Theres a strip of streets, in a perfect grid, that light up the map with pubs, restaurants, bars and theatres. : https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/destinations/spencer-glacier-whistle-stop. Unfortunately, the city bus is closed on holidays so you'd have to take cabs. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Around Seward, also, you can do Exit Glacier and Caines Head trail. You totally can! Doesnt it sound like a cool area to stay in Anchorage? This 4-star hotel has 2 swimming pools, spacious rooms, a nice spa, on-site parking, and free wifi. All rights reserved. Does the rental car need to be four-wheel drive? Home to 220+ species of birds, visitors can enjoy a walk along the 1,550-foot-long boardwalk or visit the wetland habitat. The host is known to be incredibly attentive and helpful, so youll be in good hands. You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! Moose, bears, orca, beluga whales, timber wolves, foxes, porcupines the list of mammals you can see in Anchorage, Alaska, just goes on and on! It is actually known to have a large number of Korean and American restaurants as well as trendy breakfast spots and indi theatre! I don't know if it's feasible to try and go there without a car. Downtown bike rental is good. As Ive already said, being close to all attractions, Downtown Anchorage is the best area to stay for first-timers. Now that you know a bit about the main part of town, why not venture further afield, to see what you can see? Its known as The City of Lights and Flowers by the romantics of the area, or Los Anchorage by others. But I think its silly to retrace your steps. Hyatt House Anchorage is one of the best hotels to stay in Anchorage with its comfortable rooms, nice restaurant, and bar, and a good fitness center. On name value alone, our picks are Darwins Theory possibly a play on the idea of evolving into something else after a few and Mad Myrnas, who were all keen to meet! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83542016', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska Railroad trip down to Whittier and then do a Prince William Sound glacier cruise. If youre staying downtown, youll be within easy walking distance of a designated shuttle service zone on the 500 block of 4th Avenue. Posted March 11, 2009. calmac. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. We will be in Anchorage for two days before heading out to the Kenai peninsula. I also gave you some information about the things you can do there so you could pick the perfect one for you! Other parts will have cool views of mountains and the Alaska Pipeline meandering over hillsides. In the morning, a very good breakfast is waiting for you. As you know, the 4th is Labor Day which is probably why you're having a hard time finding a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also Check: Best Hotel To Stay In Vegas For Honeymoon. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Located in south Anchorage, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary is described by visitors as a birders delight. The second option is to drive to Portage Lake and take a boat tour to Portage Glacier. FUN FACT: Bootleggers Cove got its name due to the fact that it was a favored location among alcohol smugglers during the prohibition era. Many Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. he Voyager Inn provides spacious rooms equipped with cable/satellite channels, a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. Where can I store my luggage in Anchorage? Click here to learn more about some of the top routes around the city. Not the best time for Northern Lights, then, but pretty cool nonetheless! In Midtown you will have a great selection of restaurants and cafes where you can feast on local and international dishes and easily make day trips to other areas. This is an excellent photography opportunity and a place to learn about Alaskas many animals. If youre looking for a budget place to stay, youll find many affordable motels in Anchorage in the downtown area. Summon a car by app, or call a local cab service Anchorage has plenty of those, too. From $107.10 per night8.1Very Good364 reviews. Many Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Close distance to the University of Alaska, the Consortium Library, restaurants and the New Saguya Market, this private renovated studio is ideal for those who want to explore the area later during the day and still be able to go walk home. Safeway is just nearby with a good membership gas station. Our winters are so dark, and Anchorage explodes with lots of twinkle lights to keep you entertained while walking downtown. Midtown encompasses quite a big area in the middle of Anchorage when viewed on the map. Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? We are visiting AK again from Aug 31 -Sept 13. No car? There is something here for all tastes! But a short distance later, youll be enveloped in a scene out of Rivendell ! Load up on caffeine and cake at Coffee Queen highly rated and huge sweet treats! This is the perfect place to catch a ride with a local tour company. Now, lets check out the best places to stay in Anchorage on a budget. Recommended Posts. Deb. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. The Seward Marina and Sealife Center are both teeming with wildlife. If you stay longer than 7 days, you can also get access to the backyard and patio. Go on a historic ride on the Anchorage Trolley Tours. Who can tell! There are 84 modern rooms at the pet-friendly La Quinta Inn & Suites Anchorage Airport, each providing all the essentials to ensure a comfortable stay. If you have any other suggestions or questions about Anchorage Alaska, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. Youre connected. Westmark Anchorage Hotel 4 Map Website In saying that, though Alaska often conjures images of frozen seas and frozen eyelashes, summer can reach about 80 degrees and it stays light for almost 20 hours a day. This city offers so many amazing hiking trails and as well as historical and cultural places to explore such as the Anchorage Museum and the University of Alaska. Browse to your hearts content at Anchorage Market and Festival. Husband wants to see Anchorage a bit, plus a sleep in day after arriving late would be nice, but having no car would be restrictive. It's free to everyone during hospital's normal visitng hours. The Ship Creek Trail and the Coastal Trail each start just a few blocks away. Members; 3k December 11, 2004; Fife, Scotland #1 Share; As far as neighbourhoods, Anchorage is a very well-organised city, with straight grid-like lines and a street numbering system. The first option is to take the ski lift/ aerial tram at Alyeska Resort up Mount Alyeska. Alaska Zoo, too, is nearby. Spenard offers many scenic parks and hiking trails perfect for those who want to save a little money . McKinley Village is 230 miles north of Anchorage by car or by spectacular 7-hour rail journey. You can also enjoy a fenced backyard, a fully equipped kitchen and an idoor fireplace! Make sure to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see many beloved Alaska animals such as bear, moose, caribou and more. Check out our top picks for Anchorage in general! A satisfying breakfast is prepared every morning at The Voyager Inn, and there are numerous cafs and eateries nearby. There are parks all around here, for wandering, for picnics, or for whatever. Or how about Scenic Foothills, where theyre giving away their drawcard in their title? icon-lightbulb Chat to those in the know at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. Comfort Inn Ship Creek. As the name suggests, these fjords are massive waterways that are home to some of Alaskas greatest sea life, including humpback and orca whales, seabirds like puffins, and plenty of otters. or 6th Ave.. Call to verify schuttle times/schedule, http://anmc.org/files/ANMC-Shuttle-Schedule.pdf, - breakfast at Snow City Cafe (reservation recommended), - dinner at Simon & Seaforts (get a reservation & ask for a window seat in the late evening for cool 'almost sunset over the arm), - get a cold beer (or other) at the Snow Goose. (Our return flight would be the JetBlue redeye that leaves around 1:00am.). I also gave you some information about the things you can do there so you could pick the perfect one for you! The bonus of this spot is that you can reach pretty much everything by driving in a straight line, either south to the Turnagain Arm or Lake Hood, or to the east to head into the Chugach State Park. Marriott Anchorage Airport offers a nice indoor pool, free airport shuttle, spacious rooms, and free parking, This hotel features an indoor swimming pool, a very good breakfast, a free airport shuttle, and a nice bar, Nestled in beautiful trees this Airbnb cottage has a large beautiful garden, spacious rooms, and free wi-fi. You can go on a walk to Lake Hood, enjoy beautiful nature at Earthquake Park, and challenge yourself on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Embassy Suites Anchorage features spacious rooms with stunning views, an indoor swimming pool, a nice restaurant, and free wifi. Thats where our team comes in. These are the best places to stay in Anchorage: In Bootleggers Cove:Beautiful and Self-contained Home in Anchorage In Downtown:Charming Cottage in Anchorage Downtown In Midtown:Bent Prop Inn. I'd love to see moose and have heard that it's possible to see them (from a DISTANCE! Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska, one of the most mysterious faraway places with epic scenic landscapes. So lets crack on, and soon youll have your Alaskan accommodation sussed, knowing just where to stay in Anchorage! North Star is more or less in the middle of the city, but in a more residential neighbourhood than the others. Autocorrect does not like the word carless. Depending on where your hotel is, it's not going to be that much. You cannot drive in most of Denali National Park so your expensive rental car will be parked for the days you travel into the park. Dont worry, youre not completely in the woods, you will also find nice local restaurants and shops in this area. Located in Anchorage, 3.6 km from Sullivan Arena, Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown provides accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant. Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. Youll have the whole of your second day in Alaska to explore Seward. Conveniently positioned, Anchorage Marriott Downtown offers easy access to Anchorages best sightseeing areas. . Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, their convenient downtown location provides visitors with walking access to bus, train and national park shuttle services as well as the many events and activities in downtown Anchorage. Once youve worn yourself out on the natural features of the area, you can head back into town for a peaceful dinner. ;-) ) at Kincaid. Theres plenty to do on the nearby Chugach Mountains which are blanketed with more than 600 inches of snow every year from snowcat and heli-skiing to ice-climbing on frozen waterfalls. You can also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center outside Anchorage, said Golden. Hot drinks can be brewed with the provided coffee and tea supplies. This neighborhood offers museums, nice restaurants as well as spectacular landscapes by the Knik River. So get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Have a picnic or a wander in Cuddy Family Midtown Park. From Portage Lake, you can see Shakespeare Glacier. As this tour will take up most of your day, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Absolute bucket list stuff, that! Happy exploring! Flights are cheap on the 3rd, but the car rental selection isn't very good until the 5th. But in a city known for being the final frontier to a land of ice and snow, working out where to stay can be tough. Start your day by grabbing a nice coffee and having a morning stroll through the Valley of the Moon Park or Charles W. Smith Memorial Park. How do I find authentic Alaska Native art? Yes, Downtown is a safe area to walk at night and a great place to stay in Anchorage. Maria's Creekside B&B. Anchorage. Copper Whale Inn is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. And the parks are everywhere, including the Cuddy Family Midtown Park. This allows time for another hike or visiting the sled dog kennels or exploring the entrance area at the park. . You can enjoy a nice dinner in their fine dining restaurant with excellent views and have drinks in their chic bar. Your email address will not be published. Inquire about this service upon booking. From right around the summit, youll be able to see not one but seven glaciers in the distance! The baskets downtown were created with our state flag as inspiration with stars of blue on a field of gold. The train trip from Denali to Fairbanks is much shorter at four hours and leaves in the late afternoon. . Plus, exploring Alaska on foot is a great way to experience this gorgeous state. Bootleggers Cove is in the northwestern corner of the main Anchorage town, up by Downtown and over a little. Keep in mind one challenge travelers face everywhere this year: Car rentals are in short supply. Cyclist health and safety There's no denying the health . But in order to get better deals on hotels and secure your place, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83534947', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska between September 3-12. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The northern lights are another teeny little attraction The Aurora Borealis can be seen from Anchorage from September to April. Look no further than this amazing Airbnb. For those who want to explore the beautiful outdoors of Anchorage, you should definitely take advantage of the Flattop Mountain Shuttle to go hiking and see the scenic views nearby the city. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers free shuttle service and a 24-hour front desk. Yes, you have a chance to see the northern lights if you stay in Anchorage between late September and April. A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. Between trips abroad and trips across his own backyard through the rugged wilds of Canada and the USA, he has spent the better part of the last decade always being somewhere. Anchorage is the largest city (but not the capital) of Alaska, the northernmost US state. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. Denali Road Trip From Anchorage Day 1 Make the 4 hours, 237-mile drive from Anchorage to Denali courtesy of AK-3 N. Once you're settled, visit the National Park's dog kennels via shuttle to watch a sled dog show. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! Boasting a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, Embassy Suites Anchorage provides comfortable accommodation. Once youre finished, you can drive an hour and 44 minutes over to Girdwoods Alyeska Resort, where youll be able to enjoy a luxurious meal and snowy ski slopes. If you're staying downtown, you'll be within easy walking distance of a designated shuttle service zone on the 500 block of 4th Avenue. You might want to rent a car while youre here, as the city is small but the great outdoors arewell great! Take the train down for a couple of days of no driving!..Now there's a vacation! - visit the Anchorage Museum and/or the AK Native Heritage Ctr, http://www.alaskaculturepass.org/shuttle_schedule.html, - grab the shuttle to the Glen Alps trailhead. Thank you all! Related articles. Closer to home, though, theres a number of places in town to keep you entertained. The train depot is here in Downtown, so its perfectly situated for day trips on the scenic railway. Base Camp Anchorage is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Hotels are not exactly cheap there so booking something as much in advance as you can is a smart move! A brilliant way to start an evening out, or to follow up one, is at the Anchorage Market and Festival, home to 300 vendors every Saturday and Sunday! Explore by bike. But Anchorage is the dream destination for those who are all about once in a life-time adventures. North Star is a cool residential neighborhood that is located 2 miles (3 km) south of Anchorage downtown. The Hotel Alyeska also has a great fitness center, offering a saltwater pool and hot tub with views of the mountains. Canyoneering involves moving up and down steep slot canyons, using climbing, crawling and rappelling. In case you're curious, our ultimate plan is to spend most of our time on Kenai Peninsula, with maybe a trip to Denali STATE Park on our last day to see if the mountain is out. Their focus is creating a welcoming atmosphere for those visiting Alaska on a budget. Streets are lined with public art and dotted with pocket parks, historic attractions, and unique Alaska landmarks; find photo ops with a famous sculpture of Balto the sled dog in the 4th Avenue Mushing District, visit the nearby Anchorage Museum, and take time to smell the garden beds and hanging baskets that helped earn Anchorage the nickname City of Lights and Flowers.. Like the 4th Avenue Theatre, one of the only buildings in town to survive the catastrophic 1964 earthquake. A Few Days in Anchorage Without a Car - Anchorage Forum. The biggest question is where you are staying for the first night or two. Finally, its home to the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, which puts on indie movies while serving microbrews. Up on the northern edge of town, where Bootleggers Cove lies, are a number of museums, parks and theatres. They all have good reviews and great locations! This hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport and allows your fur friends to bring it with you. Portage Glacier is just a 30 minute drive from Girdwood with lots of activities and scenery to explore. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83565739', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, and it sounds like downtown would be the best place. 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Anchorage, #1 Bootleggers Cove Where to Stay in Anchorage your First Time, #2 Spenard Where to Stay in Anchorage on a Budget, #3 Downtown Best Area to Stay in Anchorage for Nightlife, #4 North Star Coolest Place to Stay in Anchorage, #5 Midtown Best Neighborhood in Anchorage for Families, Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Anchorage, Beautiful and Self-contained Home in Anchorage. Ive never been, but it has rave reviews on TripAdvisor and Ive heard great things from past Alaska travelers in my . Perk yourself up at the excellently named Common Grounds Espresso! I love the idea of going to Spencer whistle stop and hiking there. Today, youll board a sightseeing tour in Seward that will take you out into Kenai Fjords National Park. I highly recommend you go to Cuddy Family Midtown Park to enjoy nature while your kids, theres a pond, a playground, and even an ice skating track in winter!Midtown is also the best location to take day trips to all the best family-oriented attractions like the Roadrunner Amusement Park, Castle On OMalley mini golf, and Alaska Zoo! July August are the best months to visit Anchorage as the weather is the warmest. You can go on hiking tours, take a tour to see glaciers, and enjoy walks in the beautiful parks. There are a range of amenities on offer to guests of My Place Hotel-Anchorage AK, including a wake-up service, a lift and laundry facilities. If youve never used AirBNB before, you can book through this link for $65 off your first trip! This drive will take just under two hours, as Seward rests some 90 miles away from Girdwood. Here, youll be able to visit the Alaska Wildlife Center. Alaska juts out of the northwestern corner of Canada and is just across the Bering Strait from Russia. United States ; Alaska (AK) Anchorage ; Anchorage Travel Forum; . I hope you enjoyed reading this city tour. You can make Alaskas Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast your home base for exploring Juneau! Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! This excursion takes about 12 hours, so that will take the whole day, but its well worth it! Family-run, the Arctic Adventure Hostel is a clean, quiet and secure place for travelers. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. As was mentioned there are bike rental places downtown as well. Somewhere with heating, preferably! The airport is just to the west so theres no arduous mission to your accommodation at the end of a long flight. They gave me the off season rate for the whole trip. It is not as dry as it sounds, trust us. The location is amazing too you can get anywhere in town from here in 10 to 20 minutes and youll be close to Highway 1. Midtown - best area for families Frequently asked questions about Anchorage It is critical to get reservations for either a rental car or the Alaska Railroad well in advance. While Anchorage is a sprawling city, downtown itself is compact and walkable. Close, Where to Stay in Anchorage (2023 COOLEST Areas! # 29 Best Value of 237 places to stay in Anchorage. You don't need a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The duplex house offers plenty of space for up to 5 guests at a time. Day 3 Morning Its actually a museum of Alaskan culture, with some Native artifacts and a bunch of fantastic exhibits. Home to 220+ species of birds, visitors can enjoy a walk along the 1,550-foot-long boardwalk or visit the wetland habitat. The best option to do this if you dont have a car is to do the 26 Glacier Cruise in Whittier. One of the best things to do in Alaska is take a glacier and wildlife cruise and you dont want to miss out on this wonderful tour. Here are the best places to stay in this cool area that I handpicked for you: This hotel is one of the best places to stay in Anchorage with its upscale facilities and beautiful mountain view. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. This comfortable 1-star hotel in Anchorage offers complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a swimming pool and a 24-hour reception. The excellent Anchorage Museum features the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, a collection of Indigenous Alaska artifacts, and through Nov. 28, an intriguing exhibit, Black Lives in Alaska. I created Miss Tourist travel blog to help you organise the perfect holiday. Midtown is the best area to stay in Anchorage for families as its central location means everything is accessible. For those wishing to dine out during their stay at this 3-star hotel, there are a selection of eateries situated nearby. On this site, youll find countless resources and travel tips. Continue south on Route 2 for 90 minutes to the town of Delta Junction and take a lunch break. I recommend finding a place to stay close to downtown so you can get there quickly and be able to explore the next day on foot. Where can I store and ship fish in Anchorage? Get it? If thats not far enough for you, thanks to the Alaska Railroad Depot you can also easily take a train and take day trips to other parts of Alaska. Bootleggers Cove is located just west of Anchorage Downtown and sandwiched in by the sea. From museums to art galleries, nice parks, shops, restaurants, and nightlife, you sure wont get bored here! To make matters worse, when I tried to book (online)it was wanting to charge the higher rate for the entire 2 weeks. Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Anchorage! Thank you so much for supporting this project! On the last day of your trip , make your way up to Lowell Point in the early morning. From here, youll be able to look out over the Pacific Ocean and whale watch. Go on a historic ride on the Anchorage Trolley Tours. Migrating birds visit in all seasons, which makes this a great year-round destination. But its still wild enough that you might see a moose bolt across a city street, as I once did. Spot Moose! Never had a problem with them. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Youll need it, too. If you are thinking comfortable, chic, and efficient, The Voyager Inn offers accommodation that fits that description. ContentsIf you are in a hurry1. Alaska (AK) Anchorage. Then try out the Public Lands Information Center, where the rangers and guides inside are genuinely super-keen to help you plan out your wildest adventures, safely!