount Princeton is home to three massive hot spring pools open all year round. Swimmers will enjoy the Exercise Pool’s 90° F water temperature, making it ideal for a workout. A constant 105 ° F ensures that the Soaking Pool is just hot enough to soothe your pains. In the Relaxation Pool, you can rest and unwind. It’s solely available to those staying at the resort.

Chalk Creek is the main attraction of Mount Princeton. 30 or more little hot springs pools surround the path as it passes the resort. Stacking boulders against the walls prevents stream water from entering, allowing for more control over temperature. The tranquility of a hot mineral spring adjacent to a mountain stream is incomparable.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Upper Pool is open in the summertime. On the 400-foot water slide, you can take a leisurely river float ride. The peaceful sounds of the stream and stunning views of the night sky make nighttime a very magical experience.

Both pools include many seats and tables and a fireplace in the Exercise Pool. Near the pools, you’ll find a wet sauna as well.

1. Orvis Hot Springs, Ridgway

One of the well-known hot springs in the region, Orvis Hot Springs has many outdoor pools with the San Juan Mountains fantastic scenery. An indoor pool and private baths are also available. You’ll find it in Ridgway, eight miles north of Ouray, Colorado.

Throughout the day, Orvis is a clothing-free zone. With temperatures spanning from 100 to 106 ° F, there are four pools outside that are supplied by natural lithium hot springs.

It is 40 feet wide and 5 ft deep, making “The Pond” the most expansive. At 20 feet long by 8 feet broad, “Island Pond” has 2 feet depth. It’s fed by a waterfall that pours crater water.

There’s also a “Smoker’s Pond” in Orvis Hot Springs. It’s 8 feet in diameter and has a calming waterfall to soothe the soul. The range of temperatures is 103-107°F. Out of the four outdoor pools, “The Lobster Pot” is the hottest. Temperatures in this little pool range from 108 to 114 ℉.

There’s a pool house, replete with paintings and lounge chairs on the water’s edge, here. The temperature of the indoor pool is maintained at 101° F. Furthermore, the relaxing sounds of another waterfall are here for your enjoyment.

There are two private baths in Ouray that are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and have an average temperature of 102-110° F.

Massages are available in the yurts. You can get a massage from one of the many skilled professionals on staff from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Also, Orvis offers various lodging and camping options, and the lodge at the top level includes six themed bedrooms that guests can rent. Unfortunately, you won’t find a telephone or a television in the rooms, but you have free wi-fi throughout the lodge. The hot springs are open to overnight visitors as well.

In Closing

There are many different hot springs experiences in Colorado, so you’ll be sure to discover at least one or two places to unwind between your outdoor excursions.

After a long day of alpine adventures, a trip to a hot spring can do wonders for your body. They’re also the most exciting and adventurous method to stay warm throughout the icy winter months.

There are some truly beautiful lakes in Yosemite that you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking to hike to a lake with epic views or swim in an easily accessible lake, we’ve got a spot for you on this list!

Yosemite is located deep in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is home to Yosemite National Park. In terms of popularity, it’s second only to Yellowstone. The sculpted granite walls, spires, domes, and gables entice visitors, who also come to hear the roar of the waterfalls.

This park has one of the world’s tallest falls and supports 400 species of fauna, making it a vital habitat.

Within the national park, there are several opportunities for outdoor activity. Several paths go to various lakes and natural views, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The lakes in Yosemite provide a wide variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery for you to enjoy. Don’t miss these top 15 gorgeous lakes in Yosemite on your next lakeside adventure!

15. Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake is situated in Yosemite’s high country, or alpine zone, of Yosemite National Park, between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. It has an elevation of 8,150 feet above sea level.

Kayaking, boating, swimming, and even sunbathing are all popular activities here, so it’s known as the “Jewel of the High Country” by some.

Tenaya Lake has a medium level of thronging. Because it’s so far from Yosemite Valley and less popular than other water sites like Yosemite or Bridalveil Falls, Tenaya Lake can be on the quieter side. However, don’t expect to be the only one there – it’s gorgeous and is definitely a destination.

Tenaya Lake has three granite mountains on each side, making it a mile long. One drawback: Tioga Road runs along the lake’s northern shore.

You might encounter difficulties if you want to cross the lake’s outflow on the western bank in spring and early summer. The route includes wading across the lake’s entrance and outflow, then strolling beside Tioga Road on the north shore. The whole journey, however, is well worth it.

If you want the most incredible views of Tenaya Lake in the shortest amount of time, park near the lake’s western side and walk south along the coastline until you reach the lake’s exit. You can see the stunning mountain vistas without putting in any effort.

You can get to the lake by taking Tioga Road for 31 miles east from Yosemite Valley’s Highway 120, which will lead you to the Crane Flat turn-off onto Tioga Road. From there, the lake is right alongside the road and difficult to miss. The lake is 15.5 miles west of Yosemite’s east entrance near Tioga Pass.

14. Cathedral Lakes

The Cathedral Lakes are two lakes on one trail in Yosemite National Park. The lower lake is 9,288 feet above sea level, while the upper lake is 9,585 feet. The lakes are about a mile southwest of Cathedral Peak and two miles east-northeast of Tenaya Lake, with Tresidder Peak nearby.

Hikes beginning from the Tuolumne Meadows area are some of the most popular in the Tioga Road region, and this one is no different, with a large crowd expected. John Muir Trail is part of the renowned trail, and you’ll likely see other hikers along the main route and at Lower Cathedral Lake (a half-mile diversion off the Muir trail). Hiking up into the Yosemite high country, you will find folks who are considerably happier and friendlier than you would find in a place like your workplace.

A high level of scenery awaits you here—one of Yosemite’s most stunning High Sierra lakes in Lower Cathedral Lake. There are three mountains around it: Cathedral Peak on the east, Echo Peak on the south, and Tresidder Peak on the north.

After the swamp crossing, a big rock shelf on the smaller lake’s eastern shore is gorgeous and restful.

The Tioga Road is usually open from June through October, making it a great time to visit. Early in the season, expect swampy conditions, and towards the end of the season, be ready for cold and storms.

You can reach the trailhead by car from Tioga Road, located at Tuolumne Meadows’ westernmost tip. Road 120 at Crane Flat is 38 miles east, while Tioga Pass is 9 miles west of this location.

Cathedral Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Yosemite and is definitely where we recommend starting! However, be prepared for some serious crowds, especially on warm days.

13. Young Lakes

Two trails (6 miles long each) lead to the Young Lakes, a great day hike spot near Tuolumne Meadows. The western trail is less attractive, mainly passing through dense forest, but the eastern course opens up to stunning views of the Ragged Peak range, granite mountains, and Alpine meadows. The lakes themselves are nestled beneath these spectacular peaks.

The route ends at the shore of the biggest area of the lake, but you can locate these two peaks (rising above the lake) by going along a shorter track, which ascends a little farther east. Several notable peaks are visible from the path: Sheep Peak, North Peak, and Mt. Conness.

The short side road to Soda Springs and Parsons Memorial Lodge, a popular destination in Tuolumne Meadows, is the starting point for both paths to the Young Lakes. There are two ways to get to Dog Lake and Lembert Dome from the Glen Aulin Trail: the eastern route, which begins at the Soda Springs road intersection, and the western path, which branches north after one mile of the Glen Aulin Trail.

There is a junction around 5.5 miles, and the lower lake is a mile further. On the east side of Ragged Peak, towards the upper end of Dingley Creek, large meadows provide wide-ranging, long-distance viewpoints, making it a more picturesque route.

12. Lukens Lake

At an altitude of 8,230 feet, you can find Lukens Lake along Tioga Road at the park’s west end. Lukens Lake, surrounded by dense pine and fir trees, is one of Yosemite’s less beautiful lakes (compared to other lakes in this list).

It lacks the magnificent mountain background in the High Sierras to the east. Instead, the primary attractions are the flowery meadows along the trail, the water’s stillness, and the deep woodland.

You can expect a medium level of thronging here. At the lake, it’s not unusual to see a group of people, despite this being one of the less impressive lakes, mainly because it’s closer to the campgrounds.

If you’re traveling the long route, the closest restrooms are at the White Wolf campsite, which is 1.9 miles west and 1.1 miles north of the trailhead.

Through paths, you can access Lukens Lake from the highway or White Wolf Campground. The trail to Lukens Lake winds through a mature forest before dropping to the water’s edge. There is a mild elevation change on the courses, making for an enjoyable trek.

There is plenty of room for parking at a pullout on Tioga Road. When the wildflowers bloom in early June, it’s a great time to come.

If you go a long way, you can find a restaurant and a snack store at White Wolf Lodge, right across the road from the trail start.

11. Mirror Lake

As Bald Mountain approaches during your hike, you’ll see Mirror Lake. On a clear day, you’ll see a lake and surrounding cliffs from here. Only non-motorized boats are permitted, making the site ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

The picturesque attractions include the pool at Mirror Lake and the vista of Mt. Watkins (8,500 feet), which rises over the extreme north end of Tenaya Canyon.

Open year-round, it features an easy-to-moderate trail. There are informative exhibits about the local animals and plants along its tracks. You can see wildflowers from your campsite, set in a wooded area. It’s also possible to go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or see animals while you’re here.

Expect serious crowds at Mirror Lake, especially during the summer. It’s easily one of the most crowded lakes in Yosemite, mainly because it’s a great swimming hole.

If you’re a swimmer, the best time to visit is when the weather is hot. The route is still available in the winter, but the crowds aren’t as bad as in summer.

The trailhead is located at the easternmost tip of Yosemite Valley and is well-signposted. Hike east from Curry Village or the Ahwahnee Hotel via the trailhead shuttle or on foot from either location to get there.

10. Dog Lake

Dog Lake is nestled in a wooded valley with a backdrop of granite peaks and towering domes in the background. Although, despite its lack of grandeur, this lake is still beautiful and one of the most accessible in the park since it is only 1.4 miles off Tioga Road. The story behind Dog Lake’s name is one of its most appealing aspects.

In this area, evergreen trees encircle lakes surrounded by mountains and meadows. In 1898, the US Geological Survey sent Robert Marshall here to retrieve an abandoned sheepdog and her litter of pups, giving the lake its name. You won’t be able to see any dogs here now, though. They’re permitted in Yosemite’s constructed sections but not on the park’s unpaved paths.

Even though the lake isn’t as awe-inspiring, the short climb to get there is worth it.

From June through October, Tioga Road is open. There are generally many people around since the trek is so short. It’s definitely one of the most popular Yosemite lakes due to the ease of the trek.

To get there, you must first travel Highway 120 ten miles from Yosemite Valley to the Crane Flat turn-off onto Tioga Road, and then follow Tioga Road 40 miles east. The trailhead is located 7 miles west of Yosemite’s east entrance at Tioga Pass.

Many hikers combine the Lembert Dome trek with the one at the trailhead because of the nearby parking lot. You can find a trailhead for this path east of Tuolumne Meadows.

9. Ostrander Lake

At an elevation of 8,500 feet, Ostrander Lake is a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by the High Sierras peaks. Skiers undertake the 10-mile trek from Badger Pass in the winter to take in the views.

Ostrander Lake is a typical High Sierra mountain lake with a granite shoreline that adds to its allure. First, you’ll walk through meadows and streams, and if you’re there at the proper time of the year, you’ll see more wildflowers than you can count – not only in the meadows and along the stream banks all over the route. After a short distance, you’ll come to a wide-open area with views of the backside of Half Dome and the surrounding peaks.

This lake has a moderate hike. There is a lot of elevation in the second part of the path, but at least you’ll be able to warm up with some enjoyable walking through meadows before that happens.

The trek to the lake is just 12.4 miles round-trip in the summer. This hike is at its busiest during June and July when the meadows and stream banks are blanketed with vibrant wildflowers.

8. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

The first sights of Hetch Hetchy Valley are when you round the bend and glimpse the dance of light on water. You can see water cascading from rocky heights hundreds of feet downhill. In the spring and early summer, you will hear the roar of the falls.

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir’s deep motionless water reflects sunlight, clouds, and the bold shadows of the surrounding mountains in the foreground. As John Muir put it, “a great landscape garden, one of Nature’s rarest and most beautiful mountain temples.” Hetch Hetchy Valley is one of these temples. It’s truly a beautiful sight!

When Yosemite Valley is bustling with tourists in the summer, Hetch Hetchy provides a welcome respite. Only a tiny percentage of Yosemite’s tourists make the trek to this remote park area.

You won’t find any Starbucks or RVs on the road here. A valley that’s been likened to Yosemite Valley in size is instead the star of this stunning landscape. It’s ideal for anybody who enjoys seeing new places and wants a quiet nature hideaway.

Hetch Hetchy gets very few tourists, but the hike to Wapama Falls is where most congregate. To begin, cross the O’Shaughnessy Dam and go east along the reservoir’s shoreline. You can view the water and Kolana Rock from the pleasantly sloping ground, a 2,000-foot-tall cliff.

Also, it is part of Yosemite National Park, although the park’s entrance is located at a distinct location. Just beyond the Big Oak Flat Entrance gate and 12.5 miles east of the little town of Buck Meadows, turn north along Evergreen Road to go to Hetch Hetchy. You can reach Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in 16.5 miles by driving up the ancient Hetch Hetchy railroad grade, which passes via many remote routes.

7. Evelyn Lake

A typical above-the-tree-line pure water lake, Evelyn Lake, is 10,330 feet north of the Vogelsang High Camp plateau and has sandy beaches where you can dip or bathe your toes.

Evelyn Lake has a 350-foot slope to the south, so tourists can’t see Vogelsang or Parsons peaks, but they can see the Gaylor Peaks and the white mountain area of Yosemite to the north.

It is possible to reach Evelyn Lake from Vogelsang High Camp via the Rafferty Creek trail or Lyell Canyon by the Ireland Lake trail near Potters Peak and then continue east to reach Evelyn. The second path has a substantially steeper ascent compared to the Rafferty Creek Trail.

South of Evelyn Lake is a distinctive alpine bluff with a tundra-like atmosphere with multiple ponds that feed the lake in the early part of each season. You will see a unique perspective of the peaks above Townsley Lake and all the other peaks in the area from atop the bluffs.

6. Saddlebag Lake

When you visit Saddlebag Lake, you feel like you’re at the world’s top. The lake is surrounded by some of the most incredible fishing and trekking opportunities in the Eastern Sierra.

One of the region’s highest-accessible lakes, Saddlebag Lake, is only short from the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park.

Access to the 20 Lakes Basin is made possible by the Saddlebag Lake Resort’s water taxi service, which transports guests across the lake’s almost 340 acres. Fishing for brook and golden trout is excellent in the basin.

Saddlebag Creek runs out of the dam and provides excellent brook trout fishing and stunning mountain vistas. Saddlebag Lake and its surroundings are vast and seldom seem crowded, making it an ideal location for a family vacation.

It is roughly 12 miles from highway 395 and highway 120 to Saddlebag Lake Road. You can reach the lake in about three miles by following the route.

5. Cherry Lake

Cherry Lake, the Stanislaus National Forest’s biggest lake, is located in the Groveland Ranger District just outside Yosemite National Park. Dion R. Holm hydropower units are powered by the reservoir lake, which provides drinking water for the San Francisco region.

The lake is a popular summer destination for fishing, boating, and water sports. It’s open year-round; however, the road leading to it can be blocked during the winter months.

Cherry Creek’s branches run southwest from the Emigrant Wilderness and feed Cherry Lake. As far as whitewater rafting goes, Cherry Creek has some of the most challenging whitewater in the United States.

The Andresen Mine Trail is a moderate 4.5-mile climb that rises from 2100 feet to 1900 feet in elevation. It starts at the foot of the bridge. You can drive to Cherry Lake Road one mile beyond the Kirkwood Powerhouse. Take a left onto 1S23Y and park in the middle of the road.

Another hiking trail, the North Mountain Trail, is a challenging trek with a 2,500-foot ascent over three miles. You will see an abandoned fire tower at the trail’s ridge path. You can drive to Cherry Lake Road about 5 miles from the District Office. Approximately two miles beyond the Kirkwood Powerhouse, turn right and go up Cherry Lake Road.

The gated road is a mile away on the right-hand side. Ensure you don’t go too close to the gate when you park. Just beyond the locked gate, the trail starts on the right side of the road.

Cherry Valley Campground offers scattered camping on the lake’s southwest coast in its 46 campsites.

4. Townsley Lake

The Vogelsang Region of the High Sierra has Townsley Lake, situated between Fletcher and Parsons Peaks. Like many of Yosemite’s other lakes, it’s known for its crystal clear waters, rocky shores, and sandy floors.

At 10,353 feet above sea level, the lake offers spectacular views of granite mountain ranges and green meadows. The only way to get to Townsley Lake from Fletcher Lake is by an unofficial route that leads to the lake. Over the year, visitors with their fishing gear have carved out pathways.

On the extreme eastern edge of Townsley lake, there is an entirely different lake experience. After a challenging ascent, the Basket Lake sits a few hundred feet above the granite rock field. No one will hear you even if you cry for aid from this height.

Hanging Basket is a deep, frigid lake surrounded by granite spires, making it one of the most peaceful spots you’ll ever find. Swimmers should use care due to the very chilly water.

Backpackers can bypass the Vogelsang base camp location and proceed to Townsley Lake since you can camp around the lake. As a hammock camper, trees were numerous on the North slope, but tree sizes varied, so locating the appropriate spot can take some time.

The trees shrink and dwarf with brutal winters, and the only flatlands appear on the lake’s far eastern shore. There are several rock croppings on the north shore slope where you can find tent sites.

3. Lake Eleanor

Lake Eleanor, Yosemite’s most prominent natural lake, was enlarged in 1918 by constructing a concrete dam across its eastern shore. This dam was built to provide water to the San Francisco area.

The isolation of Lake Eleanor and its stunning vistas draw visitors to the lake. With 953 acres of surface area, this Yosemite National Park lake is a favorite destination for hikers seeking peace while taking in the beauty of the water shimmering in the sunlight.

You can find Yosemite National Park’s Lake Eleanor northwest of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir on the park’s northern border. Driving to the Cherry Lake Dam and then heading east to the lake are viable options for getting to this spot.

Miguel Meadow and Kibbie Lake are both nearby trailheads. It’s a pleasant hike since there are no high hills. Although it’s a four-mile journey to get to the lake, the reward is worth it.

Fishing is allowed year-round, but the summer months are the most fantastic time to visit Lake Eleanor in Yosemite National Park.

Trolling from a canoe on Lake Eleanor is some of the most incredible fishing, but getting there requires quite a portage. From the beach, you can also catch fish. Anglers can catch rainbow and brown trout. A short distance away, Frog Creek is an excellent place to start.

In Yosemite’s backcountry, you’ll always have the opportunity to encounter animals. Try to observe bald eagles, deer, and even black bears while you’re there.

2. Gaylor Lakes

Gaylor Lakes comprises two lakes: the upper Gaylor and the lower Gaylor. A short but challenging climb will take you to the lower Gaylor lake. You can then climb to the upper Gaylor lake from there.

From the start of the trek, the landscape is breathtaking. The trail begins with a challenging ascent, but the rewards are the spectacular views of Dana Meadows and the surrounding mountains, including Dana, Mammoth, and Gibbs.

The view from the top of the pass is stunning, with mountains to the east of Yosemite and the high Gaylor Lakes valley, which has prehistoric air from the peak when you look down on it. There are five lakes in the valley, all gorgeous, and you can glimpse the mountains surrounding Tuolumne Meadows beyond the valley’s horizon. Located above Upper Gaylor Lake, there is also an abandoned 1870s mine.

Compared to Yosemite Valley, the Tioga Road area is a post-Ebola wasteland on weekdays and a bustling tourist destination on weekends. It’ll be easy to identify other hikers in the Gaylor Lakes valley because of the wide-open scenery, but they’ll be dispersed around the basin’s several picturesque sites.

If you’re coming from Yosemite Valley, travel Highway 120 for ten miles to Crane Flat, where you’ll turn right onto the Tioga Road, which will take you 48 miles east to the trailhead.

To get to the trailhead from the east entrance at Tioga Pass, drive through the Yosemite entry gate and immediately turn right into the parking area.

1. May Lake

Visit May Lake, which is noted for its short, straightforward climb. To see all the lake offers, you only need one day. Tioga Pass provides access to the lake through a one-mile ascent. It has a lake camp where you can unwind and go fishing.

Like many high lakes in Yosemite, May Lake is situated at the foot of spectacular granite cliffs (Mt. Hoffmann). With its low side giving access to a drop-off overlooking the Tioga Road region to Clouds Rest and Tenaya Lakes, May Lake ranks as one of Yosemite National Park’s most spectacular lake hikes.

If you don’t fly with Horizon Air, you won’t have many opportunities to see Clouds Rest and Half Dome from the air, and the views of the northern wilderness are almost as impressive. There are also some excellent views of May Lake from the Mt. Hoffmann hike. Even though May Lake is lovely, Mount Hoffmann elevates this trip to the next level.

Since it’s a short trek and the May Lake High Sierra Camp is located on the eastern side, you won’t be the only one here. The crowds aren’t as bad as they would be if it were situated directly adjacent to Yosemite Valley, like Mirror Lake.

To get there, you must reach Tioga Road from Yosemite Valley by driving ten miles north on Highway 120 to the Crane Flat turn-off and another 28 miles east to the May Lake turn-off. Take the Tioga Road west for 20 miles from Yosemite’s east entrance at Tioga Pass to the turn-off. The parking facility at the trailhead is 1.8 miles away from the turn-off.

Tips on Visiting Yosemite

Here are some of the tips when visiting Yosemite:

1. Make a Reservation in Advance: Reservations are necessary to drive into Yosemite National Park from May 20 through September 30, 2022, during peak hours (6 am – 4 pm). There will be no first-come, first-served campsites in 2022 since campgrounds will need reservations in advance.

2. Be Patient and Adaptable: Yosemite attracts millions of visitors from April through October. Most people see Yosemite Valley, but other attractions are across the park.

3. Retain the Wild: Respect animals from afar. Never approach, feed, or allow animals to come to you. Getting too near to park animals might be harmful to both of you. Injuries from squirrels and deer outnumber bears and mountain lions in Yosemite. Living around animals exposes you to sickness. Always store food properly and obey speed restrictions.

4. Safely Enjoy Rivers and Falls: Be cautious while near Yosemite’s rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. If you want to cross a river or a stream to cool down, look for a spot with calm water. Choose a site downstream that isn’t near rapids or waterfalls if you’re worried about being carried away by concealed currents. Keep a safe distance from fast-moving water. All it takes is a slip-on wet (or even dry) rock to be carried away.

5. Get Ready for Your Trip: The weather is warming up, and you want to go hiking or climbing. Great! Make sure to prepare and plan ahead of time. Someone should know where you’re going and when they would expect you to return so they can find you. A headlamp or torch (with additional batteries) plus a map and compass are essential for any outdoor adventure.

If you want to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle and spend quality time with your family, consider visiting one of Yosemite’s most gorgeous lakes.

Next: The 15 Best Hikes in San Diego

Looking for the top restaurants in Marco Island, Florida? From beach bars to swanky steak joints, we’ve got you covered!

Marco Island, Florida, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and transparent water. Due to its small size (only 12 square miles of land), this biggest among the Ten Thousand Islands has an abundance of sun-kissed beaches and a variety of exciting activities to keep visitors entertained.

You can swim to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico from the city’s sugar sand beaches, but the city’s restaurant culture truly makes it a paradise.

Marco Island restaurants provide a wide variety of cuisines, from fine dining to casual, come-as-you-are restaurants, and even fish market stalls when it comes to eating out. These restaurants can satisfy your appetite for Italian food, plates of seafood, or whatever else you might be craving.

Whichever type of Marco Island eating experience you seek, this list of the most outstanding establishments will not disappoint you on your food tour of southwest Florida!

15. Sale e Pepe

480 S Collier Blvd Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-393-1600 | Italian, Vegetarian Friendly | $15 – $30

Marco Island’s Italian restaurants are well-known like the eateries in other parts of Southwest Florida. Sale e Pepe is among the city’s most outstanding Italian restaurants for homemade pasta and pizza.

Plus, the atmosphere at this high-end restaurant makes it one of the favorite Marco Island venues for a special event.

Since Sale e Pepe focuses on Southern Italian cuisine, expect plenty of tomatoes and shellfish on the menu. Spaghetti Allo Scoglio (seafood spaghetti), branzino with confit tomato and capers, and risotto al Fiore e Gamberi are all excellent choices for your meal (risotto with squash flowers and shrimp).

Plus, there’s plenty of wine to go around. You can choose between Sicilian pinot grigio, Argentinian Malbec, or French Bordeaux from Chateau Bellevue Peycharneau.

Sale e Pepe has a welcoming environment with delicious food and fine wine. It’s a lovely picture, with white tablecloths and shimmering candles.

