Anchorage

Travel Guide

Anchorage showing a sunset and a beach
Anchorage featuring a sunset, mountains and general coastal views
Anchorage which includes street scenes
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail featuring forests
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 which includes a river or creek and marine life

Downtown Anchorage

3.5/5(74 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(18 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
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Alyeska

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

Alyeska
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Spenard

3/5(34 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
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Sand Lake

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

Sand Lake
Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
The price is CA $285 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $285
CA $320 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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! (1,049 reviews)
Good hotel
"Hotel was nice but free breakfast was only a continental. No hot food."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Westmark Anchorage Hotel
The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront Anchorage

3.5 out of 5
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
The price is CA $447 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
CA $447
CA $539 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! (1,867 reviews)
"Scenery, Beds, Internet Access"

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

The Lakefront Anchorage
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
The price is CA $333 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
CA $333
CA $373 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
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! (2,889 reviews)
"Very convenient to airport!"

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 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.
Cozy 1-bedroom Studio apartment in gorgeous Anchorage close to all the neat spot

Cozy 1-bedroom Studio apartment in gorgeous Anchorage close to all the neat spot

Anchorage
Stay at this apartment in Anchorage. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Arctic Benson Park and Business Park Wetlands Special Management Area are ...
4.6/10 (7 reviews)
Long Anchorage weekend
"Check in was a bit tricky, but overall the rental was clean and well kept. For the price, we would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul. 1, 2025

Cozy 1-bedroom Studio apartment in gorgeous Anchorage close to all the neat spot
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.
3.6/10 (10 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! (191 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.
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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