Alternatively, some Anchorage tour companies offer shuttle pickup service right to your hotel, driving you directly to a full guided excursion. McKinley Village is 230 miles north of Anchorage by car or by spectacular 7-hour rail journey. . Many Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Its facing onto the Knik, the 25 mile long river with a glacier as its source. We stayed two days from July 31, then we went to Kenai and left our luggages in hotel. Staying here is absolutely fine, but its got a reputation for being a bit sketchy towards the late hours. The key to planning a trip to Alaska without a car is to understand your other options for getting around. Have a nice lunch break then go to Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail to enjoy some of the most beautiful nature in the city. Dont Miss: Cheap Places To Stay In Bradenton Fl. Stay another night at your Seward accommodation. 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. 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. Theres also the famous Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that runs around the edge of Spenard. 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. Float-planes, an unusual sight for most people, are commonplace here. Once the kids are tired out, its your turn to indulge with all the great shopping malls in the area. Thats where our team comes in. Arctic Adventure Hostel is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Take a stroll for water views, mountain vistas, and even a look at urban salmon fishing. Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? After Delta Junction, youll be looking at three hours of driving until Wrangell-St. Elias. Welcome to Bent Prop Inn! 2023, The Broke Backpacker. icon-lightbulb 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. Anchorage is on the central southern edge of this big ol piece of land. At Portage Glacier, you can take a boat tour across a lake to see the glacier, or you can hike Portage Pass to see it on foot. July August are the best months to visit Anchorage as the weather is the warmest. Safeway is just nearby with a good membership gas station. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. The baskets downtown were created with our state flag as inspiration with stars of blue on a field of gold. Head to the Zoo a wee way south but the closest of our picks. Alaska travel ideas: Anchorage and Juneau without a cruise - Los Whatever youre after, Anchorage has a place for you! ContentsIf you are in a hurry1. Anchorage Hotels and Places to Stay. You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! From museums to art galleries, nice parks, shops, restaurants, and nightlife, you sure wont get bored here! No problem: Follow these top tips for enjoying a unique Anchorage experience without the rental. Midtownis the best area to stay in Anchorage. As Ive already said, being close to all attractions, Downtown Anchorage is the best area to stay for first-timers. The best plan however is to go to the Denali NP, there is a shuttle from Anchorage, then stay several days of backcountry camping in the park, where you can use the shuttle busses. The northern lights are another teeny little attraction The Aurora Borealis can be seen from Anchorage from September to April. 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! It is critical to get reservations for either a rental car or the Alaska Railroad well in advance. A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. It is not as dry as it sounds, trust us. From $107.10 per night8.1Very Good364 reviews. This is an excellent photography opportunity and a place to learn about Alaskas many animals. Hotels are not exactly cheap there so booking something as much in advance as you can is a smart move! See whats on at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Copper Whale Inn is close to the areas popular attractions. Closer to home, though, theres a number of places in town to keep you entertained. It's free to everyone during hospital's normal visitng hours. Deb. Anchorage sits at the geographic center of a range of adventure activities, with the glacier-clad Chugach Mountains rising to the east and volcanoes spiking the horizon across the inlet to the west. Unless, you cannot drive, the additional cost of car rental over an escorted tour and accommodations at the Captain Cook would really be peanuts. If you are going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Can you see the northern lights from Anchorage? The hotel is 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from Dena'ina Convention . This beautiful Airbnb is set in nature surrounded by beautiful trees with 3 bedrooms, a fully furnished kitchen, and private parking. Day 3 Morning Chat to those in the know at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. 9 Alaska Itineraries from Anchorage (With A Car or Without One!) As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Theres a lot to see if you continue heading southeast and loop back around to Anchorage via Routes 2 & 4. It also offers a tour desk, a lake and a ticket service. 