You can catch the picture-perfect sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in this restaurant. Relaxed yet classy, the alfresco eating on The Terrace at sundown or in the tiny dining room with marble floors and arm decorations will have you coming back time and time again.

Wine Spectator magazine has consistently praised the restaurant’s enormous wine collection, and the chef’s team produces Southern Italian cuisine every day and matches it with wines from the set.

14. Snook Inn

1215 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-3313 | Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $9 – $28

Snook Inn, a Marco Island institution since its inception more than three decades ago, serves traditional island fare. Loyal consumers have already referred to it as a monument because of its constant appeal.

This restaurant on Marco Island is among the most highly recommended, thanks to its distinctive ambiance and enjoyable and easygoing atmosphere. The Marco River is directly next to the eatery, making it an ideal setting for a waterfront meal.

The Snook Inn is a well-known institution on Marco Island and is a great place to dine on island specialties for lunch or dinner. Live entertainment contributes to the already stunning view of the Marco Island sunset from Thursday to Sunday.

This restaurant provides indoor and outdoor waterside eating options so you won’t worry about the weather.

Included in the menu of Snook are Seafood Chowder, Mahi Mahi, and Snook Inn’s Famous Grouper Sandwich. Cocktails are essential to any dinner at a beachside eatery; try its rum runner, a 1930s mai tai, a tiki rum punch, or a raspberry mojito.

We recommend Snook Inn’s Famous Grouper Sandwich. There is a good reason why it contains the word of the eatery. This sandwich is a favorite, and your meal will be incomplete if you don’t try it.

The Shrimp Denny and the Smokehouse Baby Back Ribs, a scallop-stuffed shrimp wrapped in smoked bacon, are two other must-try favorites. This eatery also features a salad bar where you can design your salad creation!

13. Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant

599 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-389-2333 | American, Steakhouse, Seafood, Grill | $12 – $35

Traditional American restaurant Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant features French, Italian, and Asian elements. With a prime location in the middle of Marco Island, this restaurant offers excellent satisfaction in serving inventive dishes, wines, and cocktails.

This Marco Island’s premier steakhouse uses only the finest cuts of beef and prepares them to perfection. Their steaks are succulent and flavorful. They also provide high-quality seafood prepared with eminence ingredients and an expansive wine and drink list during happy hour.

The dishes on the menu are meticulously prepared and presented, whether it is the Maine lobster soup, Wagyu meat carpaccio, Chilean sea bream, braised short ribs, or petit filet that catches your eye.

The chocolate souffle is an old-school but delicious dessert just right for the final part of the meal. But make sure to order it with your entrée as it takes 30 minutes to cook.

Try the Surf and Turf as well as the Wagyu steak. This dish features cold water lobster tail, filet mignon, and mashed potatoes alongside asparagus. Choose a Pinot Noir or a quirky drink to accompany your meal.

The Marco Walk Plaza off South Collier Boulevard houses this establishment, so drop by if you pass through the area. While on Marco Island, you can’t go wrong with dining at this elegant steakhouse or seafood restaurant.

Marco Prime ticks all the boxes in terms of good dining and excellence. Be sure to try the delicacies in this place! This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Marco Island for a fancy night out.

12. Doreen’s Cup of Joe

267 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-2600 | American, Café, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30

If you’re heading fishing or to the beach, stop by Doreen’s Cup of Joe for a full breakfast!

Doreen’s menu offers a variety of breakfast options, including sweet and savory dishes and juices, coffee, and Mexican-inspired dishes. Vegetarian options are also available. The environment is warm and welcoming for those early morning routines before the bustle of the city.

Since the cafe is popular with locals and visitors, there may be a queue for a table at the busiest times. Party sizes must be at least eight individuals to make a reservation. Doreen’s is one of the island’s newest eateries, and its designs focus on a beachy style.

Traditional diner fares like pancakes, corned beef stew, biscuits, and gravy are also on the menu. Breakfast nachos are only one of the more premium options available at the eatery. More nutritious options on the menu comprise yogurt and fruit.

Other lunch options include classic American diner fares like cheeseburgers and BLT sandwiches made with grilled chicken breast. Breakfast is available all day, so those who enjoy it or wake up late will be pleased to see it.

Their Key Lime pancake is a popular choice among customers. They have Huevos Rancheros, which you can get with their Fig Omelet if you’re running behind on breakfast but early on lunch. You can choose from various items to make a skillet of eggs and toast.

Regarded as one of the top 10 most “amazing breakfast restaurants in Florida that will make your morning epic,” this establishment is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Stop by and try what this award-winning café offers!

11. The Oyster Society

599 S Collier Blvd #218, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-3474 | American, Seafood, International | $20 – $75

Right in the middle of Marco Island sits the Oyster Society, a seafood and raw bar. It is proud to provide only the freshest, locally sourced seafood, shellfish, and daily raw bar offers.

Designed to showcase the wealth of the ocean, the fine-dining restaurant has a 1920s-inspired art décor with nautical elements and the soothing sounds of jazz. Come hungry and fill in various delectable seafood and meat meals, including freshly shucked oysters and different USDA-certified prime cuts.

The restaurant is open for supper every night, and the full-service bar offers an extensive selection of world-class wines, artisan cocktails, draft beers, and top spirits.

This place is likely to be a treat if you’re an oyster lover. The oyster selection here is beyond anything we’ve ever seen before! Oysters around the East Coast are available, but that’s only the spear’s tip. The Oyster Society has several delicious dishes if oysters aren’t your thing.

We recommend ordering the Chef’s Dozen or Baked Oyster Plate if you want to stay for cocktails later. This platter is the pride and joy of The Oyster Society and works well with just about anything.

Additionally, you can try a variety of Japanese rolls at the sushi bar for dinner. You can also consider the Lobster Thermidor, one of the restaurant’s most popular entrees.

The Oyster Society’s classy yet easygoing ambiance draws customers in addition to its seafood and sushi. It is a great spot to relax after a long day. The location is excellent for supper or happy hour with all the lighting systems and chandeliers. This restaurant is a must-see on Marco Island!

10. La Tavola Restaurant and Bar

961 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-393-4960 | Seafood, American, Italian, Bar, Contemporary | $8 – $44

La Tavola Restaurant and Bar visitors experience exquisite contemporary food, world-class wine, and polite hospitality.

New American cuisine cooked with fresh seafood, organic herbs, salads, vegetables, and the most refined oils and vinegar is on the menu at the friendly and minimally designed eatery that serves up a world-class variety of modern New American cuisine.

Meals in this restaurant are cooked from scratch and in-house and served with a selected range of good wines to accompany the food. The menu includes soups, sauces, dressings, pasta, and desserts.

This resto-bar is just a few blocks from the Winterberry Public Beach Access. Some Italian meals are on the menu at La Tavola, and some more unusual entrees like lamb and bison patties.

La Tavola, which means “The Table” in Italian, also specializes in American seafood cuisine.

We suggest the light, fresh salad comprised of burrata cheese, beefsteak tomatoes, crunchy shallots, grilled garlic oil, and balsamic sauce. Also available is the Rack of Lamb with Amarena cherry & minty demi syrup, roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, and vegetable du jour.

Bison Burger with Wisconsin sharp cheddar, beefsteak ketchup, house-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, and toasted bread is excellent if you are into lighter dinner.

You will enjoy the delicious food, but you’ll also be able to experience live music and alcoholic beverages. This place comes alive when the bar starts and the live band begins to perform in the evenings.

This place is buzzing with activity, and if you want to have good times in Marco, it is the place to go! This is one of the best restaurants in Marco Island for a trendy yet upscale affair without going all-out (i.e. it’s fancy but not steakhouse level).

9. Fin Bistro

657 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-970-6064 | Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $6 – $44

Fin Bistro is a cozy, family-run restaurant serving the freshest of the region’s fin fish and seafood. It’s one of the best restaurants in Marco Island for a homey vibe with higher-end food.

It is a classy seafood restaurant that uses only the finest ingredients to prepare dishes. Launched in 2012, it aimed to serve every kind of fish found in Southwest Florida and make them delicious.

Thanks to its high-end but fun atmosphere, this restaurant isn’t an intimidating place to dine. String lights cast a romantic glow indoors and out, making the space appear larger than life. This restaurant is an excellent choice for romantic dinners or casual seafood lunches.

Fin Bistro’s modern dining room boasts tiled flooring, sparsely decorated walls, white linen tables, dark wood seats, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

In addition to prime meats, fresh fish, and seafood from the area, the culinary team offers a variety of seasonal, organic vegetables and other side dishes, such as arugula potato cakes wrapped in bacon.

Cocktails created with premium alcohols, an ever-changing wine list, and craft and draft brews from across the world are available at the full-service bar.

The restaurant’s seafood menu has something for everyone. Seared black grouper from Florida and coconut battered shrimp are other excellent choices.

In addition to the seafood, this Marco Island restaurant’s desserts are exceptional. White chocolate croissant bread pudding, dark chocolate truffle cake, and key lime flan are all must-have desserts.

Overall, Fin Bistro is an excellent restaurant in Marco. Don’t hesitate to try what this eatery serves if you want good food!

8. Bistro Soleil at the Olde Marco Inn

100 Palm St, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-389-0981 | French, American, Seafood, European, Vegetarian Friendly | $23 – $35

An upscale dining experience awaits guests of the Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites, where Bistro Soleil delivers classic French cuisine amidst stunning ocean views.

Chef Denis Meurgue, a native of Pont-a-Mousson, France, owns Bistro Soleil in a refurbished 1883 structure. Travels to the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and the Mediterranean influenced his cuisine.

The restaurant has a complete bar, live musical entertainment, and food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You will have a great time here! The cuisine is delicious, the band is playing reasonably, and there are several unique things you won’t find in other restaurants.

Bistro Soleil is the place to be when it comes to special occasions. Everyone knows they can count on the service and food at this cafe to be top-notch for essential happenings such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.

Sizzling escargots cooked in a fragrant garlic herb butter sauce is the best way to have your meal going. Since it is one of the customers’ favorites, it is safe to say that this is a surefire way to start your dinner.

Try their Carré D’agneau Provençale, a grilled New Zealand rib of lamb provençale, as an entree at the restaurant. Alternatively, Ratatouille Provençale, a vegan dish, is available.

The ideal way to cap off the meal is by trying their handcrafted crispy hot apple Tarte Tatin topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with balsamic vinegar sauce.

This inn is well worth visiting for the setting alone and the refined French food, even if you’re not planning on staying. The romantic eating experience in this place makes it one of the best restaurants in Marco Island for date night!

7. Lee Be Fish Company

350 Royal Palm Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-389-0580 | Seafood | $6 – $18

Lee Be Fish Company is a fish store and restaurant. The food is casual and emphasizes the quality of the ingredients at this small establishment. This eatery is near Royal Palm Drive, close to the Dolphin Cove Marina.

Regarding freshness, Lee Be Fish Company can rival Fin Bistro; however, Fin Bistro only offers seafood caught that day, while Lee Be Fish Company is first and mainly a fish market.

Lee Be Fish Company’s slogan is “from hook to the mouth,” which proves that this is one of Marco Island’s most enjoyable restaurants.

Lee Be Fish is a highly casual seafood market eatery where you won’t be disappointed regardless of what you order. Look at their daily catch of day basket or try their shrimp tacos and grouper sandwiches.

A quick and casual eatery that serves fresh fish is Lee Be’s specialty. Fresh fish straight from the sea is a specialty of this eatery. They keep things simple on their menu so customers can focus on their culinary abilities.

Because of its quality, Lee Be Fish has the best lunch on Marco Island. It boasts a charming inner room, and there is also an enormous deck with outside seating available.

If you are a starter, we suggest ordering a combination of fish and shrimp paired with the restaurant’s famous black beans and rice (which can be either grilled or fried). As the flavors mix, they burst and collide. Also available are fish sandwiches and tacos if you’re looking for something a little lighter.

6. Verdi’s An American Bistro

241 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-5533 | Steakhouse, Seafood, American | $9 – $35

Verdi’s An American Bistro is a cozy, romantic restaurant with a chic interior that serves home-cooked meals and international wines in a relaxed, casual setting.

New Zealand rack of lamb, Chilean sea bream, prime sliced filet mignon, crispy duck, and meatloaf are just a few of the farm-to-table items Chef Upham serves at his farm-to-table restaurant.

A wide selection of casual beers and other wine-growing countries, together with brews by the bottle and made-to-order cocktails, accompany the food, produced from scratch using locally sourced ingredients and the finest local products.

This restaurant is always a terrific choice for a fancy date night or a special dinner for two. Check out Verdi’s catch-of-the-day offers and the soup specials if you plan to visit. These items change often, so you should check back frequently for updates.

We highly recommend the rack of lamb for supper, but be careful not to overindulge; the homemade sweets are as delicious as the entrée!

Included also in the listing are grouper, snapper, and pasta dishes. The brilliant chef prepares everything on the menu from scratch with fresh ingredients. Warm rustic bread coated in herb-infused olive oil and baked apple strudel with cinnamon ice cream is also available daily.

The unpretentious atmosphere, outdoor tables, small interior, and friendly staff make this place a must-visit. Be sure to check this out if you are to explore Marco Island!

5. Red Rooster

1821 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-3100 | : American, Café | $8 – $15

Breakfast is probably the important meal each day, so don’t miss out on any fantastic Marco breakfast restaurants like Red Rooster. This family-run restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and has various breakfast and lunch options, including eggs and pancakes.

For good reason, Rooster is a popular brunch destination. It serves various breakfast items, and it’s a guarantee that you’ll love at least one.

This place is a favorite hangout for both locals and visitors because of the quality, flavor, and variety of options it provides. Its casual vibe, partnered with friendly staff and exceptional service, makes it one of the best restaurants on Marco Island that specializes in early meals.

You can’t go wrong with their quiche if you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast. Take advantage of any “specials” that may appear on the board, even if they are not on the menu.

The Mexican scramble with chorizo sausage, onions, tomatoes, green chiles, and cheddar cheese, topped with black beans, salsa, and sour cream, is a crowd-pleasing dish for egg lovers.

We highly suggest the restaurant’s signature omelets. Prawns, cream cheese, scallions, and cheddar are all included in this omelet. Belgian waffles are an excellent option if you enjoy a sweeter breakfast.

Breakfast in Red Rooster is unquestionably the greatest in town and is one of the finest local restaurants. Besides the food, the staff members are also lovely and attentive. This superb service can urge you to come back for more!

4. Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano

1000 N Collier Blvd #6, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-970-0505 | Italian, Vegetarian Friendly | $10 – $35

For more than 30 years, Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano has served authentic Italian cuisine and shown genuine Italian flair and atmosphere on Marco Island.

Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas and salads, chunky garlic bread, robust entrees, and decadent desserts, can be found at this family-friendly restaurant in the Harbor Light Landing.

In addition to traditional Italian delicacies like lasagna and spaghetti Bolognese, lighter options such as meatballs with sauce and veal parmigiana with ravioli are also available.

Wines from Italy and other wine-producing countries are also offered, such as lagers by the bottle, and made-to-order cocktails, to accompany the cuisine at this restaurant.

Ciao Bella is one of the numerous Italian eateries on Marco. Italian hospitalities, clean décor, and a vast Italian cuisine make this restaurant stand out. Each dining spot in Ciao Bella will make you feel like Italy, even when you are in Florida.

This restaurant’s best-known dish, Boneless Stuffed Pork Chop, is a must-have. This meal is a pork cutlet packed with prosciutto and mozzarella cheese in a mushroom marsala wine sauce.

Venison with prosciutto, eggplant and marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and wine sauce is another crowd-pleaser on the menu at this Italian restaurant.

However, know that those are just a few delectable possibilities out of many. Do visit this restaurant if you crave Italian specialties!

3. Little Bar Restaurant

205 Harbor Pl N, Goodland, FL 34140, USA | +1 239-394-5663 | Steakhouse, American, Bar, Seafood | $15 – $35

Little Bar Restaurant is located directly on Marco Island’s waterfront in the lovely town of Goodland, Florida. For the past 43 years, this local institution has consistently served superb seafood and steaks in a laid-back and welcoming setting.

The menu is diverse. An array of lunch and dinner options and traditional seaside foods featuring fresh seafood like Grouper and Soft Shell Crab is available.

Super fresh seafood is available in the restaurant, with meals such as Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Snapper, Stone Crab Claws, Steaks, and Prime Rib. Different kinds of lunch and supper specialties and traditional waterfront fare are all on the menu at this beachfront restaurant.

You can dine at the discretion of your room if staying on-site, on the covered lanai, or on the waterside patios. This spot boasts its well-known laid-back atmosphere and lively bar scene, sometimes complete with live music.

What makes Little Bar stand out is that it is also a dog-friendly eatery. Make sure to carry your pet with you if you want to taste the delicacies in this lively restaurant!

2. Arturo’s Bistro

918 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-394-7578 | European, Italian | $22 – $38

Arturo’s Bistro has offered classic French cuisine and an extensive wine list in a tranquil and refined setting for over two decades.

Creative cuisine produced with locally sourced ingredients and regional products such as genuine, wild-caught seafood, naturally-raised cattle, lamb, and poultry, and organic herbs, salads, and vegetables are on the menu at this quaint café.

You’ll find an eclectic selection of seafood dishes and Creole-inspired meals like Jambalaya and Creole-inspired dishes like Salmon Filet Crusted with Pecans, Twin Tournedos Grille, and Angel Hair Giardiniera.

In addition to premium spirits and wines, the full-service bar offers craft, microbrews, and classic cocktails.

Arturo’s Bistro is the place to go for a polished and premium French restaurant on Marco Island. While it doesn’t acquire as much attention as it deserves, it can be an advantage if you’re a fan of more low-key restaurants like this one.

The escargot bourguignon appetizer is a great way to begin your meal. You must also not miss the famous roasted duck a la orange or the veal parmigiana. Do not forget your glass of wine after!

1. Da Vinci Ristorante Italiano

599 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA | +1 239-389-1888 | American, Seafood, Contemporary, Italian, Tuscan, Romana, Lazio, Sicilian | $15 – $31

Family-owned and managed Da Vinci Ristorante Italiano sits in the Marco Walk Plaza and serves authentic Italian dishes in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

In addition to a full-service bar and an inviting dining area, the popular restaurant serves a variety of appetizers, pasta, risotto, premium meats, chicken, fresh seafood, and fresh garden salads.

Fresh ingredients from the region’s farmers, fishers, and artisanal producers are combined with imported items such as imported cheeses, hand-cut pasta, and extra virgin olive oils to create delectable seasonal dishes.

Full-service bartenders are on hand to serve various beverages, from wine to traditional cocktails, in the bar.

As a result of the idyllic setting on Marco Island, the Carvelli family has developed a small representation of their native Italy. Each guest will feel at home as they indulge in delectable trademark cuisine and well-chosen wines, all prepared with an eye toward their guests’ refined palates.

Experience the charm of Italy without the fatigue of a long flight with cuisines inspired by Central Italy, North Italy, and South Italy here in this Marco Island restaurant!

Up next: 12+ Amazing National Parks In Florida To Visit Right Now

If you plan on museum hopping in Fort Worth, you are in luck! There are so many great museums in Fort Worth that you can’t go wrong. Today we’re sharing our top favorite museums to visit!

Thirty-two miles west of Dallas, Fort Worth is often outshined by its massive sister city, even though it has many major tourist attractions. Every year, nearly nine million people come to the city for work or fun.

Fort Worth is known as “Cowtown” because of its long history in the cattle ranching business. It also has a long and rich cultural history. And going to the best museums in the area with historical pieces is a great way to learn about this history.

The art scene in the city is one of the finest in the country. Here, you can find a lot of collections that are only available in Fort Worth. There are also places for science and nature enthusiasts and museums that tell the tales of the American West.

A bonus is that most of the city’s best museums are in the Cultural District, which makes it simple to spend days exploring. There are attractions you can reach near these spots to uplift your experience in the city even more!

So without further ado, let’s dive into the 14 best museums in Fort Worth!

14. National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum

2029 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX

This museum is small but worth visiting if you’re in the Historic District of Fort Worth.

The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum was once called the National Cowboys of Color Museum. It honors the diverse range of African, Asian, European, Hispanic, and Native American men who helped settle the Old West and continue to motivate people today.

Their tales are via historical items, journals, and photos, and the museum provides a great glimpse into the lives of these individuals who helped to shape the American West.

There are also permanent exhibits like the Buffalo Soldiers, Native American Indian Chiefs, Tuskegee Airmen, and the Vaquero. This museum hosts events like meeting Buffalo Soldiers and golf tournaments. Concerts are on schedule each year.

The museum store has several cool items for sale. It includes many books, DVDs, CDs, posters, hats, and other unique historical items that help tell the museum’s story.

This museum is accessible Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 5 pm. Ticket prices are free for children under 5, $8 for military, students with ID, and seniors over 62, and $10 for adults.

13. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX

Visiting Fort Worth’s Museum of Science and History is fun, hands-on, and inspiring. Since its opening in 1945, this Fort Worth museum has been a great place to learn about science, technology, and natural history.

This site has several highlights, all under one roof. It has features like the Children’s Museum of Fort Worth, a place for children under 8 to play and learn.

Families also enjoy the DinoLabs and DinoDig exhibit, which tells the story of dinos in the state and has a replica of a dig site. It’s fun learning about dinosaurs that lived in your yard many years ago and bringing them alive with your creativity and imagination.

Speaking of dinosaurs, one of the museum’s permanent displays is a substantial paluxysaurus jonesi skeleton! The skeleton on display is of four Paluxysaurus structures encountered in the same area.

You can check out the museum’s Noble Space Gallery next. Here, you can learn about astronomers’ instruments to investigate the universe today and determine where you want to go next. You can see a few highlights of the immense universe and even find out what it’s like to travel to the moon!

On the other hand, the Energy Blast shows the exciting story of North Texas’s energy resources. You will like it a lot if you like physics, technology, and new ways of thinking.

With lots to see and do, this museum will surely make visitors hungry. Luckily, its Stars Cafe is a great place to stop to satisfy your hunger. The menu has pizzas, chicken tenders, sandwiches, salads, and sweets.

Afterward, try the Omni Theater and Galaxy Park Playground next if they are open.

12. American Airlines CR Smith Museum

4601 Hwy 360, Fort Worth, TX

This next one is a haven for people who love flying!

American Airlines staff members spent two and a half years raising money and building the museum before it opened on July 3, 1993. You can find it at the American Airlines Federal Credit Union.

CR Smith Museum’s name was from Cyrus Rowlett Smith, a pioneer in the aviation field. In 1934, when he was 35, he became president of American Airlines. For the next 34 years, he ran American Airlines and helped shape the airline industry.

The museum’s most famous piece is a retired Douglas DC-3 from 1940. C.R. Smith had the idea for this plane, which changed commercial air travel.

Since the summer of 2018, the museum has shown how airlines work and how the individuals who manage American Airlines daily do their jobs.

No matter how old you are, you’ll want to participate in the brand-new interactive exhibits. There are also hundreds of historical items, photos, and full-size aircraft engines, so keep your eyes peeled.

A short movie called “Why I Fly” is also displayed in the Museum’s 4K digital theater. It tells the inspiring stories of some people working for American Airlines.

But the number of hands-on displays makes this museum different from others. Here, you can see what it is like to fly a jetliner or sit in one of the first planes that American Airlines ever made.

We are certain that you will have a great time here. Before you leave, we recommend checking out some souvenirs at the museum shop.

11. Stockyards Museum

131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX

The Stockyards Museum is all about how Fort Worth helped the cattle business.

The livestock sector was and still is a big part of Fort Worth’s success. And at this museum, run by the North Fort Worth Historical Society, you can learn more about the history of stockyards, where massive amounts of cattle were purchased and sold for nearly a century.

Also, it’s a tiny museum, but for just $2, you can get in and see a lot of artifacts, files, and photos that tell the tale of Fort Worth.

One of the exciting things in the museum is the Silver Spurs Award, which John Wayne got in 1949. It was to honor the Western movie star whose movies kept the Western spirit alive. He was the first to win this award for his roles in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and The Red River.

This site also lets you see the Palace Theater Bulb. As of September 21, 2015, it has been burning for 106 years and is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the second longest-burning bulb in the world. See for yourself!

What’s more? This museum has the “Bad Luck Wedding Dress.” This dress was from 1886, and everyone who has chosen to wear it or planned to wear it has had bad things happen to them.

Though this museum doesn’t have a gift shop or restaurant, there are a few places close by that you can visit.

The Lonesome Dave Western Bistro is one of these places. This restaurant serves American and Southwestern dishes 0.2 miles from the museum. Alternatively, the H3 Ranch provides excellent steakhouse foods for a memorable experience.

10. National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame

1720 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX

The National Cowgirl Museum opened in 1975 in Hereford, Texas, but it only moved to its 33,000-square-foot residence in Fort Worth’s Cultural District in 2002.

