Anchorage, AK

Travel Guide

Anchorage which includes a sandy beach and a sunset
Anchorage featuring a sunset, mountains and general coastal views
Anchorage featuring street scenes
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail featuring forest scenes
Anchorage which includes interior views
Known as a great place to see the northern lights, this city also offers many extreme adventures, including snow-kiting and ice-bike racing.

This Alaskan city offers visitors many vantage points from which to see the northern lights, as well as extreme sporting adventures, amazing scenery and the opportunity to experience local wildlife including bears, moose and wolves.

Anchorage’s bright starry nights form a perfect backdrop for the dancing northern lights (or aurora borealis). To see them, it is best to plan to spend a few days in the area as they are variable, rather like the weather. Fall, winter and spring are the most common times to see them.

Even in the summer, temperatures rarely rise beyond 66 F (19 C), and there is snowfall most months of the year. If you don’t mind wrapping up, though, Anchorage’s unusual environment forms the perfect habitat for wildlife, including bears, moose, wolves, and beavers. 

If wildlife is top of your travel agenda, visit one of the fjords or glaciers, such as Prince William Sound, where you might see whales, kittiwakes, otters, puffins and sea lions. Take a boat trip up to the face of Portage Glacier, located in Chugach National Forest. This is also where you’ll find the Chugach Mountains. Backpackers and climbers flock here in the summer, while skiers and snow walkers arrive in the winter.

Another great way to get to know the area is by dog sledding. Choose from a number of rides and tours that travel through the countryside. In the summer, when there’s no snow, sleds with wheels are provided. 

Anchorage’s extreme climate means there is some great snow and ice, and locals and tourists alike take advantage of that for many winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling and dog mushing.  Winding down from the day’s excursions isn’t difficult. Local beer is a specialty try the Polar Pale Ale or Sockeye Red IPA. Anchorage’s seafood is among the best in the country accompany your brew with freshly caught king crab or halibut.

Where to stay in Anchorage

Anchorage showing marine life and a river or creek

Downtown Anchorage

3.5/5(1,370 area reviews)

This central business district boasts some of Alaska's tallest buildings, such as the ConocoPhillips and Atwood Buildings, and offers cultural points of interest, shopping, dining, and nightlife attractions.

Downtown Anchorage
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Midtown Anchorage

4/5(784 area reviews)

Midtown Anchorage is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Z.J. Loussac Library - Main Branch and Wells Fargo Alaska Heritage Library and Museum while in the area.

Midtown Anchorage
Chugach State Park featuring a river or creek

Hillside

While visiting Hillside, you might make a stop by sights like Alaska Zoo and Anchorage Golf Course.

Hillside
Virgin Creek Falls in Girdwood. Such an easy short hike in the rainforest to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Fall colors in full display.
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#Adventure #Girdwood #VirginCreekfalls

Alyeska

While visiting Alyeska, you might make a stop by sights like Girdwood Town Square and Girdwood Park.

Alyeska
Moose on the loose!  Take a hike near the airport in Anchorage and you likely will see a moose or two.  Kincaid Park is a true gem.

Sand Lake

4/5(13 area reviews)

While visiting Sand Lake, you might make a stop by sights like Kincaid Park and Jewel Lake Park.

Sand Lake
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Spenard

3.5/5(1,106 area reviews)

Bohemian lifestyle and artistic flair thrive in this Alaskan neighborhood, with easy access to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Enjoy the lively bar scene and convenient public transportation via the People Mover's frequent network.

Spenard
Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
The price is ¥23,550 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥23,550
¥26,376 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7/10 Good! (1,025 reviews)
"Breakfast not good for a continental food choices"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Westmark Anchorage Hotel
The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront Anchorage

3.5 out of 5
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
The price is ¥48,035 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
¥48,035
¥57,938 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,874 reviews)
"Very relaxing"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

The Lakefront Anchorage
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
The price is ¥35,782 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
¥35,782
¥40,076 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,919 reviews)
Satisfactory
"Comfortable room no complaints"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Quiet Spot in the not so quiet city aka Spenard Anchorage

The Quiet Spot in the not so quiet city aka Spenard Anchorage

Anchorage
Stay at this apartment in Anchorage. Enjoy patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Pop Carr Park and Arctic Benson Park are located nearby.
4/10 (12 reviews)
"Room was clean and quiet though it was a good stay for the price"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

The Quiet Spot in the not so quiet city aka Spenard Anchorage
Private suite in an Owner occupied home with views of the Chugach Mountains.

Private suite in an Owner occupied home with views of the Chugach Mountains.

Anchorage
Stay at this vacation home in Anchorage. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Potter's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (192 reviews)
Best accommodations of the trip!
"I am so impressed with this rental and especially the host! We booked both the beginning and end of our Alaska trip here. Knew it was perfect within 5 minutes of arriving. Alison had helped me plan the trip with some good advice. Check-in was a breeze with the key code. Had everything we needed plus ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Private suite in an Owner occupied home with views of the Chugach Mountains.
3Cozy Basement Unit Private entrance 2beds

3Cozy Basement Unit Private entrance 2beds

2 out of 5
Anchorage
Stay at this apartment in Anchorage. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Arctic Benson Park and Westchester Lagoon Overlook ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (22 reviews)
"A cozy and convenient stay at Anchorage, great host, strongly recommend!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

3Cozy Basement Unit Private entrance 2beds
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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