By ALASKA_99559 "Very clean, first time staying here. Comfort Inn Ship Creek. Check out their competition at the less intimidatingly named Mooses Tooth Pub! Theres a strip of streets, in a perfect grid, that light up the map with pubs, restaurants, bars and theatres. Where to Stay in Anchorage without a car. 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. The upscale neighborhood in Midtown is super peaceful and safe, ideal if your kids want to play outside. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Are they being idealist or ironic? Historic Anchorage Hotel and Copper Whale Inn are the best boutique hotels in Anchorage. Downtown Anchorage where to stay in Anchorage for the first time2. 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. And, in my case, praying, cursing and regretting my decision to leave L.A. Comfort Inn Ship Creek Comfort Inn Downtown is located within steps of the downtown business hub and Anchorages most popular tourist attractions. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. Houston, Los Angeles, and Tampa are the most dangerous cities for cyclists. Closer to home, though, theres a number of places in town to keep you entertained. Edit.careless should be carless! The hotel has 14 rooms and has been recently refurbished. Their focus is creating a welcoming atmosphere for those visiting Alaska on a budget. Some of the best hotels here are the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and the Historic Anchorage Hotel. 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. Spenard offers many scenic parks and hiking trails perfect for those who want to save a little money . I'd definitely recommend doing the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Canyoneering involves moving up and down steep slot canyons, using climbing, crawling and rappelling. The baskets downtown were created with our state flag as inspiration with stars of blue on a field of gold. 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. Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. Day 3 Morning Alternatively, you can spend your early morning hiking around Portage Glacier before getting lunch in town. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. How do I get between Anchorage and my cruise ship? If the mountain is out, you can see it from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. The northern lights are another teeny little attraction The Aurora Borealis can be seen from Anchorage from September to April. 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. Our favorite area: Downtown Anchorage 2. Spenard is the area near the International Airport, to the southwest of Bootleggers Cove and Downtown. Theres also some excellent cafes, for something to keep your hands warm on those colder days. 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. Take a stroll for water views, mountain vistas, and even a look at urban salmon fishing. For more Girdwood adventures, there is even a gold panning tour you can take to try your luck at striking it rich. 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. FUN FACT: Bootleggers Cove got its name due to the fact that it was a favored location among alcohol smugglers during the prohibition era. After Delta Junction, youll be looking at three hours of driving until Wrangell-St. Elias. Rooms at Holiday Inn Express Anchorage are modern and air conditioned, and offer movies-on-demand, tea and coffee making facilities and a refrigerator. 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. In this adorable town, you can visit the worlds largest Santa Claus statue at Santa Claus House, a gift shop featuring holiday ornaments, fudge and cookies, and souvenirs. North Star the coolest area to stay in Anchorage5. There is a rooftop fitness center where you can enjoy the unique view while you are working out. Home to 220+ species of birds, visitors can enjoy a walk along the 1,550-foot-long boardwalk or visit the wetland habitat. If you have the stamina, the 250 miles of hiking tracks in Juneau are worth exploring. Due to proximity to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants Anchorage Downtown is thebest area to stay without a car in Anchorage. 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 are a number of green areas around here that are prime grounds for the four-legged behemoths. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2,951 Reviews . You can definitely visit Alaska without a car by utilizing the Alaska Railroad. Moose, bears both black and grizzly-, and timber wolves do come right through and around the urban areas. Browse to your hearts content at Anchorage Market and Festival. For more, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. We'd like a vacation, not a whirlwind. .path-1{fill:#333;}.path-2{fill:#fff;} 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. It offers a fantastic introduction to native culture, with all the major tribes represented. If you rent for a full week you should get not only a discount, but also unlimited miles. 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. 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. Accessibility, Wheelchairs & Reduced Mobility. Its not in Midtown itself, but youre the closest to it of any of our chosen neighbourhoods. Wreathed by the Chugach State Park, a half-million-acre natural playground with 5,000-foot peaks on one side, and the waters of the Cook Inlet on the other, you're never too far . By calmac, March 11, 2009 in Alaska. Here are the best 2 hotels in Alaska, Anchorage that have convenient locations as well as good reviews. 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. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. You can also get up close and personal inside the pen of reindeer outside the hours. They allow their cars on most Alaskan gravel roads. As was mentioned there are bike rental places downtown as well. Thank you all! Here, youll be able to visit the Alaska Wildlife Center. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? But even if you choose to use another rental agency call them to book and ask for the off season rates. Anchorage public transportation connects hotels, parks, farmers markets, public art, and other attractions. The staff are welcoming and go out of their way to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Bootleggers Cove is in the northwestern corner of the main Anchorage town, up by Downtown and over a little. From right around the summit, youll be able to see not one but seven glaciers in the distance! 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. Other parts will have cool views of mountains and the Alaska Pipeline meandering over hillsides. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. As this tour will take up most of your day, the rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. Alaska Zoo, too, is nearby. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! A Few Days in Anchorage Without a Car - Anchorage Forum. 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. United States ; Alaska (AK) Anchorage ; Anchorage Travel Forum; . That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. The Seward Marina and Sealife Center are both teeming with wildlife. Ive never been, but it has rave reviews on TripAdvisor and Ive heard great things from past Alaska travelers in my . And if you are looking for where to stay in Anchorage, Alaska, check out these exceptional accommodations. It is critical to get reservations for either a rental car or the Alaska Railroad well in advance. If youre looking for adventure for the evenings, there is plenty to choose from. But a short distance later, youll be enveloped in a scene out of Rivendell ! Places to stay in Anchorage. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83539035', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car rental place directly and ask if they will give you the car for the off season rate for the entire trip. Whatever youre after, Anchorage has a place for you! So get ready for the trip of a lifetime! 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. Bootleggers Cove is located just west of Anchorage Downtown and sandwiched in by the sea.