Photo Spots Anchorage

Between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet, Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is a hub for adventurous types and culturally minded travellers alike. The city is one of the best gateways in North America to wildlife viewing combined with spectacular views. In a single day, you can explore endless hiking trails, spot bald eagles and black bears, walk on the Matanuska Glacier, and admire the whimsical northern lights — all just a stone’s throw away from an urban centre filled with art galleries, music venues, cafes, and boutiques. Get ready to explore this top Alaskan destination, and don’t worry about the photo-ops because we’ve got you covered with this blog on the top 5 places to take photos in Anchorage. 🇺🇸

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers in Anchorage to show us around all the very best spots for pictures.

TLDR

1. Catch stunning views of the Chugach Mountains from Beluga Point.
2. Find year-round fun at the lovely ski town of Girdwood.
3. Marvel at sweeping mountain and city views from Glen Alps Trailhead.
4. Explore an alpine paradise complete with a picturesque abandoned mine at Hatcher Pass.
5. Admire the contrast of verdant forests and shimmering blue glaciers at Portage Lake.
6. Get ready for a monumental ice spectacle at Byron Glacier.
7. Enjoy city and nature delights in bustling Downtown Anchorage.
8. Experience nature’s magic no matter the season at Eklutna Lake.

Photo: Flytographer in Anchorage. Sophia and family capture memories in Anchorage with a family photoshoot at Beluga Point.

1. Beluga Point

A little to the south of the city, along the Seward Highway, Beluga Point is a rocky outpost that juts into the waters of Turnagain Arm and offers amazing views and backdrops for a one-of-a-kind photoshoot. The site features a clay beach and breathtaking panoramic vistas of the mountain range at Chugach State Park, which usually glimmers with snow, something that makes the landscape even more magical and photogenic. ❄️ A leisurely stroll along the short pathways that wind along the stony crag is a perfect way to unwind and admire the natural beauty of Alaska — don’t forget to stop for a moment and listen to the calming sound of the wind and waves hitting the rocks. The area is one of the best places to take photos in Anchorage; you just need to choose your favourite lookout point and snap memorable pics. 👌

The highlight of Beluga Point is what gave the spot its name: beluga whales. The site is famous for being an excellent vantage point to spot the smart creatures, also known as white whales, going their way up and down the inlet. The best time to see them is mid-July through August. If you’re not lucky enough to see whales, at least you’ll get to see the Dall sheep that inhabit the hillsides around. 🐑

Photo: Emmie in Anchorage for Flytographer. Allyson and partner capture memories in Anchorage with a honeymoon photoshoot at Beluga Point.

2. Girdwood

Nestled just an hour’s drive from Anchorage, this charming ski town is often said to be one of the best places to take photos in Anchorage. Home to the state’s only major ski resort, Alyeska Resort, Girdwood offers visitors an array of year-round activities: from biking, skiing, rafting, and hiking to gold panning tours and exploring a northern rainforest with stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. 🏔️ Winter brings the chance to catch the mesmerizing northern lights, a spectacular Alaskan phenomenon where bright starry nights set the perfect backdrop for the aurora borealis. 😮 You can also venture out on a short trip to Portage Glacier for simply breathtaking glacier views. 

While in Girdwood, don’t miss out on visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. Spread across over 200 acres, this sanctuary is dedicated to protecting and preserving Alaska’s wildlife through education, research, conservation, and quality animal care. 👍

Photo: Cindy in Anchorage for Flytographer. A photo of Girdwood captured for Flytographer.

3. Glen Alps Trailhead

Glen Alps Trailhead is a very popular spot for its sweeping mountain views, just a 25-minute drive from downtown it’s one of the best places to take photos in Anchorage. This trailhead offers accessible paved paths and panoramic views of the Anchorage Bowl, the Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna, and even Denali Mountain on clear days, making it a perfect location for capturing amazing Alaskan backgrounds. Glen Alps is a gateway for hikers heading towards Flattop Mountain, Alaska’s most visited and climbed peak, and to Chugach State Park, which is home to the beautiful Eklutna Lake, where you can rent a kayak and admire the majestic landscape from a different perspective. 🚣‍♀️ 

This is a privileged spot to soak in natural phenomena. In the clear winter nights, Glen Alps Trailhead becomes another magnificent spot to witness the aurora borealis unfurl over Anchorage’s skyline, while in the summer, it offers endless hours of backcountry hiking under consecutive 24-hour periods of sunlight. 🌞 Summer also brings a variety of vibrant wildflowers, splashing the trail sides with shades of yellow, pink, and blue. No matter what season you visit, Glen Alps is a prime location for wildlife viewing and landscape photography. 😉

Photo: Flytographer in Anchorage. Alyson and partner capture memories in Anchorage with a couples photoshoot.

