There’s so much to do in Anchorage – from exploring museums and learning about history and native culture, to reveling in the natural wonders that are all around you – you’ll never run out of adventures.

Here’s a list of fun things to do in Anchorage that will inspire you to get out there and live your best life in every season:

Take amazing photos wherever you go. Anchorage abounds with photo ops, from serene wildlife shots to bustling city scenes and everything in between. To improve your skills and explore incredible destinations, join a photography class that tours the area to help you capture those frameable shots.

Ride or float during a whitewater rafting adventure. Whether you want a boisterous whitewater adventure or a quiet and scenic float trip, rafting is a great way to immerse yourself in the gorgeous Alaska wilderness.

Run, jump and play at Kincaid Park. This 1,500-acre park rewards visitors with panoramic views of the vast Cook Inlet and Denali as well as its deep wooded enclaves. Kincaid Park offers a world-class trail system where you can hike, run, bike and ski. If you like to play, you’ll enjoy trying a hole-in-one on the 18-hole disc-golf course, or engaging in a friendly game of soccer on one of seven fields. There’s a lake for fishing or paddling, an archery range, and a motocross course as well.

Appreciate natural beauty by viewing wildlife. Bring your binoculars to get a close-up look at the many feathered, furry and finned creatures living in and around Anchorage. You can explore on your own to find great places, or book a tour to have a guide show you the best birding spots, bear hangouts, moose habitats, and salmon spawning sites.

Go on a wilderness adventure at Far North Bicentennial Park. If you’re looking for a peaceful oasis in the midst of Anchorage, this huge 4,000-acre park is the perfect place to get away from the city and rejuvenate your spirit. It boasts world-class Nordic ski trails that are also great for biking and hiking in the summer. 

Conquer the slopes at the Hilltop Ski Area. For amazing views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and Denali while you glide downhill, spend a day here. Just a short distance from downtown Anchorage, it offers skiing and snowboarding lessons on slopes perfect for beginners, while snowboarders that want to catch some air can perfect their skills on the permanent “Mongoline” half-pipe. The Karl Eid Ski Jump complex is also nearby.

Go fishing by land or by sea. Anchorage provides easy access to lakes, rivers and the sea, earning it a spot on Field & Stream magazine’s list of “America’s Best Fishing Cities”.  Whether you throw a line in from the shore, take a boat out or charter a plane to fly to a remote spot, anyone can partake in world-class fishing in pristine Alaskan waters to catch trophy-size salmon, halibut, trout and more.

Enjoy the scenery along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. For picturesque views of Anchorage, the surrounding mountain ranges and tidal inlets, you can walk, bike or ski this beautiful trail that hugs the Knik Arm and Cook Inlet. Feel the salty sea breeze, get mesmerized by the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tide, and watch for a magical glimpse of marine life passing by.

Appreciate local history at cultural sites. Anchorage has a fascinating history, from its diverse Native cultures, to the Gold Rush, to its early development. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and museums around Anchorage and visit historic sites to hear unique stories and learn more about the founding of this amazing city.

Play golf and go sledding at Russian Jack Springs Park. Discover an abundance of options for fun activities at this 300-acre park, with disc and 9-hole golf courses, a great dog park, and one of the best sledding hills Anchorage has to offer. If you’re looking for something quiet to do, visit the natural spring, public municipal greenhouse and solarium. If you’re ready to play, you’ll enjoy the soccer and softball fields, and the kids can romp on the playground.

Events, concerts and festivals. Anchorage hosts several iconic events, from festivals to concerts and more. During summer, you’ll enjoy celebrations and festivals, including the Sitka WhaleFest, the Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival, the Salmonfest, the Anchorage July 4th Celebration and the annual Alaska State Fair. In the winter, check out the Anchorage International Film Festival, and the Fur Rendezvous Festival (aka “Fur Rondy”), among others.

Savor the local flair and flavor of the city at the Anchorage Museum. With a combination of art and design, history, science and culture, the Anchorage Museum offers something for everyone. Permanent exhibits include an Alaska history gallery, Alaska art galleries, the Imaginarium Discovery Center science galleries, and the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, which features Native Alaskan artifacts.

Rock around the clock. Don’t miss the live music scene in Anchorage, featuring many genres of music from rock and the blues to indie folk and dubstep. Look for event listings in the Anchorage Free Press to catch all the acts you want to see.

Dine to your heart’s delight. Alaska is paradise for seafood lovers – shrimp, crab, salmon, halibut, mussels and more – and it’s sourced from some of the most pristine waters on the planet. And in Anchorage, from homestyle to elegant restaurants, you’ll find delicious menu choices to please every palate.

