We are visiting AK again from Aug 31 -Sept 13. Related articles. Historic Anchorage Hotel and Copper Whale Inn are the best boutique hotels in Anchorage. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is very popular, beautiful views and many folks enjoy biking it. Are there quick city or harbor tours available? I always use Midnight Sun car rental in Anchorage. 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. But even if you choose to use another rental agency call them to book and ask for the off season rates. For those who are having difficulty picking among the many hotel options, let me sum up. Cyclist health and safety There's no denying the health . You'll also be within walking distance of the train depot and coastal trail, as well as the city's terrific shops and restaurants. Yes. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Some of this stretch will be monotonous. 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. Its the best place to stay in Anchorage for your first time here as its looking out at the scenic territory of the river. Theres also some excellent cafes, for something to keep your hands warm on those colder days. You can go on hiking tours, take a tour to see glaciers, and enjoy walks in the beautiful parks. We stayed at this AirBNB which was the cutest A-Frame! . No car? Copyright 2014-2023 MissTourist | All Rights Reserved |, 1. Unfortunately, the city bus is closed on holidays so you'd have to take cabs. TOP 5 Areas Where to Stay in Anchorage HOTEL GUIDE - Miss Tourist April 23, 2021. Places to stay in Anchorage. Eyll grew up in Istanbul, Turkey, where solo women travelers are rare and work-life balance is tough. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Anchorage, an IHG Hotel, Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport. Learn more about the options and costs here. The duplex house offers plenty of space for up to 5 guests at a time. A Few Days in Anchorage Without a Car - Anchorage Forum. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Great accommodation, facilities are super comfy and extremely clean. The key to planning a trip to Alaska without a car is to understand your other options for getting around. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83540232', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car and without the public bus system operating the best place to stay is downtown. It also offers a tour desk, a lake and a ticket service. In any case, its definitely worth doing and wont cost you a dime! You can certainly get around without a car in the city proper. There are a couple of great ways to see glaciers in the summer: But there is more to do than check out glaciers! Grab a quick dinner at one of many, many food chain outlets. Look no further than this amazing Airbnb. Due to proximity to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants Anchorage Downtown is thebest area to stay without a car in Anchorage. You don't need a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And if you are looking for where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska, check out these exceptional accommodations. Dont worry, youre not completely in the woods, you will also find nice local restaurants and shops in this area. They feature ironing facilities, a bathtub and wireless internet access. It is critical to get reservations for either a rental car or the Alaska Railroad well in advance. Alaska travel ideas: Anchorage and Juneau without a cruise - Los 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! 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. I definitely recommend you to stay in one of these if you cant decide between the awesome options in this list! These trails let you see some amazing natural beauty including meadows, mountains, lush forests, and mining ruins. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Right in the heart of downtown Anchorage and just a block away from cafes, public transportations and coastal trails, this space is ideal for first-time visitors to Anchorage. It is just 9 miles from the hotel to the airport. From here, youll be able to look out over the Pacific Ocean and whale watch. 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. You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! I created Miss Tourist travel blog to help you organise the perfect holiday. 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 favorite area: Downtown Anchorage 2. Call the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Challenge yourself to complete the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. On the last day of your trip , make your way up to Lowell Point in the early morning. The local Exit Glacier area also makes for great mid-day hiking. Without a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. While Anchorage is a sprawling city, downtown itself is compact and walkable. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-68023952', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');renting a car while we're in the city and are staying at the Hotel Captain Cook. See the Art Deco 4th Avenue Theatre, a landmark thats been standing and entertaining since the 1940s! Keep in mind one challenge travelers face everywhere this year: Car rentals are in short supply. Choose your hotel location carefully bunking in downtown Anchorage means there are plenty of restaurants, breweries and cafs within walking distance. 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. Depending on where your hotel is, it's not going to be that much. Load up on caffeine and cake at Coffee Queen highly rated and huge sweet treats! If the mountain is out, you can see it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Embassy Suites Anchorage features spacious rooms with stunning views, an indoor swimming pool, a nice restaurant, and free wifi. 