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. Anchorage.net is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities. Alaska juts out of the northwestern corner of Canada and is just across the Bering Strait from Russia. Grab a quick dinner at one of many, many food chain outlets. Compared to the other areas of Anchorage, in Spenard, you will be able to find more affordable accommodation options. For more Girdwood adventures, there is even a gold panning tour you can take to try your luck at striking it rich. or 6th Ave.. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Downtown Anchorage where to stay in Anchorage for the first time, 2. Its between the two highways and just up from the Northern Lights Boulevard. 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. Maria's Creekside B&B. Anchorage. Deb. Challenge yourself to complete the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. We'd like a vacation, not a whirlwind. The rooms at SpringHill Suites Anchorage Midtown feature a refrigerator, movies-on-demand and a minibar. Want to be featured in our list? Their focus is creating a welcoming atmosphere for those visiting Alaska on a budget. While a rental vehicle offers a convenient way to access it all, there are also plenty of alternative ways to explore. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. If you have any other suggestions or questions about Anchorage Alaska, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. Sometimes there is also bus service available. Turnagain Arm is just south, where a lot of the scenic cruises go from. Renting a car is also expensive but also gives you lots of flexibility. 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). Where to Stay in Anchorage without a car - Cruise Critic This drive will take just under two hours, as Seward rests some 90 miles away from Girdwood. What Matters When Choosing an Anchorage Hotel? - ALASKA.ORG Keep in mind one challenge travelers face everywhere this year: Car rentals are in short supply. This area is a great place to stay in Anchorage on a budget and also for those who want to stay close to the airport. I don't care for the food, but their roof top tables have an incredible view, Before heading out to the Kenai Peninsula after two nights at the Captain Cook? Girdwood was initially known as Glacier City for the frozen behemoths that border its mountains. Its a mecca for nature and wildlife fans, with the state attracting between 1.5 and 2 million visitors a year. This trail can be hiked or biked, so the time the 11 miles will take varies greatly. I love all the suggestions that a previous poster listed. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. 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 put together a handy guide on where to stay in Anchorage, just for you. Make sure to get to the train depot early and not miss your train! You can go on a walk to Lake Hood, enjoy beautiful nature at Earthquake Park, and challenge yourself on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Doesnt it sound like a cool area to stay in Anchorage? Need a quick ride? Spot Moose! Explore by bike. Migrating birds visit in all seasons, which makes this a great year-round destination. I hope you enjoyed reading this city tour. The museums are great for rainy days. Did you know that? You can take the Alaska Railroad or bus to get there and back and its timed with the tour departure. It is actually known to have a large number of Korean and American restaurants as well as trendy breakfast spots and indi theatre! How do I get between Anchorage and my cruise ship? 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. View Hotel. Rooms at Holiday Inn Express Anchorage are modern and air conditioned, and offer movies-on-demand, tea and coffee making facilities and a refrigerator. The front-desk staff, Jennifer, was very kind to help us in the morning on Aug. 2 when we first checked out. 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! They gave me the off season rate for the whole trip. For more, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. 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. There are parks all around here, for wandering, for picnics, or for whatever. Bootleggers Coveis the best area to stay in Anchorage if you want to explore the outdoors. Theres also some excellent cafes, for something to keep your hands warm on those colder days. Visit Earthquake Park and see the trees in a canyon that dropped 20 foot in the 64 quake. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center outside Anchorage, said Golden. Eyll grew up in Istanbul, Turkey, where solo women travelers are rare and work-life balance is tough. Once youve worn yourself out on the natural features of the area, you can head back into town for a peaceful dinner. Just keep an eye out for those bears! So lets crack on, and soon youll have your Alaskan accommodation sussed, knowing just where to stay in Anchorage! Required fields are marked *. There is something here for all tastes! 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. From right around the summit, youll be able to see not one but seven glaciers in the distance! 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. Anchorage for one day without a car - Alaska Forum - Tripadvisor You can make Alaskas Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast your home base for exploring Juneau! What can I do in Alaska during a spring visit? One of the airports is only a few blocks away, while another two are just a mile south. A Few Days in Anchorage Without a Car - Anchorage Forum 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). 