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Visit Alaska: Anchorage and Surrounding Areas
28
items Recommends from our annual trips to the area from the lower 48
Map
Sections
5
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Restaurants
How to Get Around
Safety
Where to Stay
Our choice for a 4 week stay with kids
Embassy Suites Anchorage in Anchorage
Upscale option for more "luxurious" amenities, would be great for those with more money to spend on a hotel stay and those who would want to use the in-hotel spa, bar, etc.
Hotel Captain Cook
More budget friendly option, about a 10 minute walk to the Alaska Railway and about 15 minute drive from Ted Stevens Airport. Convenient location downtown.
Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown/Ship Creek
Perfect little rustic cabins that we really enjoyed for an overnight trip from anchorage to Denali National Park. 20 min drive from Denali's visitor center, which was perfect when traveling with a small child. Restaurant within walking distance.
Denali Perch Resort/Cabins
When travelling south from Anchorage for an overnight trip to Kenai Fjords National Park and Seward, this was an easy stop right off the road. Restaurant attached and scenic spot for photos right by the water. Older building but adequate lodging.
Trail Lake Lodge - Restaurant & Bar
Things to Do
This was one of our favorite activities on our first visit. We took the Alaska Railway from Anchorage to Whittier, boarded the cruise, then returned to Anchorage same-day. We were discouraged to have dreary drizzly weather on our glacier cruise, but ...
Prince William Sound Cruise from Whittier
We were unsure how we'd like the trolley tour, but it was a quick and easy way to spend the morning learning about the history of the city. It was great for our toddler on our first trip, and we'd be willing to go on the extended tour on our next vis...
Sightseeing Trolley Tour
This was a top activity we wanted to go on but sadly we were not able to due to having such small children. If you and your crew are hikers, don't miss out on the chance to hike on an *actual* glacier while they are still around.
Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour Anchorage
Head out to Turnagain Arm to view the mudflats or a bore tide. Bore tides can only be found in a few places in the world.
Bore Tide in Turnagain Arm - Everything to Know BEFORE You Go
Escape the city for a short drive out to Beluga Point. Bring your binoculars and a camera for great shots and possible beluga sightings.
Beluga Point
Take a walk or ride on the wild side without having to leave the city along the Tony Knowles Nature Trail. View where part of the city sunk from a major earthquake in the not-so-distant past.
Home
Beautiful hiking, easy trails, just north of Anchorage in Eagle River. Family friendly.
Friends of Eagle River Nature Center
We enjoyed seeing the sled dog demonstration and doing some short hikes with the kids. May be better suited for older kids as most of the popular hikes are more challenging. A large portion of the road was closed when we visited.
Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)
Highly recommend visiting. We did an easy hike to Exit Glacier and hope to hike out to the Harding Ice Field on our next trip. If you aren't up for hiking you can also check out this Park via water on some nature cruises.
Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit Eklutna Lake for a day trip drive north. Very family friendly. A trip here is easy to tailor to whatever your crew enjoys.
Eklutna Lake | Campground, Cabins, Trails & Scenic Drive
Restaurants
Small Local Coffee Shop, a few minutes walk from Anchorage Visitor Center and Trolly Tour Pickup-Site. Good coffee, Good food.
Midnight Sun Café
Kaladi Brothers Coffee has a ton of locations around Anchorage. Change up your Starbucks run for an Alaskan chain.
Kaladi Brothers Coffee - Alaska's Favorite Coffee Roaster & Coffee Shops
Best local spot for pizza. We ordered a pie online for takeout and it was delicious. Great easy option for a picnic with the crew at one of Anchorage's numerous city parks.
Moose's Tooth
Fantastic food- we had the halibut and the salmon and would go there again. Small place downtown. No high chairs or boosters for the kids but we didn't have a problem bringing the little one along for some good food.
F STREET STATION, Anchorage - Downtown
How to Get Around
A ride on the Alaska Railroad is a must do for your trip to the area. There are many different options (and prices) listed here to help you plan an unforgettable trip that will fit in with your crew's budget, travel priorities, and timeframe.
Alaska Railroad - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
The city of Achorage has some info here about public transportation options: you an check them out and see if they meet your needs
Municipality of Anchorage, Public Transportation Info
Depending on where you want to go, renting a car might be your best option for your travel. This site can help you do price comparison and will price match if you find something cheaper elsewhere. Most cities outside of Anchorage are a minimum 45 min...
Car Rental, Price Match Guarantee
The flight to Anchorage may be your biggest expense for the trip. Use Going (used to be Scotts Cheap Flights) to grab the lowest fare for the fam.
Flying in
Safety
Don't leave the vehicle without bear spray: for sake of time, order online and pick up from the store on your way to the trails
Counter Assault 10.2oz Bear Spray with Holster Sealed Blister
The only thing scarier than bears or aggressive moose might be the mosquitos in Alaska: for sake of time, order online and pick up from the store on your way to the trails
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent
Bears are typically afraid of humans and want to avoid us if they know we are around. Get a bear bell to wear on your clothing or bag for every person in your party... or bring along a toddler who screams your entire hike like we did. Safety first!
Bear Bell
Moose are everywhere in Anchorage and throughout Alaska, with the ones here growing even larger than they do in the lower 48. This article describes what to do in a moose encounter
How to stay safe if you encounter a moose
How to be "Bear Aware" from the National Park Service
Staying Safe Around Bears - Bears (U.S. National Park Service)