Anchorage stands out as a city that beautifully combines urban life with wild natural beauty. Its accessible location offers travelers a unique blend of city sights, native traditions, and nearby wilderness — all easily explored through guided tours. We particularly love the Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage because it provides a thoughtful introduction to the city’s cultural and natural highlights while giving you a flavorful taste of local foods, making it ideal for first-timers. Whether you want sweeping mountain views or insights into native crafts, Anchorage’s tour options deliver.
Anchorage is packed with options that suit different interests and schedules. From quick trolley rides to in-depth wildlife expeditions, you can choose a tour that fits your style. Below, we’ll walk through the top 13 tours, highlighting what makes each one special — so you’ll know exactly which experience suits your trip best.
1. Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage
At number 1, this half-day guided tour offers a balanced mix of city sights, cultural insights, and local flavors. It features stops at Ship Creek, where salmon swim upstream, and Earthquake Park, telling the story of the 1964 quake. The highlight is the visit to Alaska Wild Berry Products, home to the world’s largest chocolate waterfall, plus tasting regional chocolates made with wolfberries. The tour also includes a visit to the Ulu Factory, where traditional knives are crafted, giving you a glimpse into native life.
You’ll enjoy insider commentary on Anchorage’s history and folklore, making this ideal for first-time visitors. The guide’s knowledge brings the city’s story to life, and the scenic stops provide photo opportunities like the Point Woronzof overlook, where you might spot a moose. Rated 4.5/5 from 695 reviews, many praise its friendly guides and well-organized itinerary. For around $69, it’s excellent value for those wanting a broad, tasty snapshot of Anchorage.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting an overview with delicious local tastings and scenic views — a good balance of city and nature.
2. Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings
Number 2 on our list is a more intimate and chocolate-focused tour, ideal for sweet tooths or families. This 3.5-hour small-group experience includes a visit to the Anchorage Chocolate Factory, which boasts the world’s largest chocolate waterfall. You’ll see an Alaskan ulu knife-making demonstration at the Ulu Factory and learn about native woodworking traditions. The stops also include Earthquake Park, where you see the land’s dramatic shift after the 1964 quake.
What sets this tour apart is the personalized attention — with a maximum of 14 travelers, you get more time and space to ask questions. Guests loved the guide’s local knowledge and the opportunity to buy authentic souvenirs directly from the artisans. Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 90 reviews, it’s highly recommended for first-timers eager to learn and sample local treats.
Bottom line: An excellent, cozy introduction to Anchorage’s culture and cuisine, especially for those who appreciate artisan crafts and chocolates.
3. City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour – Winter & Summer
If you’re after a longer, more immersive experience, number 3 combines sightseeing with tastings over 4.5 hours. Led by a local guide, it focuses on Anchorage’s best food spots and landmarks. Highlights include sampling Alaskan seafood and visiting local businesses that showcase the state’s culinary delights. The tour covers Earthquake Park, Lake Hood Harbor — the world’s busiest floatplane base — and the Ulu Factory.
Guests praise the guide’s depth of knowledge and the opportunity to try regional specialties like reindeer sausage and fresh seafood. It’s best suited for foodies and history buffs who want an in-depth look at the city’s culture. Rated 5.0/5 with rave reviews, this tour offers delicious bites and stunning views in one package, making it great for travelers wanting to experience Anchorage’s flavors and sights.
Bottom line: For those who want a comprehensive, multi-sensory introduction, this tour hits all the right notes.
4. Anchorage All Around City Tour
Number 4 offers a winter-specific exploration of Anchorage’s outskirts and top landmarks. This 3.5-hour tour includes visits to Ulu Factory, Earthquake Park, and Lake Hood Harbor, with a focus on native culture and natural scenery. You might spot wildlife like moose along the route, and the tour concludes at the Alaska Native Medical Center Craft Shop.
This tour works well for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time without strenuous activity. Guides share insights about the 1964 earthquake and native crafts, making it both educational and scenic. Rated 5.0/5 from 47 reviews, many commenters highlight the knowledgeable guides and efficient itinerary. At $69, it offers solid value for those seeking a comprehensive, outdoor-focused city tour.
Bottom line: Best suited for visitors who want a quick, wide-ranging look at Anchorage’s top sites with a native culture twist.
5. Premiere City Tour of Anchorage-Mountain views & Native Culture
If scenery is your priority, number 5 delivers breathtaking mountain views combined with native cultural insights. This 2-hour tour takes you to Earthquake Park, Point Woronzof, and the University of Alaska Anchorage, with a focus on capturing photogenic landscapes. The guide, trained in vacation photography, helps you snap the perfect shot of the Cook Inlet and, when visible, Denali.
Ideal for photo enthusiasts or those short on time, it offers a quick yet visually stunning overview of Anchorage’s natural beauty and native history. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 10 reviews, travelers find it engaging and informative, especially appreciating the guide’s enthusiasm and photography tips. The $80 price is reasonable for a focused, scenic experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers interested in capturing the scenery and learning about native culture in a short time.
6. Anchorage Airport Transport to Anchorage City
For travelers arriving or departing, number 6 provides reliable, stress-free transfer service. It offers 24-hour pickup with comfortable vehicles and professional drivers. The ride typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour, making it a practical choice to start or end your trip smoothly. Reviewers praise the courteous service and on-time pickups, making it worth the $40 per person.
While not a sightseeing tour, this service is essential if you want to avoid the hassle of navigating Anchorage’s streets or waiting for taxis. It’s especially useful when arriving late or catching early flights.