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. If you are into nightlife you will find so many lively bars in Downtown Anchorage so make sure to allow some time for bar-hopping after dinner! Downtown bike rental is good. Some of Anchorages top landmarks and scenic viewpoints are accessible via the citys vast trail system. And if youve never used Airbnb, this might be a good area to give it a shot! 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. Anchorage for one day without a car - Alaska Forum - Tripadvisor Where can I store and ship fish in Anchorage? . The hotel is 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from Dena'ina Convention . They allow their cars on most Alaskan gravel roads. 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. The downtown is walkable, but there are many places a bit outside the city center that are worth seeing. Yes, Downtown is a safe area to walk at night and a great place to stay in Anchorage. Base Camp Anchorage is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. McKinley Village is 230 miles north of Anchorage by car or by spectacular 7-hour rail journey. North Star - the coolest area to stay in Anchorage 5. 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). Learn more here about visiting the Portage Valley and the many things to do! A Few Days in Anchorage Without a Car - Anchorage Forum This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This easy and short 5-minute hike will take you to Alaskas most scenic moss-blanketed waterfall. Migrating birds visit in all seasons, which makes this a great year-round destination. 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. We'd probably stay near the airport or are open to other suggestions for places to stay if they would work better carless. 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 make Alaskas Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast your home base for exploring Juneau! What can I do in Alaska during a spring visit? 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. We're planning on doing Seward area for a couple days. Your Nuclear Attack Map for 2023 - mirasafety.com Inquire about this service upon booking. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 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. You might want to rent a car while youre here, as the city is small but the great outdoors arewell great! United States. So lets crack on, and soon youll have your Alaskan accommodation sussed, knowing just where to stay in Anchorage! Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Well-fitted, it comes with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. This 4-star hotel has 2 swimming pools, spacious rooms, a nice spa, on-site parking, and free wifi. This self-contained place is an excellent base for exploring the surroundings and enjoy stunning views of the sunset. Just below North Star, Anchorage Midtown is located 3 miles (5 km) south of Downtown and is the best place to stay in Anchorage for families thanks to its family-friendly hotels and attractions. However, if you would like to stay in a more affordable area you can pick hotels from Spenard. Take the train down for a couple of days of no driving!..Now there's a vacation! Getting around without a car - Anchorage Forum - Tripadvisor Watch out for the biking speedsters, and yes, if you do not see a moose somewhere along that trail, I would be surprised. Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Close, Where to Stay in Anchorage (2023 COOLEST Areas! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. As far as neighbourhoods, Anchorage is a very well-organised city, with straight grid-like lines and a street numbering system. Now that you know a bit about the main part of town, why not venture further afield, to see what you can see? So get ready for the trip of a lifetime! From here, you can hike to the park's Visitor's Center to learn more about the area. Located in south Anchorage, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary is described by visitors as a birders delight. Anymore it just makes my blood pressure go up cause it is TOO popular and people rarely stay on their own side of the trail, but my guess is that happens everywhere there are bike trails. The town square has a lovely flower garden worth stopping by to see. I love the idea of going to Spencer whistle stop and hiking there. Best Place To Stay In Anchorage Without A Car All rights reserved. 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. Just as the name indicates, youll be near the centre of the town withaccess to Downtown, public transport, attractions and outdoor adventures. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. icon-lightbulb Besides, Aptel offers luggage deposit service. Catch a bus. We'll probably be back for a Denali-focused trip in another year or two. Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Anchorage - Cond Nast Traveler Summon a car by app, or call a local cab service Anchorage has plenty of those, too. Treat yourself at the highly-rated Snow City Cafe. Yes, you have a chance to see the northern lights if you stay in Anchorage between late September and April. Sometimes there is also bus service available. Once youve worn yourself out on the natural features of the area, you can head back into town for a peaceful dinner. This is the perfect place to catch a ride with a local tour company. If you are keen on exploring the wild side of Juneau, hop on to a wildlife excursion! What are some recommendations for things to do as well as places to eat? How do I get between Anchorage and my cruise ship? United States ; Alaska (AK) Anchorage ; Anchorage Travel Forum; . Plus, exploring Alaska on foot is a great way to experience this gorgeous state. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. .path-1{fill:#333;}.path-2{fill:#fff;} Anchorage is the largest city (but not the capital) of Alaska, the northernmost US state. 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). 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. Keep your eyes peeled for the Wells Fargo Museum too. Spenard the best area to stay on a budget & near the airport3. You can definitely visit Alaska without a car by utilizing the Alaska Railroad. See whats on at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Where To Stay In Anchorage Alaska - WhereToStayClub.com Head to the Zoo a wee way south but the closest of our picks. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Bootleggers Cove - where to stay in Anchorage for sightseeing 4. Theres a strip of streets, in a perfect grid, that light up the map with pubs, restaurants, bars and theatres. Migrating birds visit in all seasons, which makes this a great year-round destination. Many of the hotels in Anchorage have a free cancelation, so dont worry if you change your mind! We are outdoorsy, like pretty views and have simple tastes. For more, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. I'd definitely recommend doing the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. View Hotel. Weve put together a handy guide on where to stay in Anchorage, just for you. Who can tell! The second option is to drive to Portage Lake and take a boat tour to Portage Glacier. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 10 km away. I hope you enjoyed reading this city tour. Start your day discovering the culture and history of the area at the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Veterans Museum. Deb. We'll be getting our car through Costco travel, and would pick it up at the airport, since the airport car rental agencies are open later for returning. Here are the best places to stay in Anchorage, Alaska with hotels from luxury to budget. 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. Comfort Inn Ship Creek. Massive Family Home is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. 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. Where can I store my luggage in Anchorage? Moose, bears both black and grizzly-, and timber wolves do come right through and around the urban areas. Copper Whale Inn is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. 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. 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. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Get ready for outdoor adventures, Alaska native culture, great museums, and nice restaurants! Stay another night at your Seward accommodation. Alternatively, you can spend your early morning hiking around Portage Glacier before getting lunch in town. Theres also the famous Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that runs around the edge of Spenard. Also Check: Best Hotel To Stay In Vegas For Honeymoon. From right around the summit, youll be able to see not one but seven glaciers in the distance! If youre looking for adventure for the evenings, there is plenty to choose from. Anchorage is in general a safe city but you can avoid walking at night in the Fairview and Mountain View areas. 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. 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 around in the winter, then check out the town square for ice skating and twinkle lights. 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! Visit Earthquake Park and see the trees in a canyon that dropped 20 foot in the 64 quake. The front-desk staff, Jennifer, was very kind to help us in the morning on Aug. 2 when we first checked out. 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. Join the Coastal Trail walk at Elderberry Park. More information. 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. 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. Browse to your hearts content at Anchorage Market and Festival. See the Art Deco 4th Avenue Theatre, a landmark thats been standing and entertaining since the 1940s! Learn how your comment data is processed. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. This town has a grocery store and at least five restaurants to choose from. Family-run, the Arctic Adventure Hostel is a clean, quiet and secure place for travelers. Required fields are marked *. To make matters worse, when I tried to book (online)it was wanting to charge the higher rate for the entire 2 weeks. 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 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. Not worried about where youll be and just looking for a fit for you? Travelling with the whole family? This neighborhood offers museums, nice restaurants as well as spectacular landscapes by the Knik River. 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. Located in south Anchorage, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary is described by visitors as a birders delight. My preferred tour provider in Seward is Major Marine Tours, though there are others to choose from. We won't be (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport and allows your fur friends to bring it with you. Thats where our team comes in. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Doesnt it sound like a cool area to stay in Anchorage? Staff enjoy exploring the mountains and enjoy sharing advice on scenic hikes and unique places to visit. 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. 