Anchorage Pictures

These mountains are part of Chugach State Park, located south of downtown Anchorage. HagePhoto Getty Images

Winding its way from the downtown area past the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum to Kincaid Park, this 11-mile paved path is perfect for biking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing and strolling. Kevin Smith / Design Pics Getty Images

Kincaid Park offers all the perks of the Alaskan wilderness within city limits. You can access the park from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Michael Jones / Design Pics Getty Images

The Alaska Railroad offers numerous guided tours of America's Last Frontier. Nicole Geils Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Anchorage owers much of its development to aviation. The city also hosts the busiest float plane harbor in the world. Nicole Geils Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

There is no better place to learn about Alaska's native cultures at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Ashley Johnston / ACVB Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

The world-famous Iditarod sled dog race – during which the teams and their owners cover more than 1,000 miles – begins in Anchorage. Rebecca Coolidge Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

You're sure to bump into these popular Alaskan residents in Kincaid Park or Chugach State Park. But it's not uncommon to see them wandering the streets with the locals.  Roy Neese Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Beluga whales frequent Cook Inlet, the body of water on which Anchorage sits. To spot them, hop on a whale watching boat like the ones operated by Kenai Fjords Tours. Kenai Fjords Tours Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Located in Chugach National Forest, the Portage Glacier is one of the most visited attractions in Alaska. Since the glacier is in retreat, the only way to see it today is on a boat cruise. Courtesy of the Anchorage Convetion & Visitors Bureau

Brown bears are just one of the many species to call Alaska home. Doug Lindstrand Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Taking place in February, the annual Fur Rendezvous is Alaska's largest winter festival. Jody Overstreet Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Anglers can head over to Ship Creek. If you're lucky, you might be having Alaskan salmon for dinner. JodyO Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Although many tend to look to Aspen or Jackson Hole as top skiing destinations in the USA, Anchorage is teeming with activities. Some of which are only a 15-minute drive from the downtown area.  Jack Bonney Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Winter is the perfect time to visit for those of you hoping to catch a glimpse of the illustrious Northern Lights. Roy Neese Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitor's Bureau

You can see native and foreign plants and flowers at the Alaska Botanical Garden. Random Michelle Flickr

Looking for a place to camp in Chugach State Park? Consider the Eklutna Lake Campground, which features 50 different campsites for visitors to choose from.  Nicole Geils Courtesy of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Shop for clothes, crafts, local foods and more at the Anchorage Market & Festival, open seasonally on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit Anchorage PR Flickr

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and native birds while you wander down the wooden boardwalk at Potter Marsh. Moelyn Photos Getty Images