Anchorage is a nice sized community, with about 250,000 residents.  It's easy to get around, and has most of the major stores and attractions you would expect from a decent-sized city.  It's very diverse, and is surrounded by military bases, Cook Inlet, and the Chugach Mountains.

That's not to say it's all pretty.  The architecture (or lack of) leaves more than a bit to be desired.  The zoning is a bit whacky, and the homes aren't gorgeous.  But if you can get past all that, you will be able to find plenty to make you happy in the city.  Here are some ideas...

Alaska Botanical Garden

It only takes about 30 minutes to walk through the gardens, and different flowers are in bloom throughout the summer.

Alaska Zoo
You'll find many Alaskan animals at the zoo, including Dall sheep, musk ox, caribou, grizzly bears, and even a polar bear.

Alaska Native Heritage Center
A living museum - inside you can view photo displays, watch Native artists at work, and enjoy Native dance performances.  Outside you can tour the different styles of homes from the various Native Alaskan groups.

Fly By Night Club
A singing comedy show that makes fun of Alaskans and tourists.  For adults only, and something to do towards the end of your trip so you'll get all the jokes.  You need to purchase tickets in advance - they sell out almost every night.

Downtown
--Anchorage Museum of History and Art
--Music in the Park (12-1 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays)
--Gift Shops
--Beautiful flower beds
--National Park Service videos about Alaska

Parks
--Earthquake Park - great place to see moose
--Campbell Creek - nice trails
--Westchester Lagoon - lots of birds

Saturday Market

Local artists, farmers, and performers sell their goods at an outdoor market from 10 - 6 every Saturday.

Bear Tooth Theatre Pub
A popular (maybe too popular - it's always busy!) place.  Eat some of the best pizza in town while you watch second run movies.  There's even a bar full of microbrews in the back of the theatre.

Watch planes
--Lake Hood or Merrill Field

Alaska Native Medical Center
Yes, it's a hospital.  But its lobbies and gift shop have the best Native crafts in town.

Potter Marsh

A boardwalk over the marsh allows you to get close to the waterfowl.  There is also a salmon stream if you'd like to see the runs of fish coming in from the saltwater.

Title Wave
An amazing used bookstore.  There is also a cyber cafe inside if you need computer access or a latte fix.

RESTAURANTS:

Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse - a bar with great food... good burgers and lots of unique halibut dishes
Glacier Brewhouse - a nicer restaurant, call for reservations or plan to wait
Gwennies Old Alaskan Restaurant - diner-style, huge portions, popular for breakfast
Sourdough Mining Company - lots of BBQ
Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizza - best pizza and homebrew in town
Sheraton Brunch - Sunday mornings... dress up and break out the wallet!
Double Musky - in Girdwood, a popular New Orleans style steakhouse cabin in the woods

NIGHTLIFE: