Combining the rugged outdoors with some wonderful indoor attractions, Anchorage, Alaska, is like nowhere else in the world. The pristine countryside melds into a city that's modern, offering all the amenities a five-star vacation lover would desire. Those on Alaskan tours, however, should remember the biggest draw to this state is the great outdoors.



When it comes to the great outdoors, Alaska is king for vacationers. The Anchorage area itself offers pristine, crystal clear waterways to explore, glacial expeditions, mountain hiking and more. All the while, visitors stand a good chance of having some great wildlife sightings.

Those on an Anchorage vacation are sure to see almost instantly that this city is unlike any other. Mixing a rich native history, a backdrop that's legendary and modern conveniences into one destination, an Alaskan vacation can take on a number of different forms. From the home base of Anchorage, vacationers can go on rugged hiking and camping expeditions or just take in the sights by day and enjoy five-star accommodations at night. Offering everything from museums and theater to fishing trips, hunting excursions and more, this city is a vacationers' paradise.

Anyone visiting Anchorage is sure to find there are some sights that are considered must-sees. They include:

* Historic downtown. With buildings that date back decades, the downtown area is home to the original city hall, the 4th Avenue Theatre and more.

* Anchorage Museum of History and Art. This destination includes a permanent collection that helps illustrate the history of Alaska dating back some 10,000 years. It includes a melding of cultures including native, European, Russian and more.

* Ship Creek. Here visitors can fish for salmon while remaining in the heart of the city. At nearby Ship Creek Center, visitors can see native dancers and more.

* Oscar Anderson House. This historic landmark was built in 1915 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

* Alaskan Botanical Gardens. This park just outside of Anchorage gives people a place to enjoy trail walking while taking in 110 acres of spruce and birch woodlands.

* Alaska Zoo. This attraction includes many of Alaska's native creatures, including bears, seals, foxes and more.

* Earthquake Park. This is the site where a 1964 earthquake destroyed 75 homes. This monster of an earthquake measured 9.2 on the Richter and pushed a lot of land right into the Cook Inlet.

Those visiting Anchorage will also find nearby an array of outdoor locations to explore. From great hiking trials to glaciers and beyond, the sights and sounds of Alaska are one-of-a-kind.

Among the more nature sights visitors can see include wildlife spotting, glaciers, woodlands and more. Animals include whales, bears, eagles, seals and so on.

Accommodations in and around the Anchorage area include rustic cabins, upscale hotels, tent camping and more. Depending on the style of vacation desired and the types of activities intended, there is something for everyone in this beautiful Alaskan city. Just remember while going on an Alaskan adventure to do some homework about the time of years and desired sights to see and it's likely you'll find yourself wanting to come back and take more of it in.