Which Neighborhoods In Anchorage Have A Large Selection Of Bars And Restaurants
Midtown has a diverse selection of bars and restaurants for you to choose from, including pizzerias, steakhouses, sushi restaurants and dive bars. If you would like to book hotels in Anchorage that are in this region, there are a few for you to consider, with the comfortable Springhill Suites Anchorage Midtown. Spenard also has many places to dine or grab a drink, including eateries that serve Italian, Mexican and traditional American cuisine. You can find cheap hotels in Anchorage near here, like the budget-friendly Coast Inn at Lake Hood.
Day : Alaska Railroad From Denali To Fairbanks
The train trip from Denali to Fairbanks is much shorter at four hours and leaves in the late afternoon. This allows time for another hike or visiting the sled dog kennels or exploring the entrance area at the park.
Make sure to get to the train depot early and not miss your train!
Youll arrive in Fairbanks in the evening, usually around 8pm. 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.
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Where To Stay In Anchorage
Anchorage has a variety of lodging options within the city limits, from hotels, to B& Bs, to campgrounds. It also serves as the launching point to reach nearby remote wilderness lodges, just a short float-plane ride away. Here’s the breakdown of all available places to stay in the Anchorage area.
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Anchorage has a variety of big brand lodging options, as well as locally owned boutique hotels.
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Best Hostel In Anchorage: Arctic Adventure Hostel
Family-run, the Arctic Adventure Hostel is a clean, quiet and secure place for travelers. The staff are welcoming and go out of their way to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Enjoy the free tea and coffee making facilities.
Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Anchorage!
Brooks Lodge Bear Viewing
Go bear viewing with Brooks Lodge for a less-expensive experience that gives you more time with the magnificent bears
Season:$950 Day Trip | $1203+ all-inclusive packagesDay trip & multi-day excursions
Brooks Lodge offers their own bear viewing tours which are less expensive than most, and give you more time at Katmai National Park to watch bears feasting on sockeye salmon from several viewing platforms. A commercial flight from Anchorage takes you to King Salmon where youll switch to a small float plane for a quick 20-minute flight to Brooks Camp. After a brief safety orientation, you can watch bears from several viewing platforms, join the …more
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What To Do In Girdwood
Girdwood was initially known as Glacier City for the frozen behemoths that border its mountains.
And seeing them is a must if youre in the area! There are a couple of great ways to see glaciers in the summer:
- The first option is to take the ski lift/ aerial tram at Alyeska Resort up Mount Alyeska. From right around the summit, youll be able to see not one but seven glaciers in the distance!
- The second option is to drive to Portage Lake and take a boat tour to Portage Glacier. If you want to skip the boat tour, you can also hike to Byron Glacier. From Portage Lake, you can see Shakespeare Glacier.
- The third option is anAlpine Air helicopter tour with a glacier landing! Its definitely a pricier option, but is a fantastic experience!
But there is more to do than check out glaciers!
Non-glacier activities
My main recommendation is to not leave Girdwood without visiting Virgin Creek Falls!
This easy and short 5-minute hike will take you to Alaskas most scenic moss-blanketed waterfall. Youll have to watch your step as it can be muddy here and there are giant tree roots to traverse. But a short distance later, youll be enveloped in a scene out of Rivendell !
If its hot out and you dare to get in, bring water shoes as the rocks on the bottom are incredibly slippery. .
For more Girdwood adventures, there is even a gold panning tour you can take to try your luck at striking it rich.
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What Popular Events Take Place In Anchorage
A popular event amongst visitors is the Alaska Beer Week that takes place each January at the many craft breweries that can be found in the city. As it is hosted at several different venues, consider booking a hotel that is centrally located in a neighborhood like downtown. The Hotel Captain Cook is a nice choice, and it has scenic views of the nearby water. Every July, there is the Girdwood Forest Fair on the edge of Chugach State Park. At this event, a variety of local vendors sell arts and crafts, as well as delicious drinks and snacks. The Springhill Suites Anchorage University Lake is a convenient hotel to stay at if you will be attending this event, as it is just a quick drive away from the venue.
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Holiday Inn Express Anchorage Airport
Just one mile from the airport, the 128-room Holiday Inn Express in Anchorage offers spacious rooms and is perfect
This comfortable 128-room hotel close to the airport is a solid choice for those arriving to or departing from Anchorage. Plus, youll be close to Lake Hood, the worlds largest floatplane base.
The Best Campgrounds For Families Near Anchorage
Theres nothing quite like camping in the woods with the family when youre a kid. The crackling campfire and gooey smores. Biking around the campground loop. Running through the forest and gathering wood. Catching that first fish. Here we offer details for nine great public family campgrounds within a 90-minute drive from Anchorage.
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Things To See And Do In Spenard:
- Spot Moose! There are a number of green areas around here that are prime grounds for the four-legged behemoths.
- Watch the skies and waters at Lake Hood, where the floatplanes zoom in and out.
- Challenge yourself to complete the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
- Head down to Turnagain Arm to see Beluga whales
- Visit Earthquake Park and see the trees in a canyon that dropped 20 foot in the 64 quake.
If You Recovered From Covid
If you recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days , you do NOT need to get a test 3-5 days after travel. People can continue to test positive for up to 90 days after diagnosis and not be infectious to others. You also do not need to self-quarantine after travel. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms after travel, isolate and consult with a healthcare provider for testing recommendations.
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Based On The Weather In Anchorage What Attractions Are Popular During December
If youre looking to stay at a hotel in Anchorage during December, it is important to know that the average temperature is 19.4 °F and there is a low chance of snow with just 1.1 of precipitation expected. Great places to visit near Anchorage in December are Far North Bicentennial Park, Alyeska Ski Resort, and Far North Bicentennial Park.
Crowne Plaza Anchorage Midtown
The centrally located Crowne Plaza Anchorage, set between downtown and the airport, offers comfortable rooms and a large range
Youll find this hotel stocked with amenities like a concierge service, an on-site restaurant with room service, and a full-service bar. Stay on the upper floors for some great mountain views.
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If You Are Not Fully Vaccinated And Allowed To Travel To The United States By Air Through An Exception
- Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after arrival, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Stay at home or in your hotel room and self-quarantine for a full 7 days, even if you test negative, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Isolate if your test result is positive or you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you intend to stay in the United States for 60 days or longer, you must become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 60 days of arriving in the United States or as soon as medically appropriate, unless you have a medical contraindication or are too young to be vaccinated.
Isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others.
Girdwood Portage And Seward
Day 1
After leaving Anchorage, your first stop on this road trip will be in Girdwood. Girdwood is only 40 miles away from Anchorage courtesy of AK-1 S, meaning that itll take under an hour to get you to your destination. Here, youll be able to visit the Alaska Wildlife Center. Alternatively, you can spend your early morning hiking around Portage Glacier before getting lunch in town.
In the afternoon, make your way over to Seward. This drive will take just under two hours, as Seward rests some 90 miles away from Girdwood. 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.
Day 2
Youll have the whole of your second day in Alaska to explore Seward. Youll need it, too. The Seward Marina and Sealife Center are both teeming with wildlife. The local Exit Glacier area also makes for great mid-day hiking. Once youve worn yourself out on the natural features of the area, you can head back into town for a peaceful dinner.
Day 3
On the last day of your trip , make your way up to Lowell Point in the early morning. From here, youll be able to look out over the Pacific Ocean and whale watch. 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.
Optional Day
If you do have time to stay in Seward for an extra day, make sure to book a cruise to the Kenai Fjords!
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North Star Coolest Place To Stay In Anchorage
North Star is more or less in the middle of the city, but in a more residential neighbourhood than the others. Its between the two highways and just up from the Northern Lights Boulevard.
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.
There are parks all around here, for wandering, for picnics, or for whatever.
Theres also some excellent cafes, for something to keep your hands warm on those colder days.
Koekeloer
In saying that, though Alaska often conjures images of frozen seas and frozen eyelashes, summer can reach about 80 degrees and it stays light for almost 20 hours a day. Did you know that? Not the best time for Northern Lights, then, but pretty cool nonetheless!
Keep your eyes peeled for the Wells Fargo Museum too. It is not as dry as it sounds, trust us. Its actually a museum of Alaskan culture, with some Native artifacts and a bunch of fantastic exhibits.
Finally, its home to the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, which puts on indie movies while serving microbrews. They also have the odd concert as well, if you happen to be there on the right night!
