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15 Best Things to Do in Kenai (Alaska)

Overlooking the mouth of the river Kenai, this town is home to some beautiful scenery. Expect amazing views of the Alaska mountain range, Mount Spurr, Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt.

Not only is there a spectacular backdrop but the area is abundant when it comes to wildlife too. Expect bears, eagles and specific to this area moose. If you are looking for a quiet but interesting area to explore then Kenai should be a stop on your Alaska tour.

Many people visit for the great salmon fishing and the legendary salmon in the river is the reason Kenai is one of the oldest inhabited European settlements in Alaska today.

Beluga whales and bears often come to feed in the area so if you are lucky and visit at the right time you might be able to see both.

I’m an Alaska local and have love exploring my home-state. I have made several visits to Kenai and based on that here is my list of the best things to do.

1. Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center

Found on the outskirts of town, this should be the first stop when considering a visit to Kenai.

You will learn a lot about the history of the place including the Kenai Cultural Exhibit, which is a permanent collection of historical and cultural artifacts. There are also Kenai traditional clothing exhibits to peruse too.

It is also a great place to pick up maps and resources for your stay in the area. Such as information on the best things to do, camping grounds, parking and market days.

2. Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church

Dating back to the early 1800’s this pretty Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai holds plenty of history. The church still holds services to this day, but it is also open for visitors to take a look around.

The blue domes and neat features are reminiscent of the Russian architecture and a reminder of the fur traders who once worked and settled in Alaska.

It is located in a picture-perfect setting neatly surrounded by its own white picket fence. Across the street there is also a local gift shop if you are looking for a souvenir of your stay.

3. Kenai Beach

It might not be the sunshine and sand kind of beach you would expect in other areas of the world, but Kenai beach is an interesting place to visit.

You can watch the fishers and the netters catching fish in the inlet and the boats push off to go further afield. You may even spot some wildlife, whales, bald eagles and seals are all found in the area.

When the tide is out it is a nice place to stroll and view the rock pools and coastline, as well as the Alaskan Mountains in the distance.

Read also :  28 Amazing Hidden Gems in Alaska

4. Alaska Berries Vineyard

A certified Alaska grown winery where you can enjoy a tour of the vineyard and wine tastings too. The berry wines are totally home made and have a distinctive but not too sweet Alaskan flavour.

If you are travelling with kids, not to worry you can still enjoy a little wine tasting and the little ones can join in tasting the home-made jams. As well as wine and jams, Alaska Berries also produce cider, syrups and honey too.

The small farm is homely and welcoming and remember the gates are only closed to keep out the moose.

5. Russian River

On a good day this river and waterfall hike is a beautiful location to visit. You will see many people fishing for salmon in the river and you can watch the salmon swimming upstream jumping over the rocks.

A more adventurous hike is to walk to the waterfalls, but you must be wary this is bear territory and during the salmon spawning season the bears are here for fishing too.

Summer is the best time to visit but it is also the busiest too. Grab your hiking shoes or mountain bike and head out on the marked trails for some exploring at the Russian river.

6. Fishing Tours

If you are new to fishing and would like someone to take you out and show you how it’s done, or you just want to be taken to the best fishing spots, you should join a fishing tour.

Professional fishermen or women will take you on a tour visiting the top places to catch King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Halibut and Rainbow Trout.

This activity is also family friendly too, so you can bring along the kids and see who can catch the biggest fish.

7. Crescent Lake Hiking Trail

A scenic area and trail which is great for biking hiking and camping. You’ll find lots of places to park up your RV and plenty of picnic tables to use.

Whether you are here for fishing or not, you can enjoy the scenery and the amazing wildlife that call this place home. There are lots of bears but also beavers, otters, bald eagles and falcons too. An excellent place for wildlife spotters.

The hiking trails are very peaceful giving you awe inspiring views of the mountains, trees waters and wildlife. A great place to enjoy a beautiful walk.

Further reading :  15 Best Things to Do in Alaska

8. Alaska West Air Tours

Tours from Kenai by air include flightseeing for aerial scenery, bear viewing and fishing tours.

The guides know exactly where to go for your chosen adventure, the best fly in fishing spots, the top remote places to watch bears in their natural habitat and the most beautiful stops for Alaskan photography.

Seeing the area by air gives you a completely different perspective and some incredible memories of your time in Kenai.

9. Saint Nicholas Chapel

A tiny church in Kenai which, like the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church has a Russian Orthodox past. The chapel was built in 1906 over the graves of Igumen Nicholai as well as others listed on the plaque outside.

There are some podiums inside and the decoration is interesting. The outside is typical of the Russian shrines with its blue and yellow paint, but it is much larger which is why it is called a chapel.

10. North Peninsula Recreation Centre

This recreation centre is an excellent place to visit if you are travelling with small kids. It gives you a chance to enjoy some indoor activities or just relax whilst the kids have fun.

There is a warm swimming pool with a slide, a shallow area for the smaller kids and a hot tub for the adults.

On better weather days there’s a running track, picnic area and a baseball field to use. So, whatever the weather there is something to keep the kids entertained.

11. Resurrection Pass Hiking Trail

This massive trail is over 38 miles long and is great for those wanting to camp and hike or bike the whole trail. There are little cabins that you can rent at certain spots along the trail. This way you can hike, then stay in a cabin and hike some more!

The cabins are very basic, so you will have to bring your own supplies. If you are trekking for a few days a water filter is advised rather than bringing along heavy water. Make sure you pack carefully but lightly to bring everything you need.

The trail itself runs along resurrection creek, and there are beautiful views of the mountains in the distance.

12. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

The information center here will tell you all about the area and the animals and wildlife that reside within the protected area.

Staff are happy to talk to you about the area, the wildlife and the history of Kenai. There are also informative videos to watch within the information center.

You can see moose, bald eagles, black and brown bears and many other birds who call the refuge home. The area is very large, and the animals roam free. so you may or may not have any sightings upon your visit.

13. The Parish House Rectory

Kenai’s oldest building, the parish house rectory was built in 1881. It is where the priest of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The building is an interesting place to see especially if you want to see the Russian influence on the village from long ago.

Usually, it isn’t possible to visit inside the building, but it does house oldest piece of non-Native art in Alaska. This is a 17th century copy of the 400-year-old Our Lady of Kazan.

Read also :  15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Alaska

14. Kenai River Brewing Company

Stop in here for an evening of beer tasting or just drop by after a day of fishing or hiking.

This craft brewery has a large taproom where you can try their lovingly crafted beers, do a tasting, buy a drink and also enjoy some delicious food that goes great with the beer.

As a visitor it is also a good place to talk to the local people about Kenai and the sorts of things you can do here. One of the best things you can do is mingle with the locals and learn about the secrets of the town.

15. The Bow Bar

For a place to relax and unwind in Kenai, The Bow Bar is the place most visitors head. Expect live music, a friendly atmosphere and maybe even some late-night karaoke.

Nice place to grab a drink while you are in town.

15 Best Things to Do in Kenai (Alaska):

• Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
• Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church
• Kenai Beach
• Alaska Berries Vineyard
• Russian River
• Fishing Tours
• Crescent Lake Hiking Trail
• Alaska West Air Tours
• Saint Nicholas Chapel
• North Peninsula Recreation Centre
• Resurrection Pass Hiking Trail
• Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
• The Parish House Rectory
• Kenai River Brewing Company
• The Bow Bar

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Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

A 7 Day Kenai Peninsula Itinerary: A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Kenai Peninsula Adventure

May 17, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Planning a trip to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula can be a bit overwhelming. With such a huge variety of things to do, it’s hard to narrow down the places to see and activities to do. That’s why I’ve created this seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Who is this itinerary for?

This itinerary is for anyone who is planning a trip to the Kenai Peninsula. I’ll be making a few different itineraries geared towards specific interests such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing, too. Feel free to follow one specific travel guide, or take pieces from each and make up your own. This particular one is the itinerary I would create for myself if I were visiting the Peninsula for a week. It includes my favorite things to do and see, which I hope you’ll love, too.

What activities should we include in our itinerary?

Great question! I’ve included my favorite Kenai Peninsula activities and places in the itinerary below for you to check out. This travel guide has a mixed bag of activities, but, as state above, I’ll create ones catered to wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking and more as time goes on. What you choose to do will depend on your interests, abilities, and the time of year you visit.

What do I need to know before I travel to the Kenai Peninsula?

Check out this list of things to consider when planning an Alaska vacation . This travel advice will give you insight into what to plan for and expect on your Alaskan adventure.

When are the activities on this Kenai Peninsula travel planner available?

Many of these activities are seasonal, so it will depend on what time of year you’re visiting to what activities will be available. Things start to open up and become more busy during May. The season tapers off in early September, with business’s changing to winter hours or closing for the season. But, if you’re coming to Alaska during the “off season”, check out my winter bucket list for some fun winter activities!

Where does this travel itinerary take us?

All over the Kenai Peninsula! Cooper Landing, Seward, Soldotna, Hope, Homer, and more! For this itinerary I’m assuming you’ll be traveling by car from Anchorage rather than flying into the Peninsula, so Anchorage is our starting point.

Why should I use your itinerary?

As a lifelong Alaskan I’ve been very fortunate to travel all over Alaska. I’ve made the Kenai Peninsula my home for the last eight years and hope to show you the best ways to enjoy your time here. Obviously, you don’t need to use whole itinerary verbatim, but the travel plan listed below includes my favorite things to do on the Kenai Peninsula, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Get an early start to the day and enjoy a hearty breakfast before you leave Anchorage. Although you won’t have a long drive today, you’ll be on the road awhile since there are many great places to explore on your way to Soldotna, so don’t forget snacks for the road.

Tip: Before you hit the road, check out road and weather conditions for any delays along the way. You can find out about those here . Also, fill up your vehicle before you head out of Anchorage.

You’ll start your journey on the Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm. You won’t be on the highway too long before you get to Girdwood, which is your first stop. Although it’s not technically on the Kenai Peninsula, it’s a fun stop to make on your way south. Here, you can explore this unique little community, and visit Alyeska Resort . Take a trip on their tram for some aerial views of glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and the resort itself. Depending on how busy it is, and how much you explore Girdwood, be prepared to spend an hour to an hour and a half here.

Next up the is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center , just a short drive down the highway from Girdwood. This is one of my favorite stops as you can see so many amazing Alaskan critters in one place. This stop will be a minimum of an hour, but it really depends on how long you’d like to watch the animals and if you decide to do a tour or animal encounter while you’re there.

After you visit the center, it’s time to hit the road and head towards Cooper Landing. It will take roughly an hour to get there. Once in Cooper Landing, you can grab a bite to eat or snacks. The reason I’m including this stop in this seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary is not only for the beautiful views and food, but for the wildlife viewing.

While you’re in Cooper Landing, pull out your binoculars and glass the surrounding mountains for goats and Dall sheep. The agility of these animals is amazing to witness, and this is the perfect opportunity to spot some. Then we’re on to Soldotna.

Tip: To find the best places to view wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, check out our Kenai Peninsula wildlife viewing guide .

After viewing wildlife in Cooper Landing, continue along the Sterling Highway into Soldotna. This is where you’ll stay for the night, and grab some dinner for tomorrow’s adventure.

Tip: If you’re looking for great places to eat in Soldotna, check out the list of my favorite local spots here .

Soldotna is famous for its salmon fishing on the Kenai River, so take this opportunity to do a bit of fishing yourself! You can grab a pole and fish at the many public use areas along the river, or take a guided trip on the Kenai or nearby Kasilof River. Spend this day on the river, and then check out the visitor’s center to learn about local events like markets and concerts. Take time to explore shops such as Northcountry Fair, and grab a bite of some delicious local food. Then kick back for the night before you head to your next destination.

Tip: Before you go fishing, make sure you have your fishing license. Also, be sure to check out all of the rules and regulations first. You can loan gear from the local Fish and Game Office if you plan on going unguided. If all the regulations make going without a guide seem daunting, it may be best to book a fishing trip. Book ASAP, though, as they fill up quickly.

We’re on the road again! Pack up your things, grab some food, and let’s head to Homer. Only an hour and a half away from Soldotna, Homer is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Spend the day on the Homer Spit visiting shops, eating, and walking the beach. After your time on the Spit, check out the Islands and Ocean Visitor’s Center to learn about Alaska history and wildlife. Wind down the evening with a stop at a local restaurant such as Fat Olives or AJ’s Oldtown Steakhouse.

For your second day in Homer, take advantage of the great halibut fishing. Homer is known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World”, so book a charter in advance and hit the waters to catch the tastiest fish in Alaska. If you’re not interested in fishing, or are unable to book a charter, hop on the ferry and head to Seldovia.

You can explore much of the community of Seldovia on foot. It’s a beautiful little spot to spend some time, view wildlife, and then enjoy the boat ride back over to Homer before dinner.

Now we’re off to one of my favorite towns on the Kenai Peninsula: Seward! This drive will take you over three hours, and possibly longer since there are many scenic places to stop along the way. Once you arrive in Seaward and get settled in, the first must-do activity is visiting the SeaLife Center .

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a fun, interactive, and educational center that supports wildlife rescue, research, and rehabilitation for Alaska’s marine wildlife. After your trip there, grab a bite to eat, and walk around town to see the various murals and visit local shops. Then, settle in for the night for a big excursion on day six!

All aboard! Head out of the Seward Harbor on the adventure of a lifetime aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise. View the Kenai Fjords National Park, see epic glaciers, and get the opportunity to see whales, sea otters, puffins, porpoise, and more on this full day adventure. If you’re curious about the glacier and wildlife cruise experience, read more here . After your day on the water, it’s time to eat and get ready for the drive back to Anchorage tomorrow.

Tip: Are you wondering what to wear and bring on a glacier and wildlife day cruise? Check out my post about what to wear here .

Onto the last day of the seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary. Today, you’ll be making your way back to Anchorage. This is about a two and a half hour drive, but you can take it as leisurely as you’d like depending on when you need to be back in Anchorage. I’d suggest stopping in the very small town of Hope on your way back, depending on how much time you have. It’s just a short detour off of the Seward Highway, and is a cute place to stop, walk around, and learn a bit about Alaska history. Then, you can cruise back on into Anchorage from there to wrap up your time on Alaska’s beautiful Kenai Peninsula.

This may not be the jam packed seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary you were expecting. This is for good reason, though. Traveling in Alaska shouldn’t be rushed, overly planned, or stressful. I believe the best way to view our beautiful state is by taking as much time as you can, visiting with locals, enjoying the scenery, and not planning every minute of your stay here. Yes, there are things you have to plan ahead of time, but save some time to savor the experience, too.

I hope this week long Kenai Peninsula itinerary has helped you with your Alaska travel planning. If you have questions about traveling to Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or  sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter , and send me an email. You can also join the  Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group , and/or our  New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group  to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

Reader Interactions

May 29, 2023 at 2:37 pm

I’m so excited to spend 6 plus weeks in Alaska. Kenai will be the center of my trip! I will be camping with my 2 dogs and would like to know about day boarding facilities so I can take advantage of tours. Any suggestions on boondocking sites is welcome.

May 30, 2023 at 9:00 pm

That’s going to be awesome! You’ll get to see so much in six weeks; you’ll love it! What months will you be visiting? We live in Soldotna, so I’ll check into boarding places and let you know. Will you be tent camping? I’ll brainstorm some good boondocking places with my husband tonight and get back to you ASAP! 🙂

May 31, 2023 at 11:06 pm

I’d check into Sports Lake Kennel. The place we board our pup isn’t accepting anyone at the moment or else I’d recommend there. As for boondocking, it is a little harder to find spots around the Kenai area since it’s pretty populated and busy during summertime. Many people just camp in the Walmart parking lot, but there are good campgrounds such as Centennial, Swiftwater, and Bings Landing that would be good options for campgrounds. If you visit Homer you can camp on the Spit, too!

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Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula – Things to do and Itinerary

Last Updated on June 15, 2023

The Kenai Peninsula in Alaska is where Alaskans often go to get away and for all kinds of outdoor adventures, so you know it’s got to be pretty awesome right? It is! When I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, it was always a highlight to get to go anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula and I loved it. There are so many fun things to do, from trying delicious local food, to hiking, to whitewater rafting and exploring fun and unique small towns. If you’re heading to Alaska, don’t miss the chance to see this amazing and uniquely Alaskan part of the state! Build at least a day and ideally a few days or as much as a week into your Alaska itinerary .

The Kenai Peninsula is the home of the Dena’ina and Alutiiq People.