The museum recognizes the brave, strong, and independent women of the American West. It’s the only museum on earth that shows how brave and adventurous these women were.

Here, you can check out interactive galleries with artifacts, a gallery for traveling exhibits, two theaters, a souvenir shop, a research library, and archives. This vast museum tells the tale of over 750 women from the West.

One past exhibit here was the “Dare to Wear.” It honors cowgirls of the past and present who keep the traditions of western wear alive. If you like fashion, this colorful but exciting show is perfect.

Artifacts from the Hall of Fame Honorees are also a hit here. Some of the most exciting things are Annie Oakley’s engagement ring and gun, Dale Evans’s Bohlin saddle, clothing, and a saddle designed by Nudie Cohn.

On the other hand, the museum’s photograph collection has over 6,000 old and new pictures, mainly of National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees and other historic cowgirls. It is the surest option to see historical documents and rodeos from the 20th century.

The library and archives at the museum have more detailed information. This museum is home to over 2,000 books and titles that cover more than 150 years of history.

Its second floor, which just reopened, features a Western Design Room and a Bucking Bronc Room that you can also check out.

Everything in this spot is available every day except Monday. Admission costs between $6 and $12. Seniors, members of the military, and groups can get discounts.

9. Military Museum of Fort Worth

1726 Green Oaks Road Ridgmar Mall Lower Level West Entrance between Dillard’s and Penny’s, Fort Worth, TX 

The Military Museum of Fort Worth is the only museum in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex dedicated to showing service members’ history. It is a free-standing museum.

This museum recently moved to a bigger space inside Ridgmar Mall, which allows it to show more items from the nearby army community.

By expanding its size and reach, the museum aims to become a central place to learn about military history in North Texas and beyond.

This museum is a way to keep history alive so that people won’t ignore the sacrifices the army made to fight for the country’s freedom.

It currently holds more than 2,500 artifacts belonging to different military members and tells various stories about them. And there is more room to grow.

You can see a WWI trench and the Camp Bowie military base on the west side of Fort Worth during WWII. There are also jeep rides, a cut-apart engine of a B-36, and the cockpit from an EF-111.

Plus, there are exciting things for kids to do, like a hunt to find the identities of 5 Veterans. As a reward for completing the scavenger hunt, kids get to try on various military gear from different times.

Most of all, they share the stories of war vets through the critical things to them—a remarkable museum run by a group of dedicated volunteers.

If you are going to Fort Worth, you should check out this place. It is well worth the journey. 

Admission is free for people in the US military and kids under 10. All other visitors cost $10 per person. The museum is available from Thursdays to Sundays. This is definitely one of our favorite free museums in Fort Worth that’s worth a visit!

8. Sid Richardson Museum

309 Main St, Fort Worth, TX

The Sid Richardson Museum is a must-see for art lovers and fans of the Wild West. It has artwork that collector Sid Richardson put together between 1942 and 1959.

It is in a building that looks like it was from the 1880s. Most of the pieces are by the famous American painters Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, who painted the spirit of the West in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The pieces in the collection show the acts, drama, and everyday life in the old West. Many of the best ones are by artists who are not as well-known.

Intriguing exhibitions are also on display here. There are creative past exhibits like “Picturing the American West” and “Saddles on Parade: The Artistry of Edward Bohlin.” If you look forward to seeing these, we suggest checking out their website to know what exhibit to expect.

This spot is also amongst the top free things to do in Fort Worth. Join a themed guided tour or a museum’s fun educational program. There are activities for kids, teens, and adults, so you can have fun here regardless of age.

If you have more time, you can get to other places of interest from here. The Bass Performance Hall and the Jubilee Theatre are next to each other.

You can also walk to Sundance Square, where there are places to eat. We recommend you try the excellent cuisines at the Capitol Grille.

If you’re looking for free museums in Fort Worth, this is a top pick.

7. Texas Civil War Museum

760 Jim Wright Fwy North, Fort Worth, TX

The Texas Civil War Museum opened in 2006. It is a super interesting museum where you can learn about the Civil War.

This museum is the most extensive Civil War gallery west of the Mississippi River. The Texas Division of United Daughters of the Confederacy loaned many exciting artifacts to the museum’s galleries.

There are three different galleries, each with many things related to the war, such as a fantastic collection of Victorian dresses, uniforms, rifles, flags, cannons, and much more.

The Ray Richey Civil War Collection is one of the most exciting things in the museum’s collection. With more than 10,000 items, this personal collection of artifacts from the North and the South gives a broad perspective of the time.

From the Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery to the Navy, each piece of art gives a detailed look at the Civil War. Some parts of the war, like the medical division and musical instruments, are shown in different parts of the gallery. 

You’ll know why Ray Richey’s collection is one of the most extensive private collections of Civil War items in the world once you visit.

Best of all, along with the displays, there is a 75-seat theater. It is where the movie “Our Homes, Our Rights: Texas in the Civil War” was made for the museum. This movie is an excellent way for everyone in the family to learn a lot, regardless of your viewpoint.

Children aged between 6 and 12 pay $4, while adults over 13 pay $7 to get in. Those who are five years old or younger can get in for free. The museum is accessible from 10 am to 5 pm on Thursday through Saturday.

6. Fort Worth Aviation Museum 

3300 Ross Ave, Fort Worth, TX 

The Fort Worth Aviation Museum is a military aviation museum with jets, helicopters, and other types of planes on display. This museum is within Meacham International Airport, so it’s a great place if you’re interested in the history of flying.

This museum has more planes you can touch than any other in Texas. About 33 military aircraft are displayed there, from a BT-13 trainer from 1943 to a Blue Angle F/A-18 Hornet. Every boy’s dream comes true here!

The F-14D Tomcat is one of the warplanes in this museum. It may be the most well-known Navy fighter because it was the star of the movie Top Gun. This F-14D Tomcat was a high-tech interceptor and fighter for air supremacy.

Another warbird on display is the F/A 18. It was made by the US Navy when plans came together to replace older fighters. 

The F/A-18 is a tactical plane with two engines and a mid-wing. It can do more than one job. It is easy to turn because it has a good ratio of thrust to weight, a digital fly-by-wire control scheme, and leading edge extensions (LEX).

The exciting flight simulator is another great thing about coming here. A flight sim is a high-tech machine helpful in looking and feeling like an airplane’s captain. Whatever your age is, you are sure to enjoy this.

You can buy tickets to this museum online or when you get there. The price is usually between $4 and $10, and kids under 3 get inside for free.

The Veterans Memorial Air Park, Vintage Flying Museum, and Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District are all within reach from here. Feel free to visit them if you have spare time in your itinerary! 

5. Log Cabin Village

2100 Log Cabin Village Ln, Fort Worth, TX

The Log Cabin Village is not your typical museum; it is a captivating living history museum. It has a variety of original 1800s buildings that were saved and moved here from other parts of the state.

Among these beautiful old buildings are a liquid gristmill, a one-room school building, a blacksmith store, and several old log homes. Each has its theme and is with authentic artifacts.

One of the cabin constructions is the Marine School. It is a good illustration of a classic one-room school building built in the 1870s. This facility was originally in what is now Fort Worth’s Northside neighborhood. It is still a place where people of all ages can find a love of learning.

The Blacksmith Shop was established on-site in the 1980s to look like a typical forge on the Texas frontier.

Historical specialists use the area to show blacksmithing and the skill needed to make the ironwork that pioneer ancestors required. If you like blacksmithing, you should take advantage of this structure!

Log Cabin’s Shaw Cabin and Gristmill, on the other hand, is a one-pen cabin built around 1854. During its life, it has been a home, a bunkhouse, a storage barn, and livestock sheds.

At the village, history interpreters utilize the Shaw Cabin to show how gristmills worked and how important they were on the Texas frontier.

There are further cabins in the area that you can see. Each invites visitors to try their hand at the 19th-century and pioneer chore and hobby.

4. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

3200 Darnell St, Fort Worth, TX 

Fort Worth’s Modern Art Museum is a beautiful place to see art from 1945 to the present day. This modern art museum first opened in 1892, but its latest building throughout the Cultural District rose in 2002.

This museum is all about international contemporary and modern art. The 53,000 square feet of exhibition hall usually shows up to 150 pieces of work at a time.

The collection has all kinds of art made after World War II, from canvases by Jackson Pollock to sculptures by KAWS. All major international movements are covered, like Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, or Neo-Expressionism.

Expect to see works by famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Gerhard Richter, Cindy Sherman, or Richard Serra here on any given day.

You’re also in luck if you are searching for a unique exhibit. This place has numerous exhibitions, but the FOCUS exhibits are some of the best. It has three solo art shows each year, an excellent way to learn about new and upcoming artists.

The building itself is a masterpiece. It has an elegant construction made of concrete, glass, and steel, designed by the well-known Japanese interior designer Tadao Ando. Some features include a reflecting pond, a theater, graceful private event facilities, an education center, and a souvenir shop.

Plus, the museum is home to a great restaurant. Cafe Modern is a brilliant stop if you get hungry while overlooking thousands of works. It offers creative food based on Texas ingredients. You’ll find delicious meals with global influences and a drinks list highlighting local spirits on the menus. 

You can access everything the museum offers from 10 am to 5 pm every day but Monday. Admission ranges from $10 to $16.

3. Fort Worth Botanic Garden

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a great place to visit that is spread over 109 acres and is one of the city’s most popular tourist spots. Even though this isn’t a typical indoor museum, you can still learn a lot.

It opened in 1934 and is the oldest place in Texas. It has 23 different gardens with 3,500 different types of plants.

There are wooded areas and a 10,000-square-foot conservatory with impressive tropical showcases of orchids, bromeliads, and trees.

A seven-acre Japanese Garden with three koi ponds, waterfalls, bridges, a teahouse, pagodas, a Zen garden, cherry trees, and Japanese maples are also available. 

There is even an oval rose garden showcasing hundreds of roses. The Rock Springs boasts ponds, waterfalls, herb collections, and more.

With numerous things to do, this is an excellent place for the entire family to take a walk or relax and enjoy the peace and fresh air.

After that, you can have a picnic or eat at the garden’s restaurant, which is well-stocked. The Rock Springs Café is in the Rock Springs Building. You can eat and drink at the café, on the covered patio, or take it to go. Whether you want a latte, a bottle of wine, or a lunch made with ingredients from the garden, the café is the spot to go.

The garden also has three shops with gifts. Each sells different gifts, like tea sets, figurines, chopsticks, jewelry, puzzles, and more.

What’s more? No matter the season you visit, the magnificent scenery will treat you.

2. Amon Carter Museum of American Art

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX

Amon Carter Museum of American Art within the Cultural District should be on your list of places to visit because it offers such a valuable experience.

The Amon Carter Museum opened in 1961 to hold a collection of paintings by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Over the years, it has grown a lot to include all kinds of American art.

This museum has an extensive collection of art made by North American artists, mainly from the 1820s to the 1940s. The Amon Carter’s collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and paperwork is particularly potent in art about the Old West.

Two of the best Western illustrators, Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, have made more than 400 works you can enjoy. 

This museum holds the best photography collections in the country. It has more than 350,000 photographs, which will keep you busy for hours as you explore the postmodern architecture of this vast building.

One of the past exhibits is Thomas Moran’s Mount Superior. It looks at the different views of the American scenery through photographs, drawings, and other items from the time. The Great Falls of the Snake River and Mount Superior (seen from Alta) are two highlights.

This museum is a place where a variety of events happen. There are events for adults, families, and teachers that give visitors a chance to have fun.

There is also a shop worth looking in at the museum. It has art kits, books, and many other things that people of all ages can enjoy. And before we forget, everything we’ve mentioned (and more) is free. It is open every day but Mondays and holidays.

1. Kimbell Art Museum

3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX  

Go to this next Fort Worth museum if you are keen to see a piece of art that is on par with the finest in the world.

The Kimbell opened in 1972, and architect Louis I. Kahn was responsible for its design. This place is famous for many reasons, but its collection gets the most appreciation.

Its permanent art collection is small compared to the other museums in this post (only about 350 pieces of art are in its two buildings), but all of them are world-class. These include Egyptian artifacts, Renaissance paintings, and French Impressionists works.

The main building contains three galleries.

The east gallery tells visitors about the building’s history. Here, you can look at models of the facility, including Kahn’s plans for the vaults. One part of the permanent collection, European art after 1800, is displayed in the north gallery. Rotating temporary exhibits are in the south gallery.

The gallery walls are movable, allowing for various ways to show off the art.

A highlight along these galleries is “The Torment of Saint Anthony.” It is Michelangelo’s first known painting, the only one of his paintings on display in the Americas.

Outside the building is where you can find astonishing sculptures. “Figure in a Shelter” will capture your attention. Alternatively, the “Walking Flower” will make you loved France in the 20th century.

This museum has a cafe and a shop that can add to your experience. The Kimball Cafe serves in-house meals and lunches, and the museum shop lets visitors take a piece of the Kimbell home with them in the form of merchandise like postcards, notecards, and banners of their favorite tunes.

Admission is free, but when there are special exhibits, the price range from $14 to $18.

In Closing

That tops our list of the best 14 museums in Fort Worth to visit!

We hope this entices you to pack your bags and go to Fort Worth to see all the great museums there.

There are no shortage of delicious restaurants in Juneau Alaska, and today we’re sharing our absolute top spots for foodies!

If you crave Alaskan food, Juneau is where you can try the best of it. And in this post, we’ll take you to the top-notched restaurants in the area.

With 30,000 people, Juneau is a close-knit community and the biggest city in Alaska. Even though tourists are a big part of Juneau’s economy, the local food is top-notch and definitely what you want to seek.

Juneauites have unbeatable access to fresh seafood, sea and forest vegetables, and wild game because they live in the middle of the Tongass National Forest. Juneau has restaurants that serve food from many different cultures, as well as some well-known restaurants that serve more modern food. It also has decent gastropubs and roadhouses where you can eat breakfast or pie and hear about what’s happening in the neighborhood.

You’ll be able to find a Juneau restaurant to satisfy any craving. You can choose from places like The Hangar On The Wharf, Tracy’s King Crab Shack, The Rookery Cafe, and more.

So without further ado, get ready to try the best flavors by dining at one of these 16 best restaurants in Juneau, Alaska!

16. SALT

200 Seward St, Juneau, AK | American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly | $15 – $300 | Monday to Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday to Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Salt, which opened in 2014, is one of the top Juneau restaurants serving fresh Alaskan food. 

Its menus are constantly changing and incorporate fresh Alaskan seafood, butcher-cut steaks, and local produce to make the most exciting and tasty food in Southeast Alaska.

Salt also has the most comprehensive wine list in Juneau, with wines from around the world. You’re sure to find a wine that goes well with your tastes by the vial or glass. If you like scotch, Salt has more than 20 available options.

Special event or private get-together? You can select one of the restaurant’s three private dining areas and let them make your event special.

Salt uses local Alaskan ingredients and flavors and gives them a modern twist. The result is a stunning mix of rustic heart and fancy dining.

The atmosphere is upscale but still cozy, and guests are often captivated by pleasant live piano pieces. Salt’s menu combines unusual flavors, like roasted walnut soup with prawns and sea scallop carbonara, to make a perfect match.

The servers are helpful and professional but also have the friendly warmth you’d expect from a local restaurant. Salt is a place that everyone, whether they live there or are just visiting, should see.

Calamari is an excellent choice for a starter. It’s a no-brainer when you taste how good it is (and fresh!). Their steak with vegetables and salad is far from average for the main course, and you’ll love that its sauce adds more flavor to the dish.

Did we mention that this lovely place is excellent for couples spending a romantic evening in Juneau? It definitely hits the right romance notes and offers delicious fresh food!

Overall, Salt is one of my personal favorite restaurants in Juneau because it’s a great atmosphere with fresh, local food that’s always delicious.

15. Roma Bistro on The Wharf

2 Marine Way, Juneau, AK | Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly | $5 – $41 | Monday to Sunday 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Who would have thought you could get Italian food throughout Juneau, Alaska?

Roma, which is in Merchant’s Wharf and right on the water, is the place to go for hand-tossed pizza, a tempting selection of Italian classics, and a great selection of wines that will please even the most traditional diners.

On the menu, old favorites like Pollo Bianco and Primavera sit next to new ideas like Chipotle BBQ and Jamaican Bacon. It means that the food is both traditional and creative.

Thin crusts made in the Italian style set the tone for toppings made from fresh, tasty ingredients. It makes this place distinct compared to other restaurants.

Roma has various focaccia sandwiches, pasta, salads, and lasagnas for those who want to try something other than pizza. These tasty treats go well with a wide range of Italian wines, from light Pinot Grigios to full-bodied Chiantis.

With plenty to offer, people from the north have kept coming to this restaurant since 1998 to get a taste of central Italy. Roma is one of the best Italian restaurants in Juneau because it has a laid-back atmosphere and delicious, artisanal dishes.

Even though Roma is a smaller restaurant, it feels stylish and close when you eat there.

The small plates available here are great for two people to share. They have great flavors and beautiful presentations. The crab gnocchi was tasty for entrees and had a good amount of crab.

A slice of cheesecake for dessert is a great way to end a meal at Roma. Also, try a lot of different cocktails and beers for a little extra kick.

14. Valley Restaurant

9320 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK | American (Traditional) | $11 – $30 | Monday to Thursday 6:30 am – 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 6:30 am – 11:00 pm, Sunday 6:30 am – 3:00 pm

Valley Restaurant is a safe option among Juneau restaurants because it serves a wide range of foods, from Asian food to Alaskan seafood.

Even though it’s not known for anything, you can get superb food, excellent service, and delivery on time. Valley Restaurant on Glacier Highway is a simple place that will please anyone’s taste buds.

Despite several seafood eateries nearby, the halibut at Valley Restaurant is delicious, fresh, and moist! So good that you’ll probably come back the next day.

It also has a great menu with a bit of everything. You can find everything from burgers and fries to even Chinese food here.

Every meal is affordable, and each main dish comes with your choice of salad, soup, garlic bread, and a bowl of steamed veggies. In other words, a good amount of food for the price!

Get the chicken with sweet and sour sauce and add fried rice for a good time. You will love the fried rice. It has eggs, onions, and all the good stuff, and it’s fried and tasty.

The chicken is deep-fried until golden brown, but not the deep-fried chicken you usually see at regular restaurants. Instead, they use a tasty breading with a little flavor. 

Their lumpia is also a perfect dish that will satisfy your appetite.

13. Spice Juneau

112 N Franklin St, Juneau, AK | Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | $12 – $25 | Monday to Saturday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Spice Juneau is where most people go for authentic Indian food. But it is a great place to go whether you love Indian food or just want to try something new.

This place, which used to be called Saffron, serves food that is a little different from the usual seafood dishes in the area. It can be a nice change after a few days of seafood.

No matter what you choose from its menu, it will be tasty. Spice Juneau Indian Food has a wide range of menu items so everyone can find something they like.

For a start, opt their jhinga with rice for a tasteful experience. Another option for a flavorful meal is their chutneys with mango, tomato, roasted peanuts, and garlic.

Funnily, the naan is nothing like any other naan we’ve ever had. It’s also very thick and dense, not light and airy like most naan is. But you are sure to get a lot of flavors in it!

12. El Sombrero

157 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK | Mexican | $11 – $30 | Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

El Sombrero has been in business since 1979, and the same family still runs it. All the food on its menu is from Toluca, Mexico, with family recipes.

Visitors rave about enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and salsa.

You can’t go wrong with their beans, which are smooth and creamy, and the green chile tasted like real tomatillos. All of the food we ordered was tasty. The chips are fresh, and the salsa is just spicy enough.

What’s more? These delicious cuisines come at low prices. El Sombrero is a fantastic spot to go when you miss the comfort of Mexican food.

11. The Rookery Cafe

111 Seward St, Juneau, AK | Quick Bites, American, Cafe | $8 – $36 | Tuesday to Friday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Rookery Cafe opened in 2010 and is in the Historic Valentine Building. Here, you can have a cup of coffee in the same building where the arrest of Bird Man of Alcatraz happened.

Since the Juneau Empire Readers’ Choice Awards named The Rookery Café the best restaurant in 2014 and 2015, it’s safe to say that the city loves it.

It is a cute coffee shop in the middle of Juneau that has become more than a coffee shop. You can have the best coffee cup in town in this bright and busy spot. But you can also enjoy American food with many flavors and ingredients from the area.

This restaurant makes most of its meals from scratch as it wants its food to be fresh as possible. The most popular dishes on the menu are Alaskan scallops poached in coconut milk, champagne and three-cheese fondue, and cedar-roasted salmon with beet greens.

The Rookery is also famous for brunch and lunch, and its menu includes fascinating dishes. And, the best fried chicken in the area is available here!

Have some of their iconic French toast with strawberry puree and bacon on the side to have the full experience. The French toast is perfection, and the tart strawberry compote goes well with the delightful maple butter that came with it.  

You should definitely try the Eggs Benedict if you’re more of a savory breakfast person. Your meal comes with a fine cup of coffee, and you can choose from several pastries or cookies to take away.

If you’re looking for a cute breakfast or lunch place with a delicious cup of coffee, then The Rookery is one of the top restaurants in Juneau, Alaska that you shouldn’t miss!

10. Gold Creek Salmon Bake

1061 Salmon Creek Ln, Juneau, AK | Quick Bites, American, Seafood | $36 – $49 | Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Gold Creek Salmon Bake is different in many ways from the rest. The fact that it is a component of the Alaska Travel Adventures Tour makes it stand out.

It is among the most famous restaurants in Juneau, and it’s easy to see why. Gold Creek Salmon Bake serves an Alaskan feast where you can eat as much as you want.

Note that it is more than just a dining establishment. The salmon buffet is enormous, and the restaurant itself is in a beautiful place. This once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan experience is a must-do for tourists in Juneau.

This Alaskan feast is an eat-all-you-can and takes place in a setting you won’t find anywhere else.  You can choose grilled salmon, Chilkoot baked beans, Tongass wild-rice pilaf, Cheechako chicken, Alyeska au gratin potatoes, and a wide range of other sides, salads, and drinks.

There are beers and wines for sale, even vegetarian or gluten-free. So you won’t go thirsty!

Gold Creek Salmon Bake is more than just a meal because of the food, activities, and atmosphere.

Shuttle buses run all the time, so you can stay for as long as you wish. Only come back once you’ve had your fill and have a lot of great memories.

After we went to Mendenhall Glacier, our bus took us to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, where we started eating from their buffet.

Among the many foods in the buffet, we liked their Caesar salad of salmon bits, baked beans, & glazed salmon.

Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind experience!

9. Red Dog Saloon

278 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK | American, Bar, Pub | $10 – $25 | Monday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

When you think of Juneau, you can’t help but think of the Red Dog Saloon. This restaurant and bar have been open since the end of the nineteenth century when mining brought many people to the Klondike area.

Red Dog Saloon has been a part of Juneau’s restaurant and business scene for a long time, and it’s a great place to get a taste of the past. It has moved around a lot during its long and fascinating history and now sits by the cruise liner docks.

The Red Dog Saloon has many artifacts that show its long history. This place is understandably proud of its history, including furs, old guns, and old mining tools.

It’s the perfect place to stop and refuel after a lengthy day on the road. Why? It’s all about burgers, sandwiches, and cold beer.

The group stopped here for lunch because it seemed a better choice. The cruise ships in port make it a bit livelier during the day, but we got lucky and got a table right away.

During our visit, we had some Alaskan beer, which is hard to mess up, and it was nice and cold. As for the food, we started with a Caesar salad. The main dishes were a burger with fries and a Salmon Burger with potato salad. It all tasted good, just like the classic meal you’d expect. But really, we come here for the experience!

8. Seong’s Sushi Bar

740 W 9th St, Juneau, AK | Chinese, Japanese, Sushi | $11 – $30 | Monday to Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Saturday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Do you crave an authentic sushi place right here in Juneau, Alaska? Or do you want to enjoy your food trip with Japanese sake and Alaskan beer? What more could you want? Seong’s Sushi bar is the place to go if you’re in the area and want to eat Asian, Japanese, or Chinese food.

Since more than 20 years ago, it has provided the Juneau, AK area with a vast selection of high-quality Chinese food and fantastic sushi.

The restaurant is close to the Federal Building on 9th Avenue in downtown Juneau. You can call and order food or come in and enjoy some great food. This bar also has great options for catering.

Test out The Hot Night Roll, which has tempura prawns, avocado, and their special sauce. It is a customer favorite. If you want more, try the S.O.B. Roll, which has tempura shrimp on top of salmon and tuna. It is the best sushi roll you can get with seafood.

We decided to get the Philadelphia roll with different salmon, cream cheese, and avocado levels. Then came the chicken with broccoli. This dish’s sauce is to die for, making for a highly delicious flavor.

It was a great place to eat. The service was excellent, and our charming young waiter was attentive. It is a great place to visit, different from the usual spots, with super fresh seafood!