Shop ‘til you drop. Visit the 5th Avenue Mall, a 5-level shopping center in downtown Anchorage that features more than 110 stores, myriad dining options, a U.S. Post Office, bank, and more to give patrons an exclusive shopping experience. If you want something smaller, there are lots of local shops, boutiques and markets that sell unique gifts and handcrafted souvenirs.

Get cultured at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts. This center has three theaters for a variety of performances, including opera, symphonies, chamber and popular music, theater, dance, film and more.

No matter what you like to do, Anchorage provides exhilarating outdoor adventures as well as a bounty of amazing museums, movie theaters, shopping, parks and hundreds of restaurants to meet your every desire.

What’s your favorite thing about Anchorage? Share your thoughts at #LifeatWeidner

If you’re looking for a great apartment in Anchorage with a prime location near schools, work, shopping, dining, and a variety of entertainment options, contact us today at: Alpine Apartments, Legacy West Apartment Homes, and The Legacy Apartment Homes. We are here to schedule your personal tour at your convenience and help you find the perfect place to call home!

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1. Live close to work, shopping and entertainment – Location is everything. To cut down on the cost of fuel, make sure you choose an apartment offers accessibility to destinations that are important to you. Try for a place that’s close to the University of Texas at Permian Basin and also near Walmart Supercenter and Target to satisfy your shopping needs. If your apartment is within walking distance to UAA, and close to APU, Providence Hospital, Alaska Native Medical Center, and JBER military base, you’ve scored a winner.

 
Also, try to live within a 10-minute drive to downtown Anchorage, where you’ll find additional places to shop, dine, and have fun. Ideally, you’ll find an apartment community that’s tucked away inside a neighborhood in a secluded Anchorage setting near everything you need rather than on a busy, noisy street.
 

2. Consider customer service as a necessity – To get more bang for your buck, look for an older apartment community. Robert Palisoc, Community Director for Rancho Tudor Apartment Homes in Anchorage, AK, has experience in that area. “We might not be the newest place in town, but we have deep experience and pride ourselves on providing outstanding customer service to our residents, including having a very responsive maintenance team, plus our prices are super reasonable, so it’s a solid choice to rent with us and save money,” he said.

3. Live around fun, nice people – When you’re on a tight budget, sometimes you don’t have the money to go out as much as you might like to. That’s why it’s important to find an apartment community where the residents and staff get along well and enjoy doing things together.

 
“We love our residents here, so we try to do nice things for them as often as possible, like throwing a pizza party just for fun, or hosting our annual summer BBQ where lots of our residents attend and really enjoy hanging out and getting to know their neighbors,” said Palisoc. “Sometimes we give away doughnuts that our residents can grab while they’re taking advantage of our free coffee station to save money and fuel up before school or work,” he said.  
 

4. Enjoy low-cost experiences in your free time – Besides the activities and events in your apartment community, you shouldn’t have to venture far to enjoy the plethora of fun your city has to offer. There are lots of cheap and entertaining things to do in Anchorage:

• Grab a slice at Uncle Joe’s Pizza
• Admire the masterpieces at the Anchorage Museum (student ticket discount)
• Shop for bargains at the Northway Mall
• Enjoy a pint and experience Anchorage’s cool craft beer scene at the 49^th State Brewing Co.
• Catch a drama or comedy at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts (student ticket discount)
• Ski, jog, picnic, play disc golf, and maybe even spot a moose at Kincaid Park
• Go hiking and see gorgeous waterfalls on Portage Pass

 
If you’re ready to move to Alaska and need a spacious, affordable apartment in Anchorage in a prime location with a warm and active community and great staff, contact us today at Rancho Tudor Apartment Homes. We’re here to schedule your personal tour and help you find the perfect apartment to call home. 
 