How to get to the Kenai Peninsula

• When is the best time to go?

How many days do you need to visit the Kenai Peninsula?

Wildlife watching.

• Homer, Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay State Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

• Salmon and bear viewing
• Russian Orthodox churches
• Local food and drink
• Lodging (including camping)
• 1 day itinerary
• 3 day itinerary
• 7 day itinerary

The best way to see the Kenai Peninsula is a road trip from Anchorage. If you want to do a car free visit, I recommend taking the train to Seward or flying to Homer.

If you drive not only can you explore all along the route, but you’ll see amazing scenery and a good chance of seeing wildlife!

Seward is about a 2.5 hour drive from Anchorage and Homer is a 4.5 hour drive. Make sure to give yourself a lot more time than that however, because you’ll want to make plenty of picture stops.

When is the best time to go to the Kenai Peninsula?

Summer is the best time to go to the Kenai Peninsula. The best weather and most sun are in June and July, although rain is very possible any time of year.

Slightly less expensive lodging can be found in the shoulder season of May and September. It is also easier to find a place to stay or camp if you didn’t plan months in advance during May and September. Tours are often less busy during these months as well.

Related : What to pack for Alaska

You can spend a long time on the Kenai Peninsula without running out of things to do! If you only have a day, I recommend a day trip to Seward from Anchorage.

Three days gives you a chance to drive the whole highway down to Homer and seven days gives you time to explore each town.

Things to do on the Kenai Peninsula

Alaskans come to the Kenai Peninsula to fish, so why not join in the fun! I went to the Kenai Peninsula at least once a year for fishing when I lived in Alaska. The tough part will be deciding what you want to fish for and how.

There are fishing charters that will take you out into the Cook Inlet and beyond for salmon and halibut fishing. You can also find a guide to help you fish in the Russian or Kenai River for salmon and other fish.

You can’t really go wrong here, but I will tell you that my personal favorite is halibut fishing!

There are plenty of wonderful hiking trails on the Kenai Peninsula! Make sure to bring bear spray and keep your food secure. I recommend always hiking in a group here as well and make plenty of noise. A few great hikes on the Kenai to consider are:

• Harding Icefield near Seward in Kenai Fjords – this is a really tough hike with 3500 feet of elevation gain in 9 miles round trip. If you’re not up for that there are plenty of fantastic viewpoints along the way that make good turnaround points. Start the hike at Exit Glacier near Seward
• Tonsina Point and North Head – through the forest and along the beach, you can go up to 12 miles here round trip and up to 2400 feet of elevation gain. You can turnaround at any point on this lovely hike which starts at Lowell Point on the south end of town in Seward.
• Russian River Falls – a 5 mile round trip with 600 feet of elevation gain to a lovely waterfall, be extremely careful about bears here! Start at the Lower Russian Lake trailhead which is in the Russian River campground.
• Skilak Lookout – big views on a rocky lookout of the Kenai Mountains and Skilak Lake with plenty of wildflowers in mid summer. 4.5 miles roundtrip with 1000 feet of elevation gain. Start at the Skilak Lookout parking area on Skilak Lake Road near Cooper Landing
• Homer Spit – this flat walk is an enjoyable way to spend an evening in Homer! The Spit is 4.5 miles long, so keep that in mind while walking. I once accidentally walked myself into a nearly 10 mile walk before dinner that I hadn’t really planned on and I was super hungry by the time I got back to my camp.

Keep an eye out for bears and moose as you’re driving around the Kenai Peninsula. You have an excellent chance of seeing one along the road. Take it slow and stay alert so you don’t miss an animal encounter and so you don’t get into a collision with a bear or moose.

You are also likely to see whales and sea otters if you go out on a boat tour of any kind (fishing or sightseeing).

The town of Homer and the Homer Spit

Homer is one of the most unique towns in Alaska with lots of fun things to do for visitors! There are plenty of art galleries, shops and some really good food. Don’t miss the Salty Dawg, which is an Alaskan institution.

Homer is also a terrific place to go kayaking or book a fishing charter. If you have the time, I highly recommend spending a few days at one of the remote yurts in Kachemak Bay State Park. You can catch a ride with a local water taxi and even rent kayaks to get dropped off with you if you like!

Related : Things to do in Homer

The town of Seward

Once a quiet fishing town, these days Seward is bustling with visitors as well as all the fishing activity. Seward is the departure point for boat tours into Kenai Fjords National Park as well as a starting or ending point for some Alaska cruises. It is also a destination on the Alaska Railroad. There are many fishing charters here making it another good location to book one. Even if you don’t go on a charter, walking around the harbor in the late afternoon gives you the chance to see everyone else’s catch of the day!

The Alaska Sealife Center is another highlight of a visit to Seward, giving you the opportunity to see many of Alaska’s marine wildlife.

Related : Things to do in Seward

Tiny historic town of Hope

Hope is a tiny historic gold mining town that is a designated historic site. Not many visitors make their way to Hope, you coming here will give you a chance to walk around without too many other people. Make sure to check out the interpretive sign near the campground which shows where the gold rush era buildings were and how many were moved to where they are today.

In addition to walking around and checking out the historic buildings, if the Seaview Cafe is open, you can get some tasty food!

Remote and charming town of Seldovia

If you’re a fan of charming and unique towns, then a day trip from Homer to Seldovia is perfect for you! Take the ferry from Homer and stroll around this tiny town on stilts over the water with art galleries and other shops. There is another historic Russian Orthodox church here as well as some mellow and beautiful hiking trails. You can also rent kayaks. On the ferry ride over you have a good chance to see marine wildlife as well.

Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s more accessible national parks, in that you can drive to one part of it. Most of the park can only be accessed by boat or plane, but you can start that journey in Seward. You can visit the Exit Glacier area in your car, just outside of Seward. A short walk takes you to views of the glacier and there are many more miles of trails to explore if you want to.

In my opinion, the boat tour into the park is an absolute must do! It’s a great way to see wildlife and amazing scenery. There are half day and full day tours available from Seward. Both are excellent for seeing wildlife. The longer tour also takes you to one of the park’s tidewater glaciers, but it has more open water and bigger waves than the half day one.

Related : Best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park

Beach day in the shadow of volcanoes

The Captain Cook Recreation Area has a campground and beach access. I highly recommend stopping at one of the beaches along the highway between Soldotna and Homer and this one is a great choice!

Lots of beach and tidepools await you here and if it’s a clear day you’ll see the massive snow covered volcanoes across the Cook Inlet on the Alaska Peninsula.

Paddling around beautiful and protected inlets in a kayak

There are plenty of places to get out on a kayak around the Kenai Peninsula. Seward and Homer both offer both guided kayak trips and rentals. You can also get out kayaking on one of the lakes as well.

If your schedule allows enough time, I highly recommend taking a water taxi across Kachemak Bay from Homer to explore Kachemak Bay State Park by kayak. The water taxi companies will drop off kayaks along with you for an additional fee. You can even stay in a yurt there with your rented kayaks!

Rafting the Kenai River

Rafting the Kenai River is perfect for adventure lovers! Trips go rain or shine so make sure you are prepared for a rainy day. The guide company will provide all the gear you need for an amazing river adventure on the wild Kenai River! Make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes and layers.

Most rafting trips depart from Cooper Landing.

Salmon and bear viewing along the Russian River

The Russian River is a big destination for Alaskans for salmon fishing when the salmon are running. Stop here to see the fish in the river, people fishing and often bears looking for their dinner too! Be very mindful of bears while visiting here and don’t leave any food out. I recommend bringing bear spray with you if you’re hiking or walking away from your car.

Historic Russian Orthodox churches in Kenai

The town of Kenai boasts two historic Russian Orthodoxes churches. The Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church is white with bright blue beautiful domes on top. It is open to visitors. The St Nicholas Chapel is also a historic Russian Orthodox site.

Delicious local food and try local craft beverages

Even though you’ll be in small towns and remote areas, there are amazing food options on the Kenai Peninsula! Make sure not to miss Firebrand BBQ in Seward or Fat Olives in Homer. You won’t go wrong with seafood anywhere on the Kenai, it will all be delicious. Same for baked goods, Alaskans take their baked treats seriously so don’t skip any bakeries!

The Kenai Peninsula is home to two wineries featuring yummy fruit wines with Alaskan fruit. Check out Alaska Berries which uses all fruit grown on their property in Soldotna. Bear Creek Winery is another fruit wine forward spot located in Homer.

There are plenty of breweries to discover as well. My favorite is Cooper Landing Brewing (Cooper Landing) which has an awesome food truck. Kenai River Brewing Company in Soldotna is another good choice.

If you like funky bars, don’t miss the famous Salty Dawg Saloon on the Homer Spit!

Where to stay on the Kenai Peninsula

There are lots of options for camping on the Kenai Peninsula. It is also a very popular place for camping with lots of Alaskans traveling here for camping trips. Especially on summer weekends, finding camping can be very challenging. If you can go mid week or get a reservation that will make it a lot less stressful. Some campgrounds on the Kenai Peninsula (such as the ones along the Russian River) only allow RVs and do not allow tent camping for bear safety.

Some of my favorite places to camp on the Kenai Peninsula include:

• Seward Municipal Campground – a big and busy parking area but a fantastic location with a great view and showers. You can reserve it in advance
• Captain Cook Campground – a stunning location above the beach on Cook Inlet with big volcanoes across the water, this campground is not reservable and sometimes has terrible mosquitos! (honestly though, that’s everywhere in Alaska!)
• Homer Spit Campground – similar to Seward, it’s close to town and a great location. It’s often foggy and windy, but the location can’t be beat if you’re visiting Homer! You can reserve in advance and they have showers.

There are lots of other options, but those are my personal favorites that are in really convenient locations for visitors.

Related : Complete guide to camping in Alaska

Hotels, Lodges and Vacation Rentals

The Kenai Peninsula has lots of lodging available. It is critical to book in advance because this is a very popular area in the summer. There are big lodges on open properties, hotels in town and vacation rentals all over the place.

A lot of the more lodge oriented places are near Cooper Landing or on the outskirts of Seward, Homer and Soldotna. There are clusters of vacation rentals here too.

If you’re looking to stay in a hotel in town, I recommend the Land’s End Resort in Homer and the Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward.

Lodging in Alaska is very expensive so be ready for high prices (or book in the off season, or consider camping).

Related : Alaska on a budget

Kenai Peninsula weekend and week long itineraries

One day itinerary for the kenai peninsula.

If you only have a day and you want to get a taste of the Kenai Peninsula, I recommend a day trip to Seward from Anchorage. You can even do this without a car by taking the train!

If you’re driving, stop at Exit Glacier and check out the awesome glacier views up close! If you take the train there’s a shuttle you can take to Exit Glacier if you have enough time before your train leaves.

Make sure to arrive in Seward in time to do the afternoon boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll see a ton of marine wildlife and some incredible scenery. If you’re riding the train, the train is timed to sync up with the afternoon tours.

When you get back to Seward, check out the Alaska Sealife Center and walk around the shops before heading back to Anchorage.

Three day itinerary for the Kenai Peninsula

Three days gives you enough time to make it to Homer at the end of Kenai Peninsula, as long as you don’t mind spending a lot of time in the car! You can shorten it my just going to Seward and Soldotna or Kenai for less driving.

Day 1 – Anchorage to Seward

Spent at least half the day driving from Anchorage to Seward. There are lots of wonderful places to stop along the way, so pick one or two and get to Seward in time for the afternoon wildlife cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park which departs from the Seward Harbor in the early afternoon.

Have a seafood dinner from one of the many restaurants near the harbor, or grab one of the many reindeer sausage specialties from the Side Street Local food truck downtown.

Overnight at the Harbor 360 Hotel or the Seward Municipal campground

Day 2 – Seward to Homer

You’re looking at about 3.5 hours of driving this day. Get up and grab a breakfast burrito from Firebrand BBQ in Seward and then head out of town. Just on the outskirts of Seward, turn left toward Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Park at the visitor center and then take the short walk out to the viewpoint of spectacular Exit Glacier.

Back on the road, turn towards Cooper Landing and Soldotna at the junction with the highway back to Anchorage. Stop for a beer (and if you’re hungry visit the food truck) at Cooper Landing Brewing.

Stop along the Russian River if there are fishermen out, to have a look for salmon and bears also fishing along the river!

Make sure to fill up on gas in Soldotna and this is a good place to grab some food if you haven’t already.

Back in the car, stop at the Captain Cook Recreation Area, or anywhere else along the highway as it goes along the Cook Inlet. Not only can you explore the beach here, you can see immense volcanoes across the Cook Inlet on the Alaska Peninsula.

When you arrive in Homer, check into the campground or the hotel. Take a walk on the Homer Spit and grab some tasty dinner at Fat Olive’s and have a drink at the Salty Dawg.

Day 3 – Homer to Anchorage

In the morning, visit the Two Sisters Bakery and then take a kayaking tour or a fishing charter. If you’d rather just relax and watch the water, you can do that too!

In the afternoon, head back to Anchorage. You can stop for a couple of the stops you missed on the way down if you like.

One week (7 day) itinerary for the Kenai Peninsula

If you have more time to spend on the Kenai Peninsula LUCKY YOU! You can spread out the driving and do a lot more activities.

Same as the above – make some stops along the way and do the boat tour in the afternoon. You could also visit Exit Glacier on this first day instead and do the full day tour of Kenai Fjords on Day 2!

Day 2 – Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

Spend the day in Seward and Kenai Fjords. One option would be to do a full day boat tour of Kenai Fjords, which gives lots of opportunity to see wildlife and glaciers. If you’re a hiker, you might prefer to do the Harding Icefield hike, which is spectacular but really hard! You could also spend the day doing a kayak tour or just walking around town.

Day 3 – Seward to Homer

Similar to Day 2 in the three day itinerary except you’ve already been to Exit Glacier. Instead, you can spend more time doing a hike along the way or beach combing. You could also do a rafting trip in Cooper Landing.

Make sure to stop along the beach and explore a bit and check out the view before driving to Homer, checking in, walking the Homer Spit and enjoying dinner.

Day 4 – Day trip to Seldovia or Kachemak Bay State Park

Take the ferry to the artsy, scenic and remote town of Seldovia. If you’d like to get out of town completely, take a tour or water taxi across the bay to Kachemak Bay State Park and rent kayaks or do a guided kayak tour here. There are mountains, fjords and lots of wildlife including whales and sea otters!

Day 5 – Do a fishing charter

Even if you have no experience, a fishing charter is a fantastic thing to do on the Kenai Peninsula! This is a place you’ll find lots of Alaskans doing charters to if they don’t have their own boat. You can go out in the open ocean for salmon or halibut, or you can try your hand at fly fishing or other types of river fishing in the Kenai’s many rivers.

If you’re not keen on fishing, you can do a hike this day or a kayak tour instead. Or you can enjoy looking out the window where you’re staying and enjoy the view!

If you’re camping, you could consider moving from the campground in Homer to the Captain Cook or one of the campgrounds along one of the Kenai Peninsula’s many lakes if you’re ready for a change of scenery before heading back to Anchorage.

Day 6 – Homer to Cooper Landing

With more time, you can break up the trip back to Anchorage by staying at one of the lodges near Cooper Landing or one of the many campgrounds. This is a great day to visit the beach again or go for a hike or another type of tour you haven’t done yet, such as rafting or flightseeing.

Day 7 – Cooper Landing to Anchorage via Hope

On your way back to Anchorage, take the one hour detour to the tiny historic town of Hope. This is a place not many visitors make it to, and it has interesting historic buildings and a great view of Turnagain arm.

Back on the road, stop at Chair 5 for pizza in Girdwood on your way back to Anchorage.

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15 Things to Do on Kenai Peninsula: Complete Guide to Alaska’s Best Adventure Destination

By: Author Gabi

Posted on Last updated: April 16, 2024

The Kenai Peninsula was everything I’d dreamed it to be. After seeing all the major destinations in Alaska, somehow the Kenai Peninsula remains to be my favorite.

The Kenai Peninsula is basically the adventure capital of Alaska, there’s just so much to hike, bike, camp, and explore.

Read on to find out the most epic things to do and why the Kenai Peninsula is an absolute must on your next trip to Alaska.

I distinctly remember the moments of planning our trip to Alaska where I became giddy with excitement about how many epic things there were to do on the the Kenai Peninsula. It felt like a dream come true to my hyper-adventurer self.

