Unfortunately, the city bus is closed on holidays so you'd have to take cabs. This neighborhood offers museums, nice restaurants as well as spectacular landscapes by the Knik River. 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. Thank you so much for supporting this project! Anchorage is the largest city (but not the capital) of Alaska, the northernmost US state. There are several properties in this area you can book. Anchorage.net is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities. No Car? No Problem: Here's How to Visit Anchorage Without a Vehicle Look no further than this amazing Airbnb. Anchorage has a lot of fun street art. Midtown - best area for families Frequently asked questions about Anchorage It surely can't hurt. While Anchorage is a sprawling city, downtown itself is compact and walkable. Deb. The baskets downtown were created with our state flag as inspiration with stars of blue on a field of gold. You can go on a walk to Lake Hood, enjoy beautiful nature at Earthquake Park, and challenge yourself on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Seward to Anchorage - 3 ways to travel via plane, shuttle, and car Start your day discovering the culture and history of the area at the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Veterans Museum. 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. Make sure to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see many beloved Alaska animals such as bear, moose, caribou and more. Our favorite area: Downtown Anchorage 2. Take a stroll for water views, mountain vistas, and even a look at urban salmon fishing. These trails let you see some amazing natural beauty including meadows, mountains, lush forests, and mining ruins. FUN FACT: Bootleggers Cove got its name due to the fact that it was a favored location among alcohol smugglers during the prohibition era. Yes, Downtown is a safe area to walk at night and a great place to stay in Anchorage. 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. Arguably, the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage has the nicest fitness center. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. At night you can have a drink at the hotel bar and play pool with a friendly atmosphere. Anchorage public transportation connects hotels, parks, farmers markets, public art, and other attractions. This secluded, historical area is the perfect location in the heart of Downtown Anchorage. driving alaska highway in december or january 10 replies Anchorage Hotels and Places to Stay The Hotel Captain Cook 2,439 Reviews View Hotel Anchorage, AK Alyeska Resort 2,950 Reviews View Hotel Girdwood, Anchorage Enjoy a walking tour. Spenard Hostel International is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. From here, you can hike to the park's Visitor's Center to learn more about the area. What else might be interesting when carless? Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. This is the perfect place to catch a ride with a local tour company. This 4-star hotel provides a beauty centre, facial treatments and body treatments. Youll have to watch your step as it can be muddy here and there are giant tree roots to traverse. You can enjoy a nice dinner in their fine dining restaurant with excellent views and have drinks in their chic bar. All rights reserved. A 5-hour flight from LAX, it offers visitors a variety of hotels, restaurants and museums. 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. As far as neighbourhoods, Anchorage is a very well-organised city, with straight grid-like lines and a street numbering system. 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. The Hotel Captain Cook. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. 2,951 Reviews . Things to Do Restaurants Flights Holiday Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars. Keep an eye out for wildlife I saw lots of moose just off the road in this part of the state. If youre staying downtown, youll be within easy walking distance of a designated shuttle service zone on the 500 block of 4th Avenue. or 6th Ave.. Instead, buy an eSIM! But a short distance later, youll be enveloped in a scene out of Rivendell ! Springhill Suites features a nice restaurant, rooms with mountains view, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool, This pet-friendly hotel has modern rooms, a free airport shuttle, a good breakfast, and free parking, This beautiful Airbnb has comfortable rooms, a fully furnished kitchen, free parking, and free wifi. This hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport and allows your fur friends to bring it with you. How do I get between Anchorage and my cruise ship? I don't know if it's feasible to try and go there without a car. This newly remodeled 800-square-foot apartment apartment/guest suite is comfortable and cozy. Nestled in beautiful nature, this hotel offers a free airport shuttle, comfortable rooms, and an indoor swimming pool, Located near Anchorage University, My Place Hotel Anchorage AK has spacious rooms, a free airport shuttle, and free parking, This Airbnb offers rooms with amazing mountains view, private parking, and a nice terrace making it a great stay in Anchorage. There are two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfect for bigger families. Theres also some excellent cafes, for something to keep your hands warm on those colder days. I liked Jennifer's advice and I would prefer to have a car, but if it doesn't work out, you will be fine in Anchorage for one careless day. 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. . The Hotel Alyeska also has a great fitness center, offering a saltwater pool and hot tub with views of the mountains. You can also enjoy a fenced backyard, a fully equipped kitchen and an idoor fireplace! How to catch a salmon a short walk from an Anchorage hotel. Enjoy the free tea and coffee making facilities. Moose, bears both black and grizzly-, and timber wolves do come right through and around the urban areas. Related articles. Located in south Anchorage, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary is described by visitors as a birders delight. Theres also the famous Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that runs around the edge of Spenard. Browse to your hearts content at Anchorage Market and Festival. