Sights and Activities for a Short Day in Anchorage (rent, hotel)

[OklaToAlaska2015]

Hi all! I am arriving at 8:00 Thursday night and staying overnight there before catching the shuttle bus to Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge to work for the summer. The bus will leave from the Westmark, I believe they told me around 2:00PM on Friday.

My question is, is there anything I would have time to do, touristy sight-seeing-wise, and get back to the hotel by 2:00 to catch the bus? If I had time, I would like to see the performing arts center or the zoo, or maybe just experience one of the most popular restaurants.

Do I have time to do anything like that or should I just sleep in and relax around the hotel all day?

Thanks!

[cjs123]

I enjoy the Anchorage Museum at Rasmussen Center; the Westmark is about half a mile from the museum. Muse restaurant is there too, and will be open for lunch (it gets mixed reviews but I have enjoyed meals there on three separate visits).

Here is the link with current exhibits and summer hours, which started May 1st: https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/

Whatever you do, have fun and best wishes on your new job.

[AKStafford]

You could stop by the Public Lands Information Office: Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center
The zoo is quite a ways from downtown. The shuttle doesn't start until May 15th. Shuttle Service | The Alaska Zoo
You could spend some time walking around downtown.
Or, if you want to go big, you could rent a car and get on the road early and explore some of Turnagain Arm. With your short time frame, I'm not completely sure that's worth it though...
There's also the Coastal Trail. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail/ Anchorage Coastal

[stiffnecked]

I'd get over to WalMart & Costco and stock up on stuff you'll need for the summer.

[OklaToAlaska2015]

Thanks for the information, everybody! I appreciate your help.

As for WalMart and Costco, I think I am already bringing enough stuff to re-stock those two places! Ha! Thanks, though.