Top reasons to visit Anchorage
- Stunning Outdoor Scenery: Anchorage boasts breathtaking landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing.
- Cultural Attractions: The Anchorage Museum offers insights into local history and culture, making it ideal for enthusiasts.
- Charming Neighbourhoods: Explore friendly communities rich in heritage, providing a warm welcome to visitors.
- Recreational Parks: Kincaid Park and urban parks offer ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
- Diverse Accommodation: From cosy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels, Anchorage caters to all travel preferences.
Find great hotels in Anchorage
Discover a variety of accommodation options in Anchorage, Alaska, ranging from cosy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly getaway, adventure-filled stays, or convenient business facilities, Anchorage hotels cater to every travel need. Enjoy the serene lakefront views and explore the scenic surroundings while enjoying a comfortable base for your Alaskan adventures.
- Alyeska Resort: Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Alaska, Alyeska Resort is a 4-star destination that blends luxury with adventure. With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, this resort caters to those seeking a ski and spa-themed experience. Guests can enjoy an array of adventure sports onsite, including exhilarating downhill skiing and mountain biking. The full-service spa is a highlight, featuring treatments such as hot stone massages and deep tissue massages, ensuring relaxation after a day of outdoor activities. The resortโs proximity to ski lifts and shuttles makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts of winter sports.
- The Lakefront Anchorage: A charming 3.5-star accommodation, The Lakefront Anchorage boasts a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10 and is well-suited for families, business travellers, and adventure seekers alike. The hotel offers numerous recreational activities, including nearby skiing lessons and mountain biking opportunities. Families will appreciate the thoughtful amenities for children, such as cribs and window guards. With its picturesque lakefront views, this hotel provides a blend of convenience and leisure, making it a perfect base for exploring Anchorage and its surrounding natural beauty.
- Puffin Inn of Anchorage: This budget-friendly motel offers a comfortable and family-oriented stay in Anchorage. Suitable for adventurers and business travellers, Puffin Inn is known for its welcoming atmosphere and practical amenities. Guests can engage in various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and snowboarding, all available nearby. The inn is particularly family-friendly, providing essential services like travel cribs and free cribs for young children. With its affordability and accessibility to local attractions, Puffin Inn presents a sensible choice for those looking to explore the great Alaskan outdoors.
Where to stay in Anchorage
Anchorage offers a vibrant blend of urban life and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and scenery enthusiasts. Explore its welcoming neighbourhoods that showcase rich heritage and friendly locals. Don't miss iconic sites with dome ceilings and picturesque excursions just a stone's throw away. Whether you're wandering through family-friendly parks or enjoying the lively atmosphere of this American city, Anchorage promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
- Girdwood: Nestled within the incredible Alaskan wilderness, Girdwood is a charming city renowned for its outdoor adventure opportunities. The area attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons in March and from June to July. This picturesque locale is famous for its skiing, offering access to stunning ski fields and recreational areas that thrill winter sports enthusiasts. Nearby, you can explore the breathtaking beauty of national parks and glaciers, making Girdwood a gateway to some of Alaskaโs most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping activities or serene mountain views, Girdwood provides an unforgettable experience.
- Downtown Anchorage: As the vibrant heart of Anchorage, Downtown is a bustling neighbourhood that perfectly blends urban amenities with stunning natural surroundings. With visitor numbers peaking in April and during the summer months, this area is ideal for those drawn to outdoor adventures and scenic vistas. The Downtown area boasts a variety of recreational facilities, entertainment arenas, and access to skiing, making it a hub for various activities. Notable landmarks include modern civic buildings and a convention centre that often hosts events, providing a rich cultural experience alongside the breathtaking Alaskan backdrop.
- Midtown Anchorage: Midtown Anchorage offers a delightful mix of outdoor experiences and local charm. This neighbourhood sees its peak tourist influx from June to August, drawing visitors eager to explore the scenic beauty of the region. With easy access to ski fields and recreational parks, itโs perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Alaskan nature. Close by, you can discover national parks and glaciers, which serve as majestic highlights of the area. Midtown Anchorage is a fantastic base for both adventure seekers and those wishing to soak in the stunning Alaskan landscape.
Things to do in Anchorage
Shopping
Discover Anchorageโs 5th Avenue Mall, featuring a mix of local and national retailers, alongside inviting dining options. For a more unique experience, visit the Anchorage Market and Festival, where you can find handmade crafts, local produce, and Alaskan souvenirs, all in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Recreation
In Anchorage, the 49th State Brewing Company's outdoor patio offers a relaxing space with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. For a soothing experience, visit the Alaska Salt Therapy, where salt-infused air promotes relaxation and respiratory health.
Adventure
The Alyeska Aerial Tram offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscapes. As you ascend, youโll experience the thrill of soaring above the trees, making it an excellent choice for families and adventure seekers alike. Enjoy the fresh alpine air and stunning vistas at the top.
Nightlife
Experience Anchorage's nightlife at Williwaw Social, where vibrant music and craft cocktails create a lively atmosphere. For a more relaxed vibe, visit the 49th State Brewing Company, offering local brews and hearty fare, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Anchorage
To save money during your visit to Anchorage, take advantage of free attractions like the University of Alaska - Anchorage, Prince William Sound, and Kincaid Park. For transport, consider using the bus system, which is more economical than taxis or rental cars. Plan your trip between January to February or November for lower accommodation rates, particularly on Sundays. Use Expedia's search tool to find the best hotel deals by filtering for your budget and preferences, and consider booking a package deal for additional savings on flights and activities.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Anchorage are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Anchorage is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Anchorage is Thursday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels at a glance. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Anchorage hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Anchorage
Anchorage is a fantastic destination for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning scenery and a rich cultural experience. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including urban parks, history museums, and historic buildings, making it ideal for families and culture seekers alike. With numerous local points of interest, such as the Anchorage Museum, thereโs no shortage of activities to ensure a memorable holiday in this charming Alaskan city.
- Anchorage Museum: Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Alaska at the Anchorage Museum, where art, history, and science converge. Engage with captivating exhibitions that highlight indigenous heritage and contemporary Alaskan art, making it a significant cultural landmark.
- Chugach State Park: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Chugach State Park, an outdoor haven offering stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and exhilarating adventures. Enjoy hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the unspoiled scenery that surrounds you.
- Alaska Statehood Monument: Visit the Alaska Statehood Monument, which commemorates the state's journey to becoming the 49th state. This site offers a reflective space to appreciate Alaska's historical significance and cultural identity.
Best time to go to Anchorage
The best time to visit Anchorage can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Anchorage falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Anchorage falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Anchorage
Arriving in ANChorage, Alaska, is convenient with its major airport, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), located 6.4km from the city. Noteworthy hotels nearby include the 4-star Hotel Captain Cook and the 3.5-star Hilton Anchorage, both offering easy access to the airport. For a closer option, The Lakefront Anchorage is just 1.6km away. Another airport, Merrill Field (MRI), is 3.2km from the city and features hotels like the Sheraton Anchorage and Arctic Fox Inn, which provide various transportation services. Kenai Municipal Airport (ENA), situated 103.0km away, offers options like Alaska SeaScape Lodge and Kenai River Lodge for those venturing further afield.