We are sailing on a southbound from Whittier in August. Time in Anchorage pre-cruise will be one full day. Any ideas as to the best way to spend that day? We are traveling with our two boys who are 13 and 11 years of age.
Will sights in the city be enough to hold our interest, or should we look at getting out of the city? Is there something that is just an absolute must-see given such a short stay? Is renting a car and driving up to the Mt McKinley area something to consider, or is it just too far? How about spending that day down in the Seward area, or Kenai?
Can anyone suggest a hotel in Anchorage that has easy access to Egan Center as that is where we pick up our transfer to Whittier.
Going to Denali (McKinley) would take several hours in each direction.
We liked the Anchorage History and Art Museum, but your sons may prefer the Native Heritage Center (which we also enjoyed very much), as there are demonstrations and hands on activities, and you walk around among houses representative of the five native peoples of Alaska.
I would get a car- it will allow you to see more in your short time. Head north and stop at the Eagle River Nature Center- cont north 25 miles from Anchorage to Eklutna and take a spirit house tour. Head south and stop at all the pull offs on Turnagain Arm, walk the board walk at Potter's for bird watching. In town bike the Coastal trail, do the downtown walking tour map in the visitor guide www.anchorage.net Plan you time carefully. As for hotel- I wouldn't make my choice based on being near the Egan. Cabs are plentiful to get you there from anywhere in Anchorage. Another possibility- with an early start- plan a drive to Talkeetna- take a McKinley flight- as mentioned stop along the way at Eagle river and Eklutna- add Wassilla- Sled dog headquarters museum, real cheap short dog sled rides if interested. Not enough time for Seward in my opinion.
Rent a car!!, your boys will quite possibly be bored with wandering around downtown Anchorage, which isn't that big, easy to walk tho. The coastal trail is lovely and if your into biking then would be a good family outing. What about Portage Glacier or Girdwood, Alyeska Resort, have not been to either but reviews say worthwhile. Do some research and do what would be of interest to you and your family.
Karen, Is the sled dog museum in Wasilla that interesting for a stop. We are interested in an "up close and personal" experience with this part of Alaskan heritage. If it can be done in Wasilla at minimal cost as compared to a Helicopter/Dogsled excursion out of Skagway or Juneau, so much the better. Leaves more cash for trying something else.
Kimba, Does visiting Portage Glacier on a drive deliver something different than cruising through Glacier Bay, or possibly a helicopter landing?
Wasilla- has the headquarters museum- Togo is stuffed there. Have your kids read up on Balto- several books available. Togo actually had a longer run but way secondary to Baltos fame. (Balto is in Cleveland, although Alaska is looking at a shared arrangement). The museum is small. The cart ride is at most 5 minutes- but cheap at about $10? http://sunhusky.com/Summer2002/HQ/ Here is a site about the headquarters, I don't know if they have a web site about the museum. It isn't worth a special trip but if going up to Talkeetna- definately worth the stop. I would still do the glacier helicopter dog sledding if it is of interest. Go to www.temscoair.com direct as they usually discount for kids.
If you are sailing College Fjords and Glacier bay- then no I don't recommend Portage Glacier with only 1 extra day, although they have a good visitor center- but see the one in Mendenhall if you want more glacier information to save time out of Anchorage. (Kimba hasn't been there). Girdwood is OK but again I would try to see something else and varied. IF Whittier gets a car rental agency- keep an eye on Hertz, I would rent the car from there- then you can do a stop at Portage, the Wild animal park and have freedom on Turnagain Arm. The ship could be cleared by 7am and would allow an early start. Ideal yes.
Another option but it may not be feasible is to go to Seward for the day.
Great Oceanography Centre there and also you could take an 'IDITARIDE' which is to go on a ride pulled by Huskies who take part in the Iditarod every year.
They pull you on acourse at the kennels run by MIKE SEAVER who competes in the IDITAROD each year.
Seavey's sled dog adventure is a well run attraction. I went a few years ago with my son. IF a CAR rental company sets up in Whittier- I would recommend the day in Seward with an early start. BUT not with having to get back and forth to Anchorage. Keep an eye on Hertz.
If car rental opens up in Whittier then that changes everything. Ship doesn't sail until 10PM, though I'm not sure of what boarding time parameters are. But that could give me a day to head north of Anchorage, then head south early the next day to Seward then over to Whittier to catch the ship (and drop off car). Have you heard of serious talk about car rental in Whittier?
Most car rental in Anchorage-Seward is expensive especially if its 1 way.
For example I have rented at Hertz in Seward [ an affilate of Hertz really] and its cost me upwards of $150 for one-way rental to Anchorage.[that was for 1 day!!!]
Perhaps others on the board can give their idea of car rental prices-All I know is that its not cheap.
For clarification - there are NO car rental companies in Whittier and ONLY Hertz in Seward. Your $150/day rate was a bargain- up to $200/ day in most cases. I only rent one way for as long as I need it, a very worth while savings using a cheap round trip Anchorage rental for the rest of my touring. I can make the exchange in less than an hour. Keep an eye on Hertz to set up shop in Whittier. I have no firm information, however. I'll be there in 2 weeks and will ask around- if I remember. I have put Princess and Carnival way down on my sailing list this year- all things equal pricewise. Even might consider Celebrity/RCI even though I wouldn't otherwise with their lack of College Fjords- Seward is worth the compromise for me.
Economics- cheaper for supplies, Whittier recinded their passenger taxes. Cruiselines can transfer in less than 2 hours which allows for earlier departing and later arrival. The tunnel is shared with cars now- offering about 15 mins of travel each hour. I will not have much of an assessment- as I am sure nothing is in place yet.
I'd give serious consideration to the Alaskan Native Heritage musuem and a side trip to the Portage Glacier. Both are quick drives and will give you an idea of what Cook Inlet and Matanuska Valley are like.
Anchorage for one day!!!! What to do??
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