There were endless amounts of trails to hike, and not just any trails. These were the kinds of hikes that were so beautiful they’d be seared into your memory forever. I knew from the moment I found out about the Kenai Peninsula that there would never be enough time to explore all there is to do there…but we gave it a pretty good shot.

On our road trip to/from Alaska, we got to spend 10 days on the Kenai Peninsula . While many people don’t have that much time on their Alaska trip, I would highly recommend spending nearly that much time exploring this area of Alaska, especially if you love the outdoors and small-town culture.

Like most of Alaska, what’s incredible about the Kenai Peninsula is how diverse everything is. You can jump between the mountains of Girdwood, the glaciers of Portage Pass, the forests of Cooper Landing, Kenai Lake, and the beaches of Homer all within a 2-hour radius.

Have I convinced you to visit yet? Good. And if I haven’t yet, let me tell you that the Kenai Peninsula was easily our favorite destination in all of Alaska. This says a lot because the Last Frontier is pretty much amazing wherever you go.

Enough rambling here’s the beta…

P.S. You can save this post for later by pinning it!

Table of Contents

Map of Adventures + Activities on Kenai Peninsula 

I’ve included a map of all the locations, adventures, restaurants, and campgrounds/accommodations I recommend for your convenience.

Kenai Peninsula: Tips Before You Go

How much time do i need.

If you don’t have 10 days available on your Alaska Itinerary, the Kenai Peninsula is still worth visiting. If you fly into Anchorage it’s a pretty short drive to get onto the Kenai Peninsula. Even if you only make it as far as Turnagain Pass, it’s worth the trip.

Related : 10 Best Campgrounds near Anchorage, AK

Should I Camp?

Alaska as a whole is best experienced by camping. It can be tent camping, RVing, or even backcountry camping, but really, lodges, hotels, and B&Bs aren’t really going to put you in as scenic locations. Plus, campgrounds tend to be closer to the recommended activities for the day.

That being said, at the bottom of this post you can find more recommended lodges, hotels, and B&Bs if you aren’t down to camp.

On this trip, we chose to RV camp since we drove to Alaska on our road trip from San Diego . Going back in the future, I think I would choose to either:

• Just backpack and hop between long-distance backpacking trails that are on my Alaska Bucket List.
• Or rent a van/RV in Anchorage to travel with.

Related : 10 Best RV Rentals in Anchorage, AK

Without further ado, here are…

10 Radical, Epic, Unforgettable Things You Must Do on the Kenai Peninsula:

Ordered from north to south .

1 | Explore the scenic drive to Turnagain Pass

The first thing you will reach after officially entering the peninsula and passing the “Welcome to the Kenai Peninsula” sign is the highest point of the scenic Seward Highway. If you didn’t get enough beautiful views along Turnagain Arm, don’t worry because once again the drive is incredible.

Driving up Turnagain Pass isn’t a very steep drive. It winds its way through a valley of lush green mountainsides all of which are snow-capped. At the top of the pass, there are two great rest areas with lots of space, restrooms, picnic tables, and even access to summer trails/cross-country skiing trails.

If you are super short on time in Alaska, I still recommend driving to this point because the views along the way are just that incredible. RVers and Vanlifers can easily choose to overnight park at this rest area if they want and if you’re looking for an easy stroll, you can find something here.

2 | Ride the Sixmile Trail bike path

As you descend from Turnagain Pass, you’ll soon reach the start of an awesome bike path that runs from mile marker 63.7 (mile markers on this highway are the distance from Anchorage) and ends at the Canyon Creek rest area at mile 70 which is also the junction for the town of Hope.

The bike path is an even greater way to experience the stunning scenery of the Seward Highway. The paved trail, which runs parallel to the road, has a few hills but isn’t super steep and is a perfect outdoor activity for the whole family. While you could ride it point to point, we enjoyed riding it as far as we wanted and then backtracked the way we came.

There are two places I’d recommend parking to ride this:

• The first is at the rest area right by Hope Junction. This hard-to-miss pullout is at mile marker 70. This is where we started from and it’s slightly flatter to ride on this side.
• The other option is to camp at Granite Creek Campground. This campground sits right on the bike path and is a nice place to spend the night.

3 | Backpack or Mountain Bike Johnson Pass

At the very same parking lot/pullout that the Sixmile Trail starts from you can also embark on one of Alaska’s greatest long-distance trails, Johnson Trail. I did not personally have time in my trip to enjoy the 23-mile hike or bike ride but upon discovering the trail, I instantly wished I had been able to make time for it.

Being only a short 23 miles, the trek can easily be made on a one-night backpacking trip. The trail is 23 miles from point to point. However, many choose to just start from the north access, hike to the top of the pass 11 miles in, spend the night at the scenic Bench and Johnson alpine lakes, and then turn back the way they came to avoid coordinating car shuttles.

What’s really cool about this trail is how much beautiful scenery you get to hike through and there is only 1,000 feet of elevation gain total. This makes it a great family-friendly backpacking trip.

Mountain bikers can easily finish this trail in a day and it isn’t a very challenging trail. Even kids who are strong bikers will be able to navigate the mostly smooth, occasionally rooty sections of Johnson Pass.

If you thru hiking or bike it, you will have to think about car shuttles. If you have a friend with another car you can leave a car on one end and park on the other end. Or, you can pay for a hiker shuttle.

The trail is usually snow-free by mid to late June through late September or early October. Check trail conditions here.

4 | Explore Historic Hope

Visiting Hope is like traveling back in time. It’s the very definition of Alaska’s motto, The Last Frontier , it feels like I’m amidst a real gold mining town.

Hope lies in the northwest corner of the Kenai but is accessed via a 30-minute detour from the Seward Highway.

Hope is an incredibly beautiful town that will take you by surprise with its lush greenery, mellow town vibe, and old-fashioned buildings. People’s backyards are adorned with pretty flowers, and huge trees, while the town backs to the gorgeous inlet of the Turnagain Arm.

In Hope there’s not a lot to do besides spending a few hours wandering the deserted streets, admiring the rustic buildings, grabbing coffee at GroundsForHope, dilly-dallying in the bookstore, wandering the shores, and grabbing a drink/bite to eat at Seaview Cafe and Bar.

Hope has 3 great trails from town:

• Hope Point : distance round trip: 7.5 miles, elevation gain of 3441 feet
• Gull Rock : distance round trip: 11 miles, elevation gain of 2539 feet
• Turnagain Arm Trail : distance round trip: 3.8 miles, elevation gain 1338 feet

Hope is most well known for being the start/end point of the popular thru-hike/mountain bike ride of Resurrection Pass . See #8 below for details

Being a historic gold mining town, going gold panning is all the rage. The Hope and Sunrise Museum is a great place to start if you are interested in the town’s gold mining history or just want to give gold mining a try. If you’ve been gold panning before, it’s not a necessity to check out. The magic of Hope is the town itself.

The campground in town, Seaview RV Park, was absolutely stunning. We’re normally hesitant to pay for campgrounds in the free-camping haven of Kenai, but we were very glad we chose to stay at the oceanfront RV Park. It allowed us to spend the morning and evening walking on the coast and through the miniature downtown.

If you are an avid “boondocker” or just want a cheap campground, there was a great free spot nestled in the trees to camp on the way into Hope however this isn’t recommended to RVers. It’s only a couple hundred-foot dirt road to get to the riverside camping area but the road had very large ruts and even we, who are pretty worry-free when it comes to dirt roads, decided against driving down there.  Click here to get directions or input these coordinates into your GPS (60.8288900, -149.4245300).

I’d highly recommend visiting Hope for just one night. I do think the campground is worth staying at. One night gives you just the right amount of time to explore the beach, and the town, and squeeze in a hike if you want. Or who knows, you might even be interested in tackling the 37-mile resurrection pass and you can take off from there.

5 | Free camp near Moose Pass

Arriving on the Kenai Peninsula on a Saturday night with the weekend warriors of Anchorage swarming the shores, it was really hard to find a decent campsite that wasn’t already full. With the help of the iOverlander app, we stumbled upon one of the most beautiful free campsites we’ve ever been to.

This camping spot is basically a large dirt cul-de-sac that’s surrounded by the forest and is also the boat launch to Upper Trail Lake. The dirt area can hold a couple dozen RVs and tent campers can make a great campsite in the trees. Some spots are waterfront and you get lake views from your site.

If you get there early in the weekend you’ll get the better spots. If you’re just looking for a place to crash between adventures, the other spots are still very close to the beautiful lake. Note: there are no amenities here.

Getting there:

To get there, click here or input these coordinates into your GPS (60.5029800, -149.3685500). It’s really easy to get there and is right before the small town of Moose Pass on the road to Seward. It’s only one turn but it’s easy to miss, just keep an eye out for where the guardrail starts/ends.

6 | Hike the Exit Glacier

While the majority of Kenai Fjords NP is only accessible by water, the Exit Glacier is the single exception. Just north of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park can be reached by car and you can explore the main attraction, the Exit Glacier.

While glaciers are in abundance in Alaska, I found this glacier to be the most stunning one. That’s mostly due to the great trails that brought you up close and personal no matter your experience level and for free.

All trails begin from the visitor center, which p.s. you can grab a Junior Ranger booklet for your kids. Beginner hikers can explore the mostly paved trails at the base of the glacier for up to a 2-mile hike with no elevation gain.

Experienced hikers will be stoked to hear that the Harding Icefield Trail is one of the greatest hikes in all of Alaska. The Harding Icefield Trail, or HIT as the rangers call it, ascends the cliff that runs adjacent to the glacier flow. There are 3 different lookouts on the trail and all have stunning views and can be great turnaround points:

• Marmot Meadows (4 miles round trip)
• Top of the Cliff (6 miles round trip)
• End of the Trail (8 miles round trip).

The trail is steep and gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation over the full 8-mile hike but the views are worth it. The End of the Trail is spectacular.

If the full trail is melted out, I encourage the full 8-mile trip. If there’s too much snow, the other lookouts are still great.

If your budget allows, Kenai Fjords is worth exploring by water! On a Kenai Fjords tour, you can explore a marine wonderland full of sea otters, seals, whales, and even puffins and eagles. Find out more about the top places to see wildlife in Alaska here .

Related : 5 Amazing Hikes Near Anchorage AK

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7 | Optional: Camp in Seward

I did not like Seward at all we left only 10 minutes after we got there. It was just too crowded and not scenic enough.

Just because I don’t like Seward doesn’t mean you won’t like Seward because there are hundreds of people from Anchorage who love going to Seward every weekend.

Seward is great for social butterflies. It’s a very extroverted town with lots of events going on year-round. The campgrounds are all within walking distance of Main Street however the campgrounds aren’t exactly a natural setting. The campgrounds are waterfront, but they’re just parking spots and you’ll be right next to neighbors.

The town of Seward is beautiful but to me, it doesn’t compare to Haines, Skagway, or Valdez. There are some great trails from a town like Mount Marathon, Lowell Canyon, Skyline Trail, Alice Mountain, and the many short + long-distance trails of Caines Head State Recreation Area.

The biggest draw of Seward has to be the kayaking trip in Kenai Fjords National Park. The overnight kayaking excursion to Miller’s Landing was high on my Alaska Bucket List and it looked so epic.

I wanted to do this excursion so bad but unfortunately, it just wasn’t within our budget on this Alaska trip. On my next Alaska trip, it will be a priority. I highly recommend others to take on the adventure if it’s within their price range. Click here to find a Kayaking excursion into Kenai Fjords National Park.

Seward offers great opportunities for fishing. Besides deep sea fishing for halibut, rockfish, and salmon, another traveler we met told us about how great snag fishing is in Seward. Head down Nash Road and turn into the 2nd campground.

It’s $10 per person and you line up with a bunch of other fishermen/women and snag yourself some salmon. If you don’t have gear, go into town to get yourself boots and gear. They made it sound like you don’t need much experience, just the right gear.

8 | Backpack or Mountain Bike Resurrection Pass Trail

Much like Johnson Pass, Resurrection Pass is a popular point-to-point trail for hikers and mountain bikers. This trail is more difficult than Johnson Pass. The north access of this 39-mile trail is located in Hope and the south access is just 5 minutes west of Russian River Campground (see number 9).

Resurrection Pass Trail is not super technical but has more than 4,000 feet of elevation gain all of which you have to descend on the other side of the pass.

The pass is hiked/biked both ways. If you take the trail north to south, it’s a more gradual ascent. From south to north the trail, the ascent is much steeper.

Photos are shown above via MTBProject.com

While strong mountain bikers may be able to ride the whole trail in 1 day, hikers will no doubt have to camp at least 1 night on the pass.

On the trail, there are 19 different campsites you can stay at plus there are 8 reservable cabins you could choose to stay at. All the campsites are first come first serve but if all the sites are full in mid-summer, you are allowed to camp wherever.

Cabins must be reserved ahead of time and like most Alaska huts, they get booked early on. Click here to search for huts.

Just like Johnson Pass, you may need to pay for a shuttle if you don’t have a friend with a second car to park on one end. Wildman’s Shuttles also offers services for these two trailheads .

Mid-June through September are often snow-free to hike or bike this trail. See current trail conditions here.

9 | Adventure on the Russian River

The Russian River trailhead is the starting point to multiple different adventures in the forests of Cooper Landing.

The most popular hike in the area is Russian River Falls, an easy 5-mile roundtrip hike that takes you not to the most spectacular waterfall but what made this experience unforgettable for us was watching the salmon run. Alaska is famous for the salmon runs but seeing it in real life blew us away. There were hundreds of salmon! Because of that, this hike probably isn’t that spectacular in the winter or mid-summer.

Just a couple hundred yards further down from Russian River Falls is a popular salmon, trout, and fly fishing spot. Having hiked this on the first day of legal salmon fishing, the place was packed, and for a good reason. People were reeling in salmon by the minute.

Whether you want to go fishing or just see the falls, many people choose to mountain bike this trail. It’s barely considered mountain biking though. The trail is so smooth that many of the fishermen choose to ride for the ease of hauling their gear in and out.

If you are up for a longer trail (bike or hike), head left across the bridge before you reach Russian River Falls. Then take the trail to Upper and/or Lower Russian River Lake. The trail is 3 miles to the lower lake which isn’t much further than the falls. It’s 12 miles to the upper lake, which can easily be biked out and back in 1 day, or you can thru bike the full 22 miles to Snug Harbor Road and bike back on the highway.

Camping right at the trailhead at Russian River Campground is awesome however it’s very popular and often full. In that case, you can also camp at Cooper Creek Campground just five minutes further east.

Related : 25 Epic Things to Do Near Anchorage AK

10 | Explore Skilak Lake Road

Skilak Road seems to be one of the few remaining hidden gems on the Kenai peninsula. This 19-mile dirt road runs west-east, parallel to the Sterling Highway by Cooper Landing, and contains a dozen or so great trails and secluded camping. Though dirt, the road is well maintained for any vehicle but only open from May to November.

Along Skilak Lake road you’ll find a dozen trailheads that can take you to things like:

• The summit of Bear Mountain (2 miles roundtrip, very steep)
• Along the Kenai River (10 miles roundtrip, mostly flat)
• Skilak Lake Lookout (5 miles roundtrip, moderately steep) which takes you to an incredible lookout of a turquoise blue lake that reminded us of Jasper National Park without the crowds. Click here to check out the trails in the area.

In addition, the road contains a few secluded, peaceful campgrounds: Hidden Lake Campground, Upper Skilak Campground, Lower Skilak Campgrounds (which is a free campground), and Lower Ohmer Lake Campground (also free). There’s even a dump station at mile 11.7 from the east junction and mile 7.3 from the west junction.

Note: the mosquitos can get really bad here, bring bug spray.

11 | Camp on The Spit + Explore Homer

Homer has been on my radar ever since Backpacker Magazine included it among its top 10 Trail Towns of 2018. Considering I loved 5 of the other towns included in the roundup, I thought I oughta to give Homer a shot, though I was doubtful I’d like given that I wasn’t much of a beach person.

Homer is also home to The Spit, a renowned camping spot that every Alaskan we talked to recommended to us. Even still, we couldn’t decide if it was worth the drive to go all the way to Homer for this camping experience. People said it’s amazing but we wanted to know why it was amazing. 

Though I doubted whether Homer would be as amazing as they say, let me tell you it is. Being a beach town, it’s very unique among Alaska ecosystems. Camping on The Spit provides oceanfront access and views whilst being surrounded by mountains across the bay.

Homer is also an amazing place for foodies. Filled with world-famous seafood, great bakeries, a few microbreweries, and a fantastic farmers market on Wednesdays from 2 pm-5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm in the summer, there is surely something to delight your taste buds.

