. Bent Prop Inn is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. FUN FACT: Bootleggers Cove got its name due to the fact that it was a favored location among alcohol smugglers during the prohibition era. How do I get between Anchorage and my cruise ship? 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Anchorage, Alaskas largest city with a population of about 290,000, sits on the Cook Inlet in the south-central part of the state. From here, you can hike to the park's Visitor's Center to learn more about the area. Alternatively, you can spend your early morning hiking around Portage Glacier before getting lunch in town. Once youve worn yourself out on the natural features of the area, you can head back into town for a peaceful dinner. While away an evening at Bear Tooth Theatrepub. . 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. Its between the two highways and just up from the Northern Lights Boulevard. Bootleggers Coveis the best area to stay in Anchorage if you want to explore the outdoors. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. It is a very laid-back area with beautiful parks, kids playgrounds, nice restaurants, and shops. Our favorite area: Downtown Anchorage 2. 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. Most other Alaska road trip itineraries will have you turn around after Fairbanks and head straight back to Anchorage the exact same way you came. Stay another night at your Seward accommodation. Valdez has a lot to offer for adventure seekers. I love Alaska, so Ill surely be back in Anchorage again. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Thank you all! Anchorage is an isolated place, but a spectacular one. It is up near Bootleggers Cove, just west of where East 5th Avenue turns into a highway. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 10 km away. Or how about Scenic Foothills, where theyre giving away their drawcard in their title? Downtown Anchorage is full of historic charm and lots of blooming flowers in the summer. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Email [emailprotected] to find out how. Spenard offers many scenic parks and hiking trails perfect for those who want to save a little money on museum entrance fees. Both Uber and Lyft are fast, convenient ways to travel around Anchorage. Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Anchorage! We stayed two days from July 31, then we went to Kenai and left our luggages in hotel. We stayed at this AirBNB which was the cutest A-Frame! Alternatively, you may use, https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/destinations/spencer-glacier-whistle-stop. 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! Around Seward, also, you can do Exit Glacier and Caines Head trail. Its facing onto the Knik, the 25 mile long river with a glacier as its source. Theres Fairview, in the middle, completely surrounded by parks and green spaces. Yes, Downtown is a safe area to walk at night and a great place to stay in Anchorage. Places to stay in Anchorage. Chat to those in the know at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. Continue south on Route 2 for 90 minutes to the town of Delta Junction and take a lunch break. You totally can! And Wonder Park, which is totally residential but just has a great name. In addition to the dormitory and camping accommodations, Spenard Hostel has a large yard with a barbecue and plenty of lawn furniture to enjoy during the long sunny days. he Voyager Inn provides spacious rooms equipped with cable/satellite channels, a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. You don't need a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Posted March 11, 2009. calmac. Load up on caffeine and cake at Coffee Queen highly rated and huge sweet treats! 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. Near Ted Stevens International Airport Where to stay in other cities For more, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. Home to 220+ species of birds, visitors can enjoy a walk along the 1,550-foot-long boardwalk or visit the wetland habitat. From Portage Lake, you can see Shakespeare Glacier. If you rent for a full week you should get not only a discount, but also unlimited miles. To me, to be up here without a car is tough, including Anchorage. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. How to find a moose in Anchorage in less than an hour. We'd probably like to get bikes and do a tour of the shoreline from Earthquake Park to Kincaid Park. If you want to be close to the action and find a bit of everything there is no better place than Downtown Anchorage! Arguably, the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage has the nicest fitness center. As far as neighbourhoods, Anchorage is a very well-organised city, with straight grid-like lines and a street numbering system. ContentsIf you are in a hurry1. This 4-star hotel provides a beauty centre, facial treatments and body treatments. You can go on a walk to Lake Hood, enjoy beautiful nature at Earthquake Park, and challenge yourself on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. You can enjoy a nice dinner in their fine dining restaurant with excellent views and have drinks in their chic bar. This is an excellent photography opportunity and a place to learn about Alaskas many animals. 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 . Anchorage is the hub to the rest of Alaska. Watch the skies and waters at Lake Hood, where the floatplanes zoom in and out. What are some things to do and see as day trips around Anchorage? Anchorage.net is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities. Our winters are so dark, and Anchorage explodes with lots of twinkle lights to keep you entertained while walking downtown. Members; 3k December 11, 2004; Fife, Scotland #1 Share; This neighborhood offers museums, nice restaurants as well as spectacular landscapes by the Knik River. Deb. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83534947', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska between September 3-12. Bootleggers Cove where to stay in Anchorage for sightseeing, The 32 Absolute Best Places to Stay in Banff for All Budgets, 8 Things you Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Canada, Your Ultimate Guide for Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii, Best Hotels for All Budgets to Stay on Big Island, Hawaii, Top 5 Neighborhoods to Stay in Vancouver, Canada, An Honest Guide for Where to Stay in Seattle, USA, Everything You Need to Know About Hotels in Portland, Oregon, Catch a show at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Head to the National Parks Office to find out about the incredible nature of this Alaska, See an exhibition at Anchorage William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center to explore the regions culture, Go for a walk to Lake Hood and check out scenic views, Eat authentic Korean food at one of the many restaurants, Drive one of the most incredible highways in the state down the Turnagain Arm, Visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Go for a walk in the Valley of the Moon Park, Check out an indie film at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, Go for a stroll at Charles W. Smith Memorial Park, Enjoy family time at Cuddy Family Midtown Park, Have a nice meal and drink at Bear Paw Bar & Grill, Go for dinner at Silk Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Where can I store and ship fish in Anchorage? Thus our SUV became more comfortable for 6 people. Downtown Anchorage - where to stay in Anchorage for the first time 2. Start your day discovering the culture and history of the area at the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Veterans Museum. 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. The Voyager Inn is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. I love the idea of going to Spencer whistle stop and hiking there. Flag a rideshare. How does that sound? Comfort Inn Ship Creek Comfort Inn Downtown is located within steps of the downtown business hub and Anchorages most popular tourist attractions. Whatever youre after, Anchorage has a place for you! One of the biggest decisions youll face planning for your Alaska Itinerary is how youre going to get around. I also gave you some information about the things you can do there so you could pick the perfect one for you! We are going on on a small group adventure tour of the Kenai peninsula, so their van will pick us up in the city. One of the airports is only a few blocks away, while another two are just a mile south. Midtown encompasses quite a big area in the middle of Anchorage when viewed on the map. Its south of North Star, and between the two highways bordering the central part of the city. I'd definitely recommend doing the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The train depot is here in Downtown, so its perfectly situated for day trips on the scenic railway. But a short distance later, youll be enveloped in a scene out of Rivendell ! Anchorage is in general a safe city but you can avoid walking at night in the Fairview and Mountain View areas. Youll arrive in Fairbanks in the evening, usually around 8pm. This drive will take just under two hours, as Seward rests some 90 miles away from Girdwood. Theres also the famous Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that runs around the edge of Spenard. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. Girdwood was initially known as Glacier City for the frozen behemoths that border its mountains. No problem: Follow these top tips for enjoying a unique Anchorage experience without the rental. The Hotel Captain Cook. Its nestled in the shadow of the magnificent Chugach Mountain Range at the end of the Cook Inlet. The front-desk staff, Jennifer, was very kind to help us in the morning on Aug. 2 when we first checked out. Lake Hood, which lies within Spenard, is the takeoff and landing point for most of them. Many of the hotels in Anchorage have a free cancelation, so dont worry if you change your mind! Its only about a mile southeast. 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. 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.. Close, Where to Stay in Anchorage (2023 COOLEST Areas! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you are going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Absolute bucket list stuff, that! It is critical to get reservations for either a rental car or the Alaska Railroad well in advance. Check in and check out was . If you do not have a car, make sure to stay at a hotel that provides a shuttle. Ill be glad to leave a reply to them! Copper Whale Inn is close to the areas popular attractions. Yes, you have a chance to see the northern lights if you stay in Anchorage between late September and April. Copper Whale Inn is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. 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. It also features a 24-hour reception, meeting rooms and an express check-in and check-out feature. I love all the suggestions that a previous poster listed. They also have the odd concert as well, if you happen to be there on the right night! 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. For more Girdwood adventures, there is even a gold panning tour you can take to try your luck at striking it rich. Anchorage, AK . These are the sit-down kind too, not the takeaway strip youll find further south (but pssst, its there if youre after fast food). And Seward for 2 days without a car. If you want to skip the boat tour, you can also hike to Byron Glacier. Go on a historic ride on the Anchorage Trolley Tours. We are outdoorsy, like pretty views and have simple tastes. At night you can have a drink at the hotel bar and play pool with a friendly atmosphere. Youll need it, too. 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. Visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. These trails let you see some amazing natural beauty including meadows, mountains, lush forests, and mining ruins. If youre looking for a budget place to stay, youll find many affordable motels in Anchorage in the downtown area. If you are into outdoor adventures you will have so much fun here. 