9 of the Best Airbnbs in Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, covering more than 1,700 square miles, most of which is mountainous and uninhabited.

It’s a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the country’s biggest state park, Chugach, is just minutes from downtown. In addition to its proximity to the great outdoors, Anchorage hosts plenty of cultural and historic attractions that make it worth sticking around to learn more about the state, its past, and the people who live here today.

There are few other places where you can you browse art galleries and shop unique boutiques, walk on a glacier, and encounter a moose all in the same day. It’s the perfect spot to experience the Last Frontier and its wildlife while enjoying city attractions and the comforts of home, particularly if you stay in one of these rentals.

Sure, Airbnbs in Anchorage can be a little pricey, but there are a good handful on this list under $100 a night, so you don’t need to break the bank to live the good life.

1. Home Near Chugach State Park

mountainview airbnb anchorage — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Spectacular Denali views just a short walk from one of the top trails in the city.

Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $250/night

If exploring Chugach State Park is one of your top priorities while in Anchorage, this three-bedroom home is ideal, since it’s just a quick walk to the Glen Alps/Flattop Trailhead that leads to the park. You’ll be within 25 minutes of anywhere you want to go in the city and when you get back, you can watch wildlife wander by while taking in unparalleled mountain, sunset, and Anchorage skyline views from your deck.

The home includes all the essential amenities and extras, thanks to the very hospitable hosts. In fact, if you’re lucky, you might have homemade cookies, beer, and wine waiting for you on arrival.

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2. Fireweed Gardens

Why you should stay: An affordable stay for four within walking distance to trailheads.

Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $112/night

Fireweed Gardens is an apartment in a historic 1940 home accessed via a private entrance through the gardens. Guests have Chester Creek Park and hikes in the city’s extensive trail system right in their backyard.

The home itself is clean, comfortable, and welcoming, with no detail overlooked. That includes high thread-count sheets and darkening shades so the long hours of summer daylight won’t interrupt your peaceful night’s sleep. There’s also an impressive book collection and gorgeous decor.

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3. Bear Mt. Hideaway

tiny house airbnb anchorage — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Budget-friendly stay close to town but far enough away to be surrounded by nature.

Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $85/night

Enjoy a secluded stay just outside of the city in the Bear Mountain Hideway, a cabin nestled in the woods at the base of Bear Mountain. Open for summer only, from June through September, it may be tiny, but it’s quite homey. It also provides plenty of amenities thanks to its layout, like a murphy table and a kitchenette with coffee and snacks. Outdoors is a fire pit perfect for late-night summer evenings.

You’ll be at the Bear Mountain base, close to all sorts of outdoor adventures as well as shopping and dining. It also has electricity, an indoor restroom, and Wi-Fi, so you won’t feel like you’re roughing it.

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4. The Mayor’s Cabin

The Mayor's Cabin in Anchorage Alaska — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Stay in a historic cabin once owned by Anchorage’s mayor.

Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $125/night

The Mayor’s Cabin is a historic downtown cabin constructed in 1946 by architect Maynard Taylor, the mayor of Anchorage during the 1950s. A stay here puts you in the heart of it all for taking advantage of attractions, shopping and dining, but it’s not uncommon to see wildlife like moose just outside your door.

“We loved our week at the Mayor’s Cabin! It’s located within walking distance of terrific restaurants, coffee shops, and a grocery store. The house was spotless and the perfect place to land after days of exploring in Denali, Prince William Sound, and elsewhere. Becky was responsive and hospitable throughout our stay and even sent hiking suggestions beforehand. Can’t recommend this spot more for a stay in Anchorage.”

Hurley, Neptune Beach, FL

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5. The Lazy Malamute

Why you should stay: A cozy bungalow within walking distance to everything — including the Fire Island Bakeshop.

Sleeps: 5
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $188/night

Not only does the Lazy Malamute have a great name, it’s located in a quiet neighborhood that puts you just a short walk from the heart of downtown, including great coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and the popular New Sagaya Market.

The space features a mix of historic, modern, and Scandinavian styles, built in 1945, with lots of conveniences and coziness. You’ll have an updated kitchen with everything needed to prepare your own meals, in addition to a Keurig and high-end features like a Smart TV, fast Wi-Fi, and a washer and dryer.

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6. Hillside Holiday Base Camp

Why you should stay: One of the best value airbnbs in Anchorage with helpful hosts and spectacular views

Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $79/night

The Hillside Holiday Base Camp is a large studio apartment with its own private entrance in a home at the base of the Chugach Mountains, nestled in the woods in a peaceful neighborhood. You’ll be within a mile of scenic hiking trails and just a short drive from the city.

One of the highlights of this apartment are the gorgeous forest and mountain views from the huge windows, as well as the high ceilings that give it an extra-spacious and open feel.

“Chism’s space is stylish, functional, super clean and comfortable. The wall of windows fill the place with light and provide a beautiful view. Exceptional! Great hosts! Super hospitable and responsive. We would definitely recommend!”

Chris, Fairbanks, AK

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7. Casa on the Bluff

hillside airbnb anchorage — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Affordable rate for a roomy space with all the essentials close to downtown.

Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $130/night

Enjoy a stay in a quiet, secluded neighborhood right off the coastal trail system but close to everything in downtown Anchorage by booking Casa On the Bluff.

While you’ll want to try some of the local restaurants, it comes with a large kitchen, including drinks and snacks, so you’ll have everything you need to prepare your own meals.

“The Casa on the Bluff was the perfect place for our visit to Anchorage. The rental has a lot of character and the hosts were super responsive and hospitable. It was close to everything we were doing and was a great value. The patio view into the trees was a nice place to wake up and have a cup of coffee.”

Joshuah, North Carolina

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8. Cupples Cottages

Why you should stay: One of the most budget and most comfortable airbnbs in Anchorage with special extras and tons of outdoor space.

Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 3 night
Rates from: $70/night

The Cupples Cottages are four units built by the host’s grandfather in 1952 to provide temporary housing for construction workers living away from their families. The cabins have since been transformed to provide comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations with all the essential modern comforts.

Look forward to a host who goes above and beyond to ensure an excellent stay, including special extras like welcome chocolates and insider tips for enjoying the area, plus a space that’s sparkling clean.

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9. Charming Hillside Retreat

Why you should stay: Get a local’s perspective while enjoying magnificent mountain and wildlife views

Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $99/night

This charming hillside retreat offers a peaceful stay where you can listen to the sounds of a bubbling brook and enjoy picturesque mountain views. From the deck and garden, you’ll be able to gaze up at Flattop and the Chugach range. You’ll be away from the noise of the city and be able to watch for frequently spotted wildlife including bear, moose, and the occasional lynx.

The added bonus of booking this place? The friendly owners live on property and are happy to make recommendations on places to go or help you arrange activities before or during your stay. Back at home, you’ll have modern comforts like a big-screen TV with Netflix.

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Plan Your Anchorage Trip

Visit Chugach State Park, the best place to immerse yourself in the wilderness without going far from downtown.
Walk or bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an 11-mile paved path that traverses through parks and along the coast from Second Avenue in downtown to Kincaid Park.
Learn about Alaskan natives and their culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Mingle with the locals, shop, and enjoy live entertainment at the weekend Anchorage Market between mid-May and early-September.
Watch the salmon run through Ship Creek against the Anchorage skyline.
Explore Alaska history at the Anchorage Museum, covering the state’s early years from Russian settlement to the gold rush.
Embark on a thrilling flightseeing adventure for a bird’s-eye view of the area from high above. Multiple outfitters offer personalized flightseeing tours, whether you want to marvel at Mount Denali or the glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park.