Anchorage is a prime starting or ending point for any land based Alaska trip. Our recent trip started in Anchorage.
It is highly recommended to stay downtown. Anchorage is a fairly easy city to walk around if your hotel is in the right location. The top choice is the Marriott Downtown Anchorage which is where we stayed for two nights. This hotel is where you will be staying if you are visiting on a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruisetour. Rooms are modern and spacious and have amazing views of the harbor or mountains.
See the Sights
Anchorage is a wonderful city full of culture and adventure. No matter if you are wanting mild sightseeing or thrill seeking, you will find something. Museums, shops, parks and local crafts are all available downtown. 4th Avenue is the main road that houses the must see spots.
To make the most of our short time we did a deluxe trolley tour. Trolleys and Hop-On/Hop-Off Buses are one of my favorite ways to explore a city. The Deluxe Trolley Tour went to several key places around the city. Our driver was amazing and provided history, information and facts. The two hour tour started at the Anchorage Vistor’s Center on 4th Avenue.
What You Get to See
The Alaska Railroad headquarters
Ship’s Creek
We did get out and explore just a bit.
Fun Fact: Ship’s Creek is home to the annual Salmon Derby called Slam’n Salm’n. This year’s Derby is June 9-18 with a top prize of about $6,000 in cash and prizes!
Earthquake Park
Earthquake Park commemorates a neighborhood that was completely demolished in the 1964 Earthquake. You can actually see the ripples in the ground!
Fact: The 1964 Earthquake registered a 9.2 on the Richter scale and is the largest earthquake recorded in the U.S, second largest earthquake in the world. There are 4 U.S. Earthquakes on the World’s Top 20 and all 4 are in Alaska.
Another Tidbit: Alaska has over 100 seismic events every day!
Local Neighborhood
Did you know there are underground houses in Anchorage?
Point Wynzoff
A prime photo spot to get the skyline of Anchorage in front of the mountain range.
Lake Hood
Lake Hood is the largest seaplane base in the world! 1 out of 4 Alaskans have their pilot license.
Where to Eat
I am a big proponent of asking locals for food recommendations. One of the hotel clerks gave us fabulous recommendations. (Shout out to Kianna, She is fabulous!!) The first night we walked to a local seafood place called Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse. They were actually closed for a few days doing renovations but luckily next door in Flattop Pizza they were offering the Humpy’s menu. They have many options but I went with the Salmon chowder and Reindeer cheeseburger. For all you beer lovers out there, they have a full selection of Alaskan craft brews. Personally, I am not a beer enthusiast, but I did try one. I would love to go back to hear the live music.
Our second night we went to Glacier Brewhouse. Reservations are highly recommended. The wait for a walk up table for two was over an hour! Luckily, we were able to snag seats in the bar area. I went for a Double Dipped Fried Chicken sandwich and fries. Portions were huge! Neither one of us finished our plates.
Did You Know?
- Delaney Park Strip originally served as a fire break. It has been used as a golf course and an airstrip. Now it is home to many sports activities.
- There are over 2,000 moose that live within Anchorage city limits.
- The famous Iditarod has its annual ceremonial start in Anchorage.
- They have a Light Speed Planet Walk throughout the city and beyond where you’re walking at “light speed”.
Is Alaska on your travel bucket list? Contact one of Embrace the Journey Travel’s Alaska Experts to plan your journey.
A huge shoutout to Journey Planner and Alaska expert Mary K Allen for sharing her experience and expertise. Learn more about Mary K here.