Bottom line: A convenient, no-fuss way to get to your hotel or the airport, ensuring you start your trip on the right foot.
7. City and Wildlife Conservation Center Tour in Anchorage, Alaska
Number 7 is the most comprehensive of our wildlife tours, combining urban exploration with a visit to the Wildlife Conservation Center. This 7-hour tour takes you from the city to see native animals like moose, bears, and eagles in natural habitats. It includes Ship Creek, Ulu Factory, Earthquake Park, and Point Woronzof, along with a wildlife-focused stop at the conservation center where you see Alaskan animals up close.
Guests love the depth of experience and the chance to observe wildlife in their environment. Rated 5.0/5 from 7 reviews, it’s perfect for nature lovers wanting an in-depth, full-day experience. For $169, this tour provides a rich mix of city and wilderness.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking an immersive wildlife experience along with city highlights.
8. Anchorage’s Winter City Tour = Samples + Stops + WildLife
Number 8 is designed for winter visitors, combining city sights, local samples, and wildlife spotting in a 3-hour tour. It visits Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Center, meets SnowElla, the 25-foot Snow Lady, and stops at Earthquake Park for a quick lesson on the 1964 quake. The tour emphasizes native culture and winter scenery, with chances to see moose and other wildlife.
Travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and the fun photo ops, especially with SnowElla. Rated 4.5/5 from 27 reviews, many mention the friendly guide and interesting stories. At $59, it’s a good choice for those wanting a short, winter-themed tour with a touch of local flavor.
Bottom line: Best for visitors wanting a winter-specific experience with photos and native culture.
9. Anchorage: Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour
Number 9 offers a leisurely biking adventure along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Over 3 hours, you’ll see Kincaid Park, Earthquake Park, and Westchester Lagoon while looking out for moose and spotting mountain views over Cook Inlet. The small group setting makes it suitable for all skill levels, and the tour provides rich commentary on Anchorage’s geography and seismic history.
Guests highlight the relaxed pace and the beautiful scenery. Rated 4.8/5 from 11 reviews, it’s perfect for active travelers wanting to combine exercise with sightseeing. The $139 price reflects the quality equipment and personalized experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for active explorers who want to see key sights from a biking perspective.
10. Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage
Number 10 offers a half-day city exploration with a focus on Alaskan flavors. It includes stops at Alaska Wild Berry Products for tasting smoked salmon and reindeer sausage, plus visits to Ship Creek and Earthquake Park. It’s a shorter, more budget-friendly version of the first tour, at $69 per person, with a duration of 3.5 hours.
This tour is suited for those who want a quick culture combined with tasty samples. While some reviews mention missed food opportunities, many praise the friendly guides and interesting stops. It’s a practical choice for travelers with limited time.
Bottom line: Great for budget-conscious travelers who want a bite-sized taste of Anchorage.
11. Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City
Number 11 is a private transportation service, offering comfort and convenience for arriving or departing travelers. It’s a personalized ride with professional drivers ensuring on-time pickups and drop-offs. For $180 per group (up to 3), it provides a stress-free start or end to your trip.
While not a tour, this service is highly rated for reliability and ease, especially helpful when arriving late or with heavy luggage. It is practical for avoiding transportation hassles in unfamiliar territory.
Bottom line: The best choice for seamless airport transfers with a touch of comfort.
12. Tent City Anchorage and Surroundings 3-Hour Tour
Number 12 explores green parks and natural trails in Anchorage, focusing on local outdoor spaces. It includes visits to Tent City, a local gathering spot, and scenic views of surrounding nature. The tour emphasizes fresh air and easy walks, ideal for families or less active travelers.
Rated 5/5 from just 1 review, it’s a quiet, relaxed way to see less touristy areas and enjoy Alaska’s natural beauty. Priced at $110, it offers a personalized experience outside the city core.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers seeking a gentle, nature-focused stroll with local insights.
$110 per person
13. Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour
The most popular tour in Anchorage, this 1.5-hour trolley ride covers the city’s highlights like Earthquake Park, Lake Hood Harbor, and the Alaska Railroad Depot. It’s a fun, narrated ride where you can get off at designated stops and ask questions, making it a flexible way to see the city.
Rated 5.0/5 from a whopping 1,088 reviews, it’s a best-seller for a reason. Many mention the friendly guide, interesting commentary, and easy access to top sights. The $50 price point makes it a great value for a quick overview.
Bottom line: Perfect for anyone wanting an easy, engaging introduction to Anchorage’s main attractions.
$50.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Anchorage Tour
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. For a comprehensive city intro with food, the City of Anchorage Sightseeing & Food Tour offers a good balance. If you’re keen on native crafts and chocolates, the Choc Factory Samplings delivers an intimate experience. For wildlife and nature lovers, the City and Wildlife Conservation Center Tour is hard to beat.
Those short on time or seeking a quick overview should opt for the Deluxe Trolley Tour or the Mountain Views & Native Culture. Budget travelers will find the Trolley Tour and the Winter City Tour offer good value.
For wilderness and wildlife, consider the Wildlife Conservation Center or the All Around Anchorage. Book early, especially for popular tours like the trolley and specialty excursions, to ensure availability during the busy season.
In summary, Anchorage offers a spectrum of guided tours that cater to different tastes — from cultural insights and native crafts to wildlife encounters and scenic views. Whether you want a short and sweet introduction or an immersive day, there’s an option for every traveler. Think about what you most want to experience, and book early — Anchorage’s tours fill quickly in peak season. With the right choice, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of this unique Alaskan city.