Exploring ANCHORAGE WITH A HIRE CAR
With a population of well over 200,000, Anchorage is by far the largest city in the American state of Alaska.
Anchorage is located directly on the gorgeous coast and is framed by mighty mountains in the hinterland.
The city is an ideal starting point to get to know the wild nature of Alaska by hire car. But the city itself, with a tranquil atmosphere and museums worth seeing, is also worth exploring.
VIEWS IN ANCHORAGE
At the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum the city stroll could begin. Here you can expect an interesting exhibition in which you can learn a lot about the role that Alaska played in World War II. Visitors are also captivated by the 37 historic aircraft on display. Tickets cost ten dollars. The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
Next stop on the sightseeing tour will be the Alaska Experience Theater, where films about Alaska’s great outdoors are shown on a giant screen. The Alaska Experience Theater is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Ticket prices vary from movie to movie.
Dive deep into the state’s history when you visit the Anchorage Museum. You’ll learn a lot about the Inuit, the state’s indigenous people, and also about the founding of the state of Alaska. A separate section of the exhibit is dedicated to the Alaska Pipeline. The entrance ticket costs 12 dollars. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from the beginning of October to the end of April. Only on Sunday the gates do not open until 12:00. In summer, you can visit it daily from 9:00 am.
Finally, take the opportunity to stroll through the streets of the city and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
hire car price comparison Anchorage
FIND A GOOD RESTAURANT
Alaska’s cuisine isn’t necessarily known for culinary highs, but you can get fresh-caught fish at most restaurants in town. We recommend the Kincaid Grill. The kitchen prepares regional specialties tasty. You should especially try the oysters.
FIND A GOOD HOTEL
From the outside, most of the hotels of the place seem rather unimpressive. But amenities and service usually leave nothing to be desired. Reserve your room at the Embassy Suites Anchorage. All rooms are comfortably furnished and feature flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves and high-speed Internet access.
A PAYING GOAL IN THE SURROUNDING
Drive a hire car to Denali National Park. For the 387 kilometers you need almost six hours, but such driving times are normal in the vast Alaska. In Denali National Park you are in the second largest national park in the USA. The nature is overwhelming. Snow-covered mountains are reflected in shiny lakes, the hiking trails are endless. It is even possible to spend the night in the middle of the wilderness.
You’ll need a permit for this, though, but it’s free. You will also receive a briefing on how to behave towards bears. This can be life-saving, as there are also many grizzlies living in the park. In addition, if you are lucky, you can see moose, reindeer and wolves here.
For those who are apprehensive, you can also traverse the park by shuttle bus or join a guided tour. For more information, contact the Denali Visitor Center. When you make the return trip in your hire car after passing the adventure, there are many more natural beauties waiting to be discovered along the way. It’s a vast country, so take your time.