Within the town of Homer, before you head out onto The Spit, there are some great restaurants. There’s Fat Olive’s, Captain Coffee Roasting Co., and Grace Ridge Brewing Co. We preferred to eat out on The Spit for the convenience of walking to eat.

There are multiple different RV Parks/campgrounds to choose from on the Spit. All of them are very pretty, but if you come to Homer I highly recommend the Homer Spit Campground at the end of the road.

If you stay here, you’re within walking distance of eateries like Coal Tree Coffee and Tea, Flagship Creamery, Salty Dawg Saloon, the fish markets, shopping, and the Little Mermaid restaurant.

Homer Spit Campground also has the absolute best campground showers in ALL of Alaska (no joke) plus a laundry room and free, fast WiFi. We could’ve stayed here for days on end if we had the time!

Excursions are all the rave in Alaska and while I don’t think most are worth the money, I highly recommend splurging to take a fishing charter. After all, Homer is the Halibut capital of the world! It seems to be a super unique and personal experience, plus you’ll walk away with not only memories but also delicious, wild Alaskan fish.

In addition, I would highly recommend taking a water taxi/boat charter across the bay to hike one of the many established trails in Kachemak Bay.

Kachemak Bay is secluded and contains some mind-blowing trails to alpine lakes and beautiful summits. You can even camp in the bay at one of the 15 established campgrounds, at a backcountry campsite, or at a reservable public-use cabin.

Some of the most popular smaller bays of Kachemak Bay are Halibut Cove, Soldovia, Eldred Passage, Sadie Cove, and more.

Things to Do on the Way to The Kenai Peninsula:

Unless you are traveling by ferry along the Alaska Marine Highway, the only way to get to the Kenai peninsula is by driving the Seward Highway. The Seward Hwy starts from Anchorage, runs along the stunning coastal waters of Turnagain Arm, goes past Girdwood and Alyeska Ski Resort, and then turns west upon reaching the junction for Whitter.

Along the scenic stretch of highway, there are SO MANY epic things to do. This section is not technically a part of the Kenai Peninsula but it’d be a crime to not stop and enjoy the hikes, views, and cute towns along the Seward Highway on your way to the Kenai Peninsula.

Related : A Complete Guide to Denali National Park

12 | Hike Portage Pass

As the road turns south, just before reaching the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll see the hard-to-miss junction for Whittier.  Whittier itself is not much of a destination, merely a busy port along the Alaska Marine Highway.  The gem is Portage Pass on the road to Whittier.

Portage Pass is a stunning bubble of glacial wonders that’s only 5 miles away from the Seward Highway.  There are two popular access points to the beauty of the area:

• The first is the Portage Pass trailhead on the east side,
• The other is the Visitor Center which is also the port for Glacier Cruises on the west side.

The two sides of the lake are separated by a 2.5-mile long, single-lane tunnel to get through the mountain that juts into Portage Lake.

The tunnel requires a little bit of planning in your schedule since they alternate traffic between the two sides every 30 minutes.  Click here to see the current schedule for the tunnel.

If one of the most rewarding, short hikes in Alaska sounds appealing to you, you have to cross the tunnel and hike to Portage Pass and Portage Lake from the Portage Trailhead.  The trailhead is impossible to miss, it’s the first trailhead shown on the right side of the highway after passing through the tunnel.

The well-marked national forest trail is steep. Luckily, it’s 1 mile before you reach the summit of Portage Pass.  From Portage you get incredible views in all directions of the the glacier, the lake beneath it, green mountains all around, and perhaps the best view, looking down at the sea toward Whittier with more mountains surrounding.

If you choose to do so, you can continue one more mile down to Portage Lake.  While 2 miles isn’t much for even inexperienced hikers, keep in mind that you will have to descend down to the glacial lake which means you’ll have to do one more steep ascent to return the way you came. 

If you’ve got fresh legs then it’s worth heading down, it only adds 2 more miles after all, to sit by the icy blue waters and relax on the rocky shore.  If it’s really hot outside you could even cool down with a polar plunge.

We decided to do this hike as a family and Tatiana, being only 8 years old and not very excited to hike up hills, stayed back at Portage Pass and waited for us.  The views from above are probably better than at the lake. It’s really up to if you want to hike more or not.

Related : Everything You Need to Know to Drive to Alaska

13 | Hike Byron Glacier

Before crossing the tunnel along Portage Glacier Access Road, you will see large signs for Byron Glacier and Begich Boggs Visitor Center.  This is the alternative or an addition to hiking Portage Pass.

Byron Glacier begins as an established trail from its trailhead and continues with a little elevation gain for .8 miles where the designated trail then ends.  From here, there are dozens of opportunities.  You can hike further to the edge of the glacier which takes about an hour to get to. You can head up the left ridge for views of Portage, continue to Byron Peak, and more. The Outbound gives a pretty good description of this adventure, see it by clicking here.

We visited Portage Pass toward the end of our trip. Since we were crunched on time, we chose to do the Portage Glacier hike over Byron. I do think the Portage Glacier hike is a can’t-miss in Alaska but Byron is more fitting if you want a full-day adventure or want to get off the beaten path away from the crowds.  

Related : Why You Need to Visit Haines, Alaska & The Golden Circle

14 | Bike the Trail of Blue Ice

On the way to or from the Portage Pass tunnel, you’ll drive along a beautiful moraine-filled river where you’ll see the pretty path, the Trail of Blue Ice. Much like the Sixmile Trail, riding the bike path is a great way to slow down and take in the scenery especially if you want an easy, non-strenuous adventure. 

This 5-mile mostly paved path runs from the initial junction at Moose Flats Day Use area to Portage Lake and the Visitor Center with practically no elevation change.

If you have time on your itinerary, I recommend camping on the scenic river. You can access the path right from camp.  There are 3 different national forest campgrounds to choose from on this stretch so you can access the Trail of Blue Ice:

• Five Fingers Campground : A walk-in, tent-only campsite, with no amenities
• Black Bear Creek Campground : A tent or camper-only campground (no RVS) with 13 sites, the usual national forest amenities, and no hookups
• Williwaw Campground : A tent or RV campground suitable for most any size rig, 60 paved sites, usual amenities, and no hookups

15 | Girdwood

Finally, you absolutely cannot miss one of our favorite towns in Alaska, Girdwood!

Girdwood is a popular, and the only, ski town near Anchorage. Let’s be honest, it’s hard not to like a ski town. The good vibes, the outdoor culture, the great breweries, the hiking, biking, camping, and exploring. Girdwood is just like the rest of them only better because come on, it’s Alaska, the mountains really don’t get much better anywhere else in the world.

Girdwood has a little bit of something for everyone. There are easy hikes like Winner Creek and harder ones where you can stay at awesome backcountry huts.  There’s a sick brewery with a delicious new food truck in the parking lot every day.  There’s a downhill bike park but also a bike path. Take your pick, it’s all amazing.

Where to Stay: Camping + Accommodation

The Kenai Peninsula, and Alaska as a whole, is best experienced by camping. On our 3 week trip through Alaska, we found some great and not-so-great campgrounds.

If you don’t want to drive to Alaska with your RV, don’t worry! There are many great RV rentals in Anchorage. You can find our top RV picks here!

Here are my top recommendations for camping as well as accommodation. We did not stay at these hotels/lodges personally but when we passed through the areas and saw each place, we could tell if it was the kind of place we’d want to stay at:

• Turnagain Pass Rest area: Beautiful views and a great place to crash late at night. No tents.
• Russian River Campground: Access to hike/bike trail to the falls, lakes, or fishing
• Seward Municipal Campgrounds: Crowded but close to trails, downtown, and excursions of the town of Seward. Paid showers and dump station. Optional hookups at some campgrounds.
• Moose Pass free camping: As mentioned, beautiful scenery. No amenities. Close drive to Exit Glacier.
• Cooper Creek Campground: Great campground if the popular Russian River campground is already full. It’s a 5-minute drive further west but good if you want to access that trailhead. In my opinion, it’s also prettier.
• Granite Creek Campground: Access to the Sixmile bike path
• Homer Spit Campground: Iconic camping spot in Alaska. Walking distance from town. Free wifi and showers plus laundry facilities and optional hookups.
• Upper Skilak Lake Campground: Located in a pretty forest with typical National Forest amenities. Close to great hikes on Skilak Lake Road.
• Seaview RV Park: Waterfront RV and tent campground with optional electricity hookups within walking distance of the main street in Hope

Hotels/Lodges

Summit Lake Lodge: Lakefront mountain lodge with scenic views, a great restaurant, and more luxury than most lodges nearby. Proximity to Cooper Landing and Skilake Road.

Gwin’s Lodge: Just a few minutes from the Russian River. Local feel and cozy vibe. Famous roadhouse restaurant/bar and excursions offered from the lodge.

Otter Beach Lodges: This is one of the few accommodations actually on The Spit. Within walking distance of restaurants on the Spit. Oceanfront.

Be sure to also check out the top accommodations and campgrounds near Anchorage !

Showers and Laundry

Throughout the Kenai Peninsula, some laundromats also have paid showers. This can be really helpful for when you just need to get cleaned up for another week off the grid. Here are a few easy places to stop along the way if you need to:

• Wash Out Laundromat, Soldotna: Place to get showers and laundry between Cooper Landing and Soldotna
• Washboard, Homer: If you’re not staying at a campground in Homer, this is another option for showers and laundry. It’s right along the highway right before you head onto The Spit
• The Laundromat, Girdwood: Girdwood is right on the way to the Kenai Peninsula.

Before You Go

I hope that helps you plan the perfect trip to the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. If trip planning overwhelms you, hire me to do it. Also, the Kenai Peninsula is filled with great hikes. If you are not in hiking shape or you’d like to be able to hike further and feel better, check out our free Fit To Hike Program . Last, grab our free Adventure Resource Bundle with pack lists, gear guides, and more.

Related blogs:

• Complete Guide to Denali
• 25 Epic Things to do in Anchorage
• 5 Amazing Hikes in Anchorage
• Where to Stay & Camp near Anchorage
• Driving the Alcan Highway
• What to do on the Golden Circle: Carcross, Skagway, and Haines

Hope you have an incredible trip to the Kenai Peninsula! If you have any questions about visiting, let us know in the comments section below!

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Marty Wynne

Friday 14th of May 2021

having never been to Alaska, your blog is SO helpful to those of us who cherish hiking and camping amid amazing scenery. Very well written and love your honesty. thanks thanks thanks

Glad it could help! I wish I was going back there this summer! It is so amazing :)

Friday 19th of February 2021

Wow, finally a blog with incredibly useful and detailed information. Thank you! I am taking notes and adding it to my Alaska planning guide.

Saturday 20th of February 2021

So glad to hear! Enjoy Alaska!

Wednesday 18th of December 2019

Thank you so much for SO MANY amazing ideas!! Love this blog!!

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Your Complete Guide to Exploring Alaska’s Enchanting Kenai Peninsula

Published: november 6, 2023.

Home » Epic Locations » Your Complete Guide to Exploring Alaska’s Enchanting Kenai Peninsula

From world-class fishing to out-of-this-world landscapes, the Kenai Peninsula is a must-visit destination with only-in-Alaska experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Kenai Peninsula Alaska is rich with history; stunning scenery of mountains and waterways; diverse wildlife of land, water, and sky; and abundant activities that provide excitement year-round, from catching a king salmon or a halibut to kayaking and rafting to conquering classic hikes and casually camping. There are many can’t-miss attractions like state and national parks and charming communities.

In this comprehensive guide to exploring Alaska’s enchanting Kenai Peninsula, you’ll discover the top locations to visit, most popular things to do, delicious local delicacies, hidden gems, and everything else you’ll need to know before you go.

Discovering the Magic of the Kenai Peninsula: Why It’s a Must-Visit

The Kenai Peninsula’s must-visit allure begins with the peninsula itself. A map of the Kenai Peninsula illustrates its immense size (more than 25,000 square miles), hundreds of miles of coastline, and the shape of a gigantic thumb jutting from mountainous Southcentral Alaska, making it fertile for distinct ecosystems and experiences.

Kenai Peninsula’s history and culture are woven into Alaska’s culture. The area has inspired explorers for centuries, and its towns are gateways to adventures. Long before the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 and Alaska became a state in 1959, the Kenai Peninsula was a trove of travelers and cultures. Its name is derived from the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, and Alaska Native Athabascan and Dena’ina tribes have long inhabited the area and still utilize its rich resources for traditional lifestyles. In the 1700s, Russians arrived, ringing in exploration and fur trading, followed by Gold Rush prospectors. 

Today, it’s affectionately known as “Alaska’s Playground,” where residents and visitors come for unforgettable fishing tours , wildlife viewing, and recreational fun.

Kenai Peninsula Weather – What to Expect

Alaska weather greets travelers with extremes, and Kenai Peninsula weather mainly reflects the state’s seasons: sunny and warm summers, bright white winters, the renewed green of spring, and the golden sunsets and vibrant foliage of fall. However, its southern setting and surrounding coastlines mean Kenai weather isn’t as cold as the rest of the state in winter (usually hovering around freezing), but also isn’t as warm in summer (expect 50s-60s). There’s more precipitation – rain and snow – and a steady wind that visitors must prepare for, too.

Each season’s weather paint beautiful settings for Kenai Peninsula activities: summer’s fishing, hiking, camping and boat tours; winter’s skiing, snowshoeing and snowmachining; fall’s scenic drives and migratory birdwatching; and spring’s return of wildlife, marine life and birds.

Top Locations to Visit on the Kenai Peninsula

Whatever Alaska adventure you seek, you’ll likely find a grand version of it on this Alaskan Peninsula. It’s all here: fishing and rafting, kayaking and camping, wildlife and glacier viewing, notable national parks in Alaska, welcoming towns, and surprises. This section introduces some of Kenai Peninsula’s top locations to visit.

Kenai Beach

Swimming and sunbathing in Alaska? You bet at serene Kenai Beach. Don’t expect tropical waters, but Kenai Beach does have beautiful beach activities with mountain views that rival any waterfront setting. Kenai Beach’s clear waters and numerous access points make it perfect for adventures, especially salmon fishing. Swimming isn’t for everyone, but most will enjoy walking the beach year-round. It’s a stunning stroll even in winter, when ice chunks float in the waters and early sunsets are bright and colorful.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

The Kenai Wildlife Refuge boasts over 2 million acres of breathtaking wilderness. This natural paradise has a remarkable biodiversity of flora and fauna, and diverse wildlife of grizzly and black bears, moose, bald eagles, caribou and sheep. The elusive Kenai Peninsula wolf lives there, too; the mysterious native wolf species adds to the refuge’s allure. There are more than 200 miles of hiking trails. Its lakes and rivers are alive with salmon, trout, and char. And birdwatchers can spot migratory waterfowl and resident songbirds.

Puffin, in Kenai Fjords National Park. Image Source: NPS Photo/ Kay White

Homer, Alaska

Reaching the “End of the Road” and completing the Sterling Highway is actually the beginning of many Homer tours and adventures . This seaside town captivates visitors with fishing (it is the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World), vibrant arts and culture with galleries and boutiques, and a laid-back Alaska vibe. Its busy harbor accesses Kachemak Bay for fishermen and charter operators offering fishing trips, kayaking adventures and water taxi rides to remote cabins and luxury lodges. The stunning views of mountains and water blends natural beauty with smalltown life, especially on the Spit. Truly the end of the road, the Spit’s restaurants and shops and panoramic vistas create Homer magic that keeps people coming back.

Halibut Fishing in Homer, Alaska.

Seward, Alaska

This cute coastal town is the gateway for many great adventures . Built around Resurrection Bay, Seward is surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, marine wildlife, and lots of fishing, from its banks and charter boats. Seward is also the start of the Seward Highway, Alaska Railroad day tours , and its ice-free port hosts cruise ships filled with excited visitors. Nearby Exit Glacier is a leisurely stroll or exciting hike; Mt. Marathon and Lost Lake are two classic hikes; kayaking in Resurrection Bay is a thrill; and visiting an Iditarod musher’s dog kennel is fun. 

The Seward standout is undoubtedly the Kenai Fjords National Park , where visitors witness the grandeur of glaciers and a rich marine ecosystem. Boat tours float close to calving glaciers, around marine life (whales and otters!), and awe-inspiring views. Overnights at Fox Island, in either the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge or your tent, or the Kenai Fjord Glacier Lodge takes trips over the top. Seward has a cozy charm, many shops, restaurants with local seafood, and the Alaska SeaLife Center, where visitors learn the science of Alaska’s waters and its inhabitants.

