Anchorage is buzzing with energy; from expanded trails and engaging cultural exhibits to new boutique stays and easier ways to get here, the city offers more ways than ever to explore, play, and experience Alaska. Whether planning a first visit, or looking for new experiences, here are some of the can’t miss additions for 2026. 

New Arrivals 

Anchorage’s airport is the largest in Alaska, and more flights are coming in 2026. Alaska Airlines adds nonstop flights from Boston, Boise, and Spokane to a deep schedule of flights. Southwest Airlines joins the list of carriers serving Anchorage with their flights from Denver and Las Vegas. Existing nonstop routes will see more capacity as well, either with added frequency or larger aircraft. If you’re ready to take wing, check out the complete list of nonstop flights to Anchorage. 

Checking In with Anchorage Hotel Updates 

Keeping up momentum after their big 2025 opening, Salted Roots Basecamp adds a new cafe and wine bar. Little Rituals Cafe opens in May. The hotel will also see interior room renovations, and add a new elevator, air conditioning, and triple pane windows as well. 

The Voyager Inn reopened under new management. The hotel features 40 rooms and is just three blocks away from Elderberry Park and the closest access point to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage Downtown opened just across the street from the Anchorage Museum with 120 studio-style rooms. Both the Voyager and the Aspen suites are operated by JL Hospitality. 

The additions aren’t limited to one neighborhood; two new midtown hotels are prepped for 2026 as well. A dual badged Candlewood Suites and Holiday Inn adds 193 rooms and is open now. Right next door, the Courtyard by Marriott is expected to have 141 rooms once open. 

Hit the Trails 

For 2026, Anchorage was recognized as a Runner Friendly Community by The Road Runners Club of America, and a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The International Mountain Bicycling Association also designated Anchorage as a 2026 Trail Town. The secret sauce is Anchorage’s vast system of urban and parkland trails, and more are coming. 

With more than 250 miles of trails and over 220 parks, Anchorage is improving connections and access across the city. The Ship Creek–Tony Knowles Coastal Trail connection is coming soon, upgrades are planned for Beach Lake Trail and Russian Jack Springs Park, and Phase 1 of the 6-mile Service Singletrack trail in east Anchorage is already open. Trails continue to become more connected and accessible for hiking, biking, and walking. 

Rooted in Culture 

The Alaska Native Heritage Center opens new exhibitions in the hall of cultures. These honor the resilience, artistry, and living histories of Alaska’s First Peoples, including “Nats'itsatna (Our Ancestors, Dena'ina, a Dene Language)”, “Dena’ina Quht’ana (Local Dena’ina, a Dene Language)”, “Education in Alaska: Disruptions to Our Traditional Teachings.” ANHC has also updated the Identity Galleries. Renovations to its Theater and Crossroads also create more immersive storytelling and cultural experiences for visitors. It’s just a few elements of the multiyear, multimillion dollar expansion project for the center.arden, and more. 

The Anchorage Museum’s summer programming puts the lens on life in the north. 

  • Michaela Goade: Song of the Seasons (Opens May 1, 2026): Celebrate the seasons and appreciate Alaska scenes through the images, sketches, and process videos of Tlingit and Norwegian artist Michaela Goade. 

  • AK Grown: Childhood in Alaska (Opens May 1) Find out how the smallest residents of the largest state view their world. Photographs from the 1930s to the present trace nearly a century of childhood across Alaska. 

  • Jeron Joseph: Sacred Ground (Through October 4, 2026): Photographer Jeron Joseph was forced to evacuate from his home in Kwigillingok. He sees his photographs as a way to honor, remember, and showcase the beauty of Alaska. 

The Alaska Aviation Museum is renewing and refreshing their Alaska Airlines display. The carrier is a huge part is Anchorage's passenger capacity, and has deep roots that go all the way back to the early days of Alaska aviation. The permanent installation lands in early May.

Anchorage’s Bold New Look 

Art isn’t just on museum walls; the city is adding color, creativity, and local flair everywhere. This summer will see new murals through the city’s “Beyond the Beige” program. 

