jnoecker

We will be getting off a cruise early morning on a Wed and plan to book a car to spend 2 days around Denali NP. We would return to Anchorage Fri afternoon/evening and then have all day Sat before a VERY late flight out (actually 1:45am Sun morning).

Any tips on best use of the time in Anchorage or surrounding areas?

BTW - we plan to visit Talkeetna on the way to or from Denali.

abram

We liked the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, and Earthquake Park.

Orlando_Vic

Agree with abram's suggestions. If time remains, you could add in the Alaska Zoo http://www.alaskazoo.org/ .

jnoecker

Thanks to you both!

dfrostnh

I enjoyed the Saturday farmers market. Last chance to get inexpensive souveniers like locally made jams and jellies. A trolley tour is short but very interesting since it includes a drive by Lake Hood where all the float planes are based. Check hours that restaurants are open. You'll need to get to the airport early, maybe 2 hours. Could have a late night pizza and beer at the Moose's Tooth near Seward Hwy. For relaxing and great reading material, the Title Wave bookstore has a large selection of books by Alaskan authors, also used books and, if I recall correctly, a little cafe area.

jnoecker

Thanks! Sounds like a nice way to wrap up our trip before boarding the red-eye.

Orlando_Vic

Yeah, the Moose's Tooth really does have good pizza. Finally got to eat there last weekend for the first time and I was impressed. Be aware, it is very popular and no reservations are taken.

BudgetQueen

As an alternative to touring Anchorage, a drive along the Arm, is very scenic with a stop at Portage Glacier Visitor Center. If you overnight in Talkeetna rather than Anchorage, you also would have the opportunity for MANY stops along the way back to Anchorage, and even glacier treking- if of interest?? If not, then Hatcher Pass is a top scenic drive with the Independence Mine, Eklutna Spirit House tour is worthwhile, Musk Ox Farm, in Palmer, Sled Dog Museum in Wasilla, Eagle River Nature Center etc etc etc

Where are you cruising into??? IF Whittier, I highly recommend a PWS boat tour, then the train to Anchorage, just a fantastic and superior look at glaciers, compared to what you see from a cruiseship. If Seward, a Kenai Fjords boat tour is also my top pick, and the Alaska RR.

jnoecker

Great suggestions from all. Thanks!! I have a lot of homework to do now based on these (and perhaps more suggestions to come), but unfortunately my job will keep me out of touch for most of the next 2 weeks.

I expect I will have some followup questions though as our trip gets closer....