View of the Seward Highway.

Soldotna, Alaska

A bustling Kenai Peninsula borough hub, Soldotna is  renowned for its world-class sport fishing adventures . Travelers can restock, refuel and rest at Soldotna’s various shops, restaurants, and lodging options. The Soldotna Visitors Center is a valuable resource for history, culture, wildlife, and outdoor offerings. And with the Kenai River flowing nearby, it’s also a fishing hotspot.

Cooper Landing

Nestled on the Kenai River banks, Cooper Landing is a small town with big outdoor adventures. The community might be laid-back, but the Kenai River is jamming with salmon and Alaska’s prime fishing destination . River rafting and kayaking is also popular, offering scenic floats along the stunning waters . Surrounded by lush forests and mountain views, this little town is both tranquil retreat and entry to the peninsula’s wild spirit.

Things to Do on the Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula boasts some of the best Alaska activities like fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and miles of scenic drives with many fascinating cultural and historical attractions. For passionate foodies and travelers craving a great bite, Kenai Peninsula’s chefs take local cuisine to memorable heights. In this section, you’ll learn about these must-do activities and popular attractions with detailed insights and recommendations.

Outdoor Activities

• Hiking in Kenai Peninsula: Hundreds of miles of trails welcome and challenge all skill levels and connect explorers to the region’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Hikers can stroll through lush forests, along thrilling ridges and peaks in the Kenai Mountains and Chugach Mountain Range, and breathe in vistas ( like the Harding Icefield ) and glacial lakes (Lost Lake is a favorite) in the rarified air of the Chugach National Forest and Kenai Fjords National Park . Hardcore hikers will take on Seward’s iconic Mt. Marathon, a leg-and-lung-burner with legendary lore and an unrivalled view of Resurrection Bay. Stay aware of fellow trail travelers like moose, bears and eagles.
• Camping on the Kenai Peninsula: Camping on the Kenai Peninsula is a way to slow down and soak up scenery. For tent campers, RVers, and those preferring the comfort of remote cabins, Kenai Peninsula campgrounds are scattered throughout the region. Top spots like the Russian River Campground offer restroom facilities and easy access to fishing. There’s more rustic camping at the Skilak Lake Wildlife Recreation Area, with its secluded sites and stunning lake views. Prefer glamping? Check out Alaska Legends Kenai River Lodge, a high-end accommodation amidst the Alaskan wilderness. Alaska Tours pros know the Kenai campgrounds, cabins and lodges well and can connect campers with their right fit.
• World-Class Fishing at Kenai Peninsula Fishing Lodges: Fishing fanatics dream of fishing in Kenai Peninsula’s rivers and bays. Sensational salmon and trophy trout swim in the Kenai River and its tributaries, and huge halibut move in the deep waters of Kachemak Bay, Resurrection Bay, Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound. Fishing guides with area insights get clients to the best spots. Can’t get enough fishing? Book a comfortable Kenai Peninsula fishing lodge : fish all day, then rest and fuel up on Alaska meals in comfortable yet rustic Alaska accommodations. The Kenai Riverside Lodge is the quintessential stay.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Kenai Peninsula offers front-row views of Alaska’s well-known wildlife. Peninsula experts offer short, scenic flights to some of the best bear viewing . The Kenai Peninsula wolf is a rare and exciting sight. Even daily drives around the peninsula offer sightings of moose, bear, porcupine or eagles. Kenai Peninsula tours out of coastal communities find massive and majestic humpback whales breaching and feeding. Birdwatchers flock to the peninsula, where more than 200 bird species converge. Eagles, puffins and stellar jays are feathered favorites and shorebird festivals are feathered fun. 
• Scenic Drives: Discovering the Kenai Peninsula by car brings the bonus of seeing stunning scenery at a preferred pace. The Seward Highway is one of the most picturesque drives in the world, with breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. The Sterling Highway meanders through lush forests and coastal curves.

Kenai Fjords National Park Coast. Image Source: NPS Photo – Public Domain

Cultural Attractions

The Kenai Peninsula’s cultural and historical roots are inspiring and revealing. Learn about the region’s Alaska Native heritage at the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Tsitsana Center in Kenai and the Seldovia Native Association’s Heritage Museum. The Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai honor’s Russian influence and early European settlers’ heritage. These attractions are deeply enriching, bridging the Kenai Peninsula’s past and present. 

Food & Drink

Kenai Alaska isn’t just a visual feast; it’s also a culinary adventure. Seafood lovers are in luck as must-try fresh catches – salmon, halibut, shrimp, King crab, oysters and other delectable shellfish – are prepared by skilled chefs. Any salmon and halibut dish is indulgent, and world-famous Alaskan king crab legs are fit for royalty. The peninsula’s brewery scene reflects the area and perfectly pairs pints, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, with the region’s best dishes and views. 

Hidden Gems on the Kenai Peninsula

While the region’s well-known attractions are undeniably captivating, Kenai Peninsula hidden gems await those who love less-frequented, off-the-beaten-path locations, experiences and views.

Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park, accessible only by boat or plane, is a pristine, secluded escape into rugged landscapes. Visit quiet coves, hike through old-growth forests, and camp under the Alaska stars in this remote respite.

While the masses line the Kenai River, the nearby Russian River is a less-frequented spot offering excellent angling amidst serene surroundings and a river slamming with salmon. These holes are great for fly-fishing fans.

Though not a secret, Exit Glacier often takes a back seat to Kenai Fjords’ glorious glaciers. But Exit Glacier offers walk-up accessibility that makes it a treasure. You can feel the glacier’s chill up close or take a guided hiking tour to see the heavenly Harding Ice Field.

A photograph of the Exit Glacier by NPS Photo / Victoria Stauffenberg.

Top Tips for Planning Your Trip to the Kenai Peninsula

Here are some important trip-planning tips to keep in mind to maximize your Kenai Peninsula time.

• When to Go: The best time to visit the Kenai Peninsula largely depends on your interests. Summer, from June to August, is the peak season for tourism and outdoor activities, though winter offers snow sports and northern lights.
• How to Get There: The most common way to access the Kenai Peninsula is by driving from Anchorage. Short but limited flights from Anchorage are available. There’s a scenic train ride between Anchorage and Seward.
• How to Get Around: To explore the peninsula thoroughly, renting a car is highly recommended.
• Booking Tours: Consider booking tours in advance with Alaska Tours, which offers a range of ideas, itineraries and guided experiences.
• What to Pack: Preparing for Alaska’s weather means layers, including warm and waterproof clothing. Hikers and wildlife viewers can’t forget boots and binoculars.
• Safety Tips: While exploring the wilderness, be mindful of wildlife encounters. Carry bear spray and follow the Leave No Trace principles to preserve this pristine environment. 

Booking a Kenai Peninsula Tour

Booking a Kenai Peninsula tour with a reliable company is the best way to ensure the best experience. That’s where Alaska Tours’ experience and expertise in crafting memorable tours of the Kenai Peninsula shine. Whether you’re seeking a guided tour of the spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park , hooking salmon on the Kenai River or nearby Kasilof , landing a halibut in Kachemak Bay , or taking scenic float tour through the heart of the peninsula , Alaska Tours can clarify the many options and lock them in.

Wrapping Up: Embarking on Your Kenai Peninsula Adventure

Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula is a must-see destination, with geography and location delivering big mountains and dense forests, beautiful beaches and shorelines, and access to natural beauty and exciting activities in some of America’s top national parks and Alaska state parks.

Enchanting experiences await all travellers on the Kenai Peninsula, and it’s easy to get there with a perfect-for-you itinerary created by Alaska Tours. With 30-plus years of making memorable trips and tours for Alaska travelers, Alaska Tours staff have unparalleled expertise to expertly guide visitors through every step of the many Kenai Peninsula tours, from planning to traveling to discovering. The trusted Alaska Tours team also offers itinerary ideas, essential tips, and local insights for planning a dream trip, and ensure travelers are well-prepared for the most authentic Kenai Peninsula experience.

Ready to explore the Kenai Peninsula? Contact us to learn more about tours and packages and book your Kenai Peninsula trip today!

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Surrounded by spectacular scenery, wildlife, and a rich cultural history of Native and Russian settlements, Kenai is the heart of Alaskan adventure providing something for everyone. Originally settled as early as 1000 A.D. by Dena’ina Athabaskans, Kenai grew with the influx of Russian fur traders in 1791.

Just 11 miles from Soldotna , via the Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai is easily accessible from Anchorage via a 30-minute flight or 3-hour scenic drive. Stroll sandy beaches with a spectacular view of Cook Inlet, or experience the history of Kenai by taking a self-guided walking tour through historic “Old Town.”

The City of Kenai is on Cook Inlet, 156 miles south of Anchorage and 90 miles north of Homer . It is the largest city on the Kenai Peninsula (pop. 7,800) and is home to the peninsula’s biggest and busiest airport. Its industries include oil, natural gas, commercial fishing and tourism. It has been dubbed the “oil capital of Alaska” because of the extensive oil and gas discoveries nearby and in Cook Inlet.

Explore the City of Kenai’s 350 acres of parks and open spaces. Take a walk on the beach, spend a day fishing the world-famous Kenai River or play a round of golf at the 18-hole municipal golf course. The City of Kenai boasts magnificent views across Cook Inlet and on a clear day you will see three active volcanoes; Mt. Redoubt, Mt. Spur and Mt. Iliamna. At the ‘end of the road’ is Captain Cook State Park, the western end of the Swanson River canoe system and the city is surrounded by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge .

Self-guided Old Town Walking Tour starts at the Visitors Center and features American and Russian landmarks. It will take you through Old Town Kenai to explore its history and culture including these highlights: The Russian Orthodox Church , a National Historic Landmark, which was built in 1894 and is still used for regular services today. This is the oldest Orthodox Church on mainland Alaska. Kenai Cabin Park consists of five historical cabins moved here and lovingly restored by members of the Kenai Historical Society. The cabins contain photos and objects of historical significance. The 75 mm Howitzer cannon from World War 1, on display near the cabins, was given to the city of Kenai by the Wildwood Military base, which has since become a Correctional facility. Moosemeat John’s Cabin is near the Visitor Center and also part of the walking tour. Named for the owner’s success in hunting moose to feed his family of 13 children. Fort Kenay was built by the U.S. Army in 1869 and housed more than 100 soldiers. In 1967 the fort was reconstructed as part of the Alaska Centennial celebrations.

Kenai Beach is a popular spot for dipnet fishing, which is only allowed for Alaska residents in July. Camping on the beach is available at the same time. Located at the end of Spruce Street.

The Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center welcomes visitors year-round. It houses an impressive permanent collection of Native Alaskan and local artifacts, art exhibits, and is home to the largest collection of mounted bald eagles in North America. In the gift shop you can purchase souvenirs, books, music and local products. During the summer months there is the Saturday Market, a summer food and crafts market that is open from 10am to 5pm. 11471 Kenai Spur Highway. 907-283-1991 www.visitkenai.com

The Kenai – Alaska’s Playground: No other destination offers such an up close and personal Alaskan experience. With over 15,000 square miles of extraordinary adventure and excitement to choose from, even the rest of the state comes here when they need a reminder of why they moved to Alaska in the first place. That’s why it’s known as Alaska’s Playground. Check out Online Specials, a Free Kenai Peninsula Travel Planner and a Free Passport to Adventure on the Kenai. Full of discount coupons for your visit to the Kenai Peninsula. 35571 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna. 800-535-3624 www.kenaipeninsula.org

Shortly after establishing Kodiak as a trading center in 1784, the colonizing Russians began to look for other places where similar communities could be set up as “controls” for area rule. Kenai was the first of these “controls.”

In 1791, Russia built Fort St. Nicholas (also known as Saint Nicholas Redoubt) in the midst of an Athabascan Dena’ina community near the present site of Kenai. This became the Russians’ second permanent settlement in Alaska. The Dena’ina hunted, fished, farmed, and trapped in this area but the Russians were only interested in the fur trade.

Alaska became part of the U.S. in 1867. The U.S. Military in Kenai established Fort Kenay from 1867 to 1869. A post office soon followed and a village grew up around it.

In 1957, oil was first discovered in Alaska near the Swanson River in Kenai and oil’s “boom years” were ushered in.

Today, Old Town Kenai still shows remnants of its Russian history. A self-guided walking tour takes visitors to the site of the old Russian parish, and the  Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church where church services  are still held. Many Alaska Native and Russian artifacts are on display at  the Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center, where walking tour maps can be had at no charge.

• Getting Around

Diamond M Ranch Resort

Kenai city park, kenai landing, self-guided old town kenai walking tour, the russian orthodox church, avis car rental, best places to stay in kenai, alaska.

Diamond M Ranch Resort offers a variety of cabins and historical suites. Located between Kenai & Soldotna, close to the famous Kenai River. It’s the perfect “home-base” during your Alaskan adventure. Wi-fi, showers, freezers, laundry, BBQ, fire pits, picnic tables, fish cleaning stations, wildlife viewing, socials, charters & tours.

Camping in Kenai, AK

Diamond M Ranch Resort offers a variety of cabins and historical suites. Located between Kenai & Soldotna, close to the famous Kenai River, with easy day trips to Homer & Seward. It’s the perfect “home base” during your Alaskan adventure. Wi-fi, showers, freezers, laundry, BBQ, fire pits, picnic tables, fish cleaning stations, wildlife viewing, socials, charters & tours.

Located between Kenai & Soldotna, 907-283-9424

Best Things to Do in Kenai, AK

At the mouth of Alaska’s famous Kenai River and overlooking a spectacular wildlife preserve teeming with marine life and waterfowl is Alaska’s most unique historic waterfront: Kenai Landing. Originally built as a cannery in 1912 under the trade-name Libby-McNeil-Libby and later Columbia Wards Cove, Kenai Landing is a centerpiece of Alaskan fishing tradition dating back to the early twentieth century. 907-335-2500.

Pick-up the brochure at the Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center and set off on your own to learn about Kenai’s interesting history, from its Alaska Native origins, to the Russian’s presence, to its 20th Century influences.

The Russian Orthodox Church, next to Fort Kenay, was built in 1896. A National Historic Landmark, the church, with its three onion-shaped domes, is well preserved and an excellent example of Russian architecture in Alaska.

Kenai City Park is a day-use park only. Within walking distance of downtown Kenai, the park is reached by following the Kenai Spur Highway and turning left on Forest Drive, which leads toward the beach. An additional picnic area can be found at the Cunningham Memorial Park off Beaver Loop Road.

Car Rentals in Kenai, AK

Avis Car Rental has locations all throughout the state of Alaska.

Kenai Municipal Airport – 907-283-7900

Kenai Alaska FAQs

Is kenai, alaska, worth visiting.

Yes, Kenai, Alaska, is worth visiting. It is home to the world-famous Kenai River, a mecca for Salmon Fishing. Kenai also has a rich cultural history of Indigenous and Russian settlements stretching back hundreds of years. Originally settled by Dena’ina Athabaskans, Kenai grew with the influx of Russian fur traders in the late 1700s. Kenai is also surrounded by spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.

Why is the Kenai River so blue?

The Kenai River is a beautiful turquoise blue color because it originates from the gorgeous blue waters of Kenai Lake, a glacial-fed lake. Glacial silt or “flour” is tiny specks of pulverized rocks that absorb the shortest wavelengths (purples and blues), and the water absorbs the longer wavelengths like red, oranges, and yellows, leaving the blues and greens to get sent back to your eyes. This makes the Kenai River a glacial-fed stream that stretches 82 miles to Kenai, Alaska, and drains into the Cook inlet. The Kenai River also passes through Skilak Lake, another glacier-fed lake. All this combines to make stunning blue water, perfect for fishing. The 17-mile section of the Kenai River between Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake is known as the Upper Kenai River.

What kind of fish are most abundant in Kenai?

The Kenai River is one of Alaska’s busiest fishing destinations. An abundance of salmon, trout, and dolly varden attracts locals and visitors worldwide. In addition, the Kenai River is home to the busiest freshwater king salmon fishery in Alaska.

What lures to use on the Kenai River?

The preferred lures for Kenai River king salmon, those prize fish that like to swim in the deepest section of the river, are baited Spin-n-Glo’s or size 14-16 Luhr-Jensen Kwikfish.  Sometimes, a plastic jet diver is added if going upriver in the fast-moving Kenai River. However, the Kenai only allows one hook, and the original Kwikfish has two, so try to be mindful of the balance when removing one.

