Alaska, often referred to as “The Last Frontier”, offers stunning natural beauty. From glaciers and mountains covered with snow to its breathtaking cliffs and forests – Alaska provides everything needed for hiking cliffs or searching for northern lights.
Anchorage is a relatively young city, and its neighborhoods reflect that fact: They’re newer and offer more spaciousness than more dense older burgs.
Downtown
Anchorage’s best hotels can be found in its downtown district for good reason. This neighborhood features a compact grid of streets filled with tourist-oriented businesses and restaurants; walking is a good way to navigate, although car rentals may also come in handy for sightseeing excursions. In fact, much of Anchorage’s major events take place here each year including Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race!
Downtown Anchorage is home to some of the city’s largest museums and most beloved tourist attractions, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Alaska. At Rasmuson Center is an extraordinary exhibition highlighting Native Alaskan culture through artifacts and interactive displays; an absolute must for anyone planning a trip here; even more captivating due to the institution’s partnership.
Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall offers everything from electronics and top-brand fashion, local art, and fresh seafood – making it the ideal place for last-minute gifts or retail therapy on vacation. Enjoy dining at one of the numerous restaurants nearby or head down to Ship Creek for a traditional fisherman’s meal or two!
Anchorage Municipal Zoo offers an entertaining day for kids at no cost and is one of the only completely indoor zoos in Anchorage. A great place for them to learn about Alaskan animals and wildlife, it also boasts a fun playground!
Downtown Anchorage neighborhood is also close to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and features hotels offering shuttle services, which is ideal for visitors wanting to avoid renting a car and be close to the airport. Furthermore, outdoor activities in this region such as hiking and biking trails as well as moose watching tours provide enjoyable diversions from their daily grind.
Midtown
Alaska is best known for its dramatic landscapes and wildlife encounters, but Anchorage can also be an exciting city. Parks, trails and cycling routes provide outdoor adventures while museums, restaurants and shops cater to every interest of visitors. And when it’s time for something new or different, just hop aboard a short float plane flight for remote wilderness lodges or wildlife safaris!
If shopping is what brings you to Anchorage, make your way towards Midtown area near 4th Avenue Market Place and Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall. Here you will find top-brand retailers, boutiques and galleries selling Native art and souvenirs; plus supermarkets where you can stock up on food; or experience one of Alaska Center for the Performing Arts’ shows and concerts!
Anchorage offers plenty to do in its downtown area as well, especially if you stay at one of its top hotels like Hotel Captain Cook. Perfect for exploring Alaska’s rugged wilderness and offering breath-taking mountain views. Plus, its proximity to an airport means easy access to adventure tours like flightseeing with bush planes or scenic cruises along Turnagain Arm!
The Anchorage Westmark offers spacious rooms and suites with balconies overlooking the mountains of Chugach Range, close to both train depot and Denali Star semi-luxury train that depart from here, making for easy travel between both. Plus it’s not far from Alaska Railroad Museum which makes an excellent stopover.
If you’re searching for an Alaska hotel at an unbeatable rate, KAYAK can help! We scan hundreds of travel sites to provide the latest hotels available in Midtown – simply click any hotel listed to see more information and details! Don’t fret if you can’t find what you’re after; KAYAK has thousands more properties to choose from in all kinds of different locations!
South Anchorage
if you’re seeking an intimate stay that is still close to downtown Anchorage, southern Anchorage could be the ideal spot. There are fewer hotels, but plenty of charming rentals and B&Bs located in cozy neighborhoods with parks and trails nearby; not to mention Alaska Zoo; making this area perfect if wishing to avoid crowds downtown.
Your ideal Anchorage neighborhood depends on what activities you intend to undertake during your vacation. For newcomers, staying downtown might be best; here, most attractions such as the Anchorage Museum and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail can be found along with numerous restaurants and bars.
Midtown Anchorage is an ideal place to stay if you enjoy shopping, as there are numerous retail establishments – including one of the largest used bookstores in the US! Additionally, you will find restaurants and bars, as well as hotels nearby; in fact some of Anchorage’s finest dining establishments can be found here in its northern region!
Anchorage, established just over 100 years ago, boasts neighborhoods that exude newness and spaciousness that you won’t find in denser burghs. Southeastern Anchorage gives off an atmosphere akin to being at one with nature while offering homes situated along breathtaking views reminiscent of Californian Bel-Air.
Anchorage is home to five national parks that offer opportunities for encountering moose and gazing upon majestic glaciers; yet its museums, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues make sure you can still have plenty of excitement between adventures! Regardless of where you stay in Anchorage, you are certain to have an incredible experience!
Lakefront
Lakefront area can be an excellent place to stay when traveling through Anchorage, depending on your travel preferences. Here, you can stay close to the airport while still experiencing breathtaking city views such as “Pillars of Freedom.” This neighborhood provides ideal accommodations for visitors wanting to discover Alaska without spending too much time traveling alone in their car or van.
Lake Hood Seaplane Base can also be found here, making flightseeing tours and other exciting activities convenient during your visit. In addition, Alaska Railroad Depot provides train trips and day trips around Alaska.
Hotels here boast panoramic views of Alaska’s majestic Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet – making this neighborhood an excellent way to witness Alaska’s stunning landscapes firsthand. Additionally, walking distance access is provided to both Anchorage Museum and Downtown district.
Downtown district offers visitors an ideal nightlife scene, featuring numerous restaurants, bars and clubs – the ideal setting for people seeking an Alaskan night out! Additionally, Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall and Diamond Center can be easily accessed nearby for shopping convenience.
If shopping isn’t top of mind for you, consider the Midtown neighborhood. While more peaceful than other districts in New York City, Midtown still lies within walking distance to some of its best attractions. Plus, it boasts several pleasant parks where you can unwind after an exhausting day!
Bootleggers Cove was once used for illegal smuggling during Prohibition. Conveniently located close to Anchorage International Airport and offering affordable accommodations such as Comfort Inn Ship Creek which features free breakfast buffet, on-site parking and WiFi service; or Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Downtown Anchorage which boasts four star service including on-site parking, an airport shuttle and rooftop fitness center services – these options make visiting Anchorage worth your while on any budget!
