The city of Anchorage, Alaska is very large--almost the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined, and it contains half the population of the state. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet, it offers many scenic views and outdoor activities. The city is progressive, ever-growing and alive with cultural activities and venues.
Fly into the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It is 6 miles from downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
Rent your car at the airport.
Ride the bus system, the People Movers, which will take you to many areas of the city. The fare is less than $2, and a Day Pass is under $5.
To book accommodations, contact the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau at (907) 276-4118 or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Know that luxury accommodations in Alaska is sort of a relative term--you won't find an outpost of the Ritz-Carlton here, but you can still acquire comfortable, posh lodgings that will house you in style.
Check downtown Anchorage for luxury chain hotels and motels. You're likely to get the highest level of service from established names. Expect to pay between $150 and $250 per night.
Check out Anchorage's several boutique hotels (at least one of which is Native American-owned). With a license to thrill, boutique hotels can offer funkier decor and a hipper sensibility than chain hotels. With costs averaging $150 per night, Anchorage's luxury boutique accommodations fit the bill.
Attend the Alaska State Fair in late August and early September. The fair provides more than 300,000 annual visitors with one last fling of summer fun. Make the one-hour trek out of Anchorage to the Chugach Mountains.
Watch the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race begin. The race starts in March, and takes racers 1,150 miles away from Anchorage. Over 1,000 dogs and mushers compete.
See the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. These are visible in Anchorage, and if you ask ahead, the hotels will often provide a wake-up call when they are visible .