If you are spinning or casting from the shore, you can catch kings with large bright-colored flies such as red, orange, pink, or bright blue Pixies. Again, you’ll want to weight the hook a couple of feet above the hook, enough to hold the bait in place under the water.

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Kenai Peninsula Travel Guide: Alaska’s Coastal Gem

• by Jonny Duncan
• June 22, 2023 August 6, 2023

The Kenai Peninsula in Alaska calls to the adventurous soul with its raw beauty and unspoiled landscapes. Stretching south of Anchorage, this vast coastal region boasts a breathtaking land of snow-capped mountains, emerald forests, and coastal fjords.

The Kenai Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Alaska. Personally, I went there for 3 weeks to visit a friend in Homer and went hiking all over the place, from forests to glaciers, as well as experiencing many other delights to be had there.

This is what I recommend for you to do in the Kenai Peninsula to get the best out of the coastal gem in Alaska. There will obviously be many other options of places to go that I didn’t get to, but these are the main popular things to do there.

For getting around in the Kenai Peninsula one of the best options is to rent a car rent a car in Anchorage as public transport is limited.

Kenai Peninsula map :

Kenai Peninsula Guide

Homer Alaska

Homer is a town towards the bottom part of the Kenai Peninsula and is known for its deep-sea fishing and relaxed vibe.

Sea fishing is excellent, especially for halibut, but you will have to pay for a boat to go out for the day’s fishing.

In fact, Homer is known as the ‘Halibut capital of the world’.

The Homer Spit is where you will find most fishing boats that you can go out on fishing trips and there are restaurants, coffee shops, and bars to relax at when there.

The spit is where you will find some of the best and freshest seafood in the Kenai Peninsula.

Homer itself has a bit of an arty feel to it and is worth hanging around for a night or 2 for local hikes and in order to arrange a visit to Kachemak Bay State Park.

Bishops Beach Park

This is a beach right next to Homer.

It has cliffs with eagles perched in nests all along it and they fly down from above to the beach and back.

Even though the beach is near Homer and has houses up on the cliff it does feel like being in nature. It’s peaceful enough and worth a few hours of strolling.

Facing the sea turn to the right from Homer and just go for a gentle hike on the beach. 

Just be sure to check the tides so you don’t get stuck!

Getting from Anchorage to Homer is easy if you have your own transport and takes around 5 hours to drive. But there are places you may want to stop and have a look around on the way so it’s best to leave Anchorage early and plan a full day to get there.

Although there are not many things to do in Soldotna, the main city in the Kenai, there are some good eateries to stop at for a meal en route to Homer.

Find places to stay in Homer here.

Hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park

Kachemak Bay State Park is just across the sea from Homer and makes an excellent place to go hiking on the Kenai Peninsula, if not Alaska in general.

I was lucky to have a friend to stay with in Homer who loves hiking. He showed me around a bit and we had a great excursion for a few days to Kachemak Bay State Park .

The place is mountainous and full of pine trees but can be rough going in parts.

It is a remote place to get to and you will have to take a boat from Homer across the bay to reach the area.

The general rule is you tell the boatmen which trail you would like to hike and they will drop you there and arrange with you exactly what date you would like to be picked up on, and at what time.

You can day trip and just do a short hike but it’s best to spend at least one night there, as long as you have camping gear of course.

A really good book for hiking in the Kenai Peninsula is ‘ 50 hikes in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula’.

Seward Alaska 

I must admit that the town of Seward itself is one of my least favourites in the Kenai Peninsula as I enjoyed the more laid-back vibe of Homer and Hope, but it is an excellent place to base yourself for activities in the region.

There are a few hotels in Seward to stay at and you can find places to stay in Seward here.

I was camping when there but did hang out in the lobby of the Hotel Seward as they did one of the best coffees in town, and I did take a look at one of the rooms when there just to see what it’s like and it looks good.

Seward has an interesting atmosphere down by the waterfront as many retired people drive their RVs up from all over the United States to travel around Alaska and you will find many of them parked by the sea in Seward where you can meet many people and have some fun chats over a campfire.

If you want to have a bit of nightlife on the Kenai Peninsula, then Seward has the best bars in the area for that.

Hiking in Seward Alaska 

There is a lot of good hiking in the Kenai Peninsula, as I said before, and hiking in Seward makes a good place to get out to some of the best hikes, such as in the Kenai Fjords National Park.

The Exit Glacier Hike

The Exit Glacier is the ‘ must-do hike ‘ near Seward, if not the whole peninsula, and is in the aforementioned Kenai Fjords National Park.

It’s not far from Seward being around a 30-minute drive and is a beautiful hike alongside the glacier until you reach the top for stunning views across it.

It can get busy on this hike as it’s so popular so don’t expect to have ‘peace with nature’ all to yourself, so to speak.

The Primrose Trail Hike

The Primrose Trail was actually my favourite hike near Seward, more than Exit Glacier.

It was far less busy and I only met one other person during the whole 7 hours of hiking it.

The trail takes you through the forest for the first few hours then breaks into mountain views at the top where there is a small lake, before descending at the end of the hike through the forest again for the last 1-2 hours.

Caines Head State Recreation Area

The fun thing about heading to Caines Head State Recreation Area is that you can reach it by kayaking from Seward.

Along the way, playful seals will most likely come and join you for a bit until you reach the starting point for the short hike through forest trails up to a viewpoint of the area.

Hope Alaska

Hope is a small funky little town and makes a great ending for the Kenai Peninsula trip on your way back to Anchorage (or wherever you go).

It’s the kind of place that people from Anchorage come to for the weekend to camp under the stars, enjoy some live music at the lively bar by the waterfront, and go for short hikes along the coast.

Hope is where I personally had my first wild bear encounter in Alaska. When on one of these short hikes by the coast I came around a corner to a mother bear and 2 cubs with a few other hikers trapped on the other side.

Thankfully we all slowly backed away giving the mother bear and cubs space to get away, which they then did.

Wildlife on The Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula has your standard Alaskan wildlife.

You will find plenty of brown and black bears (during the bear season), moose, eagles, and more.

Bears can be dangerous, but during the salmon run, they are mostly preoccupied and distracted with the catching and eating of the fish.

But you never know, so definitely be careful and never get close. A mother bear with her cubs is the most dangerous as she will be protective of them.

Although moose look relatively harmless they can be dangerous so stay a reasonable distance away if you see any and don’t try to pet them.

And as you have seen earlier you will see lots and lots of eagles in Alaska.

Fishing in The Kenai Peninsula

If you want to do some fishing in Alaska then the Kenai Peninsula is one of the prime places to do so. In the summer it’s the place to go salmon fishing in Alaska. They are everywhere during that time, but be careful as that’s when all the bears are out fishing as well.

I’ll be totally honest and say I didn’t do any fishing in the Kenai Peninsula as I was out hiking during the day most of the time and my friend I was staying with in Homer made me lots of salmon from his yearly quota of salmon he was allowed.

I’m mentioning it here though for people who like to fish and are going to the Kenai Peninsula then you should definitely do some fishing there.

The deep-sea halibut fishing from Homer came highly recommended by some visitors to the Kenai Peninsula I met.

A great book about Kenai fishing is Fishing Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula: A Complete Angler’s Guide .

Kenai Peninsula Itinerary

There are a lot of options for things to do in the Kenai Peninsula and it really depends on your interests. But if you’re visiting for say 1-2 weeks then the places mentioned here are some of the best things to do.

Around 4 days in Homer and Kachemak Bay State Park followed by around the same time in the Seward area and a night in Hope at the end.

In between all that, there are so many more options for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities in Alaska.

Kenai Peninsula Facts

Some information for you to understand the Kenai Peninsula Borough a bit better before going.

Kenai Peninsula population: around 60’000 as of 2021.

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

Visit The Kenai Peninsula in Alaska 

The Kenai Peninsula as stated is one of the best places for easy accessibility to go for day hikes and nature near Anchorage.

It makes sense though to spend your time there in the towns of Homer, Seward, and Hope, to get the best out of the area without having to rush.

When you are in Anchorage take a look at the 10 best things to do in Anchorage when there.

A really good map of Alaska to use is the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer: Alaska .

For more great Alaska travel inspiration check out my friend’s post who lived in Homer for a number of years. He did various road and hiking trips all over Alaska.

A really good book for hiking in Kenai Peninsula is ‘ 50 Hikes in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula ‘ . It will help out a lot in planning your hikes in the area.

A good guidebook for the overall region is the Moon Anchorage, Denali & the Kenai Peninsula guide.

Also, one of my favourite places in Alaska to visit outside of the Kenai Peninsula was the Wrangell-St-Elias National Park . There you will find a very unique atmosphere.

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > Alaska > Best Places to Visit on the Kenai Peninsula: Homer, Seward, and Other Attractions

Best Places to Visit on the Kenai Peninsula: Homer, Seward, and Other Attractions

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The Kenai Peninsula , which stretches from the south-central coast of Alaska , is undoubtedly one of the most interesting regions to visit in the northernmost of the United States. Kenai Fjords National Park is perhaps its best-known attraction, but many other treasures are tucked behind the peninsula’s rugged shores.

What makes it unique and different from other Alaskan regions is the prevalence of rivers, lakes and wetlands . This complex freshwater-based ecosystem covers 40 percent of the Kenai Peninsula’s 30,000 square miles and has made it one of America’s top destinations for fishing enthusiasts. At the same time, it’s an area rich in history , both of its native peoples and from populations that have arrived in recent centuries: Russians and Americans. With its museums and quaint marinas, wild animals and breathtaking landscapes – the Kenai Peninsula will not leave you disappointed.

How to get there

Climate and temperatures, alaska sealife center, near seward: kenai fjords national park, kachemak bay, things to do in kenai, alaska, how to visit kenai national wildlife refuge (on foot, by car, by canoe), best places to stay in homer, best places to stay in kenai, best places to stay in seward.

• Car . The Seward Highway connects Anchorage to Seward (120 miles) and the Sterling Highway connects this road to the other population centers on the peninsula. If, as is likely, you will reach Anchorage by plane, you can rent a car from here and embark on an Alaskan road trip heading south. The Seward Highway is considered one of the most scenic roads in the entire state.
• Train . Although the Alaskan railroad consists of only one line, Seward is part of it, in fact: it is one of its two terminuses. If you start from Anchorage, you can reach Seward in a little over 4 hours by train, and what we said about the road is also true for the railroad: it is one of the most scenic lines in all of Alaska. Obviously, besides Anchorage, you can also get here by train from all the other places that the train travels through between Fairbanks and Seward. On the official website of the railways you will find updated schedules and prices. The other cities on the peninsula, however, are not connected by rail.
• Buses . Compared to other Alaskan regions, this one has a good bus service that regularly connects the various peninsula towns with Anchorage. In the summer, there are also shuttles connecting between towns. On this site you can find timetables and prices of the bus that connects Seward to Anchorage; on this site you can find timetables and prices of the bus that connects Homer to Anchorage.
• Airplane . Practically every Alaskan town has its own airport, since most of the state can only be reached by air or sea. Small airports on the peninsula are also connected to the rest of Alaska.
• Ship . The ports of Seward and Homer are some of the sea ports of call for the Alaska Marine Highway System, the ideal highway connecting all coastal locations in southern Alaska. It is therefore possible to arrive by ferry. There is also an excellent bus connection between Seward and the port of Whittier, which is a major ferry port.

The peninsula is as large as Belgium and sees a mix of glacier covered mountains, forests and swamps, all surrounded by the sea. Climatic conditions are therefore not uniform throughout the region, but each area has differences that are noticeable depending on the season.

The southeastern coast , where Seward is located, is quite mild. The hottest months (July and August) are characterized by maximum daytime temperatures averaging 60/63° F and minimum nighttime temperatures close to 50° F. In the coldest month (January) there is an average of 21/23° F at night and during the day it is usually close to 32°F. This area is not very rainy in terms of mm fallen, but the days of rain are well distributed throughout the year (between 11 and 16 days of rain per month).

The northwest coast , where Kenai and Homer are located, has a more continental climate, as can be seen by the greater seasonal temperature range . In summer the maximum temperatures are always around 60/63° F, but the minimums in the same period are around 46/48° F. In winter, the situation is even more differentiated. Taking into consideration the coldest month, January, Homer has a maximum average of 30/32° F and a minimum of 17/19° F. Kenai , on the other hand, in the same period has a maximum of 23° F and a minimum of 8.5° F, highlighting a greater difference in temperature.

As for rainfall , although it is always fairly well distributed throughout the year, it is much rarer on the north coast, also due to the Harding Icefield that blocks many of the oceanic disturbances. Homer is subject to only 23 inches of annual precipitation, while Kenai does not even get 19 inches per year.

The mountainous area of the Harding Icefield , covered by perennial ice, is the most impervious. Even in summer, you need to be well covered up against the cold to get close to the glaciers.

Things to do in Seward, Alaska

Seward has only 2700 inhabitants, but it is one of the most popular places with tourists visiting Alaska. One of the reasons is that the tours to the Kenai Fjords National Park depart from here, but that is not the only reason. The small harbor , fundamental to the local life as for all Alaskan coastal towns, is located outside the historical center and is a base not only for fishermen, but also for tour operators. Connecting it to the center is a 0.9 mile walkway that follows the waterfront, full of information panels on numerous topics including the rainforest, fishing and the railroad.

There are no real museums, but you can visit the Seward Community Library Museum (238 6th Avenue), which has books on local history, paintings by Alaskan artists, Russian icons and the original Alaskan flag: designed in 1927 by a boy from a local orphanage. Seward was also devastated by the 1964 earthquake that leveled Valdez, and you can see a video of the tragic event here.

The Resurrect Art Coffee House Gallery (320 3rd Avenue) is a coffee house in an old Lutheran church, where you can enjoy a coffee and a collection of local contemporary art. Take a step back in time at the Van Gilder Hotel (308 Adam Street), where the hallways are lined with historic photographs.

Near Seward you can visit Fort McGilvray , a command center dating back to World War II built to defend the port from the Japanese army, which was stationed on the Aleutian Islands . You can explore the underground maze by flashlight and stand at the artillery emplacements overlooking the headland.

Seward’s main point of interest, however, is the Alaska SeaLife Center. Much more than an aquarium, this is where wild animals are cared for and the goal is to raise public awareness of marine ecosystems. You can acquire scientific information and learn about the damage caused by the accident that led to the oil tanker Exxon Valdez pouring millions of gallons of crude oil into the sea in 1989. The underwater tunnels , from where it is possible to observe fish and seals in their natural environment, are particularly attractive.

Families with children are fascinated by the Discovery Pool , where the youngest can touch anemones and starfish, and by the aviary , where they can discover the habits of guillemots, puffins and other sea birds. Not to be missed is the training of sea lions : unlike dolphinariums all over the world, here these cute and intelligent seals are not trained to perform in a show, but are protected and cared for.

The center also offers special tours such as the Behind the scenes tour and the Encounter tour , where you can learn more about the animals and the work done with them by the park experts. Since it is mainly a place of care for animals, it is frequently possible to attend medical visits to seals and birds, learning a lot about these species.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is located at 301 Railway Avenue. In summer, it is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. In winter, it is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $29.95 ($17.95 for children ages 4 to 12). Updated prices and hours are available on the official website .

Seward is the gateway to one of Alaska’s most interesting parks , Kenai Fjords National Park. A really suggestive stretch of coastline, where the sea meets the mountains and where you can see marine animals of all kinds, choosing between organized ferry trips and sports activities such as kayaking and mountaineering. You can discover it in depth in our dedicated article on how to visit Kenai Fjords National Park .

Things to do in Homer, Alaska

Larger than Seward, Homer has about 5,000 inhabitants, but it can be said that it only came into being as we see it now after the 1950s, when it was connected by the Sterling Highway. This area has always been famous for shellfish , collected by the natives and Russian traders. It was only in 1867 that the first settlement was set up, for a coal mine, but it lasted only a few decades. The road connection, making it easier to reach, allowed Homer to repopulate and become one of the most eclectic towns in Alaska. A mix of artists and sailors, Russian ‘Old Believers’ and sixties hippies settled here. Today, it is the gateway to the front bay and other natural wonders of the Kenai Peninsula.

Any visit to Homer should start at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center (95 Sterling Highway). This is not just a tourist office, but a true high-tech museum dedicated to local culture and natural science. The main theme of the museum is the animals that inhabit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge: the reserve scattered across 2,500 Alaskan islands, famous for its seabird colonies. If you can’t afford to set sail for an island, the Seabird Theater offers a virtual view of a bird colony, complete with sounds and smells. In addition to the Seabird Theater, you can also find other interactive attractions related to the world of biology.

Homer is home to some of the most famous art galleries in the state. The most unique is the Bunnel Street Arts Center (106 W. Bunnel Street), a non-profit institution located in the largest and oldest commercial building in the city. In addition to its many contemporary pieces of artwork, it regularly hosts performances, concerts, lectures and events of various kinds. Three other notable museum spaces are located on Pioneer Avenue. The Fireweed Gallery , dedicated to Alaskan works, the Ptarmigan Arts , with works and objects of all kinds, and the Picture Alaska Art Gallery , which in addition to art and crafts exhibits 350 vintage photos. Not far away there is the Pratt Museum (3779 Bartlett Street). Here we find artifacts of the natives, settlers and fishermen, but there are also regular temporary exhibitions and also the skeletons of a beluga and a hyperodon. The biggest attraction, active in the summer, is the webcam on Gull Island: visitors can spin it around to get a closer look at the birds.

Just outside of town, you can visit the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center : a 57-acre area of flower meadows and forests, filled with trails. You can see moose and baribal bears. Another place not to be missed is the Homer Spit: a 4.5 mile long finger of sand and pebbles, from where boats depart for sport fishing. In summer, hundreds of fishermen set sail every day, usually returning loaded with halibut, king salmon and other fish.

Homer is located at the entrance of Kachemak Bay, on whose opposite shore there is an area that is not easy to reach, but rich in natural beauty. Human presence is limited to Seldovia and Halibut Cove , reachable by boats or small airplanes. On reaching the opposite coast of the bay from Homer, you can rent a kayak and maybe reach Gull Island to see the many seabirds that populate it. Here you can also visit two small but quaint towns:

• Seldovia has about 250 residents and points of interest include the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas and the small Seldovia Village Tribe museum. The surroundings of the seaside village are full of paths and puddles where high and low tides create the habitat for many animals and the mollusks that are famous in this area.
• Halibut Cove is one of the most unique places you can visit in Alaska. There are no roads in this village with just over 50 people, who live in houses of made of wood. Residents use kayaks or rowboats to get around, as well as a network of pedestrian walkways. Visitors can only walk there from 1pm to 9pm, being careful not to disturb the privacy of the locals. When you consider that in the early 1900s Halibut Cove was home to nearly 40 herring-salting plants, the situation has definitely changed over the century.

During the summer there are a number of tour boats that depart from Homer doing tours of the bay, either for a few hours or all day, with shorter or longer stops at Seldovia, Halibut Cove and points of interest along the coast at Kachemak Bay State Park.

Kenai , with a population of less than 8,000, is the main town in the region of the same name and sits at the mouth of the river, also named Kenai. This area rich in fish and game, yet flat and fertile, was for centuries the home of the Dena’ina people . Russian fur traders built a fortified station here in 1791, which lasted six years until the battle between the Russians and the Dena’ina, in which the natives prevailed. The U.S. revived the town with the construction of Fort Kenay in 1869 and the development of the fish canning industry beginning in the 1880s, followed in the 1950s by the discovery of gas and oil nearby.

For information about the town, our advice is to start with a visit at the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center , an information center that, as is often the case with small Alaskan towns, also doubles as a local history museum. Here, indigenous artifacts are mixed with Russian objects and contemporary art. The Russian period is also well represented architecturally by the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church . Not far away, you’ll also find St. Nicholas Chapel , an Orthodox chapel made of logs.

The historical center of the town is less interesting than in other places. What is worthwhile are the surroundings, starting with the Kenai Beach Dunes . This beautiful beach, on the north side of the mouth of the Kenai River, is lined with low dunes. It may be true that you don’t come to Alaska to look for beaches to sunbathe, but it’s a place worth a peaceful walk.

Not to be missed, just south of the town, are the Kenai River Flats : over 1200 hectares of marshland where you can spot an incredible variety of birds. In spring, thousands of snow geese gather here as they migrate to Siberia. Between May and June, caribou come here to breed, and it’s not hard to see baby American reindeer trying to stand up and take their first steps. During the summer salmon migration, seals and belugas also come up river to hunt them.

Kenai is not the only settlement on the peninsula with Russian origins. Further south, near Homer, is Nikolavesk . Founded in 1968 by five Russian families, today this community has about 300 residents and is one of the leading Russian communities in Alaska. Traditions are jealously preserved here, and residents still use traditional clothing. Also on the Kenai Peninsula, similar communities include Voznesenka, Razdolda and Kachemak Selo.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

More than half of the Kenai Peninsula is protected within the boundaries of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge : 800,000 hectares of forests, lakes and glaciers where animals are masters of their habitat. The national park was established to protect moose, but besides these majestic quadrupeds, you can easily see other large mammals such as brown bears, baribals, Dall’s sheep, caribou, wolverines, beavers, and lynxes. There is no shortage of birds, including eagles and whooping cranes.

To begin your visit, refer to the visitor center located in Soldotna . This is where the Keen Eye Trail starts: a 0.75 mile trail that leads to an observation platform where you can use a telescope to get a close-up view of Headquarters Lake. This is just one of the 4000 lakes in the reserve, which combined with the rivers and large marshes make it a real water world. Also located here is one of Alaska’s largest lakes, Tustumena, with a surface areas of 188 square miles.

There are no entrance fees to the nature reserve, but there are guided tours, available at the visitor center.

There are several ways to visit this large aquatic ecosystem. The most convenient way is by car: the Skilak Lake Road is a 18 mile-long dirt road that branches off the Sterling Highway and allows you to delve into a beautiful section of the park.

Obviously, you can go much further inland walking than you can by car. The Bear Mountain Trail and the Hidden Creek Trail are two trails, 1.5 miles and 2.4 miles long respectively, that allow you to see many animals up close.

The vast lake region is ideal for canoeists, so much so that an actual canoe trail system has been established: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Canoe Trail System . This curious waterway is divided into two parts. The 60 mile-long Swan Lake Canoe Route connects some thirty lakes and is ideal for organizing day trips. The 80 mile-long Swanson River Canoe Route connects 40 lakes and 50 miles of river, and is perfect for multi-day trips.

On the official website you can find additional information on all the routes and the various possibilities of visiting the natural park.

Best Places to Stay on the Kenai Peninsula

The region is a large one and if you intend to spend many days here, I suggest you stay in at least two different cities so you don’t waste too much time moving around. Here is some advice on hotels in the main centers.

• Alaskan Suites . Set on the hill overlooking the town, this is one of the most beautiful places you can stay in Homer. Spacious and luxurious log chalets nestled in an enchanting landscape.
• Alaska Adventure Cabins . Want to sleep in a train car or fishing boat converted into apartments? This quirky but luxurious lodging option is worth considering.
• Baycrest Lodge . Do you want an outdoor hot tub where you can relax in nature? If yours is a romantic getaway, you won’t be disappointed with this choice.

Find accommodation in Homer

• Uptown Motel . This is the best solution for those who want to stay in the center of town, in a decent place without spending an exorbitant amount of money. A quaint motel decorated with vintage items.
• Aspen Suites Hotel Kenai . A hotel without too many frills, but that fulfills all requirements, with good services, in a good location.
• Eagle Rock Lodge . To sleep in nature, in a place that is well furnished and has all the services. This lodge has a garden and barbecue, as well as being strategically located for visiting the surroundings of Kenai.

Find accommodation in Kenai

We covered recommended hotels in this town in our article on where to stay near Kenai Fjords National Park .

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Andrea Cuminatto

Journalist and traveler. I love seeing new places, but more than anything, I love to meet those who live there.

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Your Ultimate Alaska Itinerary: 10 Days In Anchorage & The Kenai Peninsula

A trip to Alaska is incredible, exhilarating and worth including on any bucket list. But to fully explore this remarkable state could take a lifetime. What should you do if you can only spend 10 days in Alaska? You’ll need to narrow your focus to construct thae best 10 day Alaska itinerary without making yourself crazy.

While I consider myself a competent travel planner after years of experience, even I got tripped up trying to fit together the puzzle pieces of our 10 day Alaska trip. We wanted to squeeze in everything but also be realistic. In the end, I’d say our trip was a smashing success and has just made us want to return again to explore the rest of the state.

In this article I’ll take you through the nuts and bolts of how to plan your own incredible Alaska itinerary for 10 days. I’ll share where to stay in Alaska, the top Alaska attractions you won’t want to miss, restaurant favorites, must-stop scenic views and more.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Alaska Itinerary complete with interactive maps, printer-friendly version, daily schedule, extra itinerary options and bonus Alaska activity book? Click the blue button below.

Quick Planning: What to book NOW for 10 days in Alaska

To avoid disappointment, extra expenses and last-minute schedule scrambled you’ll want to book as much of your Alaska trip as possible well in advance. It’s easy to get stuck in “analysis paralysis” as we did, but hopefully I can help you avoid that fate. Go through this quick checklist and get everything arranged, then you can fill in the details later.

Must read tips for renting a car in Alaska

Be sure to check prices at GoNorth with coupon GONTFY

• Accomodations
• Nights 1 & 2: Anchorage ( hotel or apartment )
• Nights 3 & 4: Soldotna ( cabin )
• Nights 5 & 6: Homer ( hotel or apartment )
• Nights 7 & 8: Seward ( hotel , B&B or house )
• Nights 9 & 10: Girdwood ( hotel or apartment )
• Day 2: Alaskan Husky Adventures (11am tour)
• Day 4: Bear viewing
• Day 6: Fishing or kayaking or Seldovia ferry
• Day 8: Kenai Fjords cruise (11:30 tour)

Moon Guide: Anchorage, Denali & the Kenai Peninsula

Geographically limited but easy to use and compact for travel

The Milepost

Extremely comprehensive but overwhelming and large; must-have for camping and RV travel in Alaska

• What to pack

2 Days in Anchorage, Alaska

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With just 10 days in Alaska, it’s a good idea to narrow your geographic focus. Remember that Alaska is the largest state and not by a small amount: it’s 2.5 times the size of Texas, the next largest state.

Not only is Alaska big, but much of the state is spread out. If you’re planning an Alaska itinerary of just 10 days, spending your time in Anchorage and the nearby Kenai Peninsula will give you a great sample of the best of Alaskan scenery, wildlife, activities and more.

We normally like to travel at a slower pace, but in order to see everything we wanted to squeeze in to our limited time we stayed in all of the following places:

On a map these all look fairly close to each other, but in reality they all offer distinct activities and are worth staying in! For a 10 day trip to Alaska, I recommend staying two nights in each place .

Our itinerary was slightly different in that we visited Homer before Soldotna and just stayed down there for one night (since we had 9 nights/10 days). I don’t recommend that! The drive straight from Anchorage to Homer was too long and we happened to have cold, rainy weather in Homer… but locals now tell me that’s common. If I were planning our trip over again, I’d follow the order above.

Read more: Must-read tips before renting a car in Alaska

Anchorage is by far Alaska’s largest city and many people will tell you it’s not worth spending much time there, but it also serves as the most affordable gateway to The Last Frontier and is conveniently located near some of Alaska’s top attractions.

While Alaskans may feel like Anchorage is a big city, most visitors from the lower 48 will see it as a very small city – the population is about 10% of the metro Columbus population (where we live). There are just a few tall buildings that dot the skyline. Still, if you have the time it’s worth spending a few days staying in Anchorage to explore the offerings of the city itself and further north in the day-trippable Mat-Su Valley. It’ll also ease your adjustment after the long travel day and time change.

Where to stay in Anchorage

You’ll be spending the first two nights in Anchorage. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options, but it’s certainly nice to stay close to the Cook Inlet if you can. You can expect to pay extra for parking at most hotels in the area, so be sure to include that in your Alaska travel budget.

• Hotel Captain Cook – This is where we stayed, in part because I booked it far in advance and got an excellent deal. It’s one of the best places to stay in Anchorage, in part because of it’s ideal location and historic charm. It’s usually very expensive and the standard rooms have two double beds or one king – there’s no option for two queens. Some families may find the bedding too small, so there are suites available.
• Marriott Anchorage Downtown – Just a few blocks away and offering a wider range of guest rooms, the Marriott doesn’t have the same historic charm but does offer plenty of practical benefits including rooms with two queen beds and the potential for upgrades for those with high-level Marriott Bonvoy status.
• Copper Whale Inn – This small inn just steps from Captain Cook offers a wonderful, personal experience! There’s on-site bike rental and, in normal times, complementary breakfast. There are 15 rooms, ranging from small options for two people all the way through adjoining rooms or a family suite that includes separate sleep spaces and a private full private kitchen.
• 1 bedroom/1 bathroom studio for 4 people – If you’d rather have space to spread out, this lovely apartment is in the heart of Anchorage and even has free parking available!

Check out more places to stay in Anchorage:

Day 1: Exploring Anchorage, Alaska

Start your morning at the famous Snow City Cafe , just around the corner from Hotel Captain Cook and across the street from Copper Whale Inn . They offer a cheerful interior, hearty breakfast staples (often with an Alaskan twist) and a delightful selection of lattes to kick off your morning. The wait can be lengthy, so if you’re staying nearby you can have the first person in your party who’s read (me, in this case) run down to put your name on the list and then return to finish getting everyone else ready. They also offer take-out and online ordering that you can eat at the picnic tables outside if the weather is nice.

Your first activity is a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s Indigenous communities. This is not a history museum – it’s an opportunity to explore the traditions and culture of Alaska’s many Native groups. The grounds of the Center include six different life-size dwellings to explore, interactive crafts for the whole family, games, performances, story telling and more.

There’s a schedule posted online of the day’s events, and you’ll want to allow at least three hours to explore. You can easily spend most of the day!

We weren’t able to visit due to the limited schedule in summer 2021 – it wasn’t open any of the days we were in or near Anchorage sadly. If swapping Day 1 and Day 2 means you’ll be able to visit the ANHC, I recommend it.

Grab a quick lunch when you’re done, perhaps a hot dog from Red Umbrella Reindeer if you want to try something different and uniquely Alaskan! (The also offer beef and veggie dogs for something more conventional.)

Head back toward the coast and drop the car off – you won’t be needing it for the next few hours, because you’ll be exploring the lovely Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Pablo’s Bike Rental is located right next to Snow City Cafe, just up the hill from the trail entrance. They have a huge range of bikes for adults and kids – all the way down to 16″ kids bikes for young riders. There are even e-bikes if that’s your speed. All rentals include a helmet and lock.

The trail extends a full 11 miles along the coast and then into Kincaid Park. You’ll have to judge your travel crew’s level of fitness to decide how much of the trail to do; the first half offers spectacular views along the Cook Inlet, while the second half presents some wildlife-spotting opportunities. If you want to conquer the entire trail out and back and have time to stop for photos and snacks, plan on renting your bikes for 3-4 hours. The good news is that for conventional single bikes, Pablo’s charges just $5 per hour after the first hour. The shop closes at 8pm, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the road.

If biking isn’t your thing, you can also walk along the Coastal Trail. It’s absolutely lovely! You obviously won’t get as far but it’s still a wonderful way to experience Anchorage and move your body. If you stay out on the trail as the sun sets, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

For dinner, you can check out staple Moose’s Tooth for pizza. Unfortunately the wait times can be extreme – up to two hours! So here’s an inside tip for you: pay a visit to the less-busy sister restaurant, Bear Tooth . You can still order the same delicious pizza but with a much shorter wait! Bear Tooth will also put you on a call ahead list, while Moose’s Tooth is first-come first-served.

Read more: Alaska Travel Tips to Read Before You Go

Day 2: Mat-Su Valley, Alaska

Get an early jump on the day and head north toward the Mat-Su Valley area. You’ve got a long day ahead, so your first stop is at Crema Coffee House in Wasilla. Grab an assortment of pastries, both sweet and savory, along with your favorite hot drink. You might also want to save a few treats for a snack later in the day!

If you’re done with breakfast by 9:30, head a few minutes up the street to the Iditarod Headquarters and Museum . I’ll be honest and say that it’s more gift shop than museum (which my kids didn’t mind at all) but it’s still a fun stop. If you get there closer to 9:15, you’ll have time to catch the 33 minute movie to learn all about The Last Great Race. It’s shown on demand, but you do want to make sure you leave the Museum by 10am for your next stop…

Because your next activity is one of our family’s favorite things to do in Alaska with kids or without: huskies! We had an amazing experience with Alaskan Husky Adventures in Willow, home of the 17th Dog sled team. Musher Matt Failor and his awesome wife Liz recently expanded their operation to include tours and they’ve done an incredible job.

