Start your tour of downtown at the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB, 907/274-3531, www.anchorage.net), a sod-roofed log cabin on the corner of 4th Avenue and F Street. The cabin isn’t actually the main place for information; go out the back door to a more spacious visitors center where you’ll find a plethora of brochures from around the state and helpful staff.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the fat Anchorage Big Wild Life, which includes a downtown walking tour and an Anchorage-area driving tour, plus details on sights, attractions, activities, lodging, restaurants, and more.

The ACVB office is open daily 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m. June–August, daily 8 a.m.–6 p.m. May and September, and daily 9 a.m.–4 p.m. October–April. The website is packed with information on the city and links to local businesses. Call 907/276-3200 for a recording of forthcoming events.

Free city buses (907/343-6543, www.peoplemover.org) run around downtown daily if you get tired of walking. They stop right in front of the ACVB. For a quick one-hour introduction to the city, hop on one of the red Anchorage City Trolley Tours (612 W. 4th Ave., 907/276-5603, $15) with daily departures on the hour 9 a.m.–6 p.m. May–mid-September.