Anchorage is emerging from its winter glow with longer and warmer days, becoming a captivating destination for spring break, and a wonderful playground for locals and residents alike. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a friend gathering, our city offers an exciting blend of outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, delicious cuisine, and a killer art scene.

Experience an exciting scavenger hunt across Anchorage exploring the best of what the city has to offer this spring break!

For Snow Lovers

It is no secret that Anchorage’s mountains are the perfect playground for snow enthusiasts. If skiing and snowboarding are at the top of your spring break schedule, Alyeska Resort Ski Area in Girdwood has mountain experiences for skiers and riders of all abilities. Right in town, Hilltop Ski Area is the perfect place to get a few laps. If downhill is not your thing, remember that adjacent to Hilltop is Hillside Park, with 7.5 miles of groomed, wooded trails that cover every kind of cross-country ski terrain you may want. 

Besides skiing, families and kids at heart can enjoy the Tube Park at Arctic Valley Ski Area. The tube park operates Thursday through Sunday. Get your tickets online!

A family skiing at Alyeska Resort. (Matt Hage)

Wildlife Encounters

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary dedicated to caring for Alaska’s wildlife, and a truly Alaskan experience located just 47 miles from Anchorage. You may have visited in the summer, but did you know that you can cruise around their grounds in a kick sled during the winter? As a bonus, the animals love the snow; March is the perfect time to watch them frolic and play in a whole different way. 

An Anchorage favorite on the hillside is the Alaska Zoo, 23 acres of maintained trails where you can visit the Sitka black-tailed deer, the lynx, the golden eagle, the polar bear, and many more fascinating animals, adding an element of discovery to your spring break adventure.

Musk Oxen at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Nicole Geils)

Culinary Delights

After all that adventuring, you are sure to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Anchorage’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering an assortment of international flavors. Families and friends can indulge in a scavenger hunt of their favorite flavors. If Mexican is your thing, Rafelitos has seven different types of tacos for you to choose from, and don’t forget to try their delicious horchata and aguas frescas, too! Queen of Sheba, located in midtown, offers delicious Ethiopian cuisine; vegetarian, beef, lamb, and poultry dishes that are sure to leave you satisfied. And in case you want a taste of the Hawaiian Islands, Hula Hands has anything from poke to Kalua pig shredded pork. Make sure to add some Hawaiian sweet rolls to your order, you won’t regret it.

A plate at Rafelitos Restaurant (Hugo Quijano)

Art Murals

Taking a self-guided public art tour of Anchorage is a great way to enjoy the vibrant street art that adorn the city’s buildings and alleyways. Families can engage in a creative scavenger hunt to find the murals that depict landscapes and wildlife, while friends can take the time to capture memorable photos with these works of art, adding a touch of cultural exploration to your spring break escapade. Some favorite murals include the Abundant Alaska mural by Kaydee Scarola, located behind Judy’s Cafe, the Rage City Vintage mural by Adam Shea definitely enlivening the Spenard area, the mural in Mountain View by artist Bisco, and the AK Alchemist mural by Devin Duel in the downtown area, will allow you to experience the color and vibrancy that these wide-open canvases convey.

Anchorage's "Whaling Wall" by artist Wyland depicts many of the ocean mammals found in Alaska waters. (Michelle Brown)

In addition to these ideas, children can immerse themselves in the educational and interactive spaces that the Anchorage Museum offers, like the Anchorage School District Youth Art Show. This exhibit celebrates young artists from K-12 students and it opens March 1st. 

Bear Tooth Theatrepub pizza and wild animal candies from Alaska Wildberry Products for dessert will keep their tummies happy. Don’t forget to visit the world’s largest chocolate waterfall!

Anchorage offers an array of experiences that are perfect for families with kids or friends seeking adventure. Embark on a scavenger hunt through our town this spring break. Embrace the thrill of the outdoors, wildlife, diverse cuisines, and immerse yourself in the city’s awesome art scene, and you are sure to have fun and create lasting memories with those you love most.