Downtown Anchorage Deluxe Furnished 2 Bedroom Apartment 5.0 Exceptional. North Pole, Alaska! Not bad when its permanent population is less than 750,000! The key to planning a trip to Alaska without a car is to understand your other options for getting around. The cottage consists of a queen-sized bed, a bathroom and basic kitchen ammenities and youll feel right at home. You can also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center outside Anchorage, said Golden. 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. It surely can't hurt. Though theyre unlikely to be any threat, we thought youd probably like to know! Adventurer, vanlifer, photographer, designer, and world traveller - these are just some of the many hats that Sheridan Cooper has worn over the years. 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. . This beautiful Airbnb is set in nature surrounded by beautiful trees with 3 bedrooms, a fully furnished kitchen, and private parking. If youre staying downtown, youll be within easy walking distance of a designated shuttle service zone on the 500 block of 4th Avenue. After Delta Junction, youll be looking at three hours of driving until Wrangell-St. Elias. ;-) ) at Kincaid. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! By ALASKA_99559 "Very clean, first time staying here. It is actually known to have a large number of Korean and American restaurants as well as trendy breakfast spots and indi theatre! If you do not have a car, make sure to stay at a hotel that provides a shuttle. They also have the odd concert as well, if you happen to be there on the right night! Today, youll board a sightseeing tour in Seward that will take you out into Kenai Fjords National Park. North Star the coolest area to stay in Anchorage, Frequently asked questions about Anchorage, 3. Thats where our team comes in. Check out my Valdez Guide with 21 fantastic things to do in Valdez for more. Moose, bears both black and grizzly-, and timber wolves do come right through and around the urban areas. This secluded, historical area is the perfect location in the heart of Downtown Anchorage. And if you are looking for where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska, check out these exceptional accommodations. If youve never used AirBNB before, you can book through this link for $65 off your first trip! There are 3 ways to get from Seward to Anchorage by plane, shuttle or car. I love the idea of going to Spencer whistle stop and hiking there. 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. 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. Anchorage is in general a safe city but you can avoid walking at night in the Fairview and Mountain View areas. What are some things to do and see as day trips around Anchorage? This is the perfect place to catch a ride with a local tour company. Home to 220+ species of birds, visitors can enjoy a walk along the 1,550-foot-long boardwalk or visit the wetland habitat. But I think its silly to retrace your steps. As Ive already said, being close to all attractions, Downtown Anchorage is the best area to stay for first-timers. She is also an adventurer and extreme sports enthusiast who surfed in 4 continents. The first option is to take the ski lift/ aerial tram at Alyeska Resort up Mount Alyeska. Much like the city of Santa Claus, Indiana, the town of North Pole, Alaska looks like Christmas all year long. Have a nice lunch break then go to Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail to enjoy some of the most beautiful nature in the city. United States ; Alaska (AK) Anchorage ; Anchorage Travel Forum; . Keep an eye out for wildlife I saw lots of moose just off the road in this part of the state. Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? Its only about a mile southeast. Get ready for outdoor adventures, Alaska native culture, great museums, and nice restaurants! Downtown Anchorage is just a 10-minute drive away giving it a perfect location for your stay in Anchorage. We'll probably be back for a Denali-focused trip in another year or two. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you have the stamina, the 250 miles of hiking tracks in Juneau are worth exploring. This hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport and allows your fur friends to bring it with you. 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! It is up near Bootleggers Cove, just west of where East 5th Avenue turns into a highway. Midtownis the best area to stay in Anchorage. 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. 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. Midtown - best area for families Frequently asked questions about Anchorage Staff enjoy exploring the mountains and enjoy sharing advice on scenic hikes and unique places to visit. . 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. Here you will also find some great outlets with discounted outdoor gear and a great indoor farmers market. Might just park the car when we're there and leave it! We stayed two days from July 31, then we went to Kenai and left our luggages in hotel. 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. If the mountain is out, you can see it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Downtown Anchorage where to stay in Anchorage for the first time2. Anchorage public transportation connects hotels, parks, farmers markets, public art, and other attractions. Where to Stay in Anchorage - A Guide to the Great City of Alaska The Best Areas to Stay in Anchorage, Alaska 1. Is your phone eSIM ready? It is critical to get reservations for either a rental car or the Alaska Railroad well in advance. Flights are cheap on the 3rd, but the car rental selection isn't very good until the 5th. The Alaska Railroad is expensive as well as a wonderful adventure and the entire trip is absolutely gorgeous. Places to stay in Anchorage. 