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4 0 Anchorage Alaska's largest city, Anchorage (pop. 300,950), is a thriving metropolis. Surrounded by wilderness and six mountain ranges, Anchorage boasts luxury hotels, delectable restaurants, art galleries and specialty shops. e city has a vibrant arts and music scene, featuring world-class dance, theater and Broadway performances. e Chugach Mountains provide a striking backdrop that can be viewed from anywhere in the city and along 250 miles (402 km) of local trails. Anchorage is rich in history and culture. e Anchorage Museum showcases an impressive collection depicting 10,000 years of Alaska history. Experience the state's distinctive Native culture through storytelling, song and dance as you explore five traditional villages at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of wildlife within Anchorage, including a resident moose population up to 1,000. Wildlife watching is always easy at the Alaska Zoo, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Potter Marsh. Enjoy the scenery along the 11-mile (18-km) Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, accessible from downtown. Fishing for salmon in downtown Anchorage is an unexpected surprise at Ship Creek. e city's surrounding lakes and rivers are rich with chum, sockeye, King, silver and pink salmon. Take in the alpine scenery of Chugach State Park from Flattop Mountain, Powerline Pass or the Eagle River Nature Center. Learn about Russian and Alaska Native culture at the St. Nicholas Russian Church and view brightly painted spirit houses at the Eklutna Historical Park. Stop by Eklutna Lake, a popular recreation site known for its emerald-blue waters. Head south to Crow Creek Mine in Girdwood and pan for gold or enjoy the community's shops and restaurants. Take a ride up Alyeska Resort's passenger tram for panoramic views of mountains, glaciers and Turnagain Arm. Prince William Sound Prince William Sound encompasses 3,125 square miles (8,100 square km) of protected waterways, islands, ords and over 100 glaciers. e region is home to whales, porpoise, sea otters, sea lions and seals. Bear, deer, mountain goats and sheep inhabit the mainland. ree communities provide access to adventure via day cruises, charter boats, flightseeing tours and the state ferry. From Whittier, cruises and charters offer access to some of Prince William Sound's most spectacular sights. Sit in front of a tidewater glacier, kayak a sheltered cove, explore a tide pool or secluded beach. Whittier offers a unique mixture of WWII history and small coastal town charm. Just outside Valdez, you can see the magnificent Columbia Glacier, one of the best places to see a glacier calving into the ocean. Activities are abundant in Valdez throughout the year. You can also enjoy glacier trekking, kayaking, raing, skiing, snowmobiling, sightseeing and tax-free shopping. See towering waterfalls or visit the town's museums. Experience colossal salmon runs from shore or take a charter. Visitors from around the globe trek to Cordova to view glaciers, fish for salmon, explore Orca Inlet and the Copper River Delta, or see thousands of shorebirds at Hartney Bay. Southcentral