Downtown wayfinding signage expands, with artwork that incorporates a pattern based on Dena’ina Athabascan quill work created by artist Sebastian Garber. 

Even more Indigenous Place Names Markers will be installed this summer, with four place name signposts and one plaza to be installed at the Campbell Creek Estuary (Qin Cheghi Kaq’ Bena), Campbell Creek Park (Qin Cheghitnu), Carr-Gottstein Park (Tutl'uh), and the Fish Creek Estuary (Ch'atanaltsegh). In partnership with the Native Village of Eklutna, the project shares Dena’ina place names, stories, and artwork with residents and visitors. 

The Anchorage Mushing District installed a new steel arch over Fourth Avenue; a new landmark downtown and a visible link to Anchorage’s connection to the state sport of dog mushing.  

Nature Experiences 

The new Matson Ocean Education Center at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center will offer a fascinating window into the lives of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales in Turnagain Arm with interactive exhibits and the chance to listen to underwater sounds. The Grand Opening is May 16, 2026. 

Events 

The long summer nights draw performers of all stripes, with visits this year from ATLiens, MC4D, Yonder Mountain String Band, comedian Jo Koy, and many others. 

Showdown hosts an outdoor summer concert series, block party style, along F Street in front of Williwaw. Hardcore band Chiodos headlines in May, with Ty Dolla Sign in July. More announcements coming soon. 

Country fans can look forward to performances this summer from the Band Perry, Sawyer Brown and Montgomery Gentry and Chase Matthews.  

Local Flavor 

Anchorage’s dining scene continues to expand with several recent openings. New additions include Dripping Zebra, a coffee shop and bakery; The Rail, a beer bar and comfort food spot by the Alaska Railroad Depot; Wei Restaurant offering Chinese cuisine; and City Boy Burgers serving up classic burgers in Mountain View. This summer, Undertap is set to open at The Wildbirch Hotel, bringing collaborative small-batch brews with Midnight Sun Brewing to downtown Anchorage. These join other recent arrivals like Buzzed Beetle Brewery, Sakana Poke & Soiree, and Pearl on Anchorage’s menu. 

Temporary Tour Pickup Point 

This summer, shuttle and tour pick-ups that are normally in front of the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center will temporarily move to a new location a block away at Fourth Avenue. 

While the Log Cabin Visitor center stays put, even more travel information is available as Visit Anchorage opens a temporary space at 515 W Fourth Avenue, just across the street from Historic City Hall. 

These temporary relocations pave the way for some exciting downtown redevelopment work in the near future. 

Community Renewal in Anchorage 

Even more is in the cards, with major work coming for Peratrovich Park and Town Square Park, large redevelopment projects like the mixed retail-residential and hotel construction of Block 41 and the open market concept Fourth Avenue Marketplace, and the new Denali View RV Resort. Here are some projects to look for in future years: 

Town Square Park is getting a makeover to make it even better for both visitors and residents. The project will add more green space, better walkways, updated lighting, and new seating areas. While keeping its historic charm, the park will become a more inviting and accessible spot to relax and attend events. 

Peratrovich Park is getting an upgrade as Anchorage Parks and Recreation expands seating and walkways and refreshes the grass and landscaping. Long known as a hub for music, events, vendors, and visitors, the refreshed space aims to restore its role as a lively city square, and will draw pedestrians through the park, not just past. 

A portion of Historic City Hall is being converted into a new downtown library, bringing a new civic use to the 80-year-old landmark. 

A 15-acre seasonal RV park in downtown Anchorage (3rd Ave. & Ingra St.), featuring an Indigenous garden and Alaska Native Memorial (to honor patients of the old Native Hospital). Close to nearby Ship Creek trails, the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery, and will include restrooms, playgrounds, and courts. Future plans include a small neighborhood market. 

Anchorage in 2026 is more than a stopover. It’s a destination filled with new experiences, culture, and adventure. Stay in the know with the latest events, stories, and insider tips on the Anchorage Inside and Out Blog.