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The Alaska Railroad train chugs into the Anchorage station. It’s the final destination of our Alaska adventure. We end in Anchorage with plans to check a major experience off of our bucket list, walk on a glacier. With two days book ending our glacier fun, we attempt to fit in as many things to do in Anchorage as we can.

Alaska Botanical Gardens (entrance fee)

If there is a garden, we’re there.

It’s a lovely time wandering about the Alaska Botanical Gardens.

Being summer, the gardens is in full bloom.

There are bright flowers,

buzzing bees,

and a fleeting summer drizzle.

We spot a painted rock. Upon investigation, we find that it’s part of Anchorage Rocks on Facebook. The rock gets placed in our backpack with plans to relocate it to a future travel destination (note: a rock in your carry-on luggage may result in your luggage being searched).

What I appreciate the most about the Alaska Botanical Gardens, is its manageable size.

There’s plenty to see, but it isn’t so big that you feel like you have to rush to see it all. There’s actual time to stop and smell the roses. If you love gardens, it’s a perfect things to do in Anchorage.

Elderberry Park (free)

We walk a small portion of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail at Elderberry Park.

It’s a nice place to stretch our legs. If this was the beginning of our trip, we would have found the scenery impressive,

but bushwhacking at the beginning of the trip spoiled us.

Earthquake Park (free)

At Earthquake Park, you can still see the effects of the 1964, Anchorage, earthquake.

There is a monument and plaques that tell the earthquake story.

We walk the trails, which are a bit swampy in parts, so insect repellent is essential.

Our favorite part of Earthquake Park is the great view of Anchorage and the surrounding area.

Potter Marsh (free)

Potter Marsh is a nature reserve with a boardwalk trail. It’s one of the best, free, things to do in Anchorage.

Thinking we would roam for a short time, we end up staying at Potter Marsh for longer than expected.

It’s salmon running season and there are salmon everywhere. Not being from Alaska, we’re fascinated by the wiggling drama unfolding before our eyes. We make up fishy dialogue to match the show.

The scenery is instantly calming.

As we are about to leave, two eagles descend from the sky, and snatch up a salmon snack. We postpone our departure to watch the wildlife.

If you are visiting Anchorage, Potter Marsh is worth a stop.

Kincaid Park (free – unless you get a Yeti dog, which I definitely recommend)

After getting a trail recommendation from the Yeti cart worker, we set off.

We didn’t walk far, when Shannon stops in his tracks and says one word…

“Moose.”

We had a few fleeting glimpses of moose earlier in the trip, but this is a full on moose spotting. Between our Uncruise and Denali National Park, we had the fear of moose instilled in us. We back away and wait. We wait, and wait. Some people stop for a moment, shrug, and walk or ride right past the moose. We continue to wait. Finally the moose moves on, and we can continue down the path. If one of your main thing to do in Anchorage, includes seeing a moose, take a walk in Kincaid Park.

A meander through tree-lined lanes, leads us to our destination, the beach.

It’s super windy, but the landscape is too good to pass up. We walk despite hats and hair flying in every direction.

The walk to the beach and the beach itself was enjoyable, so I suggest working Kincaid Park into your Anchorage itinerary (just keep your eye out for moose).

Wanting to take advantage of the perfect summer weather, coupled with the endless light, all of the activities we engaged in while in Anchorage were of the outdoor variety. The best part was that aside from the gardens, all of the other things to do in Anchorage, were free. Ending our trip in Anchorage was also a good way to ease ourselves back from wilderness to civilization before flying home.

Related posts:

An Unexpected Flight-Anchorage, Alaska Eating Around Anchorage-Alaska Glacier Bay National Park-Alaska-Uncruise The Florida Botanical Gardens