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. We came back on Aug. 5 and left Anchorage next day. But in order to get better deals on hotels and secure your place, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. Setting up your base at our best hotel overall, La Quinta Inn & Suites, has you in affordable yet stylish accommodation thats in the midst of it all. Like the 4th Avenue Theatre, one of the only buildings in town to survive the catastrophic 1964 earthquake. As you know, the 4th is Labor Day which is probably why you're having a hard time finding a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Weve picked Spenard as our best place to stay if youre on a budget for these reasons but also for the free entertainment and activities in the area. 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. 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. There is something here for all tastes! The 10 best places to stay in Anchorage, USA | Booking.com The alleyways between B & F are known locally as Ziggys alley as one artist covers the walls with images of Alaska, but he is a white dude If you are looking for a beautiful Native painted mural, then head over to the Covenant House on 8th and Barrow for beautifully created by Apayuq. I hope you enjoyed reading this city tour. Thats where our team comes in. Alaska travel ideas: Anchorage and Juneau without a cruise - Los And if you are looking for where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska, check out these exceptional accommodations. The second option is to drive to Portage Lake and take a boat tour to Portage Glacier. A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. You really cant miss the colorful murals spread across 4th and 5th Avenue. Massive Family Home is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. It is not as dry as it sounds, trust us. Check out Mad Myrnas gay bar or Darwins Theory pub both contenders for greatest name! Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. This easy and short 5-minute hike will take you to Alaskas most scenic moss-blanketed waterfall. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. More information. Downtown Anchorage where to stay in Anchorage for the first time, 2. 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. 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! There is something here for all tastes! Its here that the Iditarod Dog-Sled Race starts each year, drawing huge crowds of sports aficionados as well as animal lovers. Even as far as 15th ave there, are flower baskets hanging from giant fishing poles. But its still wild enough that you might see a moose bolt across a city street, as I once did. Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Anchorage! I love all the suggestions that a previous poster listed. Bootleggers Cove is located just west of Anchorage Downtown and sandwiched in by the sea. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Challenge yourself to complete the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Inquire about this service upon booking. Alternatively, some Anchorage tour companies offer shuttle pickup service right to your hotel, driving you directly to a full guided excursion. Weve put together a handy guide on where to stay in Anchorage, just for you. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! 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. Weve chosen five of Anchorages best areas to stay in, whether youre riding solo or with a family in tow, whether youre here for the first time or for a good time. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Anchorage, an IHG Hotel, Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport. In any case, its definitely worth doing and wont cost you a dime! If you stay longer than 7 days, you can also get access to the backyard and patio. So, we're considering coming to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Perhaps if you explained a little more of your Kenai Peninsula thing could better answer. Home to 220+ species of birds, visitors can enjoy a walk along the 1,550-foot-long boardwalk or visit the wetland habitat. North Star is a cool residential neighborhood that is located 2 miles (3 km) south of Anchorage downtown. 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. McKinley Village is 230 miles north of Anchorage by car or by spectacular 7-hour rail journey. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83555631', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car in little Seward. 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). On this site, youll find countless resources and travel tips. Anchorage Hotels and Places to Stay. (Our return flight would be the JetBlue redeye that leaves around 1:00am.). PRO TIP: Because this part of the state is more remote, its great for large animals. Click here to learn more about some of the top routes around the city. For dinner, try The Cookery. The host is known to be incredibly attentive and helpful, so youll be in good hands. Lets go! Doesnt it sound like a cool area to stay in Anchorage? Eyll grew up in Istanbul, Turkey, where solo women travelers are rare and work-life balance is tough. We are in our 50s, like to walk, and enjoy a variety of activities. This allows time for another hike or visiting the sled dog kennels or exploring the entrance area at the park. Downtown Anchorage is just a 10-minute drive away giving it a perfect location for your stay in Anchorage. 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. Again, thank you! Staff enjoy exploring the mountains and enjoy sharing advice on scenic hikes and unique places to visit. Due to proximity to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants Anchorage Downtown is thebest area to stay without a car in Anchorage. I hope you enjoyed reading this city tour. Comfort Inn Ship Creek. This comfortable 1-star hotel in Anchorage offers complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a swimming pool and a 24-hour reception. While a rental vehicle offers a convenient way to access it all, there are also plenty of alternative ways to explore. This is an excellent photography opportunity and a place to learn about Alaskas many animals. Check out our top picks for Anchorage in general! You may get to see some amazing animals like bears, whales, eagles, seals, and goats up close! 