7. V’s Cellar Door

222 Seward St, Juneau, AK | Mexican, Korean, Fusion | $11 – $30 | Monday to Friday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

V’s Cellar Door started in 2013. Before it became V’s Cellar Door, it was Olivia’s Mexican Restaurant, a Juneau landmark for 38 years. It has many of its home recipes and has added many new tasty things.

It is one of Juneau’s most creative and original restaurants. With its mix of Mexican and Korean comfort foods, this restaurant will leave you feeling full and wanting more.

This restaurant uses old Mexican recipes and adds flavors from many different cultures. The result is a delicious experience that is unlike anywhere else!

Typically, its dishes include rice bowls, salads, and fusion nachos.

Guy Fieri went here for an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, so you know it’s good. Stop in to eat after a long day of uncovering the ice field, which is both tiring and exciting.

Our plate had short ribs and Ahi nachos. The food all tasted good and lived up to the hype. They also have excellent craft beverages. If you want something sweet, the Chocolate Brûlée will not displease.

6. Pel’meni

2 Marine Way, Juneau, AK | Specialty Food Market, Fast Food, Russian | $5 – $10 | Monday to Thursday 11:30 am – 1:30 am (next day), Friday and Saturday 11:30 am – 3:30 am (next day), Sunday 11:30 am – 1:30 am (next day)

This restaurant is named after a popular food in Russia called Pel’meni. It is a thin layer of flour dough with vegetables and meat.

This eatery’s menu is so tiny that its sole thing is pelmeni. But the small menu at Pel’Meni keeps residents coming back again and again.

Why?

For a low price, you can get a massive chunk of the divine pastry pillows filled with beef or potatoes and topped with sour cream.

Some people in the area call this place a dive, but we call it humble. No matter what you call it, Pel’Mini is simple, letting their food taste shine through.

This place is a big deal in the area, and you’ll see why. Apart from the world-class Russian dumplings and reasonable prices, Pel’meni is a winner because it has a friendly atmosphere and staff and is open until late.

We had the potato dumplings, which had a fantastic flavor thanks to the different seasonings and spices. When you dip the dumplings in sour cream, they taste even better. This comfort food is delicious and comes in a good-sized serving. It’s great for late nights after the bar or a typical day.

In the background, there is also a record player that plays old songs. You can choose an album from the vinyl library and listen to your favorite tunes while you eat delicious food.

This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Juneau if you’re looking for a local, old-world feel.

5. Tracy’s King Crab Shack

432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK | Quick Bites, Seafood, Gluten Free Options | $20 – $125 | Monday to Sunday 10:30 am – 8:30 pm

Tracy’s King Crab Shack has some of the yummiest Alaskan seafood in town. What’s best? It’s brought right to your door!

This walk-up and take-out restaurant is right on the boardwalk and is among the best places to get a quick bite in Juneau. 

Tracy’s King Crab Shack has made a significant mark on Juneau’s food scene for a place that has only been open for less than ten years.

The restaurant started because the owners loved crabs, sports, and people. The staff is a close-knit collection of individuals who love sports and are friendly and welcoming.

Apart from hot crab legs with butter from nearby sources, the menu has crab bisque, crab cakes, crab rolls, and seafood starters. So, Tracy’s is the place for crab lovers who want a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the seafood from the neighboring Alaskan sea.

There was no line when we visited this restaurant. It does have a tiny room inside and a small covered patio, if you want to eat there.

The Red King Crab was on our table’s Crab Shack Combo and an extra bowl of crab bisque because we didn’t know how to share. 

One thing is for sure; you’ll have delicious and fresh crab at this restaurant. After a nice dip in the butter, it will almost melt in your mouth. Try the crab cakes and bisque for added amazement in your overwhelming food experience.

If you seek the best crab legs in Juneau, you should go to this restaurant. After dining, you will know why this place is famous to everyone in the area.

Tracy’s is one of the most iconic restaurants in Juneau for a reason! Tracy’s should be your first stop if you’re looking for super fresh seafood.

4. El Zarape

1961 Anka St, Juneau, AK | Mexican, Latin, Spanish | $11 – $30 | Tuesday to Friday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:30 am – 4:00 pm

El Zarape is the place to go if you want Mexican food in the middle of Juneau, Alaska. This small Mexican restaurant that moved to Alaska in 2007 is renowned for great food.

It is in the vicinity of Lemon Creek and is sure to be a unique place to eat.  This hidden gem is worth your time and money on Mexican food. It’s a hole in the wall, but that’s how most of the best places are.

Gloria Orozco, who was born and raised in Zacapu, Michoacan, is the one who makes authentic Mexican food here. Her partner from Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Gloria’s two kids, Melissa and Ernesto, also run the restaurant.

We highly recommend their Carne Asada tacos with Red Sauce, although we feel you won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu. The Green Sauce is tasty, but the Red Sauce is spicier and tastes different whenever available. The same goes for chips and salsa.

3. Zerelda’s Bistro

9106 Mendenhall Mall Rd Suite B, Juneau, AK | International, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Tuesday to Saturday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zerelda’s Bistro, established in 2016,  serves a mix of cultural food fusion and Southern BBQ made with good ingredients and local products.

Abby LaForce, the owner of Zerelda’s, was for a long time Juneau’s best caterer. Her Bistro serves tasty, big plates that mix Asian fusion and comfy southern styles with Alaskan recipes.

Apart from the mix of Asian and Southern food, espresso, beer, and wine are also available in this restaurant.

Zeralda’s is a great place to grab lunch or a bite before a hike or checking out a local National Park because it is healthy, amiable, bright, and cozy. We sampled the coconut curry and poke bowl, which were both perfect for the day trip.

If you prefer barbeque for dinner,  they sell barbecue rubs so you can enjoy the flavor of Zerelda’s when you get home.

There are also daily specials to look out for here as well. If you like ramen, Thursday is the best day to go if you want to eat it.

However, no matter when you visit, the food is always fresh and tasty. The prices are fair, and the people who work there are very nice.

2. Devil’s Club Brewing

100 N Franklin St, Juneau, AK | American, Brewpub, Bar | $15 – $23 | Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

The Devil’s Club Brewing Company is one of the top downtown restaurants in Juneau, Alaska. It serves gourmet food and has locally made beer on tap. As one of the first places to become famous, this brewery & restaurant is a great place to spend an evening with friends.

The Devil’s Club has the best atmosphere of any place you could have ever been. This Franklin Street brewpub is one of a kind because it is in a building that was Juneau’s first theater in 1916.

So this one is less of a restaurant and more of a brewery. But we had to slip it in here because they have a great selection of small bites and beer.

The flight of the rainforest pale ale with blueberries, the barrel-aged slack tide, and the island fever were all things that our group tried. After a hiking trip in the rainforest, the North Chuglas, a very smooth hefeweizen, is just what you need.

If you want a quick snack, give yourself a favor and get some pretzels. With the perfect amount of melted cheese, these are saline, soft inside, and crunchy on the outside. We also had the turkey pesto toasties, which were perfectly toasted.

1. Deckhand Dave’s

139 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK | American, Bar, Seafood | $12 – $25 | Monday to Friday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Deckhand Dave’s is a taco truck with an Alaskan twist. It is right in the middle of downtown Juneau. 

Deckhand Dave’s is among the best places in Juneau to get seafood because it is owned and run by a former commercial fisherman.

A few minutes from the port, you can enjoy tasty halibut, salmon, or rockfish tacos featuring red cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, cilantro, or panko-breaded salmon with fries.

The menu is simple, and the prices are very fair. But what makes this restaurant top the list?

Here, you’ll experience some of the juiciest and crispiest fish and chips, and you’ll surely give this business a five-star rating. It is pretty tasty and somehow even more fresh compared to other fish and chip shops we’ve experienced.

Do yourself a great favor and visit Deckhand Dave’s for their Fish Tacos while you are in Alaska. The fish is exceptionally fresh, with an incredible sauce that tastes excellent.

The dining area is a massive patio behind the trailer that comes with a few other small restaurants. So, you have several options when you’re here.

In Closing

There you have it! Our listing of the 16 best restaurants in Juneau, Alaska! For a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience while in the neighborhood, don’t miss out on any of the recommended dishes.

Alaska has some of the most beautiful rivers in the world! Whether you’re looking to fish, swim, or just observe the incredible Alaskan nature, these rivers in Alaska should definitely be on your list.

Alaska has some of the best rivers in the United States, if not the entire world. It is a big state, and more than 12,000 rivers call it home. This means you can easily find a gorgeous river for fishing and swimming, and some even have beautiful views.

Since the 49th state is known for its cold weather, it might not be a great idea to go to a river in the middle of winter. But everything changes when it gets warmer. And some of these rivers in Alaska are too incredible to pass up any time of the year!

So, get ready to dive into the water, cast your fishing rod, and enjoy a beautiful view of these 13 most gorgeous rivers in Alaska.

13. Chilikadrotna River

The Chilikadrotna River is a wild and scenic river that flows through Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. It starts in the aquamarine waters of Twin Lakes and goes past the park’s high peaks. It flows quickly for 60 miles until it meets the Mulchatna River.

Related: 8 Breathtaking National Parks In Alaska To Visit

The river flows through birch and spruce forests at an average speed of 5 miles per hour. The wavy highs of the southern Alaska Range rise above it. You can have an excursion here for as few as four days, but a long journey is better.

If you are an experienced whitewater boater, you’ll enjoy the river’s fast water and significant periods of exciting rapids. The 82-mile-long stretch takes between 4 and 8 days to complete when boating.

One of the best things about the Chilikadrotna River is how remote away it is. Often, your group will be the only one on the river. This spot is excellent for seeing wildlife along the river because it is clean and untouched.

Anglers can catch different kinds of fish at other times of the year. It has chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, coho salmon, dolly varden, rainbow trout, and grayling. This species’ season runs from the final week of June until the end of September.

12. John River

The John River flows for 136 miles from the Endicott Mountains, which are 6,000 feet high, to where it meets the Koyukuk River.

It starts at Soakpak Mountain thru Anaktuvuk Pass. It then flows to the mountainous terrain and forested valleys of the Brooks Range to the Koyukuk River just under Bettles Field/Evansville. 

The John River corridor is among the most beautiful places in the Brooks Range. Along the John River, features like high relief, a wide range of plants, exposed rocks, canyons, and rock outcroppings make for a beautiful and unique landscape.

Different ecosystems give the visitor a constantly changing environment. The upper and middle sections of this river have great views because of how close the river is to the nearby mountains and how low the valley is.

Between the Hunt fork of the John River and the mainstem of the John River, there is a mountain with great views of Gray Mountain, Boreal Mountain, and numerous other peaks that make up the Brooks Range. You can get great views of the fairly beautiful Pamichtuk Lake drainage from some sloped areas.

In the fall, willows and cottonwoods turn a beautiful golden color. Near where Sheep Creek meets the river, there is a lovely section of the river with amazing views of Gunsight Mountain. 

When the water level is high, the upper parts of the river are a class 2 to class 3+ float. The lower parts of the river are significant for a family float. 

Even though the river flows through Nunamiut Corporation land at first, the area around the upper river is a great place for hiking and backpacking.

11. Koyukuk River

Koyukuk River is a 425-mile branch of the Yukon River. The last big river flows into the Yukon before the more significant river pours into the Bering Sea.

It starts where the North Fork Koyukuk River and the Middle Fork Koyukuk River meet and flows typically southwest to meet the enormous Yukon River at Koyukuk. The river’s headwaters are above the Arctic Circle throughout the Endicott Mountains of the Brooks Range. 

It drains an area north of the Yukon River. And it is made up of Gates of the Arctic National Park Preserve, Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, and Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge.

Some fish that live in the lower Koyukuk are Arctic lamprey and sockeye salmon. Sockeye and other salmon species, like Chinook and Chum, also do well in the upper reaches and tributaries.

For wildlife seeing, caribou migrate through the upper portion of the Koyukuk river basin, and Beluga whales sometimes swim in the lower Koyukuk. You can also expect bald eagles, bears, minks, beavers, martens, and river otters.

The North Fork Koyukuk River has excellent floating conditions if you prefer to swim. There are also great places to go hiking, especially along the watershed’s upper reaches, with beautiful scenery.

The small number of people here makes it feel like a true wilderness—making it a great place to relax.

10. Colville River

The Colville River is one of the great Arctic rivers in the United States. It is on the eastern side of the vast National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and is a vital cultural and conservation area.

This river runs through Alaska’s North Slope and empties into the Beaufort Sea. It is among the country’s wildest rivers. 

The eastern end is at the Endicott Mountains, and the western end is at the Delong foothills. A lot of the watershed for the Colville River is in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve.

Even though it is called the Reserve, this area is among the most environmentally intact places on the planet that are not protected. The Reserve is the most significant piece of federal land in the country. It covers 22.8 million acres, more than ten Yellowstone National Parks.

Though its name might make you think of roads, pipelines, and drilling platforms, the Reserve is actually where polar bears, caribou, wolves, moose, grizzly bears, and musk oxen can live without much interference. It is also an essential watershed for many fish, such as Arctic grayling, salmon, and whitefish.

If you are a bird enthusiast, expect numerous raptors, including gyrfalcons, rough-legged hawks, and peregrine falcons, building their nests on the high cliffs that line the river.

Residents of the area depend on the river for food and other things they need to live. The river originates from food and water and is a significant way to get to classical use areas and culturally relevant sites.

The upper parts of the Colville River are great places for visitors to enjoy the wilderness and have fun. Activities include paddling, fishing, hiking, watching wildlife, and taking pictures in the wild.

9. Copper River

The Copper River is 300 miles extensive and flows into the Gulf of Alaska close to the town of Cordova. The Copper Basin in Southcentral Alaska is 189 miles northeast of Anchorage and 250 miles to the south of Fairbanks. The river flows through the Copper Basin.

The Richardson Highway, the Glenn Highway, and the Edgerton Highway all lead to the Copper River. About 3,000 people live in 20 different communities in the Basin. Many of these communities are along the Copper River.

The Glennallen & Chitina subdistricts make up the Upper Copper River District. In the Glennallen Subdistrict, subsistence fishing is only allowed in the mainstem Copper River’s waters from the Slana River’s mouth to the edge of the Chitina-McCarthy Bridge. 

The Chitina Subdistrict is a personal-use fishery, according to state rules.

More than 2 million salmon use the river watershed yearly to spawn, which is why the river is known for its salmon runs. Due to the long runs, many kinds are famous for their high-fat content. 

But, the commercial salmon season on the river is short. Chinook salmon or sockeye salmon are available to catch for a few days or even only hours starting in May.

Sport fishing, on the other hand, is allowed all year long. The best time to fish on the Copper River is from August to September when the coho salmon run.

Apart from fishing, this Alaskan river is a great place to see birds. Millions of shorebirds or trumpeter swans build their nests here.

Also, this river’s spectacular views are a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature. If you’re looking to visit one of the top Alaska rivers closer to the main cities, then Copper River is your best choice.

8. Chena River

In the Interior area of Alaska, the Chena River is a 100-mile branch of the Tanana River. It flows from the White Mountains in a generally westward direction to the Tanana River near Fairbanks, which is on both riverbanks. 

The North Fork, Middle (East) Fork, South Fork, West Fork, and Little Chena River are all tributaries of the Chena River. 

Most of the upper half of the main stem is by the Chena River State Recreation Area. People go fishing and boating on the Chena River for fun. During the colder months, snowmobiles and mushers also use it (sled dogs).

The Chena is among the most famous river in the interior of Alaska for sport fishing. Fish like Arctic grayling, burbot, humpback whitefish, chum salmon, king salmon, longnose suckers, least cisco, northern pike, round whitefish, and shellfish live in the Chena River. 

By the mid-1980s, the number of graylings in the Chena had dropped to “dangerous levels” because of overfishing. Throughout the 21st century, you can only catch and release grayling, which can grow 18 inches long in the upper river.

You can also go for a “float” on this river. On the International Scale of River Difficulty, most of the river has Class I rates. However, the upper routes along the North Fork close to Chena Hot Springs are “remarkably swift” with few safe flows and are rated Class II. These difficulties can go up depending on the water level.

The Chena River has a great system of trails for hiking. You can pick from several hiking trails that lead to great views. It’s definitely known for the hiking views!

7. Susitna River

From where it starts at the Susitna Glacier, only north of Denali National Park, the Susitna River flows about 313 miles to the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet. Along the way, you can fish, hike, and enjoy the vast world while enjoying Alaska’s beauty.

The river is wide and moves quickly. It gets water from about nine other rivers, like the Deshka River, Oshetna River, Talkeetna River, Yentna River, and the Tyone River. 

Many small creeks with clear water flow through the water and add to the vast amount of water that flows through the channel to Cook Inlet.

If you’re looking to stay local, Willow, Talkeetna, and Susitna are the main towns in the area. 

Willow is the best example of a small town on this list. There are many spots to camp and get supplies there. Talkeetna is a little bit bigger, while Susitna is close to Anchorage.

The Susitna River is not somewhere to mess around. There are better places to learn how to raft, kayak, or canoe than the water. Even swimming is dangerous here. You definitely want to know what you’re doing!

From Denali Bridge to Talkeetna is classed as an III-V for expert white water rafters, as well as the water is fast, so getting rescued isn’t always an option. These muddy, fast-moving, and full-of-things waters are by glaciers. 

The smaller rivers flowing into the Susitna are better places to have fun than the Susitna.

But the place is a beautiful place to fly fishing. You can catch Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Pacific Salmon, and Arctic Grayling of all five types. 

When the fishing season begins in early May, the Susitna may be lower than it is in the summer, when melting glaciers and runoff are more vigorous. You can fish until about the middle of October.

6. Yukon River

Yukon River in North America is the fifth longest, with a total length of 1979 miles, 714 of which are in Canada. It begins in the northwestern side of British Columbia, near the border with Yukon. It flows north and northwest through the Yukon into Alaska and then west to Norton Sound to the Bering Sea. 

Within the Yukon’s sizeable central plateau, surrounded by the Mackenzie Mountains in the east and St. Elias Range in the southwest, the Yukon Rivers and streams form the area’s central drainage basin.

The Yukon is a braided, slow-moving river that is usually shallow unless spring water makes it more profound. 

It can split into two parts: the area upstream of where the Yukon River meets the Porcupine River has a slight rise, but the area downstream, all the way to the Bering Sea, is relatively flat.

The Yukon has wooded isles from Fort Selkirk to Dawson, and mountains surround its long, vast stretches. After Dawson, the valley gets smaller, and when it reaches Alaska, it widens into the “Yukon Flats,” a sizeable interior plateau.

You can also go fishing on this river. Arctic grayling, an essential sports fish, Dolly Varden (trout), inconnu, burbot, cisco, and three types of salmon (chum, coho, and chinook) are the most common fish.

Besides fishing, tourists like to explore this vast waterway for other water activities. And there are numerous ways to enjoy the clean river flowing through the Yukon. You can swim, kayak, rent a speedboat, or ride a paddle wheeler.

Even if you can swim in the river, you shouldn’t jump headfirst. Every year, people drown or come close to drowning in the river, which is known to be deadly.

5. Tanana River

The Tanana River is the second-largest river that flows into the Yukon River. It starts where the Nabesna and Chisana rivers meet and flows for about 570 miles. The Athabascan word “tenene,” which means “river trail,” is where the river got its name.

This river flow through the east-central part of Alaska. Its source is where the Chisana and Nabesna rivers meet in the northern Northway. Tanana River Basin drains about 45,918 square miles.

The river’s main stem, which starts where these two rivers meet, is a sizeable glacial system. For its flow, the Tanana River moves northwest of the Yukon Territory. At the bottom of the Alaska Range, the river flows northwest until it meets the Yukon River near Tanana town. The river stays close to the Alaska Highway almost the whole way.

The Tanana Valley is the lowland marsh area where the Tanana River flows into central Alaska. The river’s flow is at its highest in July before it turns into a subsurface stream in late summer. During the winter, the river gets an ice layer that can be as thick as 43 inches.

Wild and farm-raised fish are in the Tanana River, and many anglers catch them. There are 18 types of fish in the river, but most anglers only go after 6 of them.

Chinook and Silver sockeye, burbot, Arctic ling cod, Northern pike, and Lake trout are the six types of fish on this list. Rainbow trout are also found in the river but are not native to it. Instead, they are brought there from somewhere else.

This river is a popular place for more than just fishing. In its clear blue waters, you can boat, kayak, paddleboard, or swim. You can enjoy a beautiful mountain view while doing this.

4. Kenai River

The Kenai River is the longest in the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska. It flows west for 82 miles from Kenai Lake in the Kenai Mountains, thru the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Skilak Lake, and into the Cook Inlet of the Pacific Ocean close to Kenai and Soldotna.

This river is often among the best for sport fishing in the world. There are more than 105 miles of rivers and lakes in the Kenai River Special Management Area. And it is where you can find the best river fishing in the state. 

This area is also excellent for boating, backpacking, hiking, and seeing brown bears. Several tour companies offer whitewater rafting excursions to aid people in getting the most out of the river and its beautiful surroundings. 

Its turquoise waters are home to rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, lake trout, and four of the five types of Pacific salmon.  However, the king salmon gets the most attention. Usually, an Alaskan trophy salmon weighs about 50 pounds. King salmon in the Kenai River can weigh more than 75 pounds.  The most prominent king salmon was caught here in May 1985 when Les Andersen caught 97.4 pounds of fish.

There are other species in this area, too, such as eagles, moose, caribou, wolves, and more.

Near the Kenai River, there are a lot of towns where visitors can find plenty of services, like private and public campgrounds, places to stay, and fishing shops that cater to both men and women.  Cooper Landing, Sterling, Soldotna, and Kenai are all popular places to stay when you want to visit, view the surrounding landscape, or fish in the Kenai River.

You can reach the Kenai River from the Sterling Highway and Seward Highway on the Kenai Peninsula.

3. Alatna River

The Alatna River flows southeast from the Endicott Mountains for 145 miles until it reaches the Koyukuk River.

Alatna River, a wild river since December 2, 1980, comes from lakes high on the Arctic Divide, which drains the central Brooks Range. Along the river corridor is many animals, beautiful scenery, and interesting geological features.

The first 25 miles from the watershed lakes are rocky and can be very shallow. During low tide, a portage from several miles from Summit Lake can be necessary, and boats may need to line up.

The Alatna River passageway has beautiful views, including of the Arrigetch Peaks, an organic national landmark made of granite.

Over half of the river has beautiful views of snowcapped mountains. The Alatna has a lot of variety in its landscape because the shades and types of plants are different.

Moisture-rich tundra on the valley and tundra on the mountainsides are by cliffs bluffs along the river. You can see the Arrigetch Peaks near the river, which sometimes reflect in alpine lakes.

Geologically, the mountains on either side of the Alatna are very different, with limestone, shale, quartzite, basalt, and sandstone formations. The rugged, ax-blade-shaped Arrigetch peaks on the south side of the Alatna and rise nearly 3,000 feet have been assigned a National Natural Landmark because of their smooth granite walls. 

These peaks are part of the granite disturbance that distinguishes the Alatna or Noatak River drainages.

The Alatna River is a great place to float through the wilderness and gives you access to great hiking and climbing within and around the Arrigetch Peaks. You can see stunning views as you travel along the upper part of the river. This is one of the best rivers in Alaska for incredible views!

2. Nenana River

The Nenana River is a glacial river that runs along the eastern edge of Denali National Park. It is one of the most widespread places in the state to go river rafting.

This river has different difficulty levels and a thriving rafting business that takes locals and tourists from other states on 2-hour, 4-hour, and overnight trips.

It is also a popular place for boaters from all over the state to go whitewater kayaking. Every Fourth of July, there is a Nenana Wildwater and Slalom Race.

The 10 miles of Class IV whitewater in the Nenana River Gorge are in a hilly canyon where wild sheep roam and golden eagles nest. There is a beautiful remote area with moose, bears, wolves, and caribou at its source. The rough Alaska Range Mountains surround this area.

At about 140 miles, this branch of the Tanana River is also home to many different kinds of fish. Alaska blackfish, Arctic lamprey, broad whitefish, burbot, humpback whitefish, chum salmon, king salmon, and lake chubs are among the marine animals you can find and catch.  Also available are longnose suckers, least cisco, northern pike, sheefish, silver salmon, round whitefish, and slimy sculpins in this river.

The beautiful scenery around this river is why it is so popular. You can get there by road, and the picture will be stunning along the drive. The Denali Highway (Alaska State Highway #8) and the George Parks Highway (Alaska State Highway #3) are easy to get to in many places.

You can even go hiking if you want to see the river’s landscape from a different angle. But if you’re going to experience the river, you can plan a one or two-night trip or rafting.

1. Matanuska River

The Matanuska River is a 75-mile-long river in the U.S. state of Southcentral Alaska. It flows through a wide valley south of the Alaska Range. This valley is called the Matanuska Valley after the river.

The Matanuska River starts where its east and south forks meet. It flows in a southwest direction towards the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet. Meltwater from the Matanuska Glacier around the northern Chugach Mountains flows into the river after it flows out of its source.

From there, it goes through Matanuska Valley, between the Chugach Mountains and the Talkeetna Mountains. Along its path, Chickaloon, Sutton, Palmer, and Butte are all places where people live.  It flows into the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, roughly 25 miles northeast of Anchorage and 9.5 miles southwest of Palmer.

Whitewater enthusiasts like to float down the river, mostly in rafts or kayaks. 

Based on the International Scale of River Difficulty, Matanuska ranges from Class II (medium) to Class III (difficult). It is reachable at several bridges along the Glenn Highway.

Caribou Creek, which flows past Matanuska Glacier and is rated Class II to IV, is sometimes paddled by experts (challenging). 

Along the main stem, dangers include fast, cold water, big waves and holes in some parts, overlying or submerged vegetation in the lower regions, and upriver winds.

Going through the river, you can see beautiful mountains and forests.

You can also fish in this river, which is another popular thing to do besides boating.

Many aquatic Pacific salmon live in the Matanuska River, like coho, sockeye, chinook, chum, and pink. There are also rainbow trout and Dolly Varden that live there year-round.

In Closing

With thousands of rivers in Alaska, you will indeed find the ideal spot for your waterway outdoor pursuits. There’s no way you won’t have a good time, especially because each offers something different.

So get your equipment ready and try one of Alaska’s 13 most gorgeous rivers for fishing, swimming, and stunning views!

Looking for the best museums in Anchorage Alaska to spend an educational day? Read on for our 17+ favorite museums!

Anchorage, Alaska, is a city most well known for its glaciers, wildlife, and trails. This town in Alaska is also famous for its big-city amenities, such as fine dining options, bars and breweries, shops, and a theatre. There are tons to do in Anchorage for every kind of traveler!

But did you know that Anchorage, one of the world’s most northern cities, also has a thriving culture and history you can explore through its museums?

The city serves as the cultural center of Alaska. Numerous museums in Anchorage cover every perspective of Alaska’s multifaceted history, from the Russian and Native to the gold rush and pioneer periods.

So regardless of your interest in history, physics, mechanics, or anything else, you will find the ideal museum to learn more in this city.

Without further ado, let’s dive into our list of best museums in Anchorage Alaska to spend your day at!

17. Anchorage Museum

625 C St Anchorage, AK 99501 | Specialty Museums | $9 – $18 | Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

If you’re searching for a diverse museum to spend your day at, this is the place to go!

The Anchorage Museum, founded in 1968, is the largest in Alaska. This location fosters a profound understanding of Alaska’s rich history and culture by combining admiration for art, history, and science.

This museum, which features art, history, science, ecology, and ethnography, is the ideal location for anyone seeking to extend their global perspective.

When you visit this place, you will find that it is a very informative and instructional museum that caters to learners of all ages and learning types. You will also be amazed by the quantity of art and the quality and originality it offers.

The museum is also relatively clean and well-maintained, yet it doesn’t feel overly formal, which is a plus!

It has a pleasant little café and a resting area in the middle of the museum. This area is the best place to go when you get tired or need a break from exploring the museum.

16. Alaska Native Heritage Center

8800 Heritage Center Dr. Anchorage, AK 99504 | Museums, Tours | $16.95 – $24.95 | Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

This museum is perfect for you if you want to learn about Alaska Native culture through exciting stories, actual native song and dance, demonstrations of native games, and more!

The Alaska Native Heritage Facility, founded in 1999, is a leading cultural center that shares the rich heritage of Alaska’s 11 primary ethnic groups.

Only ten minutes from Anchorage’s downtown, this museum welcomes visitors of all ages to explore, learn, and participate in hands-on exhibits and programs.

Around the stunning Lake Tiulana, you can take a stroll through six real, life-size Native American homes in this museum. All of these native homes are explorable, each equipped with authentic period pieces, and each one has its interactive element.

You can also visit the museum’s theatre, where guests can view films. If you want a unique experience, you can visit their Gathering Place. This area is the hub for participatory storytelling and dance and game displays.

If you get tired while exploring the vicinity, you can relax in their patio area, with heaters and an outside café window where you can place orders.

15. Alaska Museum of Science and Nature

201 N Bragaw St Anchorage, AK 99508 | Natural History Museums, Science Museums,  Children’s Museums | $6 – $7 | Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am –4:00 pm

Interested in delving into the realms of science and history? The Alaska Museum of Science and Nature should be your first stop!

This fantastic location, founded in 1989 by two University of Alaska professors as the state’s only museum wholly dedicated to natural history, was initially housed in an Eagle River garage.

Here, you can learn about Alaska’s geology, biology, ecology, archaeology, and human adaptations.

Even though it is not a large museum, there is much to see. This location features displays on various broad topics, including dinosaur fossils, Alaskan marine life, birds, rocks, and minerals, among others.

If you are traveling with children, this is an excellent museum since its interactive exhibits provide an up-close and personal education that will excite them about learning. There is a play area for children whose concentration skills are still developing!

However, if you are an adult visiting alone, expect to encounter numerous school groups. There is also always occasional birthday celebration and noises of children here. But the positive side is in the middle of all the chaos, you will find both fascinating and enlightening exhibitions, and you will surely have a great time.

Moreover, the museum personnel communicated well, which is a benefit! There is also free parking in the streets surrounding the area.

14. Alaska Aviation Museum

4721 Aircraft Drive, Anchorage, AK 99502 | History Museums | $6 – $10 | Monday  to Saturday  10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

If you are a first-time visitor to Alaska, you must visit the Alaska Aviation Museum to learn about the significance and history of aircraft in the region.

The Alaska Aviation Museum, located on the banks of Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base, is dedicated to preserving, displaying, teaching, and celebrating Alaska’s aviation heritage.

This tiny aviation museum has five unique exhibit halls and outdoor, static displays that bring the history of aviation in Alaska to life.

You can discover the state’s aviation history and how it started here. In the final section of the museum, you will have the opportunity to go outside, where you can view and even go inside the Alaska Airlines 737-200.

The museum will, however, close the airplane door once it starts to rain, so be sure to visit on a sunny day.

So, if you are an aviation enthusiast visiting Anchorage, stop by this hidden gem; you will not be disappointed!

13. Alaska Experience Theatre

705 W 6th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501| Cinema, Historical Museum | $8 – $10 | Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

This museum is perfect for you if you enjoy watching films and are interested in learning more about Anchorage’s animals, history, and people.

The Alaska Experience Theater specializes in films highlighting the magnificent state’s wildlife, culture, and people. Their 40-foot main screen provides entertainment and history to the whole community.

When you visit this museum, there are two theatres you can choose from. Each theatre presents a different selection of films each day.

In their Safe Quake Theater, they present the current remake of the 1964 film Earthquake Experience by local director Jonathan Lang! This 15-minute documentary examines the most significant earthquake in the Northern Hemisphere and induces a shake while you’re watching it.

Alternatively, you can visit its Large Theater if you want to learn more about the state’s people, history, animals, and landscape. This area features multiple daily presentations on these topics.

However, there will likely be some downtime before the movie begins. But there are numerous posters to read while you wait for the show to begin.

While waiting, you can also purchase sodas and water that you can bring into the theatre. But be aware that holding onto your drink will be difficult due to the shaking seats.

If this is your first time visiting Anchorage, Alaska, you must prioritize visiting this place on your to-do list.

12. Alaska State Trooper Museum

245 W 5th Ave Ste 112 Anchorage, AK 99501| Museum | Free Admission | Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

If you are in the heart of downtown Anchorage, you should not pass up the opportunity to visit the Alaska Troopers Museum.

This small, volunteer-run museum contains the colorful history of the devoted police officers who brought law and order to one of the largest and most remote counties in the United States.

In this museum, you can learn about all aspects of state trooper law enforcement, including a replica of one of the vehicles they use.

When we visited this location, we enjoyed the display of vintage Motorola radios and the sketch artist kit. This artist kit is a little wooden box containing clear plastic pieces with facial features drawn on them.

The museum features a gift store that provides visitors with the opportunity to purchase a variety of Alaska Law Enforcement-related items and souvenirs.

Their gift shop offers a variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, pins, and mugs. So if you are searching for a gift for a family member who collects law enforcement memorabilia while in Anchorage, you will not be disappointed if you visit this location.

Did we mention that they have attentive and polite personnel?

If you are in Anchorage looking for a museum to spend your day at, you should visit this place and purchase some of its merchandise to help the volunteers, as the earnings fund the museum and community activities.

11. Oscar Anderson House Museum

420 M St Anchorage, AK 99501 | Museums, Tours | $5 – $10 | Tuesday  to Thursday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Oscar Anderson House Museum is the perfect site to spend the day at if you are interested in learning about Anchorage’s history and are seeking a museum to do so.

This tiny house museum in downtown Anchorage is one of the city’s oldest residences. In addition, it is the only house museum in the entire town.

In this charming little historic house, you may learn a great deal about the town’s fascinating past. During your visit to this place, knowledgeable tour guides will accompany you and provide you with intriguing details about Anchorage.

You can also take a walk along the coastal route near the museum. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the bay after touring the house.

Therefore, if you find yourself in Anchorage, make it a point to stop by this house museum! The admission fee is well worth it, as it contributes to the maintenance of the little house.

10. Alaska Jewish Museum

1221 E 35th Ave Anchorage, AK 99508 | Art Museums | $5 – $10 | Monday to Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Another museum in Anchorage that you could spend the day exploring is the Alaska Jewish Museum!

This modest but fascinating museum houses Alaska’s Jewish art, history, and culture.

It offers an exhibit space, gathering place, and historical repository for artifacts, photos, films, oral histories, and other records that chronicle the story of Alaska’s Jewish population, past and present, enriching the multicultural wealth of the greater Alaskan community.

This place has three exhibits: one on initial families, one on Operation Magic Carpet and the role Alaska Airlines played, and one on the tragedies of the ships turned back by the Roosevelt administration and the inability to enact the Alaska Development Plan by Harold Ickes.

When we visited this museum, each exhibit was well-executed and deserving of our attention. We prefer the one concerning the Roosevelt administration’s plan to resettle European Jews in Alaska during World War II.

Also, we admire how welcoming this museum is and how helpful the curators are. They were also very friendly and helpful, providing an excellent overview of the place.

The location also features a small gift shop where you can purchase gifts for your loved ones.

9. Heritage Library and Museum

301 West Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK | History Museums | Free Admission | Monday to Friday 12:00 pm –4:00 pm

This museum is the place to go if you’re curious about the earliest history of the Americas, especially North America!

Inside the Wells Fargo office building on C Street is the Heritage Library and Museum. This location houses several Alaskan paintings, cultural items, and a small library, including the state’s literature.

The library in this place serves as a meeting space for any event that requires a large central table with chairs or a room filled with folding chairs. It also houses other historical objects, such as many guns hung high on one of its walls.

Aside from the library, this location also includes a small but interesting museum with various historical relics, photographs, and other exciting things.

Inside the museum, you can view The National Bank of Alaska’s private collection before Wells Fargo acquired it.

Remember to check out the 46-ounce gold nugget on show in a protective glass case when you visit this place!

What’s better? This museum is free and open to the public!

8. Indian Valley Mine, National Historic Site

Mile 104 Seward Highway, Indian, Anchorage, AK 99540 | Specialty Museums, Historic Sites | $20 – $100 | Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Are you looking for a location where you can have a memorable experience while learning about mining history? The Indian Valley Mine National Historic Site has your back!

A family runs this beautiful stop along a scenic highway. In this place, you can grasp how to pan for gold and explore two historic cabins from the early 1900s. You can also learn about the mine’s history, view various artifacts in this area, and visit their tiny museum and gift shop.

However, if you’re looking for a peaceful way to spend your time, you can unwind on one of their benches and take in the breathtaking view of the Turnagain Arm. While exploring the property grounds, you can also encounter various creatures like ducks, turkeys, and peacocks.

The owners were amiable and helpful as well. During our visit, they educated us about gold and demonstrated strategies for locating it. Additionally, they were gracious enough to tell us many stories about Alaska and its property.

This Indian Valley Mine is worthwhile and reasonably priced. So if you are in Anchorage, we strongly suggest dropping there and checking it out.

7. Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

5000 W Intl Airport Rd South Terminal, Level 0, Corridor to Car Rental, Anchorage, AK 99502-0913 | Specialty Museums | Free Admission | Monday to Sunday 5:00 am – 1:00 am

If you are interested in the state’s sports history, then here is the perfect location to take a quick look.

The Alaska Sports Hall of Fame, located within the South Terminal, is worth a short stroll around if you have the time. It is a hallway lined with plaques describing the honoree’s or team’s achievements.

As you walk around this hallway, you will notice that they have honored some unique people, such as Iditarod runners and mountaineers.

Even while this hall of fame does not cover big rooms or entire buildings with sports and other memorabilia such as team jerseys, bronze busts of many of the recognized inductees, movies, and gift stores, it is still worth a visit.

Therefore, if you find yourself in the South Terminal in Anchorage and are making your way into the terminal from the parking lot, be sure to stop and check this area.

6. The Roundhouse at Alyeska

1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK 99587| Specialty Museums, History Museums | Free Admission | Friday to Sunday 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

The Roundhouse at Alyeska is a must-visit if you are traveling through Anchorage and find yourself atop Mount Alyeska.

This place is the only mountain museum in the state. Although it is tiny, it is exceptionally well-organized. It is also a great site to learn about the history of the Valley and Girdwood, Alaska.

When we visited this location, there were numerous informational signs and a few displays throughout the perimeter. The exhibitions present the history of Alyeska, which is a topic that is highly interesting to learn.

Here, you will find a looping video on a few minor television screens and a diorama of the location in the middle. You can also walk the entire perimeter and take in the breathtaking vistas that will make you feel on top of the world!

Additionally, the service was delightful and helpful, and the meal was excellent. There are also plenty of options for buying presents for friends and family.

If you’re looking for a fun location to visit at the top of the mountains with beautiful and spectacular views while in Anchorage, Roundhouse at Alyeska is the place to go!

5. Alaska Public Lands Center

605 W 4th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 | Visitor Centers | Free Admission | Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Looking for a location to learn about Alaska’s plentiful natural resources? The Alaska Public Lands Center has you covered!

This museum in downtown Anchorage features unique exhibits that do an excellent job of introducing you to the state’s terrain and fauna. These exhibits feature whales, salmon, wolves, caribou, bison, seals, bears, and eagles, among other animals.

This location will teach you all information about the State of Alaska. From the northern lights to the importance of salmon in the food chain to the four distinct seasons, glaciers, and cross-country travel.

Some of their displays are also interactive, and others have movies you can watch while you’re there. When we visited this location, we enjoyed the whale tail and the interactive display of the northern lights.

The exhibition area is clean and well-organized, which is a plus. There is also a ranger stationed there who can stamp your books if you have them. There is a gift shop behind that station as well.

What’s superior? This museum offers free admission! However, be careful to check the exhibit’s opening hours as they are subject to change. You must also pass a thorough security check before being admitted.

4. Stephan Fine Arts Gallery

600 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501-2225 | Art Galleries, Museums | $10 – $50 | Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Stephan Fine Arts Gallery is an excellent location to visit if you are trying to take a little bit of Anchorage back with you when you leave.

This museum in Anchorage houses a collection that focuses primarily on paintings depicting scenes from Alaska. It likewise showcases pictures and bear portraits created by Thomas Mangelsen.

In addition, this museum features Alaskan arts, which comprise an incredible array of works created by local artists.

We visited several art galleries in Anchorage; however, we believed that Stephan had the best assortment. It is the best location to find magnificent Alaskan artwork, including ivory, sculptures, paintings, prints, and postcards.

The owner and their team are both friendly and accommodating. As long as you are enjoying the space, they do not mind if you loiter for hours at this gallery. Furthermore, they are knowledgeable; therefore, do not be afraid to ask questions.

3. Campbell Creek Science Center

5600 Science Center Dr. Anchorage, AK 99507 | Science Museum, Educational Services, Parks | $12 – $24 | Monday to Friday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

The Campbell Creek Science Center is the destination if you wish to spend your day in an environment where you can acquire new scientific knowledge.

This location, in the middle of Anchorage, Alaska, is an outdoor scientific education center.

If you’re a student of any age visiting the city, this is a must-see because it provides educational courses. When you visit this site, you will not only be able to see beautiful scenery, but you will also have the opportunity to grasp information about the local flora and fauna.

Aside from that, the Campbell Creek Science Center is also an excellent location for trips with the family. The employees here are kind and pleasant, providing excellent customer service.

2. Jets Photo Flipp Selfie Gallery

5011 Arctic Blvd Suite F, Anchorage, AK 99503-7050 | Specialty Museums, Art Gallery| $25 – $50 | Monday to Friday 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Looking for a trendy hotspot in Anchorage, Alaska? Then you should head over to Jets Photo Flipp Selfie Gallery as soon as possible!

This location in Anchorage features an immersive art exhibit designed to serve as a backdrop for images you can share on your social media. Their shows include eye-catching elements such as vibrant backdrops, oversized props, and optical illusions.

When you visit this location, you will notice that the staff members are kind and willing to accommodate your needs. As a bonus, the area has a cozy vibe, a quality that is exceptionally beneficial when taking photographs.

The Anchorage museum’s location also boasts excellent lighting and distinctive backdrops. Even though it could be a bit pricey, it is worthwhile!

If you want to immerse yourself in childhood nostalgia, Jets Photo Flipp Selfie Gallery is the best place to spend your day in Anchorage!

1. The Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts

194 Olympic Mountain Loop, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK 99587 | Arts and Entertainments, Art Galleries | $10 – $50 | Monday to Friday 11:O0 am – 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 4:O0 pm – 11:00 pm

If you want to spend your day appreciating local art, The Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts in Anchorage, Alaska, is the place to go!

This small town art gallery, directly adjacent to the Girdwood Bake Shop and Sitzmark Restaurant, displays incredibly innovative art.

The Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts is not your average museum or art gallery. It is a non-profit cooperative art gallery that features the work of more than 30 Alaskan artists.

When you visit this location, you will discover that its staff members are volunteer artists. These people are creating a unique chance for patrons and artists to interact. You can also meet the featured artist for an extraordinary art experience.

In their gallery, you can see works in different mediums, including oil and acrylic painting, watercolor, ceramics, and glass. Metal, wood, fabric, photography, linoleum prints, and jewelry are other mediums that you can discover here.

In addition to that, it presents a large number of beautiful works of visual art that are available for your enjoyment.

As a cooperative maintained by volunteer artists, the rates here are far lower than in an ordinary gallery. So, if you appreciate the arts but are on a tight budget, this is the place for you!

In Closing

That’s all, folks! The 17 best museums in Anchorage, Alaska, to spend a day at!

After reading this article, we hope you will have an idea of what museum to visit when you are already in town.

However, regardless of which museums you choose to visit from the options on this list, we hope you have a wonderful time there!

Do you know of other museums in Anchorage that should be on our list that we haven’t mentioned? Please leave a comment with your opinions in the space provided below!

Looking for the best things to do in Anchorage Alaska right now? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate list of 75+ options!

Anchorage is the best place to find the finest things to do and see in Alaska. In this post, we’ll explore the region and give tips on what to do when visiting this city.

As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is a great place to start an extensive trip through the northernmost state in the country. It is a gateway to Alaska, and nearly 300,000 people live there.

Anchorage is the best place to go if you love adventure and the wild outdoors alongside the city. With seaside canyons, snow-capped mountain peaks, lakes, and waterfalls as a backdrop, there’s a lot to see and do here.

This city has several cultural sites, well-known universities, and craft centers. On the other hand, the city’s downtown is full of art galleries, restaurants, and more, providing endless fun possibilities.

Plus, there are always things to do in the neighborhood, no matter what time of year you go. During the summer, you’ll love going to state parks, and in the winter, you’ll love going to ski resorts. In this article, we’ll share various activities that cover multiple interests.

So without any further ado, let’s discover the 75 best things to do in Anchorage, Alaska!

75. Learn Anchorage From Alaskan Native

When you go to Anchorage, one of the crucial things to remember is that you’re on Native land. 

You can support a Native-owned business, buy real Native art, or attempt to learn about the city first from the people there.

If you want to walk around Anchorage, you can book a tour with AK Finest. A native person will lead you who is on a Tribal Council. 

Here, you will learn about Native culture and history, as well as how it reflects the Anchorage area, while also seeing the city’s highlights.

There is no more fun way to begin your journey than this!

74. Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center 

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is an excellent place to visit if you don’t know what to do in Anchorage. Even though it isn’t downtown Anchorage, Girdwood is only an hour’s drive from the city center.

This sanctuary works to protect Alaska’s wildlife through learning, conservation, and taking care of the animals.

On a 1.5-mile loop that goes through more than 200 acres, you can walk, bike, or drive to see animals like bison, coyotes, foxes, moose, bears, elk, wolves, caribou, and more.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a fantastic spot to see many animals while helping a great organization that cares about this wildlife and their habitats.

73. Check Out 4th Avenue

Walking around is among the effective methods to get your bearings if you are on the first days of your Anchorage journey. And 4th Avenue is an excellent street to walk down.

The 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage, which many Alaskans call “Downtown,” runs from east to west.

4th Avenue has been around since the beginning of Anchorage, just over 100 years ago. Back then, it was the primary road in town, so many significant buildings were and are still here. 

Stroll this avenue to find out what lies here!

72. Meander Over the Alaska Zoo

Do you want to learn more about the different kinds of wildlife in the city? Slowly make your way to the Alaska Zoo. It is among the best spots in Anchorage because it teaches people about Alaska’s unique wildlife habitats.

At the Alaska Zoo, you can see more than 50 species of domestic and exotic animals, such as brown and black bears, musk ox, Amur tigers, Tibetan yaks, alpacas, snow leopards, and the famous polar bear.

The Alaska Zoo is also great for people who like to watch birds. See beautiful birds from around the world and some living only in Alaska.

The Alaska Zoo is southwest of Anchorage, in the shadow of the Chugach Mountains. It has many classes, programs, and traveling exhibits for its visitors.

71. Go Flightseeing Around Anchorage

You can do more than see the sights when you fly around Alaska. So, flightseeing is a great way to see the finest of Alaska in just a few hours, especially if you don’t have much time.

There are many options for flightseeing tours that leave from Anchorage all year long.

Alaska has few roads, so flying is the only way to get to faraway places you cannot reach any other way. You can fly over national parks and see bears eating salmon and looking for clams. You will also love the majestic landscape.

This experience will take your breath away!

70. Enjoy at Alyeska Resort

The Alyeska Resort is one of the best places to go, and it’s only 40 miles from Anchorage.

With more than 300 rooms, this resort is a spot where you can enjoy many summer and winter activities.

In 1994, Alyeska Resort initially opened its doors. There are 76 ski trails, nearly 1,610 acres of ski area, and a lovely snow cover at the resort.

The rich cultural history of the Alaskan wilderness is also evident in the place’s high-end accommodations. It has pools, tubs, a fitness room, a spa, stores, and seven restaurants where you can get delicious food.

69. Hike Flattop Mountain

Flattop is among the most well-known hikes in Anchorage and all of Alaska. It is the best place to see Anchorage from above.

From the top, you can see many mountain ranges, the dazzling inlet, the skyline of Anchorage, and even the Eagle River!

On a clear day, you might even be able to see Denali.

If you like to hike, you can take the trail to the summit of the mountain and see as far as your eye can see. 

However, if you want to hike to the top, give yourself a few hours to enjoy the hike and the view. You have to climb over rocks near the top, so it is not the best choice for people who don’t like to hike.

68. Head Towards Portage Glacier and Begich Boggs Visitor Center

Outside Whittier, the Portage Glacier is about twenty minutes from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. If you stay inside the city center of Anchorage, you can see both of these places in one day.

Apart from seeing animals and beautiful scenery, people visit Alaska to see a glacier up close. And in this section of Anchorage, it is easy to do.

On the other hand, the Begich Boggs Visitor Center has operated since 1986 and is worth a look. Its displays can teach you a lot about glaciers.

But climate change is making the glacier melt so quickly that it is no longer visible from the visitor’s center. 

To see it, we suggest hiking to different points of view or, in the summer, taking a one-hour boat tour with a guide.

67. Go to Anchorage Museum

If you like going to museums, you shouldn’t miss this one.

Visiting the Anchorage Museum is among the most recommended things to do while in the area, which is a good choice.

You can spend a half-day looking at traditional and contemporary art, understanding Alaskan history and art, or even trying out some science exhibits throughout the Discovery Center.

If you want to learn about Alaska Native culture, you will particularly love this museum. The exhibits it holds will take you through all of the influential Alaska Native groups.

