Some friends and I are planning a trip for the end of May. At the end of the trip we are flying out of Anchorage late in the evening. So we will have most of that day to sitesee in Anc.
Can anyone recommend something to do for this halfday?

I've never been much of a fan of sightseeing in Anchorage itself but, as the locals say, you're only 20 minutes from Alaska.

I have two favorite ways to spend a little time around Anchorage. The first is to drive out the Seward Hwy along Turnagain Arm. Some of the attractions close to Anchorage on that route are the fantastic views of the Arm and the Kenai Peninsuala, Girdwood and the Aleyeska Resort with its tram, the Wildlife Conservation Center near Girdwood, and the Bird Creek Cafe where you can get the very best blueberry hotcakes I've ever eaten.

The second is in the other direction. Driving about 15 miles out the Glenn Hwy from Anchorage, just before you reach the town of Eagle River, there is a turn-off to Eagle river State Park. The drive out to the park is also superb and I have never failed to see moose and other wildlife along that road.

Anchorage has wonderful shopping, including art galleries that have items you won't find anywhere else in the state. Downtown itself is very walkable. The Glacier Brewhouse is EXCELLENT! The Alaska Museum of Art & History is good, too. You can also go see the Native Heritage Center (shuttle buses take you there and back) if you don't want to be downtown.

Yes, the Alaska Museum of Art and History and the Native Heritage Center are excellent. We also enjoyed just walking around an poking in the stores, etc.

There are some trails in a park in town, I believe, but can't be certain.

End of May is just a few weeks away from summer solstice. That means daylight till midnight.

Be like all the Los Anchorites and enjoy walking and being outdoors at that magical time of the year.

With that short of time, I'd focus on something that interests you most: is it scenery, shopping, history and art?

For scenery, if you're coming from a cruise you've probably a good share of Turnagain Arm, put it's still a wonderful place to play, especially the tram ride up Alyeska on a clear day.

ER State Park is lovely and has great trails from the visitors center.

If the weather's lousy -- or even if it isn't -- the Museum of History and Art is a nice place to spend an afternoon. The museum cafe is run by the folks at Marx Bros. Cafe, long one of the state's best restaurants. Heritage Center is also quite interesting.

There are plenty of trails in town. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a lovely, easy stroll on a nice afternoon. If you're more gung-ho head to Glen Alps in Chugach State Park.

For shopping, you sometimes have to wade through some hyper-touristic stuff, but there are some great places. The Native Hospital Gift Shop has fabulous native crafts, the Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers' Co-operative is a great place for something you won't find anywhere else ... and then there are always ulus (don't get a cheap one.)

I can't leave Alaska without buying more books. The Title Wave bookstore in Anchorage is quite large and has a great selection of new and used books by Alaskans and about Alaska. They also have a small cafe. Check their hours and events. Just checked their website, they have a Double Musky Inn cookbook by local authors. The Title Wave might be a good spot in the early evening when museums might be closed.

I had a weekend in Anchorage following a business trip and I rented a bike (I don't recall the name of the rental shop, but it is right in Anchorage) I then biked the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and it was fabulous. Denali (Mt McKinley) was visable and saw several moose along the ride. I followed up with a drink/meal at the Glacier Brewpub.

plenty to see and do request their visitor guide www.anchorage.net