I have never been to Alaska. I am making my first trip in the morning and will be there this Saturday and Sunday. I am taking my 10 year old son and will be staying at either the Hilton or Garden Inn in Anchorage. What is their to do in or around Anchorage, say within 50 miles or so? We like history, historical buildings, museums, amusement parks, lighthouses, castles, forts and nature photography. Know some of these may not be available of course, just to give an idea of interests. I also don't know whether to rent a car or not. What would the road conditions be in the area this weekend? I would appreciate any recommendations.

You might wish to peruse through the Alaska forum of the Travel&Dining: Destination >> United States section at
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=449

I've been to ANC and to be honest, it wasn't very exciting. I don't know how flexible your travel plans are, but you might want to consider Fairbanks or Juneau; both are easily accessible by air and IMHO are a bit more "authentic Alaskan."

Car rental is a must, IMHO. Check out the tide charts for the Cook Inlet and you may be lucky enough to witness a bore tide...pretty impressive whether you're 10 or 100. That could be done in conjunction with a drive down to Seward for a day trip to see Exit Glacier and perhaps the marvelous aquarium. (I don't know if the Portage Glacier Visitors' Center is open, but if so, that can also be combined on that day trip. (Granted, the distance from Anchorage to Seward is about 120 miles, but there's lots of spectacular scenery along the way.)

It looks like you'll have clear weather on the weekend, so check out http://www.gedds.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/ to see where you might go at night to catch the Aurora Borealis. (Looks like Friday night there will be high activity.) Have a great trip.

I lived there for 4 years and loved it. I'd definitely get a car as Anchorage is very sprawling and the bus service is not great.

Some things to do - head down to Girdwood and Portage Glacier for some nature photography. Girdwood is a cute little ski town and a nice place to stop for lunch. Chair 5 is popular with the locals and does good burgers, etc. The drive south along Cook Inlet is absolutely stunning - it's one of the most scenic highways I've seen anywhere. I don't know what the road conditions will be like, but the Seward Highway is well traveled. It can get slick sometimes so be careful, of course.

Seward might be a bit far if you are definite on wanting to stay in Anchorage, but if you decide to make the trip, the Alaska SeaLife Center is excellent.

The Anchorage Museum of History and Art is also worth a visit - link is www.anchoragemuseum.org/

Have fun!

Do you need a 4WD this weekend or can you get around with a standard 2WD Car?

I drove a subaru (AWD) the whole time I lived there, but many folks do just fine with 2WD. The Seward Highway is usually pretty clear of ice, etc. unless it's been snowing or raining a lot.

Alaskan Bush Company. Oh never mind, not good for a 10 year old. I would head down the highway along Turnagain Arm, I see someone suggested Girdwood, that is the same highway. You can take the cable car up a ski lift at Alyeska Resort. Great view and good chowder in a bread bowl.

Like others have said, take a day trip down the Seward Hwy... beautiful drive especially if the clouds stay high or get a lucky sunny day. Stop in Gridwood/Alyeska, continue on to the Portege Glacier visitors center... and for a real unique treat, drive through the north america's longest highway tunnel through a mountain to Whittier located on Prince William Sound. Your son will get a kick out of driving through that tunnel, driving along railroad tracks in the center of the earth! This time of year it will be "dead" in Whittier, so you'll have the whole place to yourself, but if you like scenic drives and nature, along with some history, its a good option.

When I say day trip, it's not as long as it sounds.... it only takes about an hour to get to Portage Glacier if the roads are good... it's just that there less than 8 hours of daylight right now.

Earthquake Park in Anchorage is also interesting and close.... dress warm!

Gwennies, one of my favorite restaurants in Anchorage, is a short drive away from the Hilton Garden Inn. I prefer the town when it is a little warmer...there is a spectacular jogging trail along the water starting in downtown Anchorage and continuing towards the airport. I'd echo the previous folks who encouraged you to check out the Seward Highway. If you make it to Kenai, I'd encourage you to stop at Suzie's Diner...they have the best tasting water I have ever experienced.

drbond;
Get a 4wd car or truck,we have lots of ice now especially sidestreets.The Seward hwy. is pretty dry now but you never know.The tram at Alyeska ski resort is closed now for maintenance.I agree the drive down the Seward hwy.is awesome go to Portage or Whittier.Go to Big Game Alaska just opposite the turn to Portage.One thing to remember bring warm clothes our highs are 20 F lows 8F to -5F.
Have fun and look out for the Northern Lights!
akdude

I gave the task to both Amex Plat Concierge and Citigroup Chairman Concierge. I was not impressed with Chairman because they recommended that I go to the Alaska Zoo and that I take a bus tour to Denali Park and spend a day in Denali Park, they also recommended the Alaska Railway. All of which are closed.

Right now you wouldn't need one in town...every major street in Anchorage is bone dry thanks to the recent cold weather. Side streets are a little icy still but nothing to write home about.

I love living here; anybody who says Anchorage is "dead" or "boring" hasn't spent much time here. It's not New York or L.A., but that's half the fun of it. However, I will say that October-December is the slowest time of year around here. January-March is the best time to visit in the winter, as that's when all of the fun stuff takes place, and usually when the snow is the best.

Should be clear weather through this weekend so enjoy your time here! PM me if you have any questions.

I still say get a 4wd!!!!!!!Its snowing now in girdwood,we've gotten about 6" of snow so far.Another place to go in ANC is the Alaska Native Heritage Museum.
As this is your first time in ANC I say again get a 4wd,better safe then sorry.
Have fun!

All wheel drive. We had a little snow last night & they are a little slippery today. The Museum in Anchorage is great, with a large permanent exhibit of Sydney Lawrence & Fred Machetanz. We are in the "between times". A little too early for skiing, sledding & snowmachining, so it's pretty quiet right now.