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. You can enjoy a nice dinner in their fine dining restaurant with excellent views and have drinks in their chic bar. 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. To me, to be up here without a car is tough, including Anchorage. Theres a strip of streets, in a perfect grid, that light up the map with pubs, restaurants, bars and theatres. Around Seward, also, you can do Exit Glacier and Caines Head trail. Are there quick city or harbor tours available? 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. Laundry is open 24H. 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. 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). What are some recommendations for things to do as well as places to eat? My main recommendation is to not leave Girdwood without visiting Virgin Creek Falls! Unfortunately, the city bus is closed on holidays so you'd have to take cabs. Alternatively, you can spend your early morning hiking around Portage Glacier before getting lunch in town. Its actually a museum of Alaskan culture, with some Native artifacts and a bunch of fantastic exhibits. You can follow her adventures @eylul_travels on Instagram! In the afternoon, make your way over to Seward. 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. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! 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. 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. You really cant miss the colorful murals spread across 4th and 5th Avenue. Explore by bike. Load up on caffeine and cake at Coffee Queen highly rated and huge sweet treats! For those who want to explore the beautiful outdoors of Anchorage, you should definitely take advantage of the Flattop Mountain Shuttle to go hiking and see the scenic views nearby the city. : https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/destinations/spencer-glacier-whistle-stop. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83555631', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car in little Seward. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Nice way to ease into your trip with a good chance of spotting moose. Its found in almost every Things to do in Anchorage list as its scenic beauty and accessibility mean everyone can enjoy it. Yes. Location and kitchen facility. Bike rentals can be found downtown, close to the trail, on L St. and 5th. North Star is more or less in the middle of the city, but in a more residential neighbourhood than the others. The staff are welcoming and go out of their way to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Call the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Many Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. - 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. FUN FACT: Bootleggers Cove got its name due to the fact that it was a favored location among alcohol smugglers during the prohibition era. Its the easiest area to access for travelers and also sits on the main north-south highway ready to take you whichever way you choose. Spenard - the best area to stay on a budget & near the airport 3. It's free to everyone during hospital's normal visitng hours. Again, thank you! Things to Do Restaurants Flights Holiday Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars. The museums are great for rainy days. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Luxury All of the hotels we recommend offer a clean and comfortable stay in Anchorage. Yes, Downtown is a safe area to walk at night and a great place to stay in Anchorage. Spenard Hostel International is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. So get booking and keep looking, to get those travel plans in place for your great Alaskan adventure. These are the sit-down kind too, not the takeaway strip youll find further south (but pssst, its there if youre after fast food). Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. North Star is a cool residential neighborhood that is located 2 miles (3 km) south of Anchorage downtown. The Alaska Railroads downtown depot is a quick walk from downtown hotels, and regularly scheduled trains head south toward Seward and north toward Denali. You can also enjoy a fenced backyard, a fully equipped kitchen and an idoor fireplace! Houston, Los Angeles, and Tampa are the most dangerous cities for cyclists. This trail can be hiked or biked, so the time the 11 miles will take varies greatly. April 23, 2021. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Without a car and without the public bus system operating the best place to stay is downtown. But Anchorage is the dream destination for those who are all about once in a life-time adventures. You can go on a walk to Lake Hood, enjoy beautiful nature at Earthquake Park, and challenge yourself on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Bent Prop Inn Downtown is one of our favourites in Anchorage but theyre not taking guests right now. Spenard the best area to stay on a budget & near the airport3. 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). What can I do in Alaska during a spring visit? Just keep an eye out for those bears! If youre visiting in the summer, you can also do a helicopter tour or glacier cruise and kayak or hike this town many beautiful natural areas. Girdwood was initially known as Glacier City for the frozen behemoths that border its mountains. 