Shuttle Bus Rentals in Anchorage, Alaska

The Alaska Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers of all ages. Home to more than 100 animals representing 50 species—including polar bears, Amur tigers, wolves, moose, and musk oxen—this 25-acre zoo focuses on cold-climate wildlife from Alaska and around the world. Visitors can explore wooded trails, attend daily keeper chats, and learn about the zoo’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts for orphaned or injured native animals. The Alaska Zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours, summer camps, and special events like Zoo Lights in the winter. It’s a great destination for families, school groups, or anyone interested in Arctic and sub-Arctic wildlife.

Located in downtown Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is the largest museum in Alaska and a top cultural attraction for visitors of all ages. The museum’s exhibits cover everything from Alaska Native history and art to contemporary science and technology. Highlights include the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, which features hundreds of Alaska Native artifacts; the Alaska Gallery, showcasing the state’s history and environment; and the Imaginarium Discovery Center, an interactive science space perfect for kids. The museum also hosts rotating art exhibitions, a planetarium, and a variety of public programs throughout the year.

Located about an hour south of Anchorage near Portage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, and quality animal care. The center is home to bears, bison, moose, muskoxen, wolves, and other iconic Alaskan species, many of which were orphaned or injured in the wild. Visitors can view the animals up close along a 1.5-mile loop, either by walking or driving, and learn about their stories and the center’s ongoing efforts to reintroduce species like wood bison back into the wild. AWCC offers guided tours, animal encounters, and special events throughout the year, making it a popular stop for families and wildlife enthusiasts traveling between Anchorage and Whittier.

Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States, covering over 495,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests, and lakes just east of Anchorage. The park offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. Popular destinations within the park include Flattop Mountain (Anchorage’s most climbed peak), Eagle River Nature Center, Eklutna Lake, and Bird Ridge Trail. With stunning scenery and trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes, Chugach State Park is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.

Located on the shores of Lake Hood—the busiest seaplane base in the world—the Alaska Aviation Museum celebrates the state’s rich aviation history. Exhibits include vintage aircraft, historic photographs, and artifacts related to bush flying, military aviation, and commercial airlines in Alaska. Visitors can explore several hangars filled with restored planes, watch floatplanes take off and land from an observation deck, and even sit in the cockpit of a Cessna 150 simulator. The museum also hosts special events, educational programs, and a gift shop with aviation-themed merchandise. It’s a fascinating destination for anyone interested in airplanes or Alaska’s unique transportation history.

About 40 miles southeast of Anchorage, the town of Girdwood is best known as the home of Alyeska Resort—Alaska’s premier ski destination. In winter, visitors flock here for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing on the resort’s 1,610 acres of skiable terrain. The Alyeska Aerial Tram operates year-round, providing access to mountaintop dining and panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding peaks. In summer, Girdwood offers hiking, mountain biking, and festivals like the Forest Fair. The town itself has a laid-back vibe with local shops, restaurants, and hot spots like the Girdwood Brewing Company. It’s a great basecamp for exploring the Chugach Mountains in any season.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a cultural center and museum dedicated to celebrating and sharing the traditions of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples. Located on a wooded campus with a lake and walking trails, the center features indoor exhibits, art galleries, and a theater for dance and storytelling performances. Outside, visitors can tour six life-size replicas of traditional Native dwellings, representing the major cultural groups from across Alaska. The center also offers workshops in Native crafts, a gift shop selling handmade items, and seasonal events that highlight Indigenous culture. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in the history and heritage of Alaska’s first peoples.

Once visible from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, Portage Glacier has retreated around a bend but is still accessible via boat tours on Portage Lake. The visitor center offers exhibits on glaciology, local wildlife, and the history of the area, as well as film presentations and ranger-led programs. Nearby trails provide opportunities to see other glaciers, such as Byron Glacier, up close. The area is also popular for kayaking, ice climbing, and photography, especially during the spring when icebergs break off into the lake.

Anchorage’s largest municipal park covers more than 1,500 acres of forested headlands overlooking Cook Inlet. Kincaid Park boasts an extensive network of multi-use trails popular for hiking, running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The park also features a coastal sand dune, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail—an 11-mile paved path connecting Kincaid Park to downtown Anchorage. Other amenities include soccer fields, a disc golf course, a chalet with rental space, and access to secluded beaches along the inlet.

Located in Wasilla, about 45 minutes north of Anchorage, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters offers visitors a chance to learn about Alaska’s most famous sporting event. The facility includes a museum with memorabilia from past races, a gift shop, and displays on the history of dog mushing in Alaska. During the summer months, guests can take short sled dog rides on wheeled carts, meet real Iditarod dogs, and watch video presentations about the race. It’s a fun and educational stop for families and anyone interested in this iconic Alaskan tradition.