 (907) 562-2085

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1. ATV excursions – Venture into Alaska's backcountry as you ride ATVs and view spectacular glaciers, mountains, scenery and wildlife. 
2. Biking – Enjoy the scenery during a relaxing ride along paved coastal trails, tear it up on a rugged mountain bike path, or join a guided tour that ends in a visit to a local brewery.
3. Breweries – Or you can skip the bike ride and go straight to the source to explore Anchorage’s thriving craft beer scene.
4. Day cruises – Take to the water to gain a unique vantage point into Alaska's natural beauty and wildlife, from massive tidewater glaciers and sloping beaches to whales, orcas, sea otters, and more.
5. Dining – In Alaska, fresh seafood is a highlight on any menu – from shrimp, crab, salmon, halibut, and mussels – it’s sourced from some of the most pristine waters on the planet. And, from homestyle to elegant restaurants, you’ll find delicious menu choices to please every palate.
6. Events and festivals – Anchorage hosts several iconic events, from festivals and concerts to marathons, sled races and more. Especially popular is the Anchorage July 4th Celebration, a day-long event on the Delaney Park Strip.
7. Fishing Charters – Fly to stay in a remote lodge and partake in world-class fishing in pristine Alaskan waters.
8. Flightseeing – Soar in a plane to witness some of the wildest, most stunning areas of Alaska, including Denali, the glaciers of Prince William Sound, and Kenai Fjords National Park.
9. Glacier Tours – Whether by air, boat, snowmachine, or on foot, don’t miss seeing Alaska’s spectacular glaciers.
10. Hiking trails – Stay in Anchorage for some great hiking, biking, and walking trails. Just outside the city limits, immerse yourself in nature by choosing from a huge variety of trail systems, from short and easy to long and strenuous. Or hire a local guide to share their knowledge of the local landscape and wildlife.
11. Historic/cultural sites – Anchorage has a fascinating history, from its diverse Native cultures, to the Gold Rush and early development. Visit cultural centers around Anchorage, and visit historic sites to learn more about our unique city. 
12. Museums – Another great way to appreciate our city’s history? Visit museums to discover the stories of Alaska’s First People, art exhibits, our aviation history, and to participate in interactive displays.
13. Panning for gold – Get your hands dirty as you pan for gold nuggets or flakes like a prospector, and learn firsthand about the history of the Gold Rush in our region.
14. Performances and plays – Anchorage has several year-round theaters where you can catch award-winning productions, comedy shows, and concerts.
15. Shopping – There are plenty of malls where you can shop for your favorite brands, as well as local shops, boutiques and markets that sell unique gifts and handcrafted souvenirs.
16. Photography – Anchorage abounds with photo ops, from bustling farmers markets to quiet wildlife shots and everything in between. If you want to improve your skills and explore incredible destinations, join a tour with a focus on teaching photography skills.
17. Whitewater rafting – Planning a rafting trip? Pick the right style for you: choose a whitewater adventure or a scenic float trip – either is a great way to immerse yourself in the gorgeous Alaska wilderness in a memorable way.
18. Wildlife viewing spots – Select a guide to take you to the best birding spots, moose habitats, salmon spawning sites and bear hangouts.

 
If you’re ready to move to Alaska and need a spacious, affordable apartment in Anchorage in a beautiful location surrounded by green space, contact us today. We’re here to schedule your personal tour and help you find the perfect apartment to call home. 
 
(907) 337-6410
 

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Here are 8 fun things to do in Anchorage, AK:

 
Shop ‘til you drop at the 5th Avenue Mall – This distinctive, 5-level shopping center in downtown Anchorage features more than 110 stores, myriad dining options, a U.S. Post Office, bank, and more to give patrons an exclusive shopping experience like nowhere else in Alaska. If you’re a fan of one-stop shopping, this is definitely the place for you.
 
Bike, cross-country ski, or go for a scenic walk on Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – This trail spans 11.0 miles each way, and you can pick it up from several points in the city to enjoy any segment and hike as little or much of the trail as you want. You can also rent a bike and, because you're next to the coast, you can enjoy the salty sea breeze and watch the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tide.
 
Run, jump and play at Kincaid Park – This 1,500-acre park is a mecca for outdoor sports of all kinds. From its panoramic views of the vast Cook Inlet and Denali to its deep woods enclaves, the park offers a world-class trail system that’s available all year round, where you can walk, hike, run or bike. If you like to play, you’ll enjoy tossing discs on the 18-hole course or engaging in a friendly game of soccer on one of seven fields. There’s a lake for fishing or paddling, an archery range, and a motocross course. Since the park is on the coast, enjoy the region’s largest active sand dune or explore the woods in search of wildlife. In the winter, the extensive trail system transforms into a popular destination for cross-country skiing.
 
Ski or go on a wilderness adventure at Far North Bicentennial Park – This huge 4,000-acre park is a peaceful oasis in the midst of Anchorage – a perfect place to get away from the city and rejuvenate your spirit in nature. It boasts world-class Nordic ski trails that are also great for biking and hiking in the summer. Walk from the parking area over the river on the footbridge and have a picnic. Also be sure to check out the Hilltop Ski Area for amazing views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and Denali.
 
