Anchorage, Alaska offers a wonderful, adventure filled romantic vacation.
Begin your vacation by deciding what type of accommodations you want. The choices range from hotels, condominiums, and bed and breakfasts to wilderness lodges, RV parks, and campsites.
Once you have settled in, you can begin planning your days and nights. There is so much to choose from. If you visit Anchorage in the spring, summer, or fall then you should have mild weather with highs in the 50s to the 70s. Winter offers temperatures in the 20s.
Anchorage is surrounded by rich offerings of nature. You just have to decide what you want to do first. Adventures are everywhere! You can sign up for half or full-day fishing tours and try to catch the perfect salmon or rainbow trout.
Wildlife viewings include bears, moose, caribou, dall sheep, and over 200 species of birds including the majestic bald eagle. Chaguch State Park and Denali State Park are wonderful places to view wildlife in their natural habitats. Remember, however, don't feed the animals!
Birds abound at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge that is located just 12 miles from Anchorage. You can also take a drive along Turnagain Arm and watch sheep grazing along the hillside.
If marine life is what interests you, then sign up for a charter whale watching tour to get the best look at the breathtaking Beluga whales. Glacier and wildlife tours are also available from nearby Seward and offer sightings of otters, sea lions, and seals among other animals.
If you are looking for a more physical adventure, then check out the many rafting, canoeing, and kayaking establishments. You can choose from leisurely trips to wild, rapid adventure rides from a half day or longer.
If winter finds you in Anchorage, then you can experience everything from skiing, snowboarding, sledding and ice skating to dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Don't miss the breathtaking display provided for free by the Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, which can also be seen during the spring and fall.
Don't forget to visit the array of shops in Anchorage. You can choose from exquisitely carved jade to polished ivory and many other native art objects. There are many quaint shops, galleries, and specialty gift stores available.
If you visit Anchorage in the summer, be sure and check out the Anchorage Saturday Market. It offers many different types of arts and crafts and wonderful vegetables to choose from.
Don't forget the Anchorage Museum Shop; the Ulu Factory, which features its one of a kind knife; and the Alaska Native Medical Center Craft Shop, which has everything from native dolls to hand crafted jewelry.
Don't forget to check out the wonderful Alaskan cuisine in one of the many restaurants, pubs, and cafes. King Salmon is the official fish of Alaska, and you can have it fresh for lunch or dinner. Other seafood includes oysters, king crab, and salmon, just to name a few. If you want something other than seafood, then choose from a juicy grilled steak to the perfect hamburger. There is something for everyone!
Finally, if you really want to dance the night away, then Anchorage has that, too. You can enjoy the sounds of live music at one of the many clubs or small pubs in the city, or you can look for more of a party atmosphere at one of the karaoke bars.
Whatever you decide to do, Anchorage is the perfect romantic getaway for couples. During the Summer Solstice, the sun doesn't set, which means the day can last forever!
