Westchester Lagoon
Anchorage's urban oasis, Westchester Lagoon offers stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and transforms into a winter ice skating paradise.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Westchester Lagoon
Best Time
Peak bird activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Anchorage's urban oasis, Westchester Lagoon offers stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and transforms into a winter ice skating paradise.
"A beautiful place to visit, extremely scenic and peaceful, with a plethora of walking and cycling paths."
Bring Your Skates! ⛸️
Winter transforms the lagoon into a world-class ice skating rink. Bring your own or check nearby shops for rentals.
Dog-Friendly Paths 🐕
A great spot to exercise your dog year-round, with easy paths for strolls and jogs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Birdwatching Paradise
Throughout the lagoon
Spot sandhill cranes, geese with goslings, swans, and Arctic terns. A true haven for avian enthusiasts.

Winter Ice Skating
Frozen lagoon surface
Experience world-class natural ice skating on the lagoon. Surreal and a favorite local winter activity.

Scenic Mountain Views
Lagoon perimeter
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while walking or cycling.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Alaskan Seasons
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Skates! ⛸️
Winter transforms the lagoon into a world-class ice skating rink. Bring your own or check nearby shops for rentals.
Dog-Friendly Paths 🐕
A great spot to exercise your dog year-round, with easy paths for strolls and jogs.
Seasonal Wildlife Spotting 🦢
Summer brings baby ducks and swans, while winter may offer chances to see moose.
Coastal Trail Access 🚶♀️
Westchester Lagoon is a popular starting point for the scenic Coastal Trail, offering free parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Skates! ⛸️
Winter transforms the lagoon into a world-class ice skating rink. Bring your own or check nearby shops for rentals.
Dog-Friendly Paths 🐕
A great spot to exercise your dog year-round, with easy paths for strolls and jogs.
Seasonal Wildlife Spotting 🦢
Summer brings baby ducks and swans, while winter may offer chances to see moose.
Coastal Trail Access 🚶♀️
Westchester Lagoon is a popular starting point for the scenic Coastal Trail, offering free parking.
Capture Mountain Vistas 📸
The lagoon offers stunning mountain backdrops, perfect for photos, especially during spring and summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Westchester Lagoon's scenic beauty, especially the mountain views and the vibrant birdlife during summer. The transformation into a world-class ice skating rink in winter is a major highlight. It's praised as a peaceful, accessible urban oasis perfect for walks, bike rides, and family outings.
"Baby ducks, baby swans, sand pipers and more. Islands of fire weed. Stunning this time of year. Clean open park, easy path to walk along. Perfect view of the mountains. Free parking."
Amy Thomas
"awesome little body of water to walk around, summer or winter. In the winter you have a decent enough chance of seeing Moose, and it also becomes an ice skating rink. In the summer its a great place for a jog, a stroll, or to exercise your dog."
Bronson Allen
"Wintertime, this place becomes a world class lake top ice skating rink! Surreal! (Bring your own skates, or rent a pair from a nearby sports shop.)"
Yaakov Bressler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westchester Lagoon is conveniently located in the heart of Anchorage. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. Many locals also use it as a starting point for the Coastal Trail, which can be reached via various access points.
While specific bus routes might vary, Anchorage has a public transit system that can likely get you close to the lagoon area. Check the Anchorage public transportation website for the most up-to-date route information.
The main parking area at Westchester Lagoon is generally the most convenient. It provides easy access to the lagoon's paths and is a popular starting point for the Coastal Trail.
Absolutely! Westchester Lagoon is connected to Anchorage's extensive trail system, making it a great destination for cyclists. The paved paths offer a pleasant ride.
Yes, Westchester Lagoon is situated in the heart of Anchorage, making it quite close to the downtown area. This proximity allows for easy access for both locals and visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Westchester Lagoon is a public park and there is no entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities for free.
Westchester Lagoon is accessible year-round, from dawn till dusk. Specific activities like ice skating are dependent on weather conditions.
No advance booking is required for general visits to Westchester Lagoon. It's a public park open to everyone.
General park rules apply, such as leash laws for dogs and respecting wildlife. During winter, ice conditions dictate skating safety.
While the lagoon itself doesn't typically offer rentals, in winter, nearby sports shops may rent ice skates. Kayak rentals might be available seasonally through local outfitters.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, and relaxing by the water. In winter, it's a prime spot for ice skating.
Yes, it's a family-friendly spot with walking paths, open green spaces, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. There's also a playground nearby.
Expect to see various birds like swans, geese, and cranes. You might also spot beavers, and in winter, moose sightings are possible.
Yes, Westchester Lagoon is surrounded by well-maintained walking and biking paths, many of which connect to the larger Anchorage Coastal Trail.
The lagoon offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, especially on clear days. The water itself provides a serene and picturesque setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within Westchester Lagoon. However, its central location means many restaurants and cafes are a short drive away in Anchorage.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are open grassy areas perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal.
Given its proximity to downtown Anchorage, you'll find a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, within a few minutes' drive.
During popular winter events, like Saturday morning skating, hot chocolate, coffee, and hot dogs are sometimes sold nearby.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged for picnics and enjoying a day out at the lagoon.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning mountain backdrops, diverse birdlife, and the serene water. Winter ice skating scenes are also incredibly photogenic.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors. Golden hour is particularly magical.
The edges of the lagoon offer unobstructed views of the mountains. The walking paths provide varied perspectives, and the islands can be picturesque.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography, especially for birds. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For wildlife, a telephoto lens can be beneficial. Polarized sunglasses can help with glare on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In winter, the lagoon transforms into a magical ice skating rink. While you'll need to bring your own skates or rent them nearby, the lively atmosphere with music and free hot drinks on weekend mornings creates a memorable experience for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists
Rent a bike in town and explore the extensive trail system that connects to the lagoon. Whether you're looking for a short, scenic loop around the water or a longer adventure along the coast, Westchester Lagoon provides easy access and beautiful surroundings for your active pursuits.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly rewarding for photographers, offering soft light and dramatic skies. Bring a telephoto lens if you're keen on capturing detailed shots of the diverse bird species that frequent the lagoon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seasonal Transformation of Westchester Lagoon
As winter descends, the lagoon undergoes a magical transformation, becoming a world-class natural ice skating rink. Locals flock to the frozen surface for exhilarating Nordic skating, often accompanied by music and free hot beverages during weekend events. This seasonal shift offers two entirely different, yet equally captivating, experiences for visitors.
Even during transitional periods like spring, the lagoon offers unique charm. The emergence of new greenery, the return of migratory birds, and the lingering crisp air create a picturesque setting for photography and quiet contemplation.
Connecting with Nature on the Coastal Trail
Starting your journey from Westchester Lagoon provides convenient parking and immediate access to the trail. Whether you prefer a brisk walk, a leisurely bike ride, or even a jog, the trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Keep an eye out for moose, especially during the quieter hours.
Beyond the lagoon, the Coastal Trail connects to various parks and points of interest within Anchorage, allowing for extended exploration. It’s a fantastic way to experience the natural splendor of Alaska without venturing far from the city center.
Wildlife Encounters at the Lagoon
Beyond the avian population, the lagoon is also known for its mammal inhabitants. Beavers are often spotted, and the surrounding areas can be a habitat for moose, particularly during the cooler months. While rare, a beached whale sighting near the lagoon has also been documented, highlighting the proximity of marine life to this urban oasis.
Observing wildlife at Westchester Lagoon is a rewarding experience, but it's crucial to do so responsibly. Maintain a safe distance, avoid feeding the animals, and be mindful of their natural behaviors to ensure their well-being and a positive experience for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit