What to see/do on way from Seward-Anchorage?
Jan 19th, 2003, 04:32 PM
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What to see/do on way from Seward-Anchorage?
We will be getting off the ship in Seward early in the a.m. (in July) and have rented a car to go to Anchorage for our flight home (9:30 p.m.).
Does anyone have any suggestions for fun things to see and do on the way? We'll have practically the whole day (from about 8:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.) to wend our way to Anchorage.
Also, any really fun things we should not miss in Anchorage?
Thanks for your help,
Sandy
Does anyone have any suggestions for fun things to see and do on the way? We'll have practically the whole day (from about 8:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.) to wend our way to Anchorage.
Also, any really fun things we should not miss in Anchorage?
Thanks for your help,
Sandy
Jan 19th, 2003, 05:47 PM
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Stop at the Portage Glacier Visitor Center and get directions for the hike to Byron Glacier if you'd like to actually stand on a glacier (there is also a salmon spawning viewing platform on the way to Portage Glacier), watch for dall sheep on the cliffs and beluga whales in the water alongside the road, and if you like animals, stop at Big Game Alaska (I think that's the name of it) just about opposite the road to Portage Glacier. All the animals there have been rescued by the owners and there's a good variety of Alaska wildlife.
In Anchorage, eat at Glacier Brewhouse and ride or walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
In Anchorage, eat at Glacier Brewhouse and ride or walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
Jan 20th, 2003, 04:35 AM
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Take the tram ride to the top at Mt Alyeska resort. There will be snow at the top and wonderful views. The trolley ride in Anchorage was kind of short but we enjoyed it: Earthquake park, Lake Hood, etc. I thought the Seward gift shops were nice, one in particular had beautiful prints by Alaskan artists. Another had great note cards of the Aurora Borealis with a story about where and when the photo was taken. If it's Saturday, the farmers market is open in Anchorage. There's some good food vendors and crafts. Good place for inexpensive souveniers. Check to see when they close. The Anchorage Daily News has a good website www.adn.com.
Jan 20th, 2003, 06:38 AM
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It's called "The Milepost" - an annual travel guide, and, yes, you can get it outside - try Amazon.com if you can't get it from your local bookstore. If you're only traveling between Seward and Anchorage, I'm not so sure how useful it will be (it covers all the roads in AK and Yukon, also access routes to Alaska from various directions.)
On the drive, you might consider the turnoff to Hope, a small village on the south side of Turnagain Arm (a ways before the Portage flats). It's an interesting historic place, with a couple of shops and a fun bar, and provides something of a glimpse of "old Alaska" before you rejoin the elephants on parade on the Seward Highway.
On the drive, you might consider the turnoff to Hope, a small village on the south side of Turnagain Arm (a ways before the Portage flats). It's an interesting historic place, with a couple of shops and a fun bar, and provides something of a glimpse of "old Alaska" before you rejoin the elephants on parade on the Seward Highway.
Jan 20th, 2003, 07:59 AM
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I second John's opinion about the Milepost. It was great for a two week driving trip in Alaska but definitely not worth it for one day! You have been given some good advice in these posts. I would second the recommendations for Exit Glacier, Portage Glacier, Hope and the Glacier Brewhouse. That should fill your day!
Jan 20th, 2003, 08:38 AM
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If you still have some time after seeing Anchorage (it's pretty much a normal small city) you might drive east on the Glenn Highway. The scenery is beautiful and there is another glacier--the Matanuska (sp?) Glacier--you can see.
IMO, the things to see in Alaska are the scenery and wildlife. Nothing else appealed to us much. They just seemed like tourist traps.
IMO, the things to see in Alaska are the scenery and wildlife. Nothing else appealed to us much. They just seemed like tourist traps.
Feb 20th, 2003, 05:44 PM
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We drove from Seward to Anchorage last August. The scenery is absolutely magnificent (better than the cruise)! With kids we visited the aquarium in Seward, stopped for some chowder recommended in Fodors, took a dog sled on wheels, visited Exit Glacier and Big Game, Alaska. I would skip Big Game Alaska and instead stop at the ski resort that others recommended.
By the way, if you don't go whale watching when you are on the ship, you can always try it in Resurrection Bay.
Sit on the left side of the airplane and you might see Denali.
We loved Alaska.
Spend all your time before Anchorage.
By the way, if you don't go whale watching when you are on the ship, you can always try it in Resurrection Bay.
Sit on the left side of the airplane and you might see Denali.
We loved Alaska.
Spend all your time before Anchorage.
Feb 21st, 2003, 08:25 AM
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My wife and I are cruising in Alaska at the end of May. I tried various agencies, trying to find someone who offera one-way rentals between Seward and Anchorage, but was unsuccessful. What agency did you use?
Feb 22nd, 2003, 03:24 PM
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Between Seward and Anchorage, there is a short side trip to the historic mining community of Hope. It is scenic, and you can get way back up in the valley where you might see black bears grazing along the slopes.
Feb 25th, 2003, 01:39 PM
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This is all great info. My husband and I are flying into ANC the day prior to a cruise. We will be staying at the Marriott and taking a rail transfer to Seward. Does anyone know about this? And will there be good scenery from the train, since we won't be able to stop? Which side of train to sit on? Thanks for any advice you might have.
Mar 3rd, 2003, 01:20 PM
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Unless you're doing a cruise from Seward, it's good for a few hours entertainment of shopping and the Sealife Center.
Anchorage, however, has LOTS to do. The Native Heritage Center, EXCELLENT shopping and the Art & History Museum downtown, several world-class restaurants, etc. I'd give it at least 2 days.
Anchorage, however, has LOTS to do. The Native Heritage Center, EXCELLENT shopping and the Art & History Museum downtown, several world-class restaurants, etc. I'd give it at least 2 days.
Mar 3rd, 2003, 01:21 PM
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Frankly, a day is plenty in Anchorage. Spend your time on the Kenai Peninsula and around Seward. The Kenai Fjords cruise out of Seward is well worth it and is one of the highlights of the area. As an alternative you could do a glacier cruise out of Whittier, which is north of Seward. On the Whittier trip you see a ton of glaciers but less wildlife, I think. I would spend at least several days on the Kenai between Seward and Homer, but I'm an outdoors type person who loves to fish, whitewater raft, etc.
Mar 3rd, 2003, 02:36 PM
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I agree with Christie. There is so much to do in and around Anchorage. The Botanical Garden with walking path is very intersting, Potter Marsh for birdwatching just South of Anchorage. One great place to hike is not so well-known Randevouz Mtn. If you have a car you can stay for many weeks in Anchorage and every day go on a day excursion to different place. How about Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge or Ship Creek or Six-mile Creek or Campbell Track next to Anchorage's Far North Bicentennial Park or spectacular Tony Knowles Coastal Trailor or not far away from Anchorage Eklutna Lake Valley. These are only examples of places that are very close or right in Achorage.
