Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, serves as a gateway to the The Last Frontier’s vast landscapes. Located on the traditional land of the Dena’ina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna, the city is a blend of the natural Alaskan landscape and modern urban conveniences. Anchorage showcases the best of Alaska — art and culture, breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing, parks and trails, and an outstanding food scene. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring further afield. From the city, you can take multiple day trips to nearby must-see places such as Chugach State Park, the Matanuska Glacier, and the resort town of Girdwood. Due to the wealth of things to do in and around Anchorage, it’s worth spending at least three, if not more, days here. When it comes to planning accommodation, consider booking a self-catering option such as an Airbnb. This will give you a home base where you can kick off your muddy boots after a day exploring, prepare a home-cooked meal, and have a more local experience of Alaska. The Airbnb Anchorage rentals listed here range from cabins in the nearby forests, chic downtown apartments suitable for couples, to large townhouses for groups or families. All have Superhost status, five-star reviews from past guests, and promise an unforgettable vacation to the state.
Anchorage's Best Airbnbs: Where Your Only Neighbors Have Antlers and Fur
When to visit Anchorage
Photo: TripWalkers/Shutterstock
Depending on what you’d like to do and see, the best time to visit Alaska is between June and August. The weather is most pleasant during these months, with temperatures in the 60s to low 70s and long daylight hours, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and viewing wildlife. May is also favorable. It’s a shoulder season month, meaning it’s less crowded than the peak summer months, but the weather is still comfortable.
For those interested in winter sports like snowmobiling, cross-country, and downhill skiing, ice hockey, visiting between January and April would be ideal. October is when the aurora season heats up. Clear nights draw photographers and admirers to the many scenic viewpoints around the city.
We hope you love the Airbnb Anchorage rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Cottage with sauna near Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park sits immediately east of Anchorage, making it convenient for locals and tourists looking for outdoor adventures without straying far from urban amenities. It is one of the largest state parks in the nation, covering approximately 495,000 acres of land. Apart from hiking and biking, it’s a fantastic place for wildlife viewing, fishing, and winter sports. This cottage is tucked into the forest on two sides, with the front of the property opening up onto a deck, lawn, and meadow (blanked in wildflowers in late spring and summer) with spectacular views. The forest leads directly into the park, so you can explore at your leisure. And if you’re interested in hiking, The Glen Alps and Flattop Trailhead are one mile up the road from the property. The two-bedroom sleeps five, with a roll-away twin cot for the fifth guest on request. After a day outdoors, you can enjoy the new barrel sauna, which is located in the front yard.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $290 per night
Three-bedroom chalet in the Chugach Mountains
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom chalet is in the heart of the Chugach Mountains. The Chugach Mountains create the dramatic skyline for Anchorage and are referred to as Alaska’s most accessible natural area. The park’s westernmost boundary lies in the western foothills of the Chugach Mountain Range and is just seven miles east of downtown Anchorage. This makes them a popular playground for outdoor enthusiasts who live in or visit the city. The open-floor plan mountainside cabin feels remote but connected enough to the Anchorage due to its proximity and friendly locals who live nearby. The large windows allow you to enjoy stunning views in every direction, and hand-crafted features, a wood stove, and the deck and hot tub make this one of the most sought-after Airbnbs in the Anchorage area.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $447 per night
Stunning family home in a forest of mountain hemlocks
This beautiful home is located in a quiet neighborhood a mere five-minute walk from the Glen Alps and Flattop Trailhead, and the park. It’s a comfortable and affordable option for a large family or group of adults. From the deck and living room couch, you can take in a view of Anchorage’s skyline and the spectacular Mount McKinley. The home is a labor of love and has been fully renovated. There’s an outdoor sauna, a lovely deck with a grill and outdoor seating for summer dining, two living rooms, and a timber playhouse for the kids.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $375 per night
Anchorage home with unbeatable views of the Cook Inlet
