There is so much history and rich cultural heritage in the Southcentral Alaska region, and we are fortunate to have several special museums in Anchorage that preserve and protect this legacy. When brutal Alaska weather keeps you from spending time outdoors, head to one of these recommended learning centers recommended by our Anchorage dispensary staff.

Anchorage is part of the traditional territory of the Native Village of Eklutna, a Dena’ina Athabascan tribe.  The Alaska Native Heritage Center pays tribute to the Dena’ina people, who have respected and shaped this land for centuries, and continue to do so. Learn more about their culture through historical artifacts, cultural events, and art at this treasured living archive.

If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Anchorage, The Anchorage Museum is a sure bet. Their permanent and temporary exhibits enable visitors to take a deep dive into the history and present-day richness of Anchorage’s cultural landscape.

Love airplanes? The Alaska Aviation Museum preserves Alaska’s deep connection with the aviation industry, which has made survival possible in our neck of the woods. Learn more about how aviation has shaped Alaskan development, and tour 4 spectacular hangars full of vintage aircraft!

If you need free things to do in Anchorage, one of our favorites is wildlife watching at the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary. While native birds like bald eagles, ducks, swans, shorebirds, and others steal the show, occasionally you can also spot large mammals like moose from the Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk, a perfect place for a stroll through the flora & fauna of this spectacular corner of the enormous Chugach State Park.

The Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary  is one of the best places in the country to spot a beautiful bald eagle. Or for guaranteed animal sightings, stop by the Alaska Zoo and view its dozens of well-cared-for animal residents. Our state’s only zoo, this nonprofit works to conserve Arctic wildlife and sub-Arctic wildlife through financial support, fostering of injured and orphaned animals,  and community education.

When the Secret Garden staff is asked about  things to do in Anchorage this weekend, one we love to share is our hometown Hilltop Ski Area– Anchorage’s place to hit the slopes since the 1950s! Whether you ski in the winter or bike in the summer, you’ll love this community hill with lift access to 10 challenging trails as well as ski and mountain bike lessons.

With our fertile land and abundant sea, Anchorage is home to some delicious dining opportunities. There are so many amazing restaurants in Anchorage, but two local fine dining options we love to recommend for their nature-to-table emphasis are Simon’s & Seafort’s Saloon & Restaurant and The Rustic Goat– they’re both incredible!

Are you a home chef? One of the best things to do in downtown Anchorage is shopping at the Anchorage Farmers Market for fresh, local ingredients. And if your budget necessitates things to do in Anchorage for free, you can  forage for mushrooms to add rustic local flavor to your dishes. The Chugach National Forest and surrounding areas are lush with edible mushrooms in the later summer and fall. 

Another fun thing to do in downtown Anchorage is attend a concert, play, or special at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts! Home to traveling Broadway performers, opera singers, musical groups, and other entertainment options, the ACPA is a cultural hotspot. 

The Alaska Airlines Center on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus is another local event space with ample opportunities for diversion like UAA athletic events, concerts and speaking engagements.

How to explore our vast landscape if you can’t drive? One of the coolest things to do in Anchorage without a car is take a ride on the Alaska Railroad! Whether you need to get from here to there, or just want to kick back and relax while you enjoy a scenic journey, a train ride through the wilderness is a fun and luxurious experience. And their seasonal special event trains make the trip even more memorable!

Searching for things to do in downtown Anchorage with your family or another large group? Anchorage is home to several escape rooms– perfect places for team building or family fun. Our Anchorage dispensary staff love all of these escape room options because each one has uniquely detailed, themed rooms that will keep you puzzling!

• Alaska Escape Rooms
• Escape Alaska!
• Avalanche Escape Rooms
• Escape Anchorage  

No doubt you’ll keep your camera busy during your Anchorage adventures, snapping pics of our beautiful scenery, wildlife, and museums. Don’t forget to get some selfies too– one of the most Instagrammable & free things to do in Anchorage is to commemorate your trip in front of the Greetings from Alaska Mural near downtown. Created by a traveling artist/photographer couple, this mural is one of many to capture all over the world. Start your album in Anchorage!

Finally, we recommend a visit to the Secret Garden Cannabis Dispensary & Cultivation Center as one of the most unique things to do in Anchorage! Recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21+ in Alaska, and it’s no secret that the Secret Garden has Anchorage’s best weed. Our friendly and  welcoming dispensary near downtown Anchorage is an all-encompassing treat for your senses– allowing you to see, smell, and purchase premium marijuana flower and Alaska’s most popular cannabis products, including tasty edibles, potent concentrates, smooth vapes, and so much more. 

Stop by the Secret Garden to stock up on Alaska’s best weed– the best way to elevate all of your Anchorage adventures. Shop now!