Increase your brainpower at the University of Alaska, Anchorage – Whether you’re pursuing a degree or just want to expand your knowledge, you’ll find a well-respected institution of higher learning right in our city. The University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) is the largest university in the state and offers a full complement of programs and courses, including in high-demand fields such as business, engineering, health, and education, as well as in the liberal arts and sciences. UAA career and technical education programs are closely aligned with Alaska’s core industries, such as aviation, oil and gas. According to UAA, “Many courses are designed with flexibility to accommodate students who work or have a family, and the campus houses a range of student success and support centers.”
 
Choose your activities at Russian Jack Springs Park – This slightly smaller 300-acre park still offers an abundance of options for fun activities. It has 9-hole and disc golf courses, a great dog park, and one of the best sledding hills Anchorage has to offer. If you’re looking for something quiet to do, visit the natural spring, public municipal greenhouse and solarium. If you’re ready to play, you’ll enjoy the soccer and softball fields, and the kids can romp on the playground.
 
Savor the local flair and flavor of the city at the Anchorage Museum – With its collection of over 25,000 objects and 500,000 historic photographs, this is a large art, history, ethnography, ecology and science museum in the heart of Anchorage. Through a combination of art and design, history, science and culture, the Anchorage Museum offers something for everyone and serves as a cultural center for the community. Permanent exhibits include an Alaska history gallery, Alaska art galleries, the Imaginarium Discovery Center science galleries, and the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, which features Native Alaskan artifacts.
 
No matter what you like to do, Anchorage provides a bounty of museums, movie theaters, shopping, parks and hundreds of restaurants to meet your every desire.
 
If you’re looking for a great apartment with bountiful amenities in a prime location, contact us at Century Plaza Apartment Homes today. We’d love to schedule your personal tour and help you find your perfect new home.
 

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When looking for an apartment to rent in Anchorage, AK, it’s important to take safety into consideration before making your decision.
 
Here are some helpful tips about what to look for when choosing a safe and secure apartment to call your home:
 

1. Secure entry: No one should be able to walk off the street. Ask the community director if the apartment building entrance is secured by a key, intercom, video, or other access control.

2. Indoor security features: Each apartment should offer basic security features like a deadbolt lock on the door, a peephole, locks on the windows, and a well-sealed door. Also, make sure the pervious tenant’s locks have been changed before you move in.

3. Window treatments: Having window coverage improves your feelings of privacy and safety, so ask if blinds, drapes, or curtains are included with the apartment.

4. Fire extinguishers on the premises: Verify that your apartment comes with fire extinguishers and figure out where they’re located in case of an emergency.

5. Well-lit common areas: The property should have sufficient lighting, especially when it’s dark. During your tour, look for proper lighting around parking lots, sidewalks, hallways, stairways, mailboxes, laundry rooms, and other facilities. You can also visit at night to make sure these areas are always well-lit.

6. On-site parking: When possible, it’s best to avoid street-parking if you can. Parking in a spot near your apartment allows you to keep a better eye on your vehicle. To reduce chances of unwanted break-ins or theft, vigilant apartment managers contract with a tow company to keep uncleared cars off-site.

7. Courtesy patrol: Some apartment complexes have a security company who patrols the area, especially at night, just to help avert trouble before it can start.

8. Prime location: It’s not always ideal to be right in the heart of the city. Consider renting a safe apartment in the southwest portion of Anchorage – close to the city center, but off the beaten path to avoid excessive noise and unwanted foot traffic.

9. Online search: Use a free crime-mapping website like crimereports.com to research crime statistics for the apartment complex and its surrounding neighborhood.

10. Neighborhood Watch: Consider renting in a smaller, tight-knit community where your fellow residents can watch out for each other and report suspicious activity.

11. Pet-friendly community: Our animal friends can look out for us as well. Besides keeping us company, they often let us know when something is not quite right, which adds an extra layer of security to your everyday life, so look for a pet-friendly community that welcomes your furry family members.  

12. Well-maintained complex: As you tour the community outside the apartment, make sure to pay attention to the general appearance of the apartment complex. Choose a place that’s neat, clean, and well-maintained because it shows management pays attention to details, and details matter when it comes to the safety and security of your home.

 
Have more tips on how to find an apartment that’s safe, or questions? We’d love to hear from you!
 
If you’re looking for an apartment in Anchorage in a prime location that meets your safety needs, has the right amenities, and an active nearby community, contact us today at Driftwood Apartment Homes. We’re here to schedule your personal tour and help you find a great place to call home. 

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While we comfortably lounge in our apartments in awe of the winter games, we thought we'd visit Anchorage's own version of awesome and check out some of the area's winter entertainment. There is no better time to get out there; it's National Polar Bear Day!