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. 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. Ive taken several tours with Major Marine Tours over the ages and put together a review of two different tours Ive done recently: the 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise and the 8.5 Hour Kenai Fjords Northwestern Fjord Cruise. There is a rooftop fitness center where you can enjoy the unique view while you are working out. Its here that the Iditarod Dog-Sled Race starts each year, drawing huge crowds of sports aficionados as well as animal lovers. Her travel passion led her to step into over 40 countries and 200 cities. Enjoy a day trip out to Spencer Glacier (where guided and self-guided tours await), or take the train to Whittier for a day cruise through awe-inspiring Prince William Sound. There are two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfect for bigger families. This hotel has beautifully decorated rooms, a nice bar, a fitness center, and easy access to the main city attractions near Knik rIver, This stay in Anchorage offers rooms surrounded by scenic mountains, a business center, on-site parking, and free wi-fi, This cute Airbnb has a very central location and offers comfortable rooms with great amenities and a nice garden. Its the coolest area to stay in Anchorage because its got a more relaxed atmosphere than the Downtown area, while still being close enough that you can visit when you want. 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. Although these Anchorage activities possibly can be done without a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Though theyre unlikely to be any threat, we thought youd probably like to know! Recommended Posts. North Star - the coolest area to stay in Anchorage 5. That being said, if you like a hotel in another area I say go for it as distances between attractions are not too far in Anchorage. Portage Glacier is just a 30 minute drive from Girdwood with lots of activities and scenery to explore. There are several properties in this area you can book. We only recommend the things we actually use ourselves and never accept useless sponsored crap. We've done the latter too many times, so we're being conservative, so we can experience, rather than just see the sights. Accessibility, Wheelchairs & Reduced Mobility. The second option is to drive to Portage Lake and take a boat tour to Portage Glacier. Yes, one of my questions was where to stay if we don't have a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Things to Do Restaurants Flights Holiday Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars. Many Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Girdwood, Anchorage . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Alaska Zoo, too, is nearby. It is more economical with a family or group of friends traveling together. Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska, one of the most mysterious faraway places with epic scenic landscapes. With the super quite and safe location, this will feel like a real home away from home! Staff enjoy exploring the mountains and enjoy sharing advice on scenic hikes and unique places to visit. Can you see the northern lights from Anchorage? We see it often, down by the inlet, when sunset watching downtown. Related articles. I'd love to see moose and have heard that it's possible to see them (from a DISTANCE! View Hotel. As Ive already said, being close to all attractions, Downtown Anchorage is the best area to stay for first-timers. Welcome to Bent Prop Inn! This centrally located stay in Anchorage has comfortable rooms, a fitness center, free wi-fi and is near the main attractions, Located just near the Alaska Railroad Depot, this hotel offers cozy rooms with a coffee machine, free wifi, and free parking, This Airbnb offers modernly decorated rooms and a fully furnished kitchen right across the street from the Anchorage Museum. 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. On the last day of your trip , make your way up to Lowell Point in the early morning. They have a very convenient location in Mid-town Anchorage! The Alaska Railroad is expensive as well as a wonderful adventure and the entire trip is absolutely gorgeous. Closer to home, though, theres a number of places in town to keep you entertained. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). We'd probably stay near the airport or are open to other suggestions for places to stay if they would work better carless. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. What can I do on an April visit to Anchorage? In this blog post on where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska I will talk about the 5 best areas to stay in the city and give you the top hotels for all budgets. Who can tell! You might want to rent a car while youre here, as the city is small but the great outdoors arewell great! In any case, its definitely worth doing and wont cost you a dime! Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. This neighborhood offers museums, nice restaurants as well as spectacular landscapes by the Knik River. The famous Anchorage Museum and Alaska railroad are within walking distance, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is just a 15 minutes drive. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. After a tiring day, you can chill in the indoor swimming pool or pamper yourself with a nice massage. Arctic Adventure Hostel is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. So, we're considering coming to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Depending on where your hotel is, it's not going to be that much. Family-run, the Arctic Adventure Hostel is a clean, quiet and secure place for travelers. Downtown Anchorage is just a 10-minute drive away giving it a perfect location for your stay in Anchorage. If you are visiting Anchorage for the first time, Anchorage Downtown is the best place to stay. See whats on at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. It also offers a tour desk, a lake and a ticket service.