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. There are 84 modern rooms at the pet-friendly La Quinta Inn & Suites Anchorage Airport, each providing all the essentials to ensure a comfortable stay. North Star - the coolest area to stay in Anchorage 5. Great accommodation, facilities are super comfy and extremely clean. They allow their cars on most Alaskan gravel roads. We won't be (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Historic Anchorage Hotel and Copper Whale Inn are the best boutique hotels in Anchorage. Downtown Anchorage is full of historic charm and lots of blooming flowers in the summer. Youll need it, too. You can make Alaskas Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast your home base for exploring Juneau! Bootleggers Cove - where to stay in Anchorage for sightseeing 4. icon-lightbulb Due to proximity to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants Anchorage Downtown is the best area to stay without a car in Anchorage. See whats on at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. We've done the latter too many times, so we're being conservative, so we can experience, rather than just see the sights. While away an evening at Bear Tooth Theatrepub. 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. Her travel passion led her to step into over 40 countries and 200 cities. 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! 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. 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. Alaska Zoo, too, is nearby. he Voyager Inn provides spacious rooms equipped with cable/satellite channels, a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. Home to 220+ species of birds, visitors can enjoy a walk along the 1,550-foot-long boardwalk or visit the wetland habitat. McKinley Village is 230 miles north of Anchorage by car or by spectacular 7-hour rail journey. Somewhere with heating, preferably! Plus, exploring Alaska on foot is a great way to experience this gorgeous state. Here, youll be able to visit the Alaska Wildlife Center. Renting a car is also expensive but also gives you lots of flexibility. After leaving Anchorage, your first stop on this road trip will be in Girdwood. What can I do in the evening in Anchorage? 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. Absolute bucket list stuff, that! Their focus is creating a welcoming atmosphere for those visiting Alaska on a budget. With the super quite and safe location, this will feel like a real home away from home! As this tour will take up most of your day, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Summon a car by app, or call a local cab service Anchorage has plenty of those, too. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. United States. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Best places to go in Alaska without a car Denali National Park Seward Southeast Alaska/Inside Passage Navigating Anchorage and Fairbanks without a car Can you get around Alaska without a car? We are going on on a small group adventure tour of the Kenai peninsula, so their van will pick us up in the city. Perk yourself up at the excellently named Common Grounds Espresso! Here are the best places to stay in Anchorage, Alaska with hotels from luxury to budget. The famous Anchorage Museum and Alaska railroad are within walking distance, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is just a 15 minutes drive. We'd probably like to get bikes and do a tour of the shoreline from Earthquake Park to Kincaid Park. Some of this stretch will be monotonous. Enjoy a walking tour. The hotel is 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from Dena'ina Convention . calmac. Catch a bus. Moose, bears, orca, beluga whales, timber wolves, foxes, porcupines the list of mammals you can see in Anchorage, Alaska, just goes on and on! 1. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Husband has seen Wild West Guns on TV and thinks he wants to go there, LOL. This newly remodeled 800-square-foot apartment apartment/guest suite is comfortable and cozy. We do not represent World Nomads. However, if you would like to stay in a more affordable area you can pick hotels from Spenard. Westmark Anchorage Hotel 4 Map Website 15 US cities where you really dont need a car, Learn more about the options and costs here, Learn more here about visiting the Portage Valley and the many things to do, my Valdez Guide with 21 fantastic things to do in Valdez, Best Hotel To Stay In Vegas For Honeymoon, 8.5 Hour Kenai Fjords Northwestern Fjord Cruise, Why Does Linzess Have To Stay In Original Container, Best Places For Families To Stay In San Diego, Inexpensive Places To Stay In Charleston Sc. 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. As was mentioned there are bike rental places downtown as well. 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. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. While a rental vehicle offers a convenient way to access it all, there are also plenty of alternative ways to explore. Go on a historic ride on the Anchorage Trolley Tours. Some of the best hotels here are the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and the Historic Anchorage Hotel. It is a very laid-back area with beautiful parks, kids playgrounds, nice restaurants, and shops. 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. 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. Welcome to Bent Prop Inn! Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag. Edit.careless should be carless! 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.