Why Go to Anchorage
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Anchorage is where city comfort meets the real Alaska. The Dena'ina Athabascan people lived on this land for centuries, and the modern city began in 1914 as a tent camp on the muddy banks of Ship Creek when the Alaska Railroad arrived. Today it's the state's largest city and its business and cultural hub, home to about 40 percent of all Alaskans. It sits in a bowl between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, more than 100 languages are spoken in its schools, and some 20 Alaska Native groups call it home.
At first glance it looks like many other cities, but step onto a trail and the wilderness is right there. Moose wander the greenbelts, mountains rise on the horizon and the parks and coastal trails are extraordinary. Explore excellent museums and cultural centers, enjoy terrific restaurants, and catch a floatplane at Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world, to reach remote corners of the state.
Summer brings long days and the city's famous flower displays, while September through April offers a chance to see the northern lights. Anchorage is also the start or end of many Alaska cruises and rail trips. I'll build your land tour, cruise extension and wildlife excursions around it.
BEST FOR
Wildlife watchers, outdoor enthusiasts, families and scenic-drive travelers
BEST MONTHS
June–August for long days; winter for northern lights
EXPLORE
Downtown centers on museums and the waterfront trail; Midtown has practical accommodations; Girdwood lies south along Turnagain Arm near mountain activities.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Anchorage
North America › Pacific Northwest › USA › Alaska
Alaskan wilderness with city conveniences
Mountain & Alpine
National Parks & Nature
Wildlife
Adventure
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Use Anchorage as a base, but give its own sights time: pair the Alaska Native Heritage Center with the Anchorage Museum, then enjoy the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail on a clear day. Book scenic rail and wildlife excursions ahead in summer, and allow for long travel distances outside the city.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Stay alert for moose on trails and keep a generous distance from all wildlife.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Cycle or walk sections of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which follows Cook Inlet with views toward distant mountains.
Check the day’s activity schedule and follow community guidance about photography.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Learn about Alaska Native cultures through exhibits, cultural demonstrations and village-site interpretations.
Allow several hours for galleries and check any separately ticketed exhibitions.
Anchorage Museum
Explore the Anchorage Museum’s exhibitions about Alaska’s history, art and northern environment.
Trail sections are steep; check snow, wind and trail conditions and bring appropriate layers.
Flattop Mountain Trail
Hike toward Flattop Mountain for Chugach Range views and a popular outdoor challenge close to Anchorage.
Keep to designated routes and follow staff rules; viewing conditions vary by animal.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Observe rescued or rehabilitated Alaska wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Turnagain Arm.
An established upscale Anchorage hotel in the downtown core, convenient for restaurants and city sightseeing. Travelers can use it as a base before rail, cruise or wilderness excursions. Verify views and room choices.
Hotel Captain Cook
Downtown / Cook Inlet
City
A full-service downtown property close to restaurants, cultural attractions and the waterfront walking routes. Suitable for guests who prefer central access without extensive driving.
Marriott Anchorage Downtown
Downtown / West Seventh Avenue
City
A suite-oriented option in Midtown Anchorage, practical for families and longer stays. Plan a car or transfer for downtown sightseeing and confirm current breakfast inclusions.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage
Midtown / East Benson Boulevard
City · Family
A downtown hotel convenient for Anchorage dining, shops and local excursions. Check exact room configuration and parking arrangements when comparing downtown stays.
The Wildbirch Hotel - JdV by Hyatt
Downtown / Fourth Avenue
Boutique · City
A central full-service hotel close to the convention district and Anchorage’s downtown attractions. Suitable for business or sightseeing trips; check current amenities and event-related traffic.
Hilton Anchorage
Downtown / Third Avenue
City
A mountain resort with an aerial tram, skiing and hiking, about 40 miles south of Anchorage.
Alyeska Resort
Girdwood
Family
A cozy, good-value inn overlooking the coastal trail and Cook Inlet.
Copper Whale Inn
Downtown
Boutique · Value
A central downtown hotel with mountain views.
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel
Downtown
City
A lodge-style hotel on Lake Hood, the world's busiest seaplane base, near the airport.
Lakefront Anchorage
Lake Hood
Family
Good-value suites near trails and the university.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anchorage University Lake
Midtown / University Lake
Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Anchorage
High 28°F · Low 17°F · Rain 1.1 in
Winter returns, with northern lights and early skiing.
June–August for long days; winter for northern lights. Check the forecast and local opening schedules before committing to outdoor excursions.
Best Times to Visit Anchorage
WHEN TO GO
06
Alaska Railroad and Excursions
Train journeys and organized day tours leave from specific depots. Reserve popular seasonal departures and plan return transfers.
05
Downtown Walking and Cycling
Central sights and parts of the coastal trail are walkable or bikeable in suitable weather. Watch for wildlife.
04
Rental Cars
A car helps reach surrounding trailheads and scenic drives; winter driving requires preparation for ice and darkness.
03
People Mover Bus
Municipal bus routes serve selected Anchorage neighborhoods. Check the current route and frequency for your lodging.
02
Getting Around Locally
A rental car helps reach trailheads; Alaska Railroad excursions offer a car-free sightseeing option.
01
Arriving by Air
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the main air gateway.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the main air gateway. A rental car helps reach trailheads; Alaska Railroad excursions offer a car-free sightseeing option.
Getting Around Anchorage