Alaska's largest city has a well-deserved reputation as a particularly friendly community. Most visitors feel right at home there, striking up conversations with strangers and quickly establishing friendships. There are several cautions worth noting, however:
Under no circumstances should you walk out on the mudflats that extend out from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to the water's edge of Cook Inlet. Take binoculars if you want to bird-watch or look for belugas, but do not step out onto this benign-looking surface. The Cook Inlet (and down into Turnagain Arm) is composed almost entirely of quicksandlike glacial silt, and lives have been lost to it.
Anchorage is not a dangerous city, but crimes of all types do occasionally occur. There isn't any area of the city where criminals target tourists, nor are there particular crimes that target tourists, such as organized pickpocketing or purse-snatching. Using common sense will keep you in possession of your valuables and out of trouble. It isn't a good idea to go by yourself on a city trail late at night, even if there is daylight. Take a friend or friends along. Late-night trail assaults are uncommon but worth taking precautions against nonetheless.
As always, you should lock car doors and avoid leaving valuable items clearly visible inside vehicles, especially on Earthquake Park trails. Downtown is very safe to walk around, particularly in summer when it gets dark for only a few hours each day. Visitors frequently encounter individuals with alcohol-abuse problems downtown, especially near bars along Fourth Avenue. There are a few neighborhoods that are devoid of tourist attractions and not particularly attractive to travelers. Two are Mountain View (northeast of downtown) and Fairview (southeast of downtown). Travelers would be wise to avoid these areas.
Dial 911 in an emergency to call the police, the fire department or an ambulance.
Dos & Don'ts
Do be prepared to remove your shoes or boots upon entering a house. Many Alaskan homes (and most bed-and-breakfasts) have a no-shoes policy, particularly in the winter, when snowy boots can make a mess.
Do use caution when driving on the highway, especially after dark, as moose and other wildlife may dart across without warning.
Don't feed the wildlife, and dispose of garbage properly. The city has had a problem with bears wandering into the city after food.
Do turn on your headlights when driving on the highway.
Do take insect repellent during summer months.
Do take an eye mask if light bothers you. Anchorage experiences 17-21 hours of daylight during summer months.
Do make reservations at restaurants and rental car companies during summer months.