66. Explore Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park is among the four largest state parks in the nation. It is outside of the city limits and is 700 square miles in size. The park has a large area with lots of mountains for biking, miles of hiking trails, and many rivers and lakes.

People like to go to Chugach State Park for hiking, skiing, backpacking, and other fun outdoor activities. At several spots along the Seward Highway, the park meets saltwater and crosses the Turnagain Arm coasts. 

Its most essential landmarks go through the Chugach National Forest, where you can visit places like Portage Glacier.

On the hunt for Alaska’s native animals? When you go to Chugach State Park, keep an eye out for polar bears, grizzlies, beavers, moose, and lynx.

There are also many popular hiking trails in Chugach State Park, such as the McHugh Creek Trail, Falls Creek Trail, Bird Ridge Trail, and Flattop Mountain Trail.

65. Walk Around Anchorage Market

Another favorite thing in Anchorage is going to the Anchorage Market in the Diamond Center Mall on 88th Avenue.

The market is open on weekends from the middle of May to early September.

You can watch live music and eat tasty food in this quirky market in Anchorage.

Not only that, there are over 100 vendors here who sell everything from hand-made jewelry to prints of photographs. It’s also a great place to select a souvenir, so take your time and enjoy the relaxed vibe.

To top it all off, getting in is no charge at all!

64. Try Salmon Sport Fishing at Ship Creek

Ship Creek is the best place to go if you want to experience salmon sport fishing in Anchorage. This river runs right through the center of the city.

Even if you don’t have much time, it’s a wonder because it’s so much fun.

At this place, you can also rent whole fishing kits. If you buy a package, you’ll get all the gear you need and some fishing tips.

63. Traverse the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a shared bike and walking path section that runs along the coast from the center of downtown.

There is a chance to see animals like moose and sea birds here. And a s you move along the route, the view of Anchorage continues to improve as you look back.

You can rent bikes near Elderberry Park, where the trail begins, or walk it yourself.

We recommend going from Elderberry Park towards the West Chester Lagoon if you are walking. Alternatively, if you’re riding a bike, you should continue past Kincaid Park.

62. Picture the Surrounding Area of Eagle River Nature Center

About thirty minutes will get you from downtown Anchorage to Eagle River Nature Center. It is in the midst of Chugach State Park and is a great spot to stop while discovering the large park.

The nature center building used to be a popular bar and steakhouse. Now, it is with friendly people who want you to make the most of the natural area around it. They are there most days of the week to answer any questions.

The area around the Eagle River Nature Center has hiking trails and beautiful views that are always open. 

You can even pitch a tent on the property as long that you are one mile from the center and off the trail!

61. Participate in Anchorage Trolley Tour

The Anchorage Trolley tour is a must-take if you want to learn about the city’s history quickly and get a feel for it.

As of this writing, this one-hour tour costs $20 per person, but it has a lot to offer: you’ll drive across downtown Anchorage, witness the Alaska Railroad Depot, go to Earthquake Park, go around Lake Hood, and even see Star the Reindeer. 

With plenty of Anchorage highlights, it is no doubt this tour is a must!

60. Escape City Life at Earthquake Park

Earthquake Park is only a few minutes from downtown Anchorage, but it feels like a world away.

The 134-acre park in the woods across the Knik Arm coast remembers an earthquake in 1964 that caused a whole neighborhood to slide into the water.

Earthquake Park, between Hood Creek and Point Woronzof, is the ideal spot to unwind after a hectic day in Anchorage.

Walk to the park’s north end to see the Knik Arm and the Chugach Mountains from a dramatic angle. In other parts of the park, you can look northeast and see Downtown Anchorage.

What’s more? Earthquake Park has biking and hiking trails and connects to the Coastal Trail. It stretches 11 miles along the water and is a great place to enjoy Anchorage’s beautiful coast.

59. Scramble Over Portage Pass

There are many great hikes around and within Anchorage, but the Portage Pass Trail is one you don’t want to miss. 

You have to drive through Whittier Tunnel to get to the trailhead. When you come out of the tunnel, turn left quickly, and you’re ready to go!

The hike to Portage Glacier is about 2 miles long and gives you beautiful sights of Maynard Mountain and Shakespeare’s Shoulder. Before going to Portage Lake, you’ll also walk by Divide Lake and deep trenches.

Even though you can’t get as close to Portage Glacier as you used to, you can still see it beautifully. If you listen closely, you might hear ice dropping from the glacier as it melts away.

58. Ride the Slopes of Arctic Valley Ski Area

Arctic Valley is among the first places you can get to when you go to Chugach.

It has a lot of trails but very little or no traffic, so people who go there feel like they have the whole area to themselves.

If you like skiing, Arctic Valley Ski Area is among the best place to ski in Anchorage.

When the weather isn’t good for skiing, it’s a popular place for hiking and other outdoor activities.

There are beautiful scenes of the valley, and you can prepare small snacks there.

The trip to Arctic Valley and back is only about six miles, so you can do it without too much trouble.

57. Sip Cold Beers

Anchorage is the place to be if you like beer.

Alaska has more than 50 breweries, one of which is the most northern in the world. Isn’t that cool?

Anchorage has a lot of these kinds of breweries. If you don’t want to drink and drive, stay downtown and keep a look for 49th State Brewing.

You can also go to the Industrial District and try the beer at Midnight Sun, King Street, and Double Shovel.

Before leaving the place, try the beer from Broken Tooth Brewing at Moose’s Tooth. You can also purchase a growler to keep in your hotel room.

See also: 14 Awesome Bars in Anchorage Alaska to check out

56. Unwind at McHugh Creek Day Use Area

The McHugh Creek Day Use Area is one of the best parts of Chugach State Park. It’s a fantastic spot for a picnic, and a twenty-foot waterfall is just a short walk from where you can park.

It’s only about 25 minutes from downtown, and the parking area is easy to find because it’s right off Seward Highway at milepost 111. This day-use zone is accessible to people with disabilities so everyone can enjoy it.

If you want to go further, try the out-and-back, 6.4-mile McHugh Trail and see the Chugach Mountains and a few alpine lakes.

55. Meet Anchorage’s Mascot

Star is a reindeer who lives in Anchorage and is the city’s mascot.

Even though reindeer can live up to 20 years as pets, this is not the first Star. She lives at the edge of I Street and 10th Avenue.

Star sometimes shows up at community events, but if you want to see her, you’ll have to walk down to her big pen and say hi there.

Also, you can’t pet or feed her; it’s still a good idea to kill a few minutes if you’re nearby.

54. Marvel at Alaska Botanical Garden

If you are a nature lover, you’ll love this next one.

The Alaska Botanical Garden is among the most surprising places for nature lovers to visit in Anchorage. It has over 1,100 species of perennial plants and 150 species of native plants.

Most travelers would think that Alaska’s cold climate would mean that there isn’t much exciting plant life there. The Alaska Botanical Garden shows that this isn’t true. 

In the shade of a natural forest, this 100-acre paradise is a great place to see large numbers of Alaska’s most fascinating plants and flowers growing.

On the wildflower trail, you can see irises, roses, poppies, and Asiatic lilies that survive in cold weather. Walk around the herb garden to get a feel for the different herbs used for food and traditional medicine. 

Or, get a quick lesson in Alaskan history at the Anchorage Heritage Garden while you look at a typical vegetable, annual, and perennial garden from the 20th century.

53. Learn Alaskan Culture at Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is another great option if you’re searching for things to do in Anchorage. 

Alaska is a complex state with eleven significant cultures, and the best place to find out about them is at the heritage center.

During your visit, you’ll get a close look at how the locals live, but that’s not what makes this place so unique. At the Alaska Native Heritage Center, you can hear stories and see dances from local people to learn about their cultures.

Apart from that,  just outside is a traditional Alaskan longhouse you can explore!

52. Embark On Kayaking Adventure 

Among the best ways to see Alaska is to go kayaking in Anchorage.

You can paddle in the calm waters near Seward.

The native people of Alaska would use sea canoes to move along the shoreline and unwind simultaneously.

You can kayak for one day or several days, depending on what you want.

What’s more? Many travel companies can assist you in making the most of your kayaking trip with their knowledge!

51. Take the Alaska Railroad

One of our top picks to do in the Anchorage area is the Alaska Railroad.

It’s a great way to have a day outside of Anchorage and cruise one of the most beautiful trains in the US or perhaps the world.

We suggest catching a train from Anchorage to Girdwood and devoting the day to exploring the town in the larger Anchorage area.

Before returning to Anchorage the same day, you can ride the Girdwood Tram, sip craft beer, trek, or enjoy the spa at the Alyeska Hotel.

We highly recommend taking a day trip on the Glacier Discovery whistle-stop train to see wildlife and glaciers and go off the beaten path.

50. Go Canoeing at Eklutna Lake

Eklutna Lake is another popular place to go in Chugach State Park. 

This lake is seven miles long, one mile wide, and has about fifteen miles of shoreline. The fast-melting Eklutna Glacier at one end feeds the lake with water.

Anchorage gets most of its drinking water and electricity from this body of water, which has a hydroelectric dam.

Electric and non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but many people go to Eklutna Lake to kayak and canoe because it is such a beautiful place.

The snowy peaks in the background will make you love this activity even more!

49. Watch Wildlife at Potter Marsh

Potter Marsh is a well-known place where people often see wildlife.

It lies on the south side of Anchorage, and though this was less common before, this area has changed significantly.

The moose like to hang out in this marsh, and you can also see eagles, geese, or other birds.

The best part is that the path out to Potter Marsh is a raised boardwalk with railings, making it easy for people with mobility issues or kids who want to get out to walk around.

48. Go On Outdoor Adventure at Kincaid Park

Among the best places for outdoor adventurers in Anchorage, Kincaid Park is only 20 minutes from the city center.

On the boundary of the Anchorage Bowl, the park covers 1,500 acres of a moraine. From its distinct perch, you can see Denali National Park and the Cook Inlet in all their dramatic glory.

On its more than 35 miles of trails, you can get ready for a hike, run, bike ride, or cross-country skiing adventure if you’re there in the winter.

Also, keep an eye out for black bears, moose, eagles, and other native Alaskan animals, among some of the birch and spruce trees.

Do you want some more action? You can play 18 holes of disc golf with your travel companions or practice your aim at the park’s archery range.

47. Make a Scenic Drive Along Seward Highway

One way to fully enjoy the beauty of Anchorage and the area around it is to take a road trip. But you’ll want to do it along Seward Highway!

The Seward Highway goes from Anchorage to Seward and is among the most beautiful drives you’ll ever take.

The initial part of the route goes along the Turnagain Arm, where you can see the Chugach Mountains in all their glory. You might also see beluga whales if you’re lucky before through the Kenai Peninsula from there.

Give yourself a lot of time because there are a lot of places to see along the way. It includes the cute town of Girdwood and the Potter Creek Viewpoint.

46. View the World-Famous Northern Lights

Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a rare sight you should see once in your life.

From different places in and around Anchorage, you can see these effects of vibrant lights making the sky clear and dark.

Some places where you will likely see the Northern Lights are the Eklutna Tailrace, Glen Alps, Point Woronzof, Girdwood, the Knik River Valley, and the Eagle River Nature Center.

If you want a good chance of seeing this show, the best time is between mid-August and April.

There is no way to know or set when this will happen because it depends significantly on how dark the night is.

45. Sample Local Foods

One of the favorite features about Alaskans is that most of their food comes from what they catch or hunt sustainably. 

Many Alaskans depend on subsistence gathering and hunting to survive the long winters. So, among the best ways to see Anchorage like a native is to eat some fresh seafood or try a few of the different meats served in Alaska.

The well-known Simon and Seaforts or Orso have several of the best seafood downtown. If you want to avoid crowds and eat where the locals do, check out Kincaid Grill, which serves fresh Alaskan oysters, cod, salmon, halibut, and Alaskan scallops. 

Kincaid Grill also has a fantastic selection of meats and dishes that change with the seasons. There are also King Crab legs and other seafood treats at Haute Quarter Grill.

It is a gourmet treat as there are many other places you can explore within the city!

44. See Anchorage Scenery at Point Woronzof Park

The 192-acre Point Woronzof Park is among Earthquake Park and Kincaid Park.

Even though this park is in the path of the Ted Stevens International Airport runways, you won’t mind seeing and hearing the planes as you glance out at Fire Island, Cook Inlet, the mountain ranges, and maybe even whales.

It is a great place to peek at sunset, no matter what time it is when you go. You might also see bald eagles if you look out over the water.

43. Head Towards the Alaska Aviation Museum

Those interested in aviation history will have a great time at Lake Hood, the world’s biggest and busiest floatplane base, and the Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage.

The museum has four hangars with old planes and artifacts in them. It may not sound much, but for the AvGeeks out there, it can take a while to look around.

The museum is close to the airport, so you’ll need to rent a car. If you decide to go, give yourself a couple of hours to explore.

This is definitely one of our favorite museums in Anchorage!

42. Get Active in Delaney Park

Delaney Park used to be a “firebreak” clearing on the southern edge of Anchorage. Now, it is right in the center of town and is among the best places in the city to enjoy the outdoors.

This park is only one block wide but 13 blocks long. You can exercise in Anchorage at the park, which has soccer, volleyball, tennis, and baseball fields.

In the winter, you can play ice hockey with your family on the park’s outdoor rink. Or you can skate around the rink at your own pace and enjoy the cool weather.

41. Snap a Photograph at Bird Creek

If you take the Seward Highway (AK 1) south of Anchorage, you can get to this next point!

There are beautiful mountain views and lookout points along the road, and there are also signs for Bird Creek on the right flank of the road.

Bird Creek has a lovely parking lot, a short walk, and incredible views.

From there, you can see the Turnagain Arm. It’s also a great place to take pictures.

And when you visit in the fall, the views will become more memorable.

40. Visit Ulu Factory

The Ulu Factory, Alaska’s most unique factory, is where you can have an exciting time.

It is in the middle of Anchorage. For over 25 years, this factory has been making high-quality northern ulu knives.

What else can it offer? It is one of the finest sites to buy one of these old northern blades and acts as a kind of mini-museum of history.

You can watch skilled craftspeople making knives the same way they did a century ago.

Did we mention that the site has a gift shop and a garden area?

39. Avail Rust’s Flightseeing Services

As was already said, among the best things to do in Anchorage is to go on a flight. Even though it’s pricey, it’s a great deal for everything you’ll receive.

Several companies offer this service, but reserving with Rust’s Flying Service will not disappoint you.

Other tours give you beautiful views of Denali, but Rust’s bear viewing tour gives you both a scenic time and a chance to see bears. So, if you’re saving up for a flightseeing tour in Alaska and desire a close-up look at how bears live, this is your best option.

Another upside is that it has a lot of tours with beautiful views or longer trips where you can stay in cabins. You can also check that out since it’s a local favorite around Anchorage.

38. Relax at Westchester Lagoon

Downtown Anchorage is only 15 minutes away on foot from Westchester Lagoon. Although the two lakes that comprise the lagoon were human-made, there is a lot of wildlife in this area.

During the warm months, all kinds of birds come here to eat, swim and care for their young. On the other hand, it is a great ice rink that the city runs in the winter. 

There are two islands, and there are trails all around the lagoon. It is a great place to walk at any time of day or night.

37. Take a Ghost Tour of Old Anchorage

Ghost Tours of Anchorage is the best way to learn about the history of Anchorage and Alaska for people who like to learn while having fun.

This 90-minute tour happens at 7:30 pm every night of the week apart on Monday. The tour only costs $15, which is a good deal for Alaska.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the “history and mystery” of Anchorage. If you’re open to suggestions, you may also get a sense of the hauntings parts of the city.

36. Delve Into Chugach National Forest

The Chugach National Forest is among the most popular places to go outside in Alaska. It is 35 miles south of Anchorage and is the second-largest national forest in the United States, with an area of 6.9 million acres.

The Kenai Peninsula, the Copper River Delta, and Prince William Sound are all significant parts of the Chugach National Forest. In its length, you can see almost all of Alaska’s different climate zones, from tropical rainforests and boreal forests to shoreline inlets and wetlands.

With many to offer, it is a fantastic destination to uncover while in Anchorage!

35. Watch Whales at the Beluga Point Site

Along the Cook Inlet are signing for the Beluga Point View on the right corner of the road. 

Beluga Point is at the 110.5-mile marker on the Seward Highway and is only 6.5 miles south of the city limits of Anchorage.

This place is excellent for seeing Beluga whales and viewing the beautiful Turnagain Arm from 180 degrees of angles. And if you go at high tide, you’re most likely to see the white heads of belugas sticking out of the water!

You can see a lot of whales here, which could be one of the best parts of your trip to Anchorage. But if you walk along the shore, watch out for the mudflats, which can be even more dangerous than quicksand.

34. Have a Tasty Breakfast at Snow City Cafe

If you are in Anchorage for more than one day, you should get a good start before you go out and see the area. Snowy City Cafe will help you do that.

Snow City Cafe is a popular brunch spot in the city. The service is friendly, the food is delicious, and breakfast is available all day.

Its goal is to make food precisely how customers desire, using the top local and healthy ingredients possible.

The cafe is bright and full of natural light, and the people who work there are always happy.

At Snow City Cafe, you can get stacked pancakes of Canadian maple syrup, diet breakfast options, and one of the finest Eggs Benedict meals in the area.

33. Take in the Midnight Sun

The great thing about going to Anchorage or Alaska as a whole in the summer is that it is light for more than 20 hours a day.

That implies you can go hiking at 10 pm or have a drink on a rooftop at 9 pm.

You can do a lot in an entire day, so reserve all the tours, eat at several spots, and walk around downtown Anchorage till the sun never sets.

32. Learn at Resolution Park

Resolution Park is a lovely area on the north end of town with a lot of historical information.

A monument of Captain James Cook stands in this park. Captain Cook and his crew left on their third trip in 1776 on a ship named HMS Resolution.

During his trip, he looked at the Alaskan coast for a way to get to the Atlantic. He and his crew could not find this passage, so they went south toward the Sandwich Islands. He died later in Hawaii in 1779.

Captain Cook was among the most well-known explorers in the world, and this park and statue are a great way to honor him. 

Here, you’ll get great views of Knik Arm, and the interpretive signs will tell you further about his place in history.

31. Discover Funky Girdwood

Girdwood is a place all by itself. It is 45 minutes south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. 

This ski town is mainly about the Alyeska Resort and snowshoeing on Alyeska Mountain during winter. In the summer, there is a lot to do as well.

The Girdwood Forest Fair, which is every July, is a big draw. With a slogan like “No Dogs, No Politics, and No Religious Orders,” you can tell that people in Girdwood have strong opinions about things, but locals and tourists love the event.

Apart from that, you will also access great hiking trails and fantastic food and drink.

Easily, Girdwood is worth a day excursion from Anchorage or even a night if you have time in your Alaska schedule.

30. Take Your Kids to the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature

Are you bringing kids to Anchorage? Visit Anchorage’s Alaska Museum of Science and Nature, one of the best places in Anchorage for families, to learn something new. 

Kids will learn everything about Alaska’s distinct geology and ecology through fun and educational displays here.

Inside the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature, you’ll find the state’s most extensive mineral deposits, rocks, and fossils. 

You will also see North America’s oldest duck-billed dinosaur and a full-size model of a pterosaur, the only dinosaur that could fly in the past.

29. Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram

Take a ride on the Alyeska Aerial Tram if you want to see some fantastic sights! 

It will take you to the summit of Mount Alyeska, where you can see the Turnagain Arm and the glaciers around you.

When you reach the top, there are lots of things to do, like eating at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant or trying paragliding. But hiking is the brightest idea to do around here.

You can take many hikes from Alyeska Resort, including the famous 2.2-mile North Face Trail. You can also start the Upper Tram Terminal Trails or the South Bowl Trails from here, so you have many options.

28. Grab Your Family Towards Hilltop Ski Area

Hilltop Ski Area is where all families who come to the city should go.

The site is just 15 minutes by car from the middle of downtown Anchorage.

It’s an excellent place to wear skis or prepare your snowboard for the slopes.

It has one slope, a small chairlift, and just a few drags, so it’s great for skiers starting.

On-site, there is a ski school, a place to rent equipment, and a small sledding hill for people who like to be scared.

27. Smell the Flowers Downtown

Downtown Anchorage has a lot of historic charm, and in the summer, there are many flowers in bloom. 

If you stay in the area between Ship Creek and the Delaney Park Strip, especially on 4-6th Ave., you’ll find that it has a quirky, historic look and is full of floral baskets and gardens that hang from the ceiling.

The baskets downtown look like the state flag, which has “blue stars on a gold field.” A beautiful flower garden in the town square is worth stopping to see. And there are flower baskets on big fishing poles out to 15th Avenue.

It treats the eye and nose with colorful sights and great scents! Likewise, it is enjoyable while you’re in a busy part of the city.

26. Stroll the North Fork Trail in Chugach State Park

The North Fork Trail is an excellent choice for people who love being outside.

This trail is easy and only about 30 minutes from downtown Anchorage. There is a lot to see on its 2.3-mile out-and-back track with only approximately 200 feet of elevation change, so it’s great for kids.

Even though it’s on the park’s edge, it’s in Chugach State Park, so you’ll have to pay a day fee. But it leads toward the Eagle River, and there are a lot of beautiful sights along the way.

People who like to hike but want a warm shower and a comfortable bed afterward might enjoy the nearby Alaska Chalet Bed & Breakfast, which has a good reputation. It is a fantastic spot to visit if you want to be close to Anchorage but not in the city center or suburbs. 

25. Reach the Spencer Glacier

Spencer Glacier goes up 3,500 feet in a beautiful, natural slope from a lake of royal-blue ice sheets in the Chugach National Forest, just 60 miles south of Anchorage. Even though it’s pretty, tours of this tourist hotspot are pricey.

But you can get there by taking the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop train and a short, easy hike right to the Spencer Glacier or by kayaking on the lake.

To summarize the trip, you will walk about 1.2 miles to get to the lake after you get off the train. From there, the glacier is about two miles away.

You can also get close to the glacier if you have a raft, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. You can land safely on the moraine on the left side of the glacier, and climbing this moraine will give you great views.

If you do this activity, be careful! Don’t get too near to the glacier because it does break apart.

24. See What the Oscar Anderson House Museum Offers

Stop by the Oscar Anderson House Museum to learn about Anchorage’s past. 

The historic house is in Elderberry Park in downtown Anchorage. It shows how early settlers lived in Anchorage through its furniture and artifacts.

The Oscar Anderson House Museum was once the house of one of Anchorage’s most influential people. The following year, it underwent many repairs that brought it back to its glory in the early 1900s.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can set up a tour of the Oscar Anderson House Museum. If you are in Anchorage in early December, you can visit the house to see its decoration for Christmas in the Swedish style.

23. Go Dog Sledding

Among the most widely known things to do in Anchorage is go dog sledding. 

You can choose from many companies to take this activity, and Alaska Mushing School or Greatland Adventures are two options with the best services.

Discovering the Alaskan wilderness while being pulled by beautiful dogs is one of the most incredible things you will ever do. 

Many tour companies will also let you spend some time with the pups after the tour, so get ready to be overwhelmed by cuteness!

22. Tour the Area by Helicopter With Alpine Air Alaska

Alpine Air Alaska, in the neighborhood of Girdwood, is your way into all the amazing things this beautiful city has to offer.

This helicopter tour will let you see Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park from above.

As you fly through the air, you will see wildlife in bloom, the turquoise ice of Godwin Glacier, peaceful meadows, and beautiful cliffs.

This one-of-a-kind experience will amaze you with its many things to do and beautiful sights!

21. Sample Anchorage Street Food

Anchorage has a flourishing street food scene that you won’t miss.

Reindeer hot dogs are available at many food carts on 4th Avenue during the summer, but that’s just the beginning. If you want a hot dog, the best places are Tia’s Gourmet Sausages and Tiki Pete’s.

If you’re in town on a Saturday in the summer, go to the Anchorage Saturday Market for salmon tortillas and dozens of vendors.

On the other hand, Anchorage’s best street food is at the Food Truck Carnival in Spenard on Thursday, so if you are in the area, don’t miss it.

20. Take the Barbara Falls Trail

Barbara Falls, also called South Fork Falls, is a wise option if you like waterfalls and want to experience a beautiful one with little work.

This 1.3-mile out-and-back trail on the northernmost tip of Chugach State Park is rated as easy and gains only 190 feet in elevation. You’ll see the beautiful falls when you reach the path’s end.

This trail is well taken care of, but in the summer, it can be damp and full of mosquitoes, and in the winter, it can be icy, so be careful. 

But in general, this trail is excellent for dogs and kids, and everybody in your group will love it.

19. Participate in a Private Full-Day Tour in Anchorage and Turnagain Arm

If you only have a single day in Anchorage, this 8-hour private tour is a great way to see it as much as possible.

You’ll start with a tour of the best parts of Anchorage, and then you’ll head out on Turnagain Arm, arguably among the most beautiful road stretches in the US.

