Anchorage as a home base

Question

I went to Alaska with my wife, brother and sister in law about 17 years ago and it was my favorite trip ever! Backcountry in Denali, Kenai, Wrangell, ice climbing, kayaking at Columbia glacier... Everything was amazing.

Fast forward to today, we just booked a cruise next summer from Whittier to Vancouver with my near 80 year parents, my brothers family and there are 6 kids ages 5-15 between us.

I was thinking we could fly into Anchorage 5-7 days early. It looks like I can get a 5 bedroom VRBO in Anchorage that would hold everyone and is not too expensive.

Would a week in Anchorage be advisable? We are okay driving up to 3 hours each way, but not long driving everyday.

Thinking day trips to Whittier, Exit glacier, maybe a train. My parents could not do the Exit glacier hike but would be neat to take the kids. But I would need some other ideas for parents with limited mobility. I looked at rental places in Seward but couldn't find bigger rentals and the smaller rentals, where we'd need three, were very pricey. So hoping Anchorage would be an okay home base for a week?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Scott

Answer

Anchorage can absolutely work as a home base for a week, especially with a large group that includes both young children and older adults. Staying in a single VRBO or rental with enough bedrooms makes logistics much easier, and Anchorage is well positioned for day trips within a 3-hour drive.

Here’s a breakdown of how you could structure your days and options to accommodate everyone:

Day trip to Whittier: About 1.5–2 hours each way. You can drive or take a scenic train ride part of the way. Once there, consider a short cruise or boat tour in Prince William Sound. Many companies offer tours suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
Seward & Exit Glacier: About 2.5 hours from Anchorage. You can stop at Exit Glacier for a short, easy-access walk to view the glacier from a safe distance, which is doable for parents with limited mobility. If kids want a more adventurous hike, there are longer trails like the Harding Icefield Trail. In Seward, you could also consider a wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park—many are suitable for older adults and kids alike.
Alaska Railroad train trips: Anchorage is a hub for day trips by train. Consider a ride to Talkeetna (about 2–3 hours one way) or even a shorter segment for scenic views. Train travel is comfortable for older adults and fun for kids.

Other Anchorage-based options for mixed mobility groups include:

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Easy walking and accessible paths, with opportunities to see moose, bison, bears, and other wildlife up close.
Portage Glacier Visitor Center: Short, paved paths and great views without strenuous hiking.
Anchorage Coastal Trail or Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: Paved, accessible walking/biking paths with scenic views of Cook Inlet, suitable for gentle walks for everyone.
Local museums: Anchorage Museum has family-friendly exhibits and is fully accessible, making it great for a mix of ages.

Benefits of Anchorage as a base:

Single rental for your entire group is feasible and more cost-effective than multiple smaller rentals in smaller towns.
Proximity to multiple day-trip destinations within 1–3 hours.
Full access to grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities, which is convenient for a large multi-generational group.

Tips:

Plan early reservations for train rides and cruises, especially for a large group.
Consider alternating “active” days for the kids with “relaxed” days for the older adults.
Pack layers and rain gear; Alaskan weather can be unpredictable even in summer.

Overall, Anchorage is a practical and comfortable home base for your mix of family members, offering flexibility and convenience while still allowing access to glaciers, wildlife, and scenic day trips.

Anchorage as a home base

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