And Seward for 2 days without a car. They also have the odd concert as well, if you happen to be there on the right night! Along the lines of what AKStafford suggested, also consider the day train trip to Spencer Glacier, where you can either do an easy hike nearer to the glacier, kayak, float, hike on the glacier, etc. Make sure to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see many beloved Alaska animals such as bear, moose, caribou and more. 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. They allow their cars on most Alaskan gravel roads. Recommended Reading: Best Places To Stay In Bologna Italy. We are visiting AK again from Aug 31 -Sept 13. Great views and/or take an easy hike/walk around Blueberry Loop, http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/chugach/glenalps.htm, - visit the great display of AK Native arts/crafts at the AK Native Medical Ctr (ANMC). Stay another night at your Seward accommodation. Afternoon The Anchorage depot is the jumping off spot for rail travel, but it also sits at the beginning of two of the best paved trails in Anchorage. If you are thinking comfortable, chic, and efficient, The Voyager Inn offers accommodation that fits that description. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If youre looking for a budget place to stay, youll find many affordable motels in Anchorage in the downtown 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. The downtown bike rental also has a shuttle to flattop mountain if you want to do some hiking and get a great view of the valley. Close, Where to Stay in Anchorage (2023 COOLEST Areas! Once the kids are tired out, its your turn to indulge with all the great shopping malls in the area. It is not as dry as it sounds, trust us. Well-fitted, it comes with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. They feature ironing facilities, a bathtub and wireless internet access. And if you are looking for where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska, check out these exceptional accommodations. Cyclist health and safety There's no denying the health . You can also get up close and personal inside the pen of reindeer outside the hours. Midtown is the best area to stay in Anchorage for families as its central location means everything is accessible. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You can go on hiking tours, take a tour to see glaciers, and enjoy walks in the beautiful parks. You dont have to explore Seward in the evening, but if you have the energy, you can take advantage of the gorgeous waterfront views the city boasts. Want to be featured in our list? I have already found the best 4 ones for you but in order not to miss them, make sure to make your booking in advance. Anchorage, Alaskas largest city with a population of about 290,000, sits on the Cook Inlet in the south-central part of the state. Anchorage is the hub to the rest of Alaska. From $107.10 per night8.1Very Good364 reviews. We came back on Aug. 5 and left Anchorage next day. It is actually known to have a large number of Korean and American restaurants as well as trendy breakfast spots and indi theatre! You can also enjoy a fenced backyard, a fully equipped kitchen and an idoor fireplace! Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. How do I find authentic Alaska Native art? This neighborhood offers museums, nice restaurants as well as spectacular landscapes by the Knik River. Check in and check out was . What can I do in Alaska during a spring visit? By calmac, March 11, 2009 in Alaska. Now that you know a bit about the main part of town, why not venture further afield, to see what you can see? Alternatively, some Anchorage tour companies offer shuttle pickup service right to your hotel, driving you directly to a full guided excursion. he Voyager Inn provides spacious rooms equipped with cable/satellite channels, a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. To help you make the right decision, weve answered the most commonly asked questions on Anchorage and its neighborhoods, so you can plan your trip without any issues. I would like to remind you again that in order not to miss your favorite place to stay in Anchorage and get better deals on hotels, do not forget to make a reservation in advance! Westmark Anchorage Hotel 4 Map Website 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. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Head down to Turnagain Arm to see Beluga whales. All rights reserved. Summon a car by app, or call a local cab service Anchorage has plenty of those, too. After Delta Junction, youll be looking at three hours of driving until Wrangell-St. Elias. Yes, you have a chance to see the northern lights if you stay in Anchorage between late September and April. This is an excellent photography opportunity and a place to learn about Alaskas many animals. . Spot Moose! With the super quite and safe location, this will feel like a real home away from home! Downtown Anchorage - where to stay in Anchorage for the first time 2. For those who are having difficulty picking among the many hotel options, let me sum up. 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. Look no further than this amazing Airbnb. By ALASKA_99559 "Very clean, first time staying here. With a car, you can stop anywhere you want for as long as you want, and its easier to carry food with you and get to the grocery store. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links on this page might be affiliate links, which means that at absolutely no extra cost for you we will earn a small commission for a sale generated through the website. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. North Star is more or less in the middle of the city, but in a more residential neighbourhood than the others. The Hotel Captain Cook. Midtownis the best area to stay in Anchorage. Stay here, and you are a 15-minute walk to the Performing Arts Center, 1 mile from Denaina Convention Ctr and 6 miles from Anchorage Intl Airport. Girdwood, Anchorage . Catch a bus. And seeing them is a must if youre in the area! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83534947', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska between September 3-12. They are just walking distance to stores, and restaurants. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Key Takeaways Florida, Louisiana, and Arizona are the states with the highest incidence of fatal bike accidents per million residents. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Moose, bears both black and grizzly-, and timber wolves do come right through and around the urban areas. As far as neighbourhoods, Anchorage is a very well-organised city, with straight grid-like lines and a street numbering system. The location had access to both the port and the train station while simultaneously being hidden from the view of the authorities at Ship Creek. Here you will find so many trendy cafes, shops, and restaurants but the other nice thing about this area is that you can also enjoy many nice parks and scenic hiking trails. This self-contained place is an excellent base for exploring the surroundings and enjoy stunning views of the sunset. From Portage Lake, you can see Shakespeare Glacier. Now, lets see the best places to stay in Anchorage for families. Choose your hotel location carefully bunking in downtown Anchorage means there are plenty of restaurants, breweries and cafs within walking distance. Check out my Valdez Guide with 21 fantastic things to do in Valdez for more. Does the rental car need to be four-wheel drive? It even has family in the name! 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. Now, lets check out the best places to stay in Anchorage on a budget. You can enjoy the private garden and make a BBQ for a perfect sunny afternoon. Located in south Anchorage, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary is described by visitors as a birders delight. It also features a 24-hour reception, meeting rooms and an express check-in and check-out feature. The best option to do this if you dont have a car is to do the 26 Glacier Cruise in Whittier. Wreathed by the Chugach State Park, a half-million-acre natural playground with 5,000-foot peaks on one side, and the waters of the Cook Inlet on the other, you're never too far . Moose, bears, orca, beluga whales, timber wolves, foxes, porcupines the list of mammals you can see in Anchorage, Alaska, just goes on and on! Its facing onto the Knik, the 25 mile long river with a glacier as its source. Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. If you're staying downtown, there are a few bicycle rental places. Located minutes away from Anchorage Museum, Delaney Park, restaurants, Visitors Center, Convention Center and the coastal trail, its perfect to explore the surroundings. Perhaps if you explained a little more of your Kenai Peninsula thing could better answer. Click here to learn more about some of the top routes around the city. Sometimes there is also bus service available. Travelling with the whole family? 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. Related article: Spenard is located 4 miles (6 km) southwest of Anchorage downtown and just 2 miles (3 km) from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-68027079', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car and drive there why not just add two days to the contract. 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. Alaska is a huge place, and the Municipality of Anchorage itself covers an area larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. Some of the best hotels here are the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and the Historic Anchorage Hotel. Theres also some excellent cafes, for something to keep your hands warm on those colder days. Spenard the best area to stay on a budget & near the airport3. 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. 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. On the last day of your trip , make your way up to Lowell Point in the early morning. Spenard Hostel International is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Anchorage - Cond Nast Traveler Before we start, I just want to remind you that in order to get better deals on hotels and secure your place, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. Once youve worn yourself out on the natural features of the area, you can head back into town for a peaceful dinner. We stayed two days from July 31, then we went to Kenai and left our luggages in hotel. We're from Washington and have lots of volcanoes here, so our priority is Alaskan wildlife and tidewater and other relatively easily accessed glaciers, (Portage glacier, Exit Glacier, glacier cruises). A Few Days in Anchorage Without a Car - Anchorage Forum Nowadays, its a great place for sightseeing as you not only have the historic Anchorage Trolley and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center to learn more about the culture and history of the area, but you are within walking distance of the Downtown attraction and the waterfront of Cook Inlet too! If you do have time to stay in Seward for an extra day, make sure to book a cruise to the Kenai Fjords! I created Miss Tourist travel blog to help you organise the perfect holiday. Migrating birds visit in all seasons, which makes this a great year-round destination. The train trip from Denali to Fairbanks is much shorter at four hours and leaves in the late afternoon. We will be in Anchorage for two days before heading out to the Kenai peninsula. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. A small community-driven hostel run by outdoor enthusiasts. Doesnt it sound like a cool area to stay in Anchorage? Ted Stevens International Airport and downtown Anchorage are a short drive and with its spacious rooms and great amenities, it has amazing value for money making it a great place to stay in Anchorage on a budget. Downtown Anchorage is just a 10-minute drive away giving it a perfect location for your stay in Anchorage. This hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport and allows your fur friends to bring it with you. Get ready for outdoor adventures, Alaska native culture, great museums, and nice restaurants! Ive never been, but it has rave reviews on TripAdvisor and Ive heard great things from past Alaska travelers in my . Base Camp Anchorage is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. From downtown, the paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs for 11 miles along the Cook Inlet coast, connecting to the Chester Creek Trail before eventually ending in Kincaid Park: Rent a bike from a downtown shop, hit the Coastal Trail at Elderberry Park (at the western end of 5th Avenue), then spend a day visiting iconic Anchorage destinations like Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, and Point Woronzof, all connected by trail to the heart of the city. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. 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! We do not represent World Nomads. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. The routes vary quite a bit from year to year, generally bus service is available at least between Anchorage and Denali. Inquire about this service upon booking. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Anchorage, an IHG Hotel, Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport. What are some recommendations for things to do as well as places to eat? Spenard offers many scenic parks and hiking trails perfect for those who want to save a little money on museum entrance fees. We suggestavoiding the Mountain View neighborhood. Bootleggers Cove is in the northwestern corner of the main Anchorage town, up by Downtown and over a little. Its nestled in the shadow of the magnificent Chugach Mountain Range at the end of the Cook Inlet. calmac. Staying here is absolutely fine, but its got a reputation for being a bit sketchy towards the late hours. Getting around without a car - Anchorage Forum - Tripadvisor We are outdoorsy, like pretty views and have simple tastes. The Alaska Railroad option is more expensive than the bus and both of them travel the incredibly beautiful drive between Anchorage and Whittier. Bootleggers Cove - where to stay in Anchorage for sightseeing 4. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. I definitely recommend you to stay in one of these if you cant decide between the awesome options in this list! Enjoy a walking tour. Posted March 11, 2009. calmac. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You'll also be within walking distance of the train depot and coastal trail, as well as the city's terrific shops and restaurants. From here, youll be able to look out over the Pacific Ocean and whale watch. The upscale neighborhood in Midtown is super peaceful and safe, ideal if your kids want to play outside. If youre going to spend more than a day in Denali National Park, or if youre a solo traveler, you might save money by taking the Alaska Railroad instead of renting a car. Canyoneering involves moving up and down steep slot canyons, using climbing, crawling and rappelling. Chat to those in the know at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. United States. A Few Days in Anchorage Without a Car - Anchorage Forum For more Girdwood adventures, there is even a gold panning tour you can take to try your luck at striking it rich. In this blog post on where to stay in Anchorage, I talked about the best places to stay from luxury to budget as well as Airbnbs in each area. The staff are welcoming and go out of their way to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Keep in mind one challenge travelers face everywhere this year: Car rentals are in short supply. I also gave you some information about the things you can do there so you could pick the perfect one for you! The first option is to take the ski lift/ aerial tram at Alyeska Resort up Mount Alyeska. The bus stops nearby for easy commuting. Youll arrive in Fairbanks in the evening, usually around 8pm. 1. How do I get between Anchorage and my cruise ship? Instead, buy an eSIM! Downtown Anchorage where to stay in Anchorage for the first time2. The airport is just to the west so theres no arduous mission to your accommodation at the end of a long flight. Alaska travel ideas: Anchorage and Juneau without a cruise - Los . Comfort Inn Ship Creek. There is something here for all tastes! Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 10 km away. A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. One of the biggest decisions youll face planning for your Alaska Itinerary is how youre going to get around. What are some things to do and see as day trips around Anchorage? I'd definitely recommend doing the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Barely a minute goes by without one bouncing down to deliver people or goods to the town. The Hotel Alyeska also has a great fitness center, offering a saltwater pool and hot tub with views of the mountains. Here are the best places to stay in Anchorage for first-timers: Located in the heart of Downtown Anchorage, this 4-star hotel features spacious rooms, a very good breakfast, on-site parking, and free wifi. I don't know if it's feasible to try and go there without a car. Closer to home, though, theres a number of places in town to keep you entertained. If you are renting a car, do not attempt to do a one way road trip, this will cost an additional $800-$1000 for a one way rental in Alaska . Where to Stay in Anchorage - A Guide to the Great City of Alaska The Best Areas to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska 1. Massive Family Home is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. 2023 Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau DBA Visit Anchorage, William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Mountain View, Russian Jack & Airport Heights, Sand Lake, Bayshore & Surrounding Neighborhoods. Downtown is just where youd think it would be, right in the middle of the busiest part of the city. This town has a grocery store and at least five restaurants to choose from. Theres a strip of streets, in a perfect grid, that light up the map with pubs, restaurants, bars and theatres. It is up near Bootleggers Cove, just west of where East 5th Avenue turns into a highway. Your email address will not be published. Best affordable accommodation in the center. The museums are great for rainy days. No problem: Follow these top tips for enjoying a unique Anchorage experience without the rental. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83539459', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Anchorage, without a long drive to Denali, on your last day. North Pole, Alaska! . If youre looking for adventure for the evenings, there is plenty to choose from. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Also Check: Best Hotel To Stay In Vegas For Honeymoon. There are some wonderful restaurants and breweries and the waterfront is quite lovely. You wont go hungry either, as most establishments double as food joints. Here is a map about where to stay in Anchorage with the 5 best areas I will be talking about in this travel guide so you can easily visualize them: Downtown Anchorage is the heart of the city and is where you will find the main attractions.