At Mt. Alyeska, you will ride a tram to get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Turnagain and have lunch at the mountain’s summit. Next, you will get a VIP tour of Alaska’s most famous animals at the Wildlife Conservation Center.

Overall, this tour has a lot to offer. If you go on it, you won’t be disappointed.

18. Find Flakes of Gold at Crow Creek

Crow Creek Mine has been around since 1898 and is known as one of the most productive mines in Southcentral Alaska.

It has some of the oldest structures in Anchorage, artifacts from the gold rush, beautiful gardens, views of the mountains, and genuine, working gold claims. All these things can make Crow Creek Mine a truly memorable one for a wide range of people.

This attraction is still famous for gold panning, tours, mining trips, concert, salmon bake banquets, private events, corporate outings, wedding ceremonies, and more.

So go there now with a pan, patience, and persistence! You might find flakes of Alaska gold!

17. View Bore Tide

Anchorage contains some of the most extreme waves in the world, which are very high.

Turnagain Arm’s shallow, narrow waters help make a bore tide, a wave that can be up to 6 feet high and goes for miles along the inlet.

There are many good places to see this natural event along the Seward Highway. Bird, Beluga, and Indian Points are good places to watch the bore tide.

You can also see surfers who are brave enough to try to ride this wave. Bore tide surfing is not like short rides that you do over and over again. Instead, you ride the waves for long distances. 

You don’t want to miss this wave because if you don’t catch it as it rolls by, you might have to float back to where you started for a long time.

16. Hike Towards Arctic Valley

You can do more activities in Arctic Valley than ride down the slopes in the winter. This area is also a popular place to hike in Anchorage for its beautiful views.

So pack your shoes for a medium-level hike with views of the Anchorage bowl, and, on a clear day, you could even see Denali.

For more things to do, we recommend going on a hike in the autumn. During that time, you can see locals picking blueberries, which you can do too.

15. Catch a Show at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

Since 1998, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (or Center of the PAC, as it is known locally) has been a mainstay in Anchorage’s arts scene. It is the place to visit Anchorage to see a play, show, musical, or concert.

With its convenient downtown location and three different-sized theaters, the center attracts everyone from local top picks to Broadway shows such as “Peter Pan” and Grammy Award medallists like David Sanborn and Bela Fleck.

14. Trek the Thunderbird Falls Trail

The Thunderbird Falls Trail is another easy route in Chugach State Park that results in an extraordinary waterfall.

It is another excellent activity to do with dogs and children because it’s less than two miles each way, and the falls at the end is a beautiful sight you’ll never forget. 

However, expect to see many people on this trail; still, the 200-foot Thunderbird Falls is worth it.

13. Ride an ATV 

It’s easy to get to the undiscovered wilderness around Anchorage. Just turn on your engines and take in the sights and sounds of Alaska’s backcountry!

Tourists and many Alaskans find the best motor-driven adventures at the end of the route, where the pavement wraps up, and the trails start.

Whether you like four-wheelers or machines with no wheels like snow machines, Anchorage and its neighbors have a lot of ways to be fabulous on any terrain.

Motorized backcountry trips give you a break from city life and access to Alaska’s best fishing, enormous glaciers, and places to get away from it all.

During the summer, you can explore sandy beaches, rocky riverbeds, and winding trails through the woods. In the winter, riders will find a lot of white, powdery roads in the backcountry.

Companies that rent out ATVs and run backcountry tours are happy to connect new and seasoned riders for the morning, day, or even longer trips.

12. View the Byron Glacier 

The trailhead for the Byron Glacier Trail is near Portage Glacier as well as the Begich Boggs Visitor Center in Chugach State Park. This out-and-back trail goes for 3.2 miles and is pretty easy, even though it goes up 787 feet in elevation.

On this trail, you’ll see several different ecosystems, and at the end, you’ll get a nice view of Byron Glacier. 

At dusk, you might see ice worms in the wild. The area is known as being one of the best places on the globe to do so.

11. Combine Science and Nature at Campbell Creek Science Center

The Campbell Creek Science Center has guided activities in nature that are fun to do outside. It is a great place to learn about science and nature simultaneously.

The center sits within the BLM Campbell Tract, a 730-acre piece of public land in the middle of Anchorage that is home to wildlife, native plants, and 12 miles of hiking trails.

Here, you can go on an early-morning bird walk, talk about nature by the fire, and learn about Alaska’s wildlife and natural history.

You can also look at their calendar to see what events are coming up in the winter or summer.

10. Roam the Eagle & Symphony Lakes Trail

Try this next one if you are up for a great hike featuring something else you’ve probably never seen before. 

Keep in mind, though, that it is a long hike. The out-and-back trail is 12 miles each way, and you’ll gain a lot of elevation. But if you are a potent hiker, just at the end of this trail, you will see two different-colored lakes right next to each other.

That is because the different sediments in the water reflect different colors when the sun shines on them.

Eagle Lake gets its water from Flute Glacier, while Symphony Lake receives its water from rain and snow. Because these lakes get their water from different places, their blues are very different and stand out.

Don’t forget to capture this magnificent view!

9. Check Out Wolf Song of Alaska

Wolf Song is a non-profit group in Eagle River that raises public awareness regarding Alaskan wolves and the need to protect them.

It has a tiny museum and education hub where you can learn how important one of Alaska’s most beautiful top predators is to the state.

You’re sure to have  a great adventure here, especially when the wolves howl

8. Chill at Virgin Creek Falls

Near Girdwood, Virgin Creek Falls is a beautiful destination after a short and easy hike.

This trail is only half a mile each way, so you can walk it in less than half an hour. However, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.

On the way, you’ll see and hear a lot of birds. Also, take a moment to relax and smell the pine.

In the end, you’ll reach the cascade. It is tiny but beautiful and worth seeing. 

You can also have a picnic here, but don’t forget to take your trash with you when you finish.

7. Stop By Eklutna Village

Eklutna Village should be on your list of things to do in Anchorage.

On your way to Denali or Talkeetna, this village is a beautiful way to learn about the culture of the Native people. Dena’ina Athabascan people have lived in Eklutna for 800 years, making it the oldest place in Anchorage where people have lived.

In the 1840s, when the Russians came and forced the Native people to become Russian Orthodox, they built St. Nicholas’ Church, which is the oldest building in Anchorage that is still standing.

Besides the church, you can see vibrant color houses for the spirits of the dead. It is a Dena’ina tradition. Plus, it’s interesting to see how Orthodoxy & Indigenous cultures go well together.

During the summer, you can take tours of the park throughout the day, and if you want to visit outside of the summer, you can get in touch.

Plus, you can book a tour with a Native guide to support this small village of 70 people.

6. Examine the Indian Valley Mine Historic Site

Indian Valley Mine Historic Site is another great place for kids and an alternative to Crow Creek. It is a fun means to devote time while in Anchorage.

This mine didn’t mine for gold but quartz. It was started in 1910 by Peter Strong, who came to Alaska in 1898 during Klondike Gold Rush. His cabin is here; since 1989, it has been a member National Register of Historic Places.

This place is an enjoyable way to spend an hour or more with your family and is only 20 minutes south of Anchorage. Beautiful views of Turnagain Arm are visible, and you can try your luck at gold panning. You’ll also love the small gift shop run by a family.

5. Segue at the Iditarod Headquarters

If you like dog sledding a lot, this is a fantastic place to go.

Dog sledding is a recreational activity that almost everyone likes and finds exciting, and the Iditarod is the best way to show how much fun it is.

The Iditarod takes place every March. But you can peruse the Iditarod Headquarters close to Anchorage any time to learn more about the race and the folks and dogs participating.

Search the museum, watch race clips, look at trophies, and look through the gift shop for memorabilia for yourself or your dog at home.

4. Join Fur Rondy

Visit in February to experience Fur Rendezvous, also called the Fur Rondy, by the people who live there.

This big cultural event is a highlight in Anchorage that people look forward to every year. And it is easy to know why!

Alaskans come from all over the state for a whole week to run reindeer, race outhouses, make snow sculptures, try carnival rides, and much more.

Each event leads up to the official start of the Iditarod, which Alaskans all over the state love!

3. Enjoy at Girdwood Playground & Skate Park

If you’ve spent a lot of time inside the car on vacation, your kids will probably need to get some energy out, especially if they’re cool.

The Girdwood Playground and Skate Park in Girdwood Park, 40 miles southwest of the city center of Anchorage, is a fantastic spot to have fun.

The Skate Park is open every day from 6 am to 11 pm. Although the playground is significant, most minor kids can play separately with smaller equipment.

On the other hand, the Girdwood Frisbee Golf Course has 18 pits where you and your family can play a round of disc golf in a beautiful setting.

2. Check Out Anchorage’s Street Arts

There is a lot of enjoyable street art in Anchorage. The colorful murals on 4th and 5th Avenue are something you really can’t miss!

Locals call the back alleys between B and F “Ziggy’s alley.” It is because a white guy covered the walls with pictures of Alaska.

If you want to see a beautiful Native American mural, go to the Covenant House on 8th and Barrow. Apayuq painted a beautiful mural there. 

Meanwhile, Anchorage’s newest piece is a beautiful and vibrant piece of Indigenous art that took the place of a mural that supported colonial values. 

To have an unforgettable experience, don’t miss Crystal’s fantastic mural on G and 7th downtown!

1. Picture the World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall

For a sweet ending to this list of the best things to do in Anchorage, head to the following location!

If you love chocolate, and who doesn’t, you should view the World’s Largest Chocolate Waterfall when you’re in Anchorage!

Even though it’s not in the Guinness Book of World Records, it’s hard to think of an enormous chocolate waterfall than this one. Since 1994, it has been pumping 3,000 pounds of chocolate down a 20-foot cascade.

As strange as it is, you can see it in the Alaska Wild Berry Park Store. It’s something you’ll never forget.

In Closing

And that wraps this extensive list of the 75 best things to do in Anchorage, Alaska!

This city, so beautiful, provides endless activities. Whether exploring the vast outdoors or walking within popular establishments, you will have all sorts of fun!

We hope you find something interesting from this list to incorporate into your journey. And as always, we’d like to know your thoughts, so don’t hesitate to put them in the comments! Have a fantastic Anchorage journey!

If you’re in Anchorage and looking for a place to grab a drink, we’ve got you covered with the best bars in Anchorage!

Anchorage is trendy for tourists and travelers because it has beautiful scenery, fantastic wildlife, and many outdoor activities.

This city is in the southeast of Alaska, is a tourism hub, and often serves as an entry to the rest of the state. Even though it isn’t the most modern or tech-savvy, its charms are just as interesting, like its great bars.

Different kinds of bars mark the map of Anchorage. And one thing is for sure; each is a perfect spot to celebrate after a long day exploring the nearby wilderness.

Generally, the bar scene in Anchorage is known for craft beer, casual vibes, cozy decor, and live music.

There is something for everyone, whether you want a dive bar, a bar and grill, or a sports bar. You’ll enjoy bars with great cocktails, and if you want to eat, you’re lucky because some places we’ll talk about here have great food, too. 

With that, let’s jump straight to these 14 fun, chic, and local bars in Anchorage, Alaska, that you can’t miss!

14. Barry’s Baranof Lounge

1166 Gambell St, Anchorage, AK | Cocktail Bar, Pub, Lounges | $10 – $25 | Monday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 2:30 am, Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 3:00 am, Sunday 12:00 pm – 2:30 am

First on this list is Barry’s Baranof Lounge, which has food so good that people often mistake it for a restaurant.

This dive bar has been around for years and is in downtown Anchorage. It’s a local favorite for a reason!

The owner, Barry Smith, has been in the hospitality business for a long time. He chose to open his bar when he saw that the neighborhood needed a more upscale lounge.

Today, it has a full-service bar with various domestic and foreign beers, wine, liquor, premium spirits, and specialty cocktails.

If you don’t like alcohol, you can choose from a variety of fruit juices, soda water, or water from the tap. You can also buy non-alcoholic drinks like coffee or tea on-site.

This place also has a long list of traditional bar food, like burgers and fries.

What’s left? There is live music every day of the week at this place. Jazz played by local musicians will make your time here more relaxing.

Barry’s Baranof Lounge also has places to sit inside and outside and a room for events that can fit up to 100 people.

This bar is an excellent place to meet new people, drink, and dance. The bartenders are friendly, and everyone seems to be having a good time. People from all walks of life head to Barry’s, and there are always many things at the bar.

And don’t forget that the bar attracts many tourists with its unique location next to the city’s most famous attraction – the Chugach State Park. So you can head there afterward!

13. The Blue Fox Cocktail Lounge

3461 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK | Bar, Pub | $10 under | Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 2:00 am (next day)

The Blue Fox Bar is one of the hidden gems in the area and a great place to go if you’re looking to have a good time.

The Blue Fox Bar is just north of Anchorage. It has two stories, one below ground and the other above. Both settings offer unique experiences, depending on what you want.

On the lower level, there are several more relaxed bars and seating where you can catch up and relax with your family or friends while having a drink. It has a classic look with wood flooring and tables.

Many kinds of drinks are available here, including beer, liquor, and wine. Also, there are many kinds of food, like appetizers, pizzas, burgers, salads, and pasta. Both the food and drinks have tasty flavors that are unique to Anchorage.

The upper level is the spot to be if you want to start dancing the night away!

It has a huge dance floor and then a stage where local bands perform weekly shows with pop, rock, country, jazz, and blues music throughout the week and karaoke nights on the weekends.

On top of that, this bar is only a quick walk from many accommodations in downtown Anchorage and things tourists want to see when they come to this part of Alaska, like the Anchorage Museum and the Denali National Park Visitor Center.

12. Cabin Tavern 

264 Muldoon Rd, Anchorage, AK | Bar, Dive Bar | $10 – $25 | Monday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 2:30 am (next day), Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 3:00 am (next day), Sunday 12:00 pm – 2:30 am (next day)

The Cabin Tavern is another historic landmark in downtown Anchorage. It opened in 1940 and has been giving its loyal and long-term customers the best service ever since.

Whether you’re just passing through Alaska or there for a long time, you should check out Cabin Tavern. If you like dive bars mixed in with history, this is even more of a reason to go there.

The inside of Cabin Tavern looks a lot like the insides of other downtown Anchorage bars. It has dark wood floors, a lot of red accents, and themed decorations all over.

It has a long list of drinks, including more than 100 tap beers, wine, whiskey, and malt. Even though it has an extensive menu, one drink that stands out is the “out of the box” Bloody Mary with string cheese. Yes, you read that right!

During the summer, there is also a large outdoor patio with plenty of seating to enjoy drinks while getting fresh air. Their deck has a beautiful view, and many tables allow you to enjoy it with friends or family.

The service is good, and the crowd is just what you expect. Anchorage bar-hopping isn’t complete without this classic dive, with a couple of dart boards, several TVs showing sports, and even the bar dog. This is one of the best bars in Anchorage to experience the local vibes!

11. Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

3300 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK | American, Bar, Beer | $11 – $30 | Monday to Friday 10:30 am – 11:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

If you are looking for a beer and pizza combination in a casual atmosphere, no one does it better than Moose’s Tooth!

Anchorage, Alaska’s Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria is a bar and restaurant that is good for the whole family. It has been around since the early 1980s, and its great food, drinks, and atmosphere have made it more and more popular.

The pub has places to sit inside and on the patio, open all year. High ceilings, lumber paneling, and oversized windows give the rooms an airy feel while making them feel cozy.

It has many burgers and sandwiches available for lunch and a long list of wines for people who want something fancier.

The craft beer selection at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria is also among the best in Anchorage. It includes over 150 tap beers and more than 50 different kinds of beer in bottles that change with the seasons.

Besides food and drinks, Moose’s Tooth has local bands play live music at the pub on the weekends. It’s a great way to enjoy drinks and relax after a long day outside.

Don’t know what to order? We suggest getting the best pizza here, the Elf on the Shelf. You will be satisfied with its beers when it comes to drinks. Even more than the pizza, people come here for the beer. There are many great options, so try as many as you can when you go.

You cannot go wrong here if you want an excellent spot to hang out with friends or family.

10. Matanuska Brewing 

2830 C St, Anchorage, AK | Bar, Pub | $11 – $45 | Monday to Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Matanuska Brewing is a chain of brewpubs with locations in downtown Anchorage, Eagle River, Midtown, and Palmer.

It’s one of the earliest breweries in the state, opening in 2004. The New York Times, CNN, and Travel + Leisure already featured Matanuska Brewing Company as one of the best pubs in Anchorage, and it’s easy to see why.

The brewery is on Seward Highway and is in the middle of downtown Anchorage. It is also close to the campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Because it rose before the majority of buildings in the city, there are no additional buildings around it, and it has lovely views of downtown Anchorage.

Even though their food and drink menus are long and tasty, you should try their quarter-pound beef burger! It’s not enough to say that it makes your mouth water. 

If you don’t like burgers, don’t worry: there’s something for everyone, like steak, Alaskan seafood, pizza, and more.

Regarding drinks, Matanuska Brewing Company has a wide range of pale ales, IPAs, and other kinds of beer. It also boasts unique beers, like stouts and porters, which you can try if interested.

The Citrus IPA and the Sunlight Pilsner are two of its best American Pale Ales. On the menu, you can also find beers like Starlight Wheat, Cream Ale, and the famous Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout.

All those and plenty of outdoor and indoor seats contribute to a fantastic experience here – not to mention the friendly service.

9. Pioneer Bar

739 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK | Beer, Dive Bar, Pub | $11 – $30 | Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 2:30 am (next day), Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 am (next day), and Sunday 10:00 am – 2:30 am (next day)

Pioneer Bar has the “almost perfect bartender” and has been Anchorage’s best bar for several years. If you’re in the area, this is one of the top Anchorage pubs for the authentic local vibe!

Anchorage’s Pioneer Bar is a tiny, cozy place to hang out. The place has a casual vibe, but there are enough tables for large groups.

This bar has a wide range of beers on tap and in bottles, cans, and growlers. It sells bottled beers like Narragansett, Brooklyn Lager, Samuel Smith’s Golden Stout, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

It also has a few seasonal options that change often and a wide range of exciting imports, including some hard-to-find beers you can’t get anywhere else in Anchorage.

The sausage at Pioneer Bar is in-house, and you can get it with fries or onion bands on top. This food is delicious, especially with mustard. There is also a small TV above the bar. Pool tables and dart boards are in the back, and it plays some good music.

The bartender also suggests what to try, and its Irish coffee is a fantastic alternative if you are not into alcohol.

Even though it’s often called a “hole in the wall,” the Pioneer Bar is what many people look for in a traditional bar: casual comfort. Just a great place to hang out with your friends and get a cold pint of beer. This is one of the best bars in Anchorage for a real local experience.

8. F Street Station

325 F St, Anchorage, AK | American, Bar | $11 – $30 | Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 2:30 am (next day)

This pub is located between the fifth and sixth Avenues on F Street. Even though the bar has been around for a long time, it is still among the top locations to hang out in Anchorage.

The bar has a nice, comfortable feel to it. It is made mainly of wood, giving it a country feel. 

The menu at the bar includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Its halibut fish and chips are among the best in Anchorage. On the other hand, the French fries at this bar also taste great compared to other places.

Of course, the bar section here is also top-notch. You can choose from a long list of wines to go with your food. But this place also has a good variety of beer on tap and in bottles. You won’t be disappointed with the drinks here, especially during happy hours when it gets crowded.

Apart from that, F Street Station also has a wide range of other events, such as live concerts and karaoke nights. These events fit with the overall laid-back vibe of the place.

Also, the service was outstanding and friendly. There were just two servers for the entire place, including drinks from the bar, but they worked quickly and satisfactorily. They will even check on you several times!

Overall, this spot is a must-visit if you are in the area! This is one of our favorite well-rounded bars in Anchorage that has great drinks and food and a cozy vibe.

7. Glacier Brewhouse

737 W 5th Ave #110, Anchorage, AK | American, Bar, Brewhouse | $11 – $30 | Monday to Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday 11:00 am – 11:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 11:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm 

Many bars in Anchorage are also restaurants or brewpubs, and Glacier Brewhouse is no exception. This more than famous brewhouse is where you can grab a pint and a feed of Alaska’s best. It is known as Alaska’s first choice for Wild Alaskan seafood.

The brewery is a 15-bbl single-infusion mash system, and out of about 1,200 brewpubs in the United States, it consistently places among the top ten for making beer.

This brewery is known for making beers in the English and American West Coast styles. It also has a very detailed program for aging beers in oak.

You can try award-winning drinks like amber, blonde, bavarian hefeweizen, Indian pale ale, oatmeal stout, imperial blonde, and raspberry wheat in this brewery. You can also ask for flights to enjoy each with your friends. Even better, this brewhouse is in a restaurant, so it’s easy to get tasty food.

You can order pizza, sandwiches, soups, burgers, chili, and other comfort foods from the full menu. The steak and shrimp go well together, so you should get them.

We recommend making a reservation if you want to go to this brewhouse. Because of everything it offers and how it feels, this widely known place can get crowded quickly. 

6. Avenue Bar

338 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK | Bar, Pub, Dive Bar | $11 – $35 | Monday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 2:30 am (next day), Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 3:00 am (next day), Sunday 12:00 pm – 2:30 am (next day)

Drinks and art go together well at Avenue Bar. 

Open since 1914, is probably one of the oldest bars in downtown Anchorage. It has been giving its customers old-fashioned Alaskan hospitality since it first opened. If you like to learn about local history and customs, this is one to add to your list!

This Anchorage pub first opened in the early 1900s as a pool hall. Around 1941, the bar changed its name to Union Club, and in 1984, it became The Avenue Bar.

Today, it’s just a local “dive bar” with a touch of class. Bar bites and wings are accessible from 4 pm to 12:30 am, and the late-night menu is available from 12 am to 2:30 am. Bar food includes nachos, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and more.

This Anchorage bar has draft beers, domestic beers, and beers from other countries. You can also find seltzers, cocktails, mocktails, wine, scotch, whiskey, and several others. You will never run out of beverages to drink!

There is also live music to listen to while you drink. It also has a shop where you can buy various souvenirs, a couple of dart boards you can play with friends, and a TV to watch a game.

Avenue Bar has events from time to time, so you might want to check out its website to make plans.

5. The Gaslight Bar

721 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK | Bar, Dive Bar, Lounge | $15 – $35 | Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 2:30 am (next day), Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 am (next day), Sunday 10:00 am – 2:30m am (next day)

The Gaslight Bar is in downtown Anchorage. It is more of a lounge than a bar, and people go there to enjoy comfort, tranquility, a good atmosphere, excellent service, and even better drinks.

Even though the dark lighting and big couches make the atmosphere feel cozy and comfortable, patrons know how to get the party going for a night to remember.

But the best thing about this place is that there are many things to do. In the center of the bar is a mechanical bull which you can ride for free. All you have to do is sign a form.

Not interested in riding? Head behind the bull to access a small dance floor and a raised platform. Other things inside are another bar room, some bathrooms, and bar games like pool and darts.

If you like music, you will also like this place. Older hip-hop, pop, and country music are popular, but you can jump up and down to loud throwbacks when the night gets late.

If you’re hungry, you can try some hotdog stands outside. It’s a great late-night spot if you want to party.

4. Midnight Sun Brewing Co.

8111 Dimond Hook Dr, Anchorage, AK | Bar, Brewery | $10 – $60 | Tuesday to Friday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

This next bar and restaurant is a world-famous brewery recognized for its delicious food, barrel-aged stouts, and barley wines. Even though it’s a tiny regional microbrewery, the beers it makes are robust, so don’t miss it!

Craft brewery Midnight Sun Brewing Company makes more than 40 ales and lagers yearly. It opened in 1995 and is the first brewery in Anchorage, Alaska. It is the second oldest brewery in the state’s history, after Alaska Brewing Co., which opened in 1986.

Since May 2009, the brewing company has been in its current spot, which has a tap room and a full-service restaurant.

While its main beers are stouts and barley wines, it also has some great IPAs and Belgian Ales that are sure to please your taste buds.

“The Loft” is on the second floor of the building. It has 16 beers and two sodas on tap, all made in-house. It also has a daily menu of delicious, fresh food with its world-class beers.

From here, you can also get to several other places. Beluga Point is the closest one if you want to see rock formations. You could also go to the Chugach National Forest or Lake Eklutna.

3. Reilly’s Irish Pub

317 W Fireweed Ln, Anchorage, AK | Bar, Pub, Club | $11 – $30 | Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 2:30 am (next day), Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 am (next day), Sunday 10:00 am – 2:30 am (next day)

Another great neighborhood bar is Reilly’s Irish Pub.

Reilly’s is an Alaskan dive bar in the Fireweed neighborhood that is known to be one of the best bars in Anchorage. Reilly’s is a great place to hang out after a long week, whether for a beer after work or a night out with the guys.