This three-bedroom home is located in the Bear Valley neighborhood of Anchorage. Bear Valley, nestled between the Rabbit Creek and Glen Alps neighborhoods, offers a quiet, private setting with expansive views overlooking the Chugach Mountains. You will need a vehicle to stay at this property as public transportation is not available in this area of Anchorage. The Airbnb has incredible views of the Cook Inlet, Sleeping Lady, Downtown Anchorage, Mount Foraker, and Denali. The living area is open-planned with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy the northern lights from the comfort of the couch. Outside, there’s an expansive deck (with a hot tub) leading down into the garden — where it’s not uncommon to see moose, bears, and other Alaskan wildlife.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $300 per night
Charming two-bedroom South Anchorage apartment
Located in South Anchorage, this charming Airbnb is on a family-friendly quiet cul-de-sac, walking distance from Carr’s Safeway grocery store, the Saturday Farmers Market, lovely restaurants, and Kaladi’s (a local coffee house.) It’s also close to the airport, downtown, and the New Seward Highway. This is a superb option if you are visiting Anchorage without renting or having your own vehicle, as you can walk to the local People Movers Bus Transportation. The interior is beautifully decorated with local Alaskan art. Past guests remark that it feels like a home away from home and mention the host is very accommodating and helpful.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $248 per night
Midtown five-bedroom house with home theater
If you’re traveling to Anchorage with a large group or family and want to be in the city, this midtown five-bedroom is one to bookmark. The home is wonderfully close to everything — local hiking trails at the nearby Campbell Creek trail system, grocery stores, restaurants, and bars. The neighborhood is quiet and secluded. There are two parking spaces available in the driveway in front of the home, and indoor parking is available in the attached two-car garage. The Airbnb was designed for entertaining. There’s a home theatre system, an open-planned fully stocked kitchen, a sauna, and an extensive board game collection for cozy nights in.
14 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $333 per night
Vintage duplex minutes from the airport
Another thing Anchorage has in abundance is character. Every Airbnb has its own style and personality. This duplex, located between Spenard and Turnagain neighborhoods alongside Fish Creek estuary, is quirky. The walls are adorned with artwork from around the world, and mustard and burnt orange tones bring a warm and welcoming feeling to the one-bedroom. In the yard, you’ll find a hot tub, a fire pit adorned with fairy lights, and a carport. Overall, it’s an ideal place for a couple or solo traveler looking for a more local experience in the city.
Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $175 per night
Nordic creek-side retreat in the woods
This home is centrally located in Anchorage and has private access to Campbell Creek and Campbell Creek Trail, a route connecting the expansive trail systems of Far North Bicentennial Park to various parts of the city. Under a mile north on the trail, you’ll find the classic Alaskan watering holes, Peanut Farm Bar, and Arctic Roadrunner Burger Joint. Both are great places to eat, drink, and meet locals. Back at the homestead, you’ll find privacy and your own retreat, surrounded by trees and wildlife. The decor and interior design is Nordic-inspired, with a pastel color scheme and timber beams. This is one of three properties owned by the same family. If you’re traveling in a large group or have a multigenerational family who require more space, you can enquire about booking more than one chalet at a time.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $223 per night
The best things to do in Anchorage
- Spot wildlife — Anchorage is known for its wildlife, and one of the most exciting things you can do is spot a moose in its natural habitat.
- See and hear glaciers — Alaska’s glaciers are a sight to behold. You can take a boat tour or a flightseeing tour to see these natural wonders up close.
- Learn about Alaska native cultures — Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center to learn about the history and culture of Alaska’s indigenous people.
- Ride the rails — Experience Alaska’s vast landscapes by taking a scenic train ride.
- Pedal the coastal trail — The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers beautiful views of the ocean and mountains. It’s perfect for a bike ride.
- Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center — Here, you can see a variety of Alaskan wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles.
- Explore Alyeska — This resort area offers activities for all seasons, from skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer.
- Lace up your boots — Anchorage is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are numerous trails for hiking and biking, opportunities to view glaciers and bears, and waterways perfect for kayaking.
- Sip local brews and dine on fresh seafood — Anchorage’s local food and drink scene is thriving. Try some locally brewed beer and fresh seafood.
- Explore Historic 4th Avenue — This area is filled with small shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
- Ice skating at Westchester Lagoon — In the winter months, you can go ice skating at this popular local spot.