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. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Happy exploring! And the parks are everywhere, including the Cuddy Family Midtown Park. Its found in almost every Things to do in Anchorage list as its scenic beauty and accessibility mean everyone can enjoy it. We only recommend the things we actually use ourselves and never accept useless sponsored crap. We are outdoorsy, like pretty views and have simple tastes. While Anchorage is a sprawling city, downtown itself is compact and walkable. The train depot is here in Downtown, so its perfectly situated for day trips on the scenic railway. This self-contained place is an excellent base for exploring the surroundings and enjoy stunning views of the sunset. Just as the name indicates, youll be near the centre of the town withaccess to Downtown, public transport, attractions and outdoor adventures. Portage Glacier is just a 30 minute drive from Girdwood with lots of activities and scenery to explore. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! In any case, its definitely worth doing and wont cost you a dime! If you are into outdoor adventures you will have so much fun here. Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. North Pole, Alaska! Its known as The City of Lights and Flowers by the romantics of the area, or Los Anchorage by others. Do you need chains in the winter? Places to stay in Anchorage. 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. Choose your hotel location carefully bunking in downtown Anchorage means there are plenty of restaurants, breweries and cafs within walking distance. 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. Key Takeaways Florida, Louisiana, and Arizona are the states with the highest incidence of fatal bike accidents per million residents. Both Uber and Lyft are fast, convenient ways to travel around Anchorage. Summon a car by app, or call a local cab service Anchorage has plenty of those, too. You might want to rent a car while youre here, as the city is small but the great outdoors arewell great! Here, youll be able to visit the Alaska Wildlife Center. A 5-hour flight from LAX, it offers visitors a variety of hotels, restaurants and museums. Chat to those in the know at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. The map below, compiled from data provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is the most accurate nuclear attack map and fallout demonstration available for 2023: (Image courtesy of FEMA and Halcyon Maps) The fallout would rapidly spread, turning targeted cities into whole affected regions. Keep an eye out for wildlife I saw lots of moose just off the road in this part of the state. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83534947', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska between September 3-12. On this site, youll find countless resources and travel tips. I've always thought that would be fun. The airport is just to the west so theres no arduous mission to your accommodation at the end of a long flight. Downtown Anchorage - where to stay in Anchorage for the first time 2. Bootleggers Cove is located just west of Anchorage Downtown and sandwiched in by the sea. Join the Coastal Trail walk at Elderberry Park. Tours Add a Place Travel Forum Airlines Travel Guides Help Centre Package Holidays. By calmac, March 11, 2009 in Alaska. In the morning, a very good breakfast is waiting for you. 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. Things to Do Restaurants Flights Holiday Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars. We suggestavoiding the Mountain View neighborhood. Copper Whale Inn is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Great accommodation, facilities are super comfy and extremely clean. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! 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! It is up near Bootleggers Cove, just west of where East 5th Avenue turns into a highway. Spenard is located 4 miles southwest of Anchorage downtown and just 2 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Does the rental car need to be four-wheel drive? Youll have to watch your step as it can be muddy here and there are giant tree roots to traverse. We came back on Aug. 5 and left Anchorage next day. There are a number of green areas around here that are prime grounds for the four-legged behemoths. Check out Mad Myrnas gay bar or Darwins Theory pub both contenders for greatest name! See the Art Deco 4th Avenue Theatre, a landmark thats been standing and entertaining since the 1940s! Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Due to proximity to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants Anchorage Downtown is the best area to stay without a car in Anchorage. 1. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers free shuttle service and a 24-hour front desk. Migrating birds visit in all seasons, which makes this a great year-round destination. . Autocorrect does not like the word carless. Call the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also Check: Best Area To Stay In Maui For Honeymoon. Laundry is open 24H. 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