From its name, you can tell that this pub serves Irish food. It is the best place to get an Irish coffee you don’t want to miss, especially in the colds of Alaska.

There are also drinks like strawberry hibiscus, prickly pear, signature margarita, and blueberry mojito that you can get here. You can try beer, lager, and many other choices.

You can also find several TVs playing sports games inside the place. On the other hand, the business also plays soft music to help you relax on a chilly Alaskan night.

Every year, there are also fun events at Reilly’s. It has golf tournaments for its clients, and anyone can join. An elephant exchange and drinks are available all night long during the holiday.

In general, if you are in Anchorage, it is an excellent place to be. The bartender is funny, and the staff and the owner are friendly. This is one of the best bars in Anchorage for a classic Irish pub vibe!

2. Carousel Cocktail Lounge

3206 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK | Lounge, Dive Bar | $11 – $30 | Monday 5:00 pm – 2:00 am (next day), Tuesday to Saturday 2:00 pm – 2:00 am (next day), Sunday 5:00 pm – 2:00 am (next day)

What could be better than cheap beer, live music every night, and an oversized patio outside? You get what you see at Carousel Cocktail Lounge, and it’s excellent!

The “Carousel” has been an essential part of Alaska and Spenard since 1957. It has a “colorful” past, and its new owners are working hard to bring the “old school” dive bar back to life.

The beer list at this bar has a lot of exciting drinks. Alaskan amber, white, husky IPA, and double shovel appalanche are just some of the beers they make.

You can also access hefeweizen and oatmeal stout from Glacier Brewhouse, Elysian space dust IPA, goose island IPA, and shock top Belgian white.

There is also food at the Carousel Lounge. There are, among other things, tempura shrimp, toquitos, chicken wings, boneless chicken bites, and mozzarella sticks.

Apart from the food and drinks, this lounge has a pleasant atmosphere and live music. There are pool tables, dart boards, and other things you and your friends can do together.

More importantly, the place is clean, and the people who work there are friendly. You will not be disappointed with the kind of service you receive.

You’re in for a great night out in this location when everything comes together!

1. 49th State Brewing Co

717 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK | Breweries, Pub | $11 – $50 | Monday to Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am – 11:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

49th State Brewing, in downtown Anchorage, is a must-see part of the Anchorage experience.

Here, you can see the diverse Alaskan culture by exploring the long history of brewing with award-winning beer or trying fresh Alaskan foods on the menu.

This brewpub is often called one of the best bars in Anchorage. Its unique menu items are its home-brewed beers and creative bar snacks.

You can find steaks, burgers, and wings on the menu, all classic American foods. Also, guests love Alaskan specialties like elk, yak, king crab, salmon, halibut, and more.

On the other hand, its tap list has drinks that have won awards. You can try Alaska eight-star lager, solstice IPA, ube hefeweizen, sauvignon blanc saison, and more. There are still a lot of drinks you can find here if you come.

49th State is more than just a brewpub; it’s also a community center. The many private theaters and function rooms make it a great place for concerts, workshops, conferences, and weddings. 

On top of that, there is a fire pit inside and outside to help you unwind. Do not forget to check on the patio overlooking the beautiful Alaska landscape, like the Cook Inlet and Alaskan Range!

Overall, 49th State Brewing Co. is not your ordinary hole-in-the-wall. Instead, it is of a higher standard. There’s a reason why this Alaskan brewery has won so many awards. Visit here to experience local, luxury, and alluringly delicious drinks and foods in downtown Anchorage!

Looking for the top places to enjoy food in Anchorage? Here are our absolute favorite restaurants in Anchorage that you will love!

Are you looking for fantastic restaurants in Fairbanks, Alaska, to dine at during your stay? We’ve got you covered!

When people think of Fairbanks, Alaska, food is usually not the initial thing that comes to mind. We think of the cold weather, the Northern Lights, and dogsled racing. But don’t be fooled: Fairbanks has some wonderful choices for food!

Restaurants in Fairbanks mirror the fishing, hunting, and subsistence vibe of the area. The food is robust and made using regional delicacies and ingredients from Alaska that makes for a truly unique dining experience. 

Did you know that Thai food prevails in Fairbanks? There are 24 Thai restaurants within the city, more than any other place in Alaska. There are both fast-food outlets and fine-dining alternatives. Some are even better than the ones in Thailand!

But aside from Thai eateries, you’re sure to find one suited to your preference as there are many restaurants to select from in this town. You can find Moldovan, Cuban, American, and many other types of food. Eating at one of the area’s many restaurants also offers seafood, crepes, steak, and pizza.

So, to help you decide where to eat the best food in the city, check out these 16 incredible restaurants in Fairbanks, Alaska.

16. Wolf Run Restaurant

3360 Wolf Run Rd, Fairbanks, AK | American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | $31 – $60 | Monday to Wednesday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Have no idea what to eat? Since 1995, the Wolf Run Restaurant in Fairbanks has served its customers a wide range of gourmet dishes. It’s, without a doubt, one of the best restaurants to eat in Fairbanks, Alaska.

This inventive restaurant serves many different kinds of food for people who don’t know what they want to eat but wish to try new things. It’s a great place to stop before exploring the town or even after taking in the beautiful scenery of Fairbanks.

The inside of Wolf Run Restaurant is colorful and has a feel of Alaskan cabin design, which makes for a warm, engaging, and friendly atmosphere. Some tasty foods served at this lovely restaurant are sandwiches, seafood, risotto, scallops, ice cream, and frozen desserts. 

We recommend starting with the special soup, which is chicken gnocchi. It is likely the best dish you’ll ever have with gnocchi.

For the main dishes, try their mixed grill and scallops. The mixed grill has chicken and beef kabobs from the Mediterranean, lamb sausage, lamb chops, and vegetables.

A fitting ending is with a slice of their handmade key lime pie. This dish gets a lot of good reviews, so don’t forget to include this on your menu before leaving this restaurant.

Finally, they have a wide range of excellent wines for a complete experience.

If you’re looking to get the authentic Alaskan experience but still want well-made food and an extensive wine list, Wolf Run is one of the best restaurants in Fairbanks to try.

15. Silver Gulch

2195 Old Steese Hwy N, Fairbanks, AK | American, Bar, Pub | $11 – $30 | Thursday to Sunday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Silver Gulch has pub food and a large selection of beers. It is a local hangout with great food, a friendly atmosphere, and good service at lower prices.

One interesting thing about Silver Gulch is it is the northernmost brewery in the United States. The brewery operates its restaurant and provides gastropub food with a flavorful, Alaskan twist.

The brewery makes four beers; you can buy them in bottles or on tap. There are also other drinks on the list at this Fairbanks restaurant.

But there’s more to Silver Gulch than its great brews and beers on tap. When you go to this brewery, you’ll find a restaurant that serves hearty and delicious Alaskan food and pub bites. Our favorite dishes include hush puppies, ale cheese soup, Alaskan halibut, fish and chips, beer-battered onion rings, and shrimp in ale.

Hush puppies are with shrimp & shredded coconut, and Ale cheese soup is delicious, even though it sounds weird. Alaskan halibut is sweet and flaky, and you will get a lot for what you pay. The fish and chips use large, flaky halibut as the fish, so it’s easy for two or more people to share.

The beer-batter onion rings are the highlights, while the ale-soaked shrimp served as an appetizer are more than sufficient to eat as a main dish.

From the outside, the restaurant looks very old, but the inside is very modern and has a cozy feel. It’s one of our favorite local restaurants in Fairbanks to check out!

14. Pike’s Landing

4438 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK | American, Bar, Seafood | $12 – $47 | Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00 am (next day), Sunday 10:00 am – 12:00 am (next day)

Pike’s Landing is a restaurant in Fairbanks that’s extremely popular. It is the restaurant of Pike’s Waterfront Lodge Hotel, and its position is one of its best features (and definitely the reason it’s always so crowded).

It serves traditional pub food, fresh seafood, and steaks on the lovely banks of the Chena River. People often eat on the patio outside to get the most out of their surroundings, regardless of the time of year. You can lie out on the veranda right in the summer. During the winter, you can stroll over the Chena River and snap photos with the sign.

The front of the restaurant appears to be a typical American sports tavern, while the back has a gorgeous view of the river and the “Love Alaska” sign on the other side.

This restaurant has a changing menu of foods made from local ingredients, like smoked seafood or cheeses. It is known for its great brunches, too!

The reindeer sausage (one of our favorites) is flavorful, fatty, tasty, and perfect. Another customer’s top pick is the Halibut Fish and Chips. It’s served perfectly, with spiced pieces, crispy from the outside and flavorful inside.

On our last trip through Fairbanks, we needed a quick treat before going to the hot springs at night, so we went to Pike’s Landing. It’s a surefire hit that is always perfect because of the views!

Our dishes include the Famous Prime Rib Sandwich with Dagwood Fixings, the French roll featuring horseradish and Au Jus on the side, and the Shrimp & Scallop Fettuccine Supreme with bay scallops, shrimp, and roasted garlic bread.

Everything tasted great, and there was a good amount. But this restaurant’s location is what we adore since it is perfect for dining while seeing the frozen river.

13. Bobby’s Downtown

609 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK | Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Monday to Thursday 4:00 pm – 12:00 am (next day), Friday 4:00 pm – 1:00 am (next day), Saturday 5:00 pm – 1:00 am (next day)

Bobby’s Downtown is among the best places to eat in Fairbanks for Greek cuisine, good drinks on tap, and great pizza. It serves delicious Greek food and drinks that will make your mouth water.

Bobby’s Downtown offers good food, excellent customer service, and an exceptional dining experience. This cute restaurant is one of the best places for tourists and locals to go when they want to eat delicious Greek or classic American food.

Besides the American breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and burgers, the cafe serves spanakopita, a rack of lamb, prime rib au jus, and ribeye steaks, among other Greek dishes.

It’s not a fancy restaurant, but it has a great atmosphere for eating. The restaurant has excellent food, and the host plays live music with to keep the customers happy and entertained.

The Greek siblings who run this restaurant will ensure you have a good time there. It has some of the best Greek food outside of Greece. The owner will make you feel at home the whole time you are there, so you will want to return.

Try their halibut with a honey cream sauce – it’s one of our favorite dishes! And the perfectly cooked Lamb Souvlaki and dessert are a great way to finish your meal.

12. Shogun Hibachi and Japanese Steakhouse

4005 Geist Rd #3552, Fairbanks, AK | Japanese, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Monday to Friday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Shogun Japanese Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Fairbanks to get a great Japanese meal. This excellent, modern restaurant is known for its delicious Japanese food and fresh seafood from Alaska.

Shogun makes, cooks, and serves authentic Japanese food, like soup, udon, sushi, gyoza, tasty sweets, and hibachi. It is an excellent stop before going on a fantastic town tour or seeing Fairbanks’ beautiful scenery.

Shogun Japanese Restaurant has a lively atmosphere with a touch of Japanese design, making it feel like an excellent authentic Japanese restaurant.

Our group chose a combination plate with Filet Mignon, noodles, vegetables, fried rice, and two small butter shrimp. The noodles, vegetables, and fried rice were all done just right.

The steak melts like butter in your mouth. It will be a treat for you, especially if you enjoy garlic and butter. 

11. Thai House Restaurant

412 5th Ave, Fairbanks, AK | Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm

The Thai House Restaurant is a great international restaurant you shouldn’t miss if you go to the exciting town of Fairbanks in Alaska.

It is a charming place to eat that serves a wide range of conventional and authentic Thai dishes. These dishes satisfy the cravings of both locals and tourists who want to try tasty Thai cuisine.

This restaurant has a genuine Thai atmosphere and even serves delicious vegetarian and gluten-free food. It’s a great place to stop for tasty and filling Thai food, such as drunken noodles, chicken satay, pad Thai, or green curry.

This spot was among our best surprises during our stay in Fairbanks. The food was significantly better than what we’ve had at most Thai restaurants, the parts were significant, and the prices were very fair.

As soon as you walk in, the smells coming from the kitchen hit you, and you know the food is authentic. Even though the place was busy, the service was good. The drunken noodles with beef tasted like heaven.

Every dish here looked delicious. Thai House is a must-see for anyone in Fairbanks, whether a local or just visiting.

10. Chowder House

206 Eagle Ave, Fairbanks, AK | American, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

At Chowder House, you’ll find the best seafood in Fairbanks. This Eagle Avenue restaurant also serves soups, sandwiches, and pasta, among other things.

Everyone in the world knows about Alaskan salmon, and rightly so. Alaskans know how to cook fatty pink fish, which is a real treat. You can enjoy it at Chowder House, one of the best Fairbanks restaurants to try out your first authentic Alaskan Salmon dish.

At the Chowder House, the smoked salmon chowder has a smokey taste that goes well with the corn and creamy chowder. It’s a simple, tasty twist on an old favorite that makes it a choice for everyone who comes to the restaurant.

Try its chicken salad or the crab roll for a sandwich. Chicken salad is standard. You will like how much food this meal gives you. Even though the crab meat was pretty chilly, it made the roll taste fresher. With a twist of lemon on top, it tastes great. 

Hot apple cider will hit the spot on a cold day. If you want, you can even get a dessert.

The staff will greet you when you walk in, and the server will explain how to order. You get a piece of paper with the menu on it, and then you mark what you want and give it to your server.

If you’re looking for really fresh, local Alaskan seafood, the Chowder house is one of the best Fairbanks restaurants to try!

9. Turtle Club

2098 Old Steese Hwy N, Fairbanks, AK | American, Steakhouse, Bar | $31 – $60 | Monday to Saturday 4:00 pm – 12:00 am (next day), Sunday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Turtle Club is a casual restaurant that has been around for a long time. It serves large portions of prime rib, local seafood, and a salad bar.

This seafood and steak place has been a favorite in Fairbanks for over 70 years. This restaurant has received the People’s Choice award for its food, salads, & desserts for many years. And for Turtle Club, it’s essential to provide all of its fine-dining customers with a warm, pleasant, and lively experience.

The prime rib meals have cuts that range from 10 to 24 oz., so people with small or big appetites can eat there. You can eat Alaska King Crab, Australian lobster, and fried seafood if you like fresh and local seafood.

You can get traditional pub food at the bar and fancier dishes like escargots, fried asparagus, and fried clams.

It is easy to know why this place is a local hit with great food and a lively atmosphere. Head to this location to experience fantastic dining! This is one of our favorite finer dining restaurants in Fairbanks. But remember that you won’t find NYC fine dining vibes here. After all, we’re in Alaska!

8. Noodle House

731 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK | Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Fairbanks has a lot of great international restaurants, and the Noodle House is one of the best. This restaurant has excellent food, customer service, and a great atmosphere.

True to its identity, the restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Thai noodle dishes and other delicious foods. It is a fast-food restaurant that is good for the whole family and serves tasty Thai food for lunch and dinner.

Noodle House is known for its delicious Thai noodles, like drunken noodles and Pad Thai, and authentic meals, like satay, yellow curry, and red curry.

It’s also an excellent place to eat if you want to visit Downtown Fairbanks. It is a great stop, particularly for hungry tourists looking for a place to eat after seeing some of the town’s best sites, attractions, and businesses.

Even though Fairbanks has a lot of Thai restaurants, this one is one of the best-kept secrets. It has some of the finest Thai food, so you will be glad you went there. The food is crazy fresh!

Green curry and shrimp pad thai are fantastic dishes to try. Pad thai is a tasty noodle dish with a lot of shrimp, but it is a bit sweet. On the other hand, curry is a delicious chicken with vegetables and rice.

Aside from the quality cuisine, part of this restaurant’s success comes from its satisfactory service and friendly people.  So, if you are craving Thai food while in Fairbanks, this is a must-visit one that’s fast and delicious.

7. Jazz Bistro on 4th

529 4th Ave, Fairbanks, AK | Latin, Spanish, American | $18 – $49 | Monday to Saturday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Jazz Bistro on 4th has good food, a lively atmosphere, great music, and a wonderful Cuban dining experience. It is a great place to eat and is one of the funniest places in Fairbanks, Alaska.

This fantastic place to eat is a Cuban bar and restaurant that has been serving delicious Cuban food and drinks since 2015.

Apart from Cuba, the restaurant is known for making and serving fresh food from Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries. Most of the food they serve is with fish, so you’ll only want to visit if you love seafood.

The restaurant has lovely places to sit inside and outside, with spectacular viewpoints of the area. Jazz Bistro on 4th also takes reservations and is a beautiful place to celebrate various events.

We met the owners there, and they are charming people. They have exciting stories to tell and will make you feel at ease when you visit.

The Cuban salmon and pernil Cubano soft pork were on our table. The salmon fillet was incredibly smooth, and the sauce had a little lemon and garlic. The pulled pork had a lot of flavors, too. It featured garlic, onions, veggies, Caribbean spices, and a touch of rum.

Have we mentioned that the service and atmosphere are unbeatable?  You really can’t go wrong with anything you order. So, check out this place for a top-notch food experience.

6. The Pump House

796 Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks, AK | American, Bar, Seafood | $15 – $40 | Tuesday to Saturday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Pump House is as “Alaskan” as it gets. The inside is like a cozy, rustic mountain lodge, and the menu has all the best things Alaska has to offer.

The owner’s goal is to try to bring back to Fairbanks the “Gold Rush” theme and atmosphere of the 1890s, which was a “Rip-Roaring” but still Victorian time.

All of the furniture is real, and most of it is old in a good way. The restaurant serves food “Alaskan style,” meaning it uses the freshest ingredients and has a unique way of cooking. The mood is easy and laid-back.

Reindeer medallions featuring berry demi-glaze, elk meatloaf wrapped in bacon, and birch-syrup-glazed, bacon-wrapped Alaskan scallops are a few of the specialties on the menu.

This property has a lot of space. It has four separate rooms, and the first big room is into two parts. It also has a bar with big TVs where you can watch a game. There is a private dining area in the back with room for about ten people. The games area has darts, two pool tables, & shuffleboard.

Grilled Alaskan salmon, fries, and seasonal vegetables made up our meal. 

As a starter, there are sweet potato fries for the whole table. The sweet potato fries could easily feed four people and probably provide six. Also, the salmon is around 8 to 10 oz, which is a good amount. Lastly, you will not regret if you order vegetables and fries since they also come in a good size.

The Mojitos at The Pump House are also superb. There are several varieties, so give one a try for a soothing experience.

So, if you want more activities other than outstanding food, The Pump House is an excellent option for a full dining experience. 

5. Lemongrass Thai Restaurant

388 Old Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks, AK | Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | $11 – $30 | Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

As you’ve probably figured out, Fairbanks is a really popular place for Thai food, and there are endless options! If you want to eat Thai food, you can also go to Lemongrass Thai Restaurant.

The Navachai family opened this restaurant in 1996. They are happy to welcome you and serve you authentic Thai food. Since then, this family has worked hard to serve Fairbanks with fresh, healthy, and authentic Thai food.

With its long list of food and drinks, the restaurant hopes to have something for everyone. Harmony is the idea behind every dish, so tell them how spicy you want your meal to be.

Northern Thai food from Chiang Mai is at this restaurant, but it also incorporates fresh Alaskan ingredients like scallops, halibut, and salmon.

You can find a variety of noodle dishes, broths, pad thai, or green, red, and yellow curries on the menu. The service is excellent, and the employees are happy to suggest things to eat from the menu. This restaurant is on Chean Pumps Road.

We tried the yellow curry with seafood and the Sockeye Pad Thai, among other things. Both were wonderful.

The yellow curry was creamy and delicious. All of the fish and shellfish were just right. Pieces of halibut, calamari, and shrimp were all cooked and tender and tasty without being overcooked. Even the onions inside the curry were soft and sweet, just as they should be.

The pad thai tasted great. It has thin bean thread noodles, and the salmon filet on top went well.

Aside from the great food, expect that the service is quick and friendly. 

4. East Ramp Pizza

3788 University Ave S, Fairbanks, AK | American, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly | $10 – $20 | Monday to Wednesday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Do you enjoy pizza & planes? Then you’ll love East Ramp Pizza more than any other place in town.

There is a restaurant right close to the Fairbanks airport tower where you can eat pizza from a 600°F Woodstone oven while observing planes land and take off.

Their flour comes straight from Italy, and the kitchen staff takes pride in finding the best toppings. You can “build your own” pizzas to make the perfect pie.

The pizza tasted delicious! The wood-fired flavor definitely came through. We ate sausage, mushrooms, green olives, and fresh tomatoes in a spicy puttanesca sauce. It was fantastic, and the wait was so worth it.

Don’t forget that you can also pick from one of their excellent beers on tap. Also, take advantage of the binoculars available to view the Fairbanks airport runway while you’re there.

This restaurant is an excellent place to go if you want a bite of great pizza and a sip of a great drink while enjoying a view.

3. The Crepery

523 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK | American, Café, Mediterranean | $6 – $12 | Tuesday to Friday 7:00 am –6:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Crepery is among the best restaurants in Fairbanks for sweets lovers.

This cafe’s specialty is making and serving crepes. This lovely place has sweet and tasty crepes and a menu of delicious craft beers to go with them. The Crepery also has a vegetarian crepe dish that vegetarians will enjoy.

The restaurant serves more than just sweet and tasty crepes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meat dishes, plates of super seafood, and other delicious menu items are also available.

The salmon crepe is one of the yummiest items on the menu. The crepe is thin and crispy on the outside, but the inside is smooth and chewy. This crepe is a great way to eat the salmon spread, a “salad” of pickles, red onions, potato, and mayonnaise mixed with wild Alaskan salmon.

Various options are one of the best things about this restaurant. You may have to ask questions about the crepes that you select.

When we go there, it feels like home and has a good vibe. Wall art and pictures are impressive, and everyone seemed happy and full of life.

The service at the restaurant is also excellent. The chefs, the person who takes orders, and the waiters and waitresses all work hard to ensure that all visitors have a great time.

Plus, they have the best hot drinks. We also got their hot chocolate and mochas, which were outstanding. So, get a crepe and something warm to drink.

2. Aurora Mediterranean Restaurant

1452 S Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK | Quick Bites, Lebanese, Mediterranean | $11 – $30 | Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Aurora is the place to go if you want to try dishes from the Mediterranean. This restaurant is excellent for families and serves delicious Mediterranean and Greek food daily.

The Aurora Mediterranean Restaurant is known for its delicious homemade hummus and salads. This lovely restaurant is the perfect way to end a great trip to Fairbanks.

The establishment has a variety of delicious Mediterranean dishes on its menu, but Greek food is what they do best. Every item on this menu is a hit, from the grilled halloumi cheese appetizers to the gyros, steak kebabs, soup, and more.

It has a beautiful interior, and the atmosphere is lively, friendly, and full of life. It is a terrific location to hang out with friends and family and eat good food.

Also, the restaurant is close to some of the best things to do in town. From here, it is easy to get a great meal after seeing all the incredible sights and scenes.

When it comes to Mediterranean food, nothing can beat this place. It gave us food that was fresh, tasty, and enough to eat.

Its falafel is fantastic. It is crunchy, firm, and tasty without being soggy. The salads are fresh and nicely chopped, and the gyro meat is well-cooked. It’s not like the pre-packaged gyros you get at many cheap strip mall gyro places; it’s much fresher and better made.

And prices are very fair. Aurora is a lot of fun, and we would strongly recommend it to anybody who wants to try something new and wholesome than traditional fried or fast food.

1. Soba

535 2nd Ave # 106, Fairbanks, AK | Moldovan, Russian, Vegetarian Friendly | $11 – $30 | Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

The Soba Moldovan Restaurant is the spot if you want to eat food made with love. It is the only place in Alaska where you can get savory Eastern European food and the best wines from Moldova.

This Moldovan restaurant is right in the middle of downtown Fairbanks in the Co-Op Plaza, which is also home to art museums, some restaurants, and even the Fairbanks Dog Mushing Museum.

If you have never tried Moldovan food before, you can be sure that the cuisine at Soba is the real deal. You can expect the food to be tasty at this restaurant, and everything goes well with the wine. Each meal is a great way to warm up on a chilly Alaskan winter day.

One of their most popular dishes is chicken schnitzel. This chicken dish has a delicious egg coating and is served with potato salad and sauerkraut to make it even tastier.

Although it is a Moldovan restaurant, many of the items on the menu are also Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish food. It was enjoyable to eat something unique on our Fairbanks trip, and Soba has excellent food from scratch and tastes great.

Consider their borsch, pelmeni, Olivier salad, and zrazy. The taste of these dishes will show you why this restaurant is one of the places you shouldn’t miss. You won’t be sorry if you order the compote to drink and the honey cake for dessert.

So, for the best restaurant in Fairbanks, Alaska, include this location for an amazing food experience you won’t forget.

In Closing

That’s a wrap for our list of the 16 awesome restaurants in Fairbanks, Alaska!

Although famous for its natural surroundings, Fairbanks, Alaska, also boasts a thriving food industry. At one of the restaurants throughout the area, you can access local and international fares and have a satisfying meal.