Day in Anchorage or in Seward/Kenai?

[Lisa Waverley]

I need all your opinions and advice. I will be traveling in Denali/Talkeetna area for 4 days with my sons. (Still looking for accommodations there so feel free to jump in and offer suggestions for anything that is not rustic but more upscale).

We then head back to Anchorage to meet my husband and another family. We have 2 nights and one full day before getting the cruise ship in Whittier.

Because their flight arrives in the evening, we will spend the first night in Anchorage. The other family wants to spend the day in Anchorage, taking advantage of the toursavers coupon for 2nd night free and use the Princess tranfer to go to the ship. Our family will take advantage of the Avis car rental return in Whittier and would like to head off to sightsee in Kenai and spend the night somewhere before heading onto Whittier.

Am I correct in thinking that there is more to offer sightseeing in Keenai than in Anchorage for that day?

What recommendations do you have for sightseeing and where to spend the night? What about ice fishing?

[Budget Queen]

I'll assume you are not talking about "Kenai" the city but the peninsula?? I would recommend Seward- easy to get there and would make the most of your time. With only one day and that including travel- you probably won't have time for a boat tour, but would have time to go to Exit Glacier, the Sealife Center, Seavey's sled dogs?? My opinion only- but I would never base my touring in Alaska on a coupon offer. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] With an overnight in Seward- you then can drive directly to Whittier, with maybe a stop at Girdwood, Portage Glacier Visitor, etc?? NO Ice fishing- you'll only find that in the winter.

[mscloyd]

You might ask the hotel if they would honor the coupon 2 rooms for the price of 1 instead of 2 nights. I read somewhere that one hotel did last year. Probably depends how full they are, what time of year, etc. Couldn't hurt to ask.

[Kayla's Mom]

I totally agree with BQ! You'll love Seward and the Kenai Penisula. Her suggestions for Seward are right on, plus don't forget Portage Glacier, Girdwood, rafting in Copper Landing, fishing on the Kenai or Russian River.... you'll have a ball.

RCCI Legend of the Seas to Alaska 8/02
NCL Star to Hawaii 04/04

[Palomino]

I agree with Kayla's Mom and Budget Queen 100%!

[Lisa Waverley]

Great recommendations from all. BQ, I fully agree with you about the coupon and to me it seems that Anchoarage does not have as much to offer as Kenai (the peninsula.). Thanks for the suggestions on activities.I am going to research them all.

Mscloyd, great idea about asking for 2 rooms instead of 2 nights. I never thought of that. As you said, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Kayla's mom, thanks for the additional recommendations. they all sound like what we are looking for.

Palomino, thanks for taking the time to post.

Anyone got any recommendations for accommmodation in Seward?

[Palomino]

We stayed at the Harborview Inn. It was very clean, but basic. It was a good choice for our us. I do remember though, on the way to Exit Glacier we passed the Windsong Lodge. It looked really nice. It is a little out of town, so nothing would be within walking distance, but it is located in a very scenic area and is close to both Seavey's Dogsled and Exit Glacier (both must sees in my opinion). It is owned by Alaska Heritage Tours, who also run the Kenai Fjords Tours. I think they may have some packages. You can check out their website at [url="http://www.alaskaheritagetours.com"]www.alaskaheritagetours.com[/url] .
If you would prefer to stay in town, the Harborview Inn is convenient.
You might also want to vist the Sealife center while you're in Seward. I enjoyed it, and I just read a newspaper article about them mating two giant octopi. They're hoping for babies of course!

[Budget Queen]

There are some very wonderful B&B's in Seward also to consider. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Sea Turtle]

I've had a one-day stay in both places, and SEWARD has to be the choice!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

I spent my time in Seward with a day tour arranged by the Seavey family. [url="http://www.ididaride.com/rat.htm"]http://www.ididaride.com/rat.htm[/url] After their day excursion I went with others I met on the tour to the aquarium in Seward. My day in Seward was in the top three of the 21 days I have spent in Alaska so far.

Enjoy your planning!

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