The Alaska Zoo
#13 in Best Things To Do in Anchorage
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- 4.0Value
- 4.0Facilities
- 3.0Atmosphere
If the thought of running into some of Alaska's four-legged friends in their natural habitat makes you nervous, visit them (safely) at The Alaska Zoo. This little zoo rescues numerous critters – including moose, caribou, polar bears, seals and wolves, among others – that can no longer survive in the wild. Anchorage's residents hold this quaint zoo close to their hearts – they have even named all the animals housed there.
However, some recent visitors believe that the limited offerings and small habitats are drawbacks, as it can be a bit sad to view the animals in smaller cage areas.
You'll find The Alaska Zoo sitting southeast of downtown along O'Malley Road. The animals welcome visitors every day, although hours vary depending on the season. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. For more information, visit the zoo's website.
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2 of 12#1 Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
For a family-friendly outdoor excursion, grab your camera and hit the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, named for the for former Alaska governor Tony Knowles. 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. If you're visiting during the summer, keep your eyes peeled over Cook Inlet for beluga whales, while winter trailblazers should look out for moose in Kincaid Park.
Many recent visitors hail this trail as the best site in Anchorage, but they also offer a few words of advice, saying you should take your time while exploring the park, as there will be a lot you'll want to stop and see. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is free and open to the public throughout the year. You can access the trail at the northeast end of West 2nd Avenue near the railroad depot and at the southwest end at Kincaid chalet, as well as several points in between. For more information, check out the trail's website.
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