Anchorage

Travel Guide

Anchorage which includes a beach and a sunset
Anchorage which includes general coastal views, a sunset and mountains
Anchorage featuring street scenes
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail showing forest scenes
Anchorage featuring interior views

Anchorage Travel Guide Video

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

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers to Downtown Anchorage praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Anchorage Historic City Hall and Log Cabin Visitor Information Center.

Downtown Anchorage
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Midtown Anchorage

5/5(1 area review)

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 showing 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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Sand Lake

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

Abundant dining options and lake views are well-reviewed features of Spenard. Make a stop by top sights like Arctic Benson Park while you're exploring the area.

Spenard
Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
The price is P12,448 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P12,448
P13,942 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,041 reviews)
"Central, window faced the street so was a bit noisy otherwise fine and fit for purpose"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Westmark Anchorage Hotel
The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront Anchorage

3.5 out of 5
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
The price is P18,548 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P18,548
P22,372 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! (1,876 reviews)
"Restaurants opening. Shuttle to the airport and the scenery was beautiful."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

The Lakefront Anchorage
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
The price is P16,385 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P16,385
P18,352 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (2,915 reviews)
"The location of this property was wonderful. Easy to get to and easy to get to all of the things that we wanted to see in the area."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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.
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

3 out of 5
17351 E Michele Drive, Talkeetna, AK
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Talkeetna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (429 reviews)
"Enjoyed our cabin stay at Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin on the way to Denali. Cabin was located in a quiet area, clean with essential amenities and perfect for our family."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

3.5 out of 5
1/10th Mile Lester Road, Healy, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Healy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tri-Valley Community Library and Black Diamond Golf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (445 reviews)
"Our cabin was clean and comfortable, with coffee available in the cabin. Convenient to Denali NP"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins
North Star Place

North Star Place

3.5 out of 5
1313 22nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Fairbanks. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (119 reviews)
"Great price, had a great time staying here"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

North Star Place
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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