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. Yes, you have a chance to see the northern lights if you stay in Anchorage between late September and April. By ALASKA_99559 "Very clean, first time staying here. Lake Hood, which lies within Spenard, is the takeoff and landing point for most of them. Enjoy the free tea and coffee making facilities. Bent Prop Inn Downtown is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. The staff are welcoming and go out of their way to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Does the rental car need to be four-wheel drive? 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. Somewhere with heating, preferably! Its just that easy. There are a number of green areas around here that are prime grounds for the four-legged behemoths. 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 stick to the area from Ship Creek to the Delaney Park Strip, but particularly 4-6th Ave., youll be rewarded with a quirky historic aesthetic and hanging flower baskets and gardens. The Voyager Inn (from USD 179) Show all photos. Turnagain Arm is just south, where a lot of the scenic cruises go from. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. The upscale neighborhood in Midtown is super peaceful and safe, ideal if your kids want to play outside. Its a mecca for nature and wildlife fans, with the state attracting between 1.5 and 2 million visitors a year. And the parks are everywhere, including the Cuddy Family Midtown Park. We see it often, down by the inlet, when sunset watching downtown. Where to Stay in Anchorage - A Guide to the Great City of Alaska The Best Areas to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska 1. Click here to learn more about some of the top routes around the city. The Alaska Railroads downtown depot is a quick walk from downtown hotels, and regularly scheduled trains head south toward Seward and north toward Denali. If you rent for a full week you should get not only a discount, but also unlimited miles. Dont Miss: Cheap Places To Stay In Bradenton Fl. Best affordable accommodation in the center. What can I do on an April visit to Anchorage? View Hotel. Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Anchorage! How to find a moose in Anchorage in less than an hour. Have a nice lunch break then go to Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail to enjoy some of the most beautiful nature in the city. As Ive already said, being close to all attractions, Downtown Anchorage is the best area to stay for first-timers. Staying here is absolutely fine, but its got a reputation for being a bit sketchy towards the late hours. Other parts will have cool views of mountains and the Alaska Pipeline meandering over hillsides. Its categorised by interest and travel style, so you know youll be in your ideal zone! Anchorage is in general a safe city but you can avoid walking at night in the Fairview and Mountain View areas. Girdwood was initially known as Glacier City for the frozen behemoths that border its mountains. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Head down to Turnagain Arm to see Beluga whales. Visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. - Rent some bikes and ride the Tony Knowles coastal trail. On this site, youll find countless resources and travel tips. 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. And seeing them is a must if youre in the area! Need a quick ride? Their focus is creating a welcoming atmosphere for those visiting Alaska on a budget. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. 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. As this tour will take up most of your day, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. . World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Downtown Anchorage where to stay in Anchorage for the first time, 2. July August are the best months to visit Anchorage as the weather is the warmest. Would that be worth the time? Most likely the least expensive car rental offices of Downtown as well so it will be easy to pick up your car on the fifth. Spenard - the best area to stay on a budget & near the airport 3. he Voyager Inn provides spacious rooms equipped with cable/satellite channels, a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. Alternatively, some Anchorage tour companies offer shuttle pickup service right to your hotel, driving you directly to a full guided excursion. Even as far as 15th ave there, are flower baskets hanging from giant fishing poles. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. So, we're considering coming to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Spenard Hostel International is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Can you see the northern lights from Anchorage? If you want to be close to the action and find a bit of everything there is no better place than Downtown Anchorage! If you have the stamina, the 250 miles of hiking tracks in Juneau are worth exploring. But in order to get better deals on hotels and secure your place, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. Your email address will not be published. Check out our top picks for Anchorage in general! One of the biggest decisions youll face planning for your Alaska Itinerary is how youre going to get around. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Perhaps if you explained a little more of your Kenai Peninsula thing could better answer. If you have any other suggestions or questions about Anchorage Alaska, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. The airport is just to the west so theres no arduous mission to your accommodation at the end of a long flight. Anchorage public transportation connects hotels, parks, farmers markets, public art, and other attractions. 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.