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. Once youve worn yourself out on the natural features of the area, you can head back into town for a peaceful dinner. 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. Best affordable accommodation in the center. From $107.10 per night8.1Very Good364 reviews. Bootleggers Coveis the best area to stay in Anchorage if you want to explore the outdoors. A word of warning to cautious parents: though Anchorage is a very safe city for its size, there are some temporary residents who may give you a bit of a fright. We're planning on doing Seward area for a couple days. As this tour will take up most of your day, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. But Anchorage is the dream destination for those who are all about once in a life-time adventures. 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. Where is the best bear viewing in Alaska? An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! If you want to be close to the action and find a bit of everything there is no better place than Downtown Anchorage! We will be in Anchorage for two days before heading out to the Kenai peninsula. Base Camp Anchorage is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. They allow their cars on most Alaskan gravel roads. Once the kids are tired out, its your turn to indulge with all the great shopping malls in the area. The hotel has 14 rooms and has been recently refurbished. From right around the summit, youll be able to see not one but seven glaciers in the distance! 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. 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! Do you need chains in the winter? Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Spenard - the best area to stay on a budget & near the airport 3. However, if you would like to stay in a more affordable area you can pick hotels from Spenard. But I think its silly to retrace your steps. I definitely recommend you to stay in one of these if you cant decide between the awesome options in this list! Check in and check out was . Its not in Midtown itself, but youre the closest to it of any of our chosen neighbourhoods. Multilingual staff can assist with reservations or dining recommendations, and an express check-in facility is provided for guest convenience. Migrating birds visit in all seasons, which makes this a great year-round destination. Its categorised by interest and travel style, so you know youll be in your ideal zone! Doesnt it sound like a cool area to stay in Anchorage? Anchorage is an isolated place, but a spectacular one. Just as the name indicates, youll be near the centre of the town withaccess to Downtown, public transport, attractions and outdoor adventures. Choosing where to stay in a new city youve never been to can be really confusing and frustrating. How do I find authentic Alaska Native art? Join the Coastal Trail walk at Elderberry Park. Many Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. I love the idea of going to Spencer whistle stop and hiking there. Can you see the northern lights from Anchorage? The hotel is 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from Dena'ina Convention . You can make Alaskas Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast your home base for exploring Juneau! 9 Alaska Itineraries from Anchorage (With A Car or Without One!) icon-lightbulb Near Ted Stevens International Airport Where to stay in other cities 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. 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. There are a couple of great ways to see glaciers in the summer: But there is more to do than check out glaciers! Where to Stay in Anchorage | 5 EXCELLENT Areas in 2022 This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We'd like a vacation, not a whirlwind. If you are visiting Anchorage for the first time, Anchorage Downtown is the best place to stay. The rooms at SpringHill Suites Anchorage Midtown feature a refrigerator, movies-on-demand and a minibar. If you are going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Barely a minute goes by without one bouncing down to deliver people or goods to the town. Anchorage's tallest hotel is the best place to appreciate the gorgeous views of city and mountains - you may even see Denali on a clear day. There are also many miles of trail leaving from the visitor center to check out other glaciers and to see spawning salmon in season. Edit.careless should be carless! Its the best place to stay in Anchorage for your first time here as its looking out at the scenic territory of the river. Our winters are so dark, and Anchorage explodes with lots of twinkle lights to keep you entertained while walking downtown. Somewhere with heating, preferably! The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is very popular, beautiful views and many folks enjoy biking it. Some of the best hotels here are the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and the Historic Anchorage Hotel. I'd love to see moose and have heard that it's possible to see them (from a DISTANCE! You might want to rent a car while youre here, as the city is small but the great outdoors arewell great! The Voyager Inn (from USD 179) Show all photos. From museums to art galleries, nice parks, shops, restaurants, and nightlife, you sure wont get bored here! The staff are welcoming and go out of their way to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Deb. One of the airports is only a few blocks away, while another two are just a mile south. Have a nice lunch break then go to Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail to enjoy some of the most beautiful nature in the city. - 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. Also Check: Best Area To Stay In Maui For Honeymoon. If you're staying downtown, there are a few bicycle rental places. Both Uber and Lyft are fast, convenient ways to travel around Anchorage.