Holiday Inn Express Anchorage An Ihg Hotel
Address: 4411 Spenard Road
While you have a wide choice of hotels to choose from when staying at Anchorage on a budget, My Place offers you a premium vacation! With its optimum location, you can easily access downtown attractions and Ted Stevens International Airport. With free wireless internet throughout the entire hotel and free on-site parking, this accommodation makes everything convenient for your stay. Their spacious deluxe and queen rooms will help you get a good rest, and they are equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, a private bathroom, and a cosy bed. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, a convenience store and vending machines. To top up your visit, enjoy a lovely full English/Irish breakfast every morning on site.
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Things To See And Do In North Star:
- Visit the Valley of the Moon Park.
- Spend an afternoon at the Wells Fargo Museum to Alaskan culture.
- Load up on caffeine and cake at Coffee Queen highly rated and huge sweet treats!
- While away an evening at Bear Tooth Theatrepub.
- Check out their competition at the less intimidatingly named Mooses Tooth Pub!
Springhill Suites Anchorage University Lake
This Springhill Suites sits at the edge of University Lake, surrounded by forest and the Chugach Mountains in the
This Springhill Suites sits at the edge of University Lake, surrounded by forest and the Chugach Mountains in the distance. It is easy to forget you are in the city at all. The hotel itself has a style that is both modern and earthy, and the rooms are almost 25 percent larger than the average hotel room. From your hotel, explore Anchorages miles of paved walking and biking paths. There is complimentary shuttle service to nearby hospitals and …more
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Things To See And Do In Downtown:
- Take a scenic train day trip from Glacier Discovery to Spencer Whistle Stop.
- Visit the enormous Anchorage Museum.
- Check out Mad Myrnas gay bar or Darwins Theory pub both contenders for greatest name!
- See whats on at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
- Browse to your hearts content at Anchorage Market and Festival.
The 10 Most Affordable Places To Live In Alaska
Did we mention the Alaska kick back? Yes, every Alaskan gets a certain percentage of the states oil revenueits called the Alaska Permanent Fund. Probably why Alaskas statewide median income is close to $73,000.
So, want to know where the Alaska Permanent Fund will let you live like Exxonmobils CEO on a fishermans budget? The most affordable place to live in Alaska would be King Cove.
To see how your city compared, take a look at the list below. And if you dont find your favorite there, head to the bottom.
And if you already knew these places were cheap, check out some more reading about Alaska and the cheapest places in the country:
We added simply median home price because high home prices generally correlate with higher expenses for all costs related to homes .
You can then compare these metrics in each of the places in Alaska to figure out which is the least expensive.
What you are left with is a Cost of Living Index by taking the average rank of each of these metrics for each city.
So we used that cost of living index in order to rank all of the 26 places in Alaska that have more than 1,000 people.
The place with the lowest cost of living in Alaska according to the data is King Cove. .
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What To Do In Juneau
If you are keen on exploring the wild side of Juneau, hop on to a wildlife excursion!
You may get to see some amazing animals like bears, whales, eagles, seals, and goats up close!
Plus, exploring Alaska on foot is a great way to experience this gorgeous state.
If you have the stamina, the 250 miles of hiking tracks in Juneau are worth exploring.
These trails let you see some amazing natural beauty including meadows, mountains, lush forests, and mining ruins.
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Why We Recommend This Hotel
There are many amazing hotels in Anchorage with a view of the cityscape, mountains, and waterfront, like Marriott Anchorage Downtown.
Its stunning rooms feature colossal windows offering sweeping views, carpeted floors, spacious working areas, high-speed wifi, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, premium bath items, striking artwork, and tons more.
Other amenities include storage spaces, cash machines, valet dry-cleaning, car rental services, cribs upon request, vending machines, an indoor pool, two dining choices, a convenience store, and many others.
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Spenard Where To Stay In Anchorage On A Budget
Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown.
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.
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.
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Float-planes, an unusual sight for most people, are commonplace here. Lake Hood, which lies within Spenard, is the takeoff and landing point for most of them. Barely a minute goes by without one bouncing down to deliver people or goods to the town.
Theres also the famous Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that runs around the edge of Spenard. Its found in almost every Things to do in Anchorage list as its scenic beauty and accessibility mean everyone can enjoy it. This trail can be hiked or biked, so the time the 11 miles will take varies greatly. In any case, its definitely worth doing and wont cost you a dime!
Youre closest too to Turnagain Arm, the big stretch of water sweeping down under Anchorage, where beluga and orca are known to play.