My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates. To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.
Getting to Girdwood Alaska
Girdwood is one of the closest cities to get to from Anchorage. At only 39 miles away, the drive along the Turnagain Arm is one of my all time favorites. The views are amazing no matter the season, and chances are you'll be able to see some wildlife during your drive too! Keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, mountain goats, and even seals or belugas. If you time your drive just right you might even see surfers on the bore tide during the summer months. If you don't have a car, you can either take the Alaska Railroad or book a transfer from Anchorage. Once you get there, there's plenty of things to do in Girdwood for the whole family, and I highly recommend staying at least one night so you can make the most of your adventures in the area.
My Favorite Tours Near Girdwood :
- Anchorage to Girdwood Transfer - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Tour - Full Day Turnagain Arm Tour
Best Places to Stay in Girdwood
1. Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Resort is my go-to spot to stay in Girdwood. It's spendy and a little out of town, but if you're looking for a spa- or ski-cation, it's the perfect spot. Depending on the season they have all kinds of amenities and fun attractions for the family - think the tram up to the mountain, Nordic Spa, Veilbreaker Skybridge, bike rentals, and quite a few onsite restaurants. 2. Modern Contemporary Home This beautiful 4 bed 5 bath modern home is tucked away in a local neighborhood surrounded by trees. With plenty of space for all guests, ample space for parking, and even an in house washer/dryer - this will easily become your home away from home. 3. Ski Condo with Hot Tub This modern condo has a beautiful interior, complete with an entire game room and massage chair. With 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, they also have a barbecue grill, private pool, and onsite hot tub! 4. Alyeska Ski Home with Hot Tub With stunning mountain views, this 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house can host 10 people at a time. With ski-in/ski-out access, they also offer onsite parking and a hot tub to warm up in after skiing!
5. Jeremy's Mountain Chalet
This private home is so beautiful that they even host small weddings onsite. With 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms it can sleep up to 16 people, and has amazing balconies overlooking the local neighborhood with mountain views in the back. They also have a gigantic chef's kitchen, onsite parking, and a barbecue grill. 6. Townhome with Game Room & Sauna This modern townhome has a gigantic lounge space and game room, making it the perfect spot to enjoy after a day of exploring. With 3 bedrooms and 3 baths the townhome sleeps 8, and is one of the only homes on this list that has garage parking. The best part? There's even a sauna. 7. Cozy Cabin with Hot Tub This adorable cabin is one of my favorites on this list. With a rustic wood interior and beautiful trees surrounding the outside, it has everything you need for a cozy getaway. The interior isn't as modern as the others on this list, but with it's own private hot tub near Iris Pond it definitely has its' own charm. 8. Mountain View Cabin with Hot Tub The last place to stay on my list for Girdwood is this private cabin that has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and sleeps 10. Like many of the other places in Girdwood there's an onsite hot tub and a super cozy ceramic log fireplace.
Watch my Girdwood Adventures here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 11 Best Waterfalls in Alaska -> Where to Rent Bear Spray in Alaska -> Best Things to Do in Girdwood
Pin this Girdwood Guide for Later!
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Hi, I'm Deborah! In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. \\\ My blog is free to read, but some links may be affiliates. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. \\\ |
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