4. Hatcher Pass

A 90-minute drive from Anchorage, a little past the city of Palmer, Hatcher Pass is a true alpine paradise complete with scenic trails, endless mountain views, and even a uniquely picturesque spot: an old abandoned mine. Easy trails cut through an alpine tundra, where wildflowers bloom during warmer months. 🌷 As you hike, you’ll be in awe of the views of the Talkeetna Mountains, the blue alpine lakes, and the lovely creeks that meander through the landscape. If you visit during summer, you can go berry picking — an activity with great photo ops! 

Wondering about the abandoned mine? That’s at the Independence Mine State Historical Park, which boasts 16 old structures from the 1930s. With its weathered wood and rusted metal, the site is a great spot for photography. 📸

5. Portage Lake

Located in a valley with mesmerizing vistas, Portage Lake is a great example of nature’s artistry. The lake is surrounded by pristine natural beauty, including dramatic mountains and glaciers carved out over thousands of years. Portage Glacier is the most famous one, and you can admire views of its colossal formations from different vantage points around the lake. You can even take a boat tour to see it up close. Summer around Portage Lake is truly special. The warm weather brings an amazing contrast between the verdant forests and the shimmering blue of the glaciers — it’s nothing short of a breathtaking spectacle! 💙

Extra Fly tip: close to Portage Lake is the unmissable Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, an awe-inspiring spot for experiencing the great Alaskan outdoors, including spotting great wildlife, such as the majestic musk oxen. 🐂

6. Byron Glacier

If you’re in for some ice spectacle, Byron Glacier is among the most accessible glaciers, offering the chance to explore ice caves and walk through scenic trails, all just over an hour’s drive from Anchorage. 🚗 The easy trail to the glacier runs along Byron Creek and features gentle ups and downs cutting through beautiful cottonwoods and aspen trees. Along the way, besides the serene soundtrack of the creek, you’ll find lovely backgrounds for photos and smooth stones where kids can play. As you get closer to the glacier, the terrain becomes more rugged, revealing stunning ice formations that make for unforgettable places to take photos in Anchorage.

❗Heads up: Ice caves can be unstable and dangerous, with the risk of collapse or falling ice, especially during warmer months. If you’re considering exploring the interiors of the cave, make sure to research extensively and take the necessary precautions.

7. Downtown Anchorage

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, Downtown Anchorage offers the perfect blend of urban and nature experiences. The area is a bustling hub filled with great restaurants, shops, historical landmarks, and cultural venues. One must-do while in the area is taking a stroll down 6th Avenue to admire the work of local muralists displayed on the exterior of The Seed Lab building. Another highlight is visiting the Anchorage Museum, where you can dive deeper into Alaska’s art and culture. Follow L Street to admire some of the city’s historic architecture and then head to Resolution Park for breathtaking views of Cook Inlet. Make sure to also visit Town Square Park, which hosts live music events and outdoor exercise classes during the summer and features an ice skating rink and lovely holiday light displays during the winter. ⛸️🎄

Here’s a hot tip: 🔥 Potter Marsh is one of the most accessible wildlife viewing spots in Alaska, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Anchorage. The wetland maze is home to over 100 species of migratory and nesting birds and features a long, beautiful boardwalk where you can soak in the wilderness and take in the unforgettable landscapes of Alaska.

Photo: Flytographer in Anchorage. Valerie and partner capture memories in Anchorage with a couples photoshoot.

8. Eklutna Lake

Nestled among the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Eklutna Lake is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and the stunning scenery that surrounds it — nothing less than Alpine majesty! The water contrasting with the rugged, snow-capped mountains creates a striking panorama. You can soak in all this natural beauty by exploring the trails that wind through the terrain, offering unforgettable views of the mountains, the lake, and even glimpses of another glacier: the Eklutna Glacier. Nothing beats this as one of the most jaw-dropping places to take photos in Anchorage. The lake’s shore is perfect for a picnic after a photo session, enjoying the breathtaking views and some tasty treats. 😋

The dense forest surrounding Eklutna Lake turns vibrant green during the summer months and boasts fiery amber hues in the fall. 🍁 Nature puts on a spectacular show no matter the season!

Photo: Emmie in Anchorage for Flytographer. Keri and family capture memories in Anchorage with a family photoshoot at Eklutna Lake.

Capturing Memories in Anchorage

Anchorage is really a dream destination not just for what you find in the city but also around it. It’s easy to explore outstanding national and state parks nearby, such as Eagle River Nature Centre, Katmai, and Kenai Fjords, home to Harding Icefield. You can also visit the popular recreational area of Hatcher Pass and the city of Palmer, which blends lovely agricultural community vibes with pristine alpine scenery. 👨‍🌾

If you want to explore Alaska further, it’s a good idea to board the iconic Alaska Railroad offering a unique experience and a variety of different journeys — popular stops include other top places in Alaska, such as Fairbanks and Whittier. 🚞

To make the best of your trip to Anchorage, connect with our local Flytographers, and let them capture all the wonderful memories with amazing photos you’ll cherish forever.