There’s a reason why it’s called Earthquake Park. This is where parts of Anchorage slid into the inlet during the 1964 quake—the strongest ever recorded in North America. A short trail loops through the area, with signs explaining what happened. If you look closely, you can still spot some of the ground shifts and tilted trees. On clear days, there’s a wide view over the water—and sometimes even Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, way off in the distance.

The Roman Amphitheatre was carved into limestone during the 2nd century BC. Nowadays, it is an important Roman find and one of the best-maintained in Italy. Let yourself be astounded by this architectural masterpiece and embark on a trip through time, watching the masterful performances that take place here during the warm seasons.

Flattop is the most climbed mountain in Alaska—and for good reason. It’s just a short drive from Anchorage, the trail is well-marked, and the views from the top stretch across the city and beyond—Denali, if you get lucky with a clear day. The hike is not long, but it does get steep toward the end and involves a bit of scrambling. If that’s not your thing, there’s a lookout near the parking lot that still gives you a pretty good view.