I’m pretty sure when you look up things to do in Anchorage, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail pops up almost instantly. And honestly, I don’t blame you if your first thought is, “Okay… but what’s so special about a trail?”
Let me tell you—as a local, this trail is everything. Anchorage has access to tons of great trails, but the Coastal Trail hits different. Even on your busiest days, it’s the kind of place you can escape to. It’s like our version of Central Park. It’s where people go to move, breathe, and just take it all in. No matter the season—summer, fall, winter, or even during break-up season in the spring—this place stays beautiful.
One of the best things about the Coastal Trail is how easy it is to get to. There are a bunch of starting points all along the coast between downtown Anchorage and Point Woronzof near the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. You definitely don’t have to commit to all 11 miles (unless you want to!). Whether you’re near downtown, Westchester Lagoon, or Earthquake Park, it’s super accessible—just hop on wherever’s closest.
And once you’re on the trail? You’ll see everyone. Bikers, joggers, dog walkers, rollerbladers, families, tourists, locals—everyone just doing their thing. It feels like a community in motion. And the views? Don’t even get me started. You’ll catch incredible glimpses of Sleeping Lady (Mount Susitna), and if you look up, you’ll probably spot planes flying in right over the inlet as they land in Anchorage.
Oh—and you’ll definitely notice the mudflats. They stretch out along the water and look amazing, especially when the sun hits them just right and they shimmer. But take my advice: don’t walk on them. They might look solid, but they’re basically Alaska’s version of quicksand.
A few fun facts I love about the trail:
- You might see a moose (or three) – Seriously. Also bald eagles, the occasional fox, and even beluga whales if you’re lucky.
- It’s 11 miles long – But no pressure! You can hop on and off at multiple points depending on how far you want to go.
- The sunsets are unreal – Especially near Westchester Lagoon or Earthquake Park. It’s one of those spots that just makes you pause and soak it all in.
So yeah, whether you’re visiting Anchorage or you’ve lived here forever, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is one of those places that never gets old. It’s where the city, mountains, and ocean all come together.