Exploring Anchorage Airport: Things To Do And See

If you're wondering what to do during a layover at Anchorage Airport, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained. For those with a shorter layover, you can check out the display of Alaska Native Art in the C Concourse, or visit the Alaska Aviation Museum, located just half a mile from the airport on Lake Hood, the world's largest seaplane base. With a longer layover, you can explore downtown Anchorage, wander through Chugach State Park, or visit the Anchorage Museum to learn about Alaskan art and history. If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a car and drive south on the Seward Highway, taking in the stunning scenery and visiting the Wildlife Conservation Center and the Portage Glacier. Alternatively, you can take to the skies with air taxi and flightseeing services available at the airport. So, whether you're a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique Alaskan experience, there's something for everyone during a layover at Anchorage Airport.

Anchorage Airport facilities: Lounges, WiFi, charging points, food, and more

Anchorage Airport (ANC) has a range of facilities to cater to travellers' needs during their time at the airport. The airport consists of two terminals: North and South, with the South Terminal serving domestic airlines and three concourses (A, B, and C).

For those with a long layover, there are several lounges available at the airport. The Alaska Lounge, located in Concourse C, is open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM and can be accessed with a lounge membership program. The Delta Sky Club Pop-Up, located at the South Terminal entrance, offers similar hours and access. The Atwood Military Lounge is exclusively for military personnel and their families, providing snacks, beverages, and a playroom. Additionally, there is a pay-per-use lounge accessible to all travellers, regardless of class of service, by purchasing a pass or using a lounge membership program.

The airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi access and mobile charging points for passengers who need to stay connected and charged during their time at the airport. For travellers spending the night, Anchorage Airport is open 24 hours a day, but it's important to note that there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or rest areas. It is recommended to take necessary precautions for safety and security when sleeping in any airport, especially when travelling alone.

Anchorage Airport also provides a variety of food options to suit different preferences and dietary needs. For those with early morning flights or long layovers, there are airport hotels on or near the airport that often include free parking for the duration of your trip.

If you're looking to explore the area during a longer layover, there are several attractions nearby. The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, located on Lake Hood, showcases the history of Alaska's aviation. The Anchorage Museum of History and Art offers insights into Alaskan culture and history, along with a diverse range of art exhibits. Nature enthusiasts can visit the nearby Chugach State Park, which offers outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. For a truly Alaskan experience, consider driving along the scenic Seward Highway or visiting the nearby glaciers.

Nearby hotels: Quick transport to downtown Anchorage

If you're looking for a hotel near Anchorage Airport with quick transport to downtown Anchorage, there are several options to choose from.

The Courtyard Anchorage Airport, located just 1 mile from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport. The hotel provides stylish rooms with plush mattresses, free Wi-Fi, and flat-panel TVs with Netflix. It is also just a few miles from Kincaid Park and the Anchorage Museum.

Another option is the Comfort Suites Anchorage International Airport, which is just minutes from the airport and offers a free airport shuttle service. The hotel is also less than a mile from the cruise terminal and many popular restaurants.

The Hyatt House Anchorage and Hyatt Place Anchorage Midtown also offer shuttle services to and from the airport. These hotels provide comfortable rooms and convenient connections to downtown by shuttle or bus.

Additionally, the Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown/Ship Creek is noted for its proximity to the airport and great shuttle service. The hotel's restaurant and bar have received positive reviews as well.

When considering accommodation, it is always advisable to contact the hotel directly to confirm the availability and details of their shuttle services, as well as any other amenities that may be important to you.

Car rental: Explore the city and surrounding nature

If you're looking to explore Anchorage and its surrounding nature, renting a car is a great option. With a car, you can venture beyond the airport and discover the beauty of this Alaskan city and its natural wonders. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your time:

Exploring Downtown Anchorage and Nearby Attractions

If you're interested in a quick overview of the city, driving through downtown Anchorage is a good start. From the airport, you can easily access downtown and check out local attractions. Head to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art to get a glimpse of Alaskan culture and history alongside a diverse array of art exhibits. For nature lovers, Chugach State Park is a must-visit. This massive park offers hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing opportunities, all within easy reach of the city.

Scenic Drives and Nature Excursions

Anchorage is known for its stunning natural surroundings, and a car will allow you to explore some of the most picturesque spots. One highly recommended route is the Seward Highway, which takes you along the Turnagain Arm. This drive is ranked as one of the most scenic in North America. You'll be treated to views of belugas swimming in the inlet, Dall sheep on the cliff faces, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Head to Girdwood, a charming ski town about an hour away, and take a tram ride to the top of Mount Alaska for breathtaking vistas.

If glaciers and wildlife viewing are on your agenda, continue a few miles past Girdwood to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can see bears, caribou, musk oxen, moose, and birds of prey. For a closer look at glaciers, follow the Seward Highway towards Whittier. Here, you'll find the Portage Glacier, often with icebergs floating in the lake.

Cultural and Historical Insights

To gain a deeper understanding of Alaskan culture and history, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. This interactive destination showcases the traditions and lifestyles of Alaska's eleven cultural groups. Additionally, the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, located on Lake Hood, offers insights into the evolution of aircraft in Alaska.

Practical Considerations

When planning your car rental exploration, keep a few things in mind. First, check the driving conditions and allow for possible delays on the Seward Highway due to potential closures. Second, consider the duration of your layover and plan your time accordingly. Some attractions, like the drive to Girdwood and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, can be covered within a few hours, while others might require a full day. Finally, if you're looking for a unique Alaskan experience, visit the headquarters of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, where you can learn about this iconic event and even take a dog sled ride.

Art and history: Native art collection and historic aircraft displays

If you're looking to immerse yourself in art and history during your time at Anchorage Airport, there are a few options to consider.

The Anchorage Museum of History and Art is a great place to start. The museum showcases a variety of exhibits, featuring both local and international artists, providing a wonderful insight into Alaskan culture and history, alongside a diverse array of art. Located in the heart of downtown, it is a convenient option for those looking to explore the city during their layover.

For those interested in the rich history of Alaska's aviation, the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum is a short drive from the airport. This museum takes visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of aircraft in Alaska from 1897 to the present. Located on Lake Hood, the world's largest seaplane base, it offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to watch seaplanes landing on the water as they walk over.

If you're intrigued by Alaska's diverse cultures, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is an excellent choice. This interactive cultural destination invites you to explore the traditions and ways of life of Alaska's eleven cultural groups, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and offering a deeper understanding of the state's cultural landscape.

Additionally, with a longer layover, you might consider renting a car and driving south on the Seward Highway. This scenic drive offers a glimpse of breathtaking Alaskan nature, including potential sightings of belugas swimming in the inlet and Dall sheep on the cliff faces, all with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Along the way, you can visit Girdwood, a charming ski town, and take a tram to the top of Mount Alaska for panoramic views.

With these options, you can turn your time at Anchorage Airport into a cultural and historical journey, gaining a deeper appreciation of Alaska's art, history, and natural beauty.

Wildlife: See the state's famous wildlife, even from the airport. Pet relief areas are available

Anchorage is the best place to see Alaska's animals, and you can even do so from the airport. Wildlife viewing is as easy as it is unforgettable. Anchorage's bears, moose, eagles, and whales are never far from view. Knowing their hangouts can improve your odds of spotting them.

For instance, this scenic area on the western edge of the city is a prime place for watching planes come and go from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and it's also a great space for spotting moose browsing along the side of the road. Moose, bears, and eagles all enjoy this vast 1,400-acre city park. The network of trails in the park is huge, but even a simple drive to the chalet can often lead to a moose or even a black bear sighting. The park became a local favorite soon after opening in 2013. The loop trail overlooks the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.

Head to Potter Marsh, Kincaid Park, or Carr-Gottstein Park for easy refuge access and awe-inspiring views. For a different kind of experience, get closer than you ever thought possible with guaranteed sightings at the Alaska Zoo or Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The Alaska Zoo is a perfect home for arctic and subarctic animals in south Anchorage. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, on the other hand, serves as home to orphaned or injured animals and creates a fantastic natural backdrop for wildlife photography.

If you have a long layover, you can also take a drive along the scenic Seward Highway and visit the Portage Glacier, often with icebergs in the lake.

Frequently asked questions