Anchorage

[TheCalicoCat]

Apparently our ship (HAL Amsterdam) will actually dock in Anchorage as opposed to Seward or Whittier.

 

Is the area around the ship terminal pedestrian friendly? Are there things to do close to the ship? recommendations?

[Glaciers]

The port is primarily for cargo and is not pedestrian friendly. It’s a secure area so you can’t walk from there. You’ll take a short bus ride to the downtown area where they will drop you at the convention center.

 

There is quite a bit to do downtown. Check here: http://www.anchorage.net Very beneficial to have plans although if you don’t when you arrive, head to the Visitor Center Log Cabin that is a half a block from where you will be dropped off.

 

Another option would be to rent a car head south down Turnagain Arm or north towards Wasilla/Palmer, possibly Matanuska Glacier, Independence Mine.

[TheCalicoCat]

The port is primarily for cargo and is not pedestrian friendly. It’s a secure area so you can’t walk from there. You’ll take a short bus ride to the downtown area where they will drop you at the convention center.

 

There is quite a bit to do downtown. Check here: http://www.anchorage.net Very beneficial to have plans although if you don’t when you arrive, head to the Visitor Center Log Cabin that is a half a block from where you will be dropped off.

 

Another option would be to rent a car head south down Turnagain Arm or north towards Wasilla/Palmer, possibly Matanuska Glacier, Independence Mine.

 

Thanks. For us this will be a low key day. Good to know that we are dropped off in a "central" area rather than right at the ship.

[CowPrincess]

Thanks. For us this will be a low key day. Good to know that we are dropped off in a "central" area rather than right at the ship.

 

If you like to walk, or bike, have a look at the Tony Knowles Trail info.

 

http://anchoragecoastaltrail.com/

 

It was high on our list of things we might do in Anchorage, though not what we ultimately chose.

 

The dock area is, as mentioned, very much a working area.

[AKStafford]

I second the vote to rent a car and head out of town. Either head north to the Matanuska Glacier (with a detour up to Independence Mine & Hatchers Pass) or head south along the Turnagain Arm to Girdwood.

[Budget Queen]

I'll third, mention, it's a significant benefit to rent a car. So many places you can go to, and see and do, with your excellent long port day. :)

[trophy_23]

Another vote for renting a car! We were really glad we followed the advice of others to rent a car when we went in 2012. We were able to cover a lot of ground and see some amazing things that we wouldn't have been able to do with a single tour.

[zqvol]

A car is a good idea since you are there for 15 hours. You can cover a lot of ground in that time.

[Alaskanb]

With that much time maybe rent a car and do a Matanuska Glacier hike. One company that offers guides is https://micaguides.com/

[TheCalicoCat]

Thanks again for the ideas - glacier hike sounds awesome, I need to look more closely at that link.

 

This one will love that hike!

DSCF8195 by Amy S, on Flickr

from our previous trip. He'll be 8.5 on the next one.

[arctickitty]

If you want budget nature, but at the same time, beautiful nature, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Its gorgeous along there.

 

If you rent a car, I would do either of the following

 

1) Head north to Hatcher's Pass

 

2) Head south to the Girdwood area

[TheCalicoCat]

If you want budget nature, but at the same time, beautiful nature, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Its gorgeous along there.

 

If you rent a car, I would do either of the following

 

1) Head north to Hatcher's Pass

 

2) Head south to the Girdwood area

 

Thanks for the ideas. Is the coastal trail an improved mostly flat path or more of a hike - not paved, not flat, changes in elevation, etc.?

[Alaskanb]

http://www.trailsofanchorage.com/CSS-Coastal-S/css-coastal-s.html

[TheCalicoCat]

http://www.trailsofanchorage.com/CSS-Coastal-S/css-coastal-s.html

 

Awesome link, can we plan to have the AK RR go over the trial while we are right there?;)

[Alaskanb]

Awesome link, can we plan to have the AK RR go over the trial while we are right there?;)

That would be fun! Think we may rent bikes :)

[arctickitty]

Thanks for the ideas. Is the coastal trail an improved mostly flat path or more of a hike - not paved, not flat, changes in elevation, etc.?

 

The Coastal Trail is an improved multi-use trail with runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, baby strollers, and hikers. It's paved but has ups and downs and curves. To go for more than a short stroll can involve good effort as it is quite long.