During your 1.5 hour tour you’ll learn all about what it takes to compete in the thousand-mile Iditarod race, check out Matt’s custom-made gear, meet his team of very excited dogs, go for a thrilling ride in a two-passenger cart and maybe even play with a litter of future racing dogs.

Alaskan Husky Adventures was by far our kids’ favorite experience in Alaska, and I can’t say they’re wrong. Liz, Matt and the other members of the team have put together an engaging and intimate experience that you won’t find elsewhere. Our family had a private experience as did the groups before and after us.

We did consider some of the more established Alaska dog sledding options , but those tours are big operations that have bigger groups. They use much larger carts for their summer rides, but once my son saw that Alaskan Husky Adventures’ carts looked so similar to traditional dog sleds he was 100% convinced. I’m glad we trusted his good judgement!

You’ll finish at Alaskan Husky Adventures between 12:30 and 1pm. Munch on any leftover pastries and hop back in the car to keep heading north toward Talkeetna, roughly a 1 hour drive.

Why go all the way up to Talkeetna? If you’re lucky and it’s a clear day you’ll get a stunning view of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. As the crow flies, you’re closer to Denali in Talkeetna than you are at the entrance to Denali National Park! You can try the scenic pullout around mile 13 of the Talkeetna Spur Road or in the village head to Talkeetna Riverfront Park and look toward the right.

Even if you can’t see Denali, Talkeetna is still a fun town to visit. There are lots of small shops to check out and several good options: Mountain High Pizza Pie , where we ate the best pizza we had in Alaska, available by the slice along with lots of local brews on tap; Denali Brewpub , which gets solid reviews but often has a lengthy wait; and Talkeetna Roadhouse , which has a storied history and reputation for lively family-style meals but wasn’t serving anyone other than overnight guests in 2021.

Around 3:15 it’s time to say goodbye to Talkeetna and head back south to Palmer, about 90 minutes away. This is where we hit a snag in our own adventure, as a major accident on the Parks Highway closed it for 6 hours and left us stuck north of Willow. Our plans for the rest of the day were foiled, so I’ll just have to live vicariously through you!

The Reindeer Farm in Palmer is consistently recommended as a fun opportunity to see some of North America’s biggest animals up close. There’s a heard of 100 reindeer, a wood bison, a yak, bunnies and more. Tours are one hour, with the last tour at 5pm through most of the summer.

If the Reindeer Farm doesn’t sound like your speed, another option in the area is the Musk Ox Farm. This non-profit seeks to protect and grow the musk oxen population and provide musk ox fur ( qiviut ) to Alaska Native women to craft into deliciously soft handmade garments.

Not interested in farm visits? One of the other great things to do between Talkeetna and Anchorage is take a detour through Hatcher Pass. It was once a busy mining area and today offers fantastic scenery for Alaska road trippers like you. While you’re there, you can stop to check out Independence Mine State Historic Park.

Once you’ve worn yourself out, head back down to Anchorage for dinner and to pack up your stuff for departure in the morning.

Read more: Best things to do in Alaska with kids

It’s time to start exploring the Kenai Peninsula, one of the most scenic and accessible areas of Alaska. This region is perfect for first-time visitors to Alaska because it offers so many experiences on an Alaska bucket list in a geographically compact package: glaciers, wildlife, hiking and much more! You definitely want to include it in your 10 day Alaska itinerary, and I’d recommend it if you are making a 7 day itinerary too.

One quick personal note: As I mentioned above, when we took our family trip to Alaska, we visited Homer first and then doubled back up to Soldotna. In all honesty, I couldn’t tell you why I chose to do it in that order other than that our two nights in Soldotna were a (good) last-minute decision but I didn’t give enough consideration when I was making our arrangements. Please learn from my mistake and stop in Soldotna first!

Soldotna and its neighbor Kenai are among the largest towns on the Kenai Peninsula. If you need provisions for your time in Alaska, you can stop at Walmart or Fred Meyer (alternatively there’s a Target on the way out of Anchorage if you need anything before your drive).

Where to stay in Soldotna, Alaska

The town of Soldotna is comparatively bustling, but there are plenty of tranquil places to stay in Soldotna just a little off the main road. You’ll be driving everywhere so it’s not especially important to stay in a specific neighborhood. We stayed in this lovely Airbnb that backs to the forest and was perfectly cozy for our family of four.

Here are some more great places to stay in Soldotna:

• 1 bedroom/1.5 bathroom for 5 guests on the Kenai River (**bargain alert**, includes laundry)
• 1 bedroom/1 bathroom for 4 guests
• Fishing-focused bed & breakfast (adults only)

Day 3: Scenic drive to Soldotna, Alaska

Today you’ll be driving south from Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm and into the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, stopping to stay two nights in Soldotna. The total drive time is just under three hours, but you’ll be stopping a few times along the way to taking in the stunning scenery.

As I mentioned above you may want to stop at Target or a grocery store on your way out of Anchorage to pick up some non-perishable lunch provisions for your time exploring the Kenai Peninsula. We brought a few of these to hold peanut butter sandwiches, carrots and more for our daily adventures. I’m so glad I thought to bring leftover plastic utensil sets left over from takeout meals as well!

The famous Turnagain Arm extends west from the Cook Inlet to separate Anchorage from the Kenai Peninsula. The Seward Highway traces the coast before turning south on to the Peninsula. Take your time during this drive, as there are plenty of lovely stops. One of the best known is Beluga Point, so named because from mid-July through August lucky visitors may spot some of those little white whales as they chase running salmon.

I won’t judge you harshly for any other stops you make, but you’ll want to set your GPS to Bear Mountain Trail. You’ll take Seward Highway to Sterling Highway, and then a few miles past Cooper Landing turn left on Skilak Lake Road.

Technically, some rental car companies don’t want you to drive on Skilak Lake Road. We didn’t know that when we went, so thankfully it worked out. It’s a gravel road so rental companies can’t tow you from there if you break down, but many times of the year the road’s condition is just fine as long as you are slow and careful. Cars rented from Turo and similar services may not have the same limitations. Your car will get dirty, but ours was already dirty by the time we got there. Obviously you need to judge your own risk tolerance, but this road was part of the Peninsula’s first highway system and is maintained regularly.

Skilak Lake is a little slice of heaven! The photo above was taken from a different part of the lake, but not far from where the Bear Mountain trail will take you. If you visit in June you’ll still see snow on those mountains. In this area you’re likely to see all sorts of Alaskan wildlife; while kayaking on the lake we saw a bald eagle, a black bear and more. The Bear Mountain hike is less than a mile each way and should take most visitors about two hours.

If you aren’t able to access the Bear Mountain trail, another option in the area is the Carter Lake trail. It’s a little longer and a little tougher but also offers beautiful views.

After you’ve finished hiking, hop back in the car to continue on to Soldotna (1 hour from Bear Mountain). For those who arrive early enough in the day, you can stretch your legs on the Keen Eye and Centennial Trails near town. This is also a great time to stop at Trustworthy Hardware to grab a one-day fishing license for tomorrow if you didn’t already purchase one online .

Once you’ve checked in to your accommodations, head to Addie Camp for a delicious dinner. Be sure to make a reservation at least a few days in advance, especially if you want to dine in the train car!

Day 4: Bear viewing excursion

Today’s going to be a bucket list kind of day!

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Brew@602 , a new spot opened in a retired Alaska Railways train car on Whistle Hill. Don’t miss the Truffle Shuffle and Mother Clucker waffles. If I’m being totally honest, it’s so good that we went twice .

If you haven’t already done so, purchase your fishing license while you wait for your food to be delivered.

From there, head up the street to Talon Air’s “terminal”… that is, the lake where your bear viewing flight will take off and land! You’ll get outfitted with heavy-duty rain boots (starting with youth size 3) and have an opportunity to use the restroom.

Your stunning 30 minute flight across Kachemak Bay will take you to Lake Clark National Park, the third least-visited National Park in the United States. I can’t say the photos due justice to the park’s postcard-like beauty, but here’s a try:

It’ll be an unforgettable day for sure! Our trip left Soldotna around noon and returned around 7pm. In between, you’ll motor around Crescent Lake in search of grizzly bears and then try your hand at fishing. During our visit we saw about a dozen bears, including a mama and her three cubs! Our guide, Morgan, did an excellent job explaining everything we saw and later teaching the kids to fish. The day concluded with a tasty snack on the beach of fish our party had caught that afternoon.

It’ll probably be on the later side when you return to Soldotna so you’ll head straight to dinner. If one of your evenings there happens to be a Wednesday, head to Soldotna Creek Park for lovely sunset views, food trucks including plenty of local specialties and live music. There’s also an excellent playground behind the stage for those of you planning to visit Alaska with kids.

Your next stop on this epic Alaska 10 day itinerary is Homer, Alaska at the far southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. We didn’t have as much time as we would have liked, but once the skies cleared on our second day there we could see why it’s special to so many people who have visited.

Where to stay in Homer

The most unique thing to do in Homer, Alaska is explore “the Spit” so lots of visitors aim to stay there too! It’s nice to be able to walk to shops, restaurants and tour outfitters while enjoying views of Kachemak Bay but be advised that there are only a few places to stay on the Homer spit and the book quickly (sometimes with high prices)! Here are a few nice options:

• Stunning 3 bedroom townhouse for 6 guests
• 2 bedroom cottage for 7 guests
• 2 bedroom apartment for 5 guests
• Budget-friendly 1 bedroom for 4 guests

If there’s nothing available within your budget on the spit, we had a fine stay at the Best Western in Homer . It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the spit, comes in at a great price including breakfast and even has coin-operated laundry on-site. We were able to substantially decrease our Alaska luggage by staying there. It’s also just up the hill from Bishops Beach; you can walk down the foot path just south of the hotel and enjoy plenty of solitude except for the nearby nesting bald eagles. Check prices for your stay (don’t forget the AAA discount!) and be sure to compare with booking.com rates .

Day 5: Exploring Homer

Your drive from Soldotna to Homer is about 90 minutes without stops… but of course you’ll want to stop.

If you’re interested in the history of Russian influence in Alaska, don’t miss the famous Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel in Ninilchik. This photogenic Russian Orthodox church was built in 1901 and has views of the village as well as the towering mountains of Lake Clark National Park on the other side of Kachemak Bay.

Further south, Anchor Point is a great place to spot bald eagles along the beach. As with all bird watching, patience is a virtue and don’t forget your binoculars .

As you get closer to Homer, there’s a large turn-off on the right side for sightseers like you. Pull in and enjoy the view! If it’s clear, you’ll have incredible views of the bay, the mountains and volcanos on the other side and the Homer spit.

Another great stop is Bishop’s Beach. It’s a lovely stretch offering miles of unobstructed views of the bay, driftwood, wildlife watching and tranquility. There’s also plenty of opportunity to explore Homer’s unique tide pools. If you visit during the summer season, you can start your experience at the Islands & Oceans Visitors Center to learn more about the local wildlife and even go on ranger-led program.

With extra time on your hands today or tomorrow, visit the Pratt Museum to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.

After you check in to your accommodations, spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring the Homer spit. There are plenty of small shops, restaurants, gelato and stunning views to keep you busy for a few hours.

Be mindful that dining options on the spit can be limited at times; during our visit in summer 2021, we found that many restaurants were unexpectedly shuttered due to staffing and food shortages and some are entirely closed on Monday and/or Tuesday. They’re also generally open only for the summer season.

Day 6: Pick your favorite Homer excursion

There’s one main motivation most people have for visiting Homer: it’s the halibut fishing capital of the world! Many visitors feel that fishing is one of the best things to do in Homer, Alaska. That said, there are a few activities in Homer that you can consider for the day.

So what do you need to know about fishing in Homer? First off, nearly all fishing is done from a charter boat in open water. Excursions typically range from 5 to 8 hours and are around $200 per person; you’ll be limited by law to two halibut. One great option is a full-day trip that combines salmon and halibut fishing, which is generally a little more expensive but allows you two different experience and the opportunity to take more fish home with you. Most fishing charter operators are independent; you can read reviews here .

If fishing doesn’t sound like your cup of tea but you like the idea of spending the day on the water, there are several great options for kayaking in Homer that allow you to explore the nooks and crannies of Kachemak Bay while getting a close up view of stunning wildlife including eagles, otters and maybe even whales!

For those looking for a calmer pursuit, you can take a day trip to the nearby town of Seldovia. It’s a charming seaside community just across the bay that’s only accessible by ferry . You can stroll the boardwalk, take a hike, go clamming, rent bikes for the day and more. Swing by the Seldovia Visitor Center & Museum to learn about the many cultures that have lived in the village over the centuries and millennia. Find out more about things to do in Seldovia .

Where to stay in Seward

After hanging around Seward for a few days as independent travelers, I’d recommend staying on the south end of Seward close to the Alaska Sea Life Center. Especially in a “normal” year with plenty of cruise and rail arrivals, you’ll find it much quieter and the restaurants are better overall.

Be sure to book early – we delayed and wound up staying outside of town, which was fine but a little less convenient and charming.

• Seaside townhouse for 10 people – This townhouse is so beautiful and is in such an incredible location that I actually took a photo of it when we walked by so that I could be sure to recommend it to you! With three bedrooms and four bathrooms, it’s plenty large for a family or even a multi-generational trip to Alaska. Also available here , so be sure to compare prices for your dates.
• Sea Treasures Inn – Small, welcoming b&b that’s an easy walk to shops, restaurants, Sea Life Center and the historic Iditarod Trail that runs along the coast. Rooms available for two or four people.
• Best Western Plus Edgewater Hotel – Great location, generously sized rooms and breakfast is included. We find Best Western to be a reliable brand for traveling families and we appreciate the flexible cancellation policy.

If you’d rather stay near the hustle and bustle of the small boat harbor, look no further than the Seward Harbor 360 Hotel . It’s owned by the same company as Major Marine cruises (more on that in a minute) and the tour check in is on the ground floor! You won’t have to worry about scrounging for parking across the street and can check in before the lines get long. The hotel offers lovely rooms and stunning views to boot. Check prices here.

We were late to booking and stayed outside of town at Exit Glacier Lodge . It’s conveniently located for those spending a few hours at the Exit Glacier area of Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s basic and affordable, but wouldn’t be my top pick if options in town are available and within your budget.

Day 7: Exploring en route to Seward

You’ll start your morning en route from Homer to Seward, which is about 3.5 hours of drive time.

Your first stop along the way is a the Russian River Falls hike , one of the best hikes on the Kenai Peninsula. The Upper Russian Lakes route is just under 2.5 miles each way but overall an easy hike – we even saw one family pushing an all-terrain stroller (though I’m sure several of them carried it up the stairs at the beginning of the trail). The highlight of this hike is watching salmon swimming upstream and jumping up the falls. It’s a remarkable sight!

You will have to pay to enter the park, and there are a few parking areas. We parked in the second one, Pink Salmon, which added a little more than a mile to our roundtrip. If you can get closer parking that’ll help those in your group who don’t have as much stamina! That said, after we returned I got a hot tip that you’re more likely to see bears feasting on salmon if you park in the Grayling lot (all the way at the end of the access road) and take the trail to the river from there.

As you continue north on your drive, be sure to stop at Tern Lake to take in the afternoon view. There’s a pull-off right at the end of Sterling Highway, before you’ll need to turn right onto Seward Highway. If you have time, there’s a viewing platform where you may spot all sorts of wildlife with your binoculars. Yes, it really is as lovely as the photo above (which I took during our drive).

Before you get into the town of Seward, take the turn for Exit Glacier – this will be your first stop in Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s a unique opportunity to get up close to a glacier, but also see the impact of climate change on this region of the world. If you’re visiting Kenai Fjords with kids, you’ll want to pick up a Junior Ranger book at the nature center. They also offer a cool Junior Angler book that teaches kids about responsible fishing as well as the Kenai Fjords Explorer book for teens and adults.

As you begin your walk to along the paved trail (I recommend veering left at the beginning) you’ll see signs noting the glacier’s end by year. Astute travelers will even notice one out on the road before arriving at the nature center.

Once you get to the pavilion at the far end of the paved trail, continue up to the left to visit Glacier Overlook. At the end you can see just how quickly Exit Glacier is disappearing – more recent signs show just how much this glacier has receded in just 5-10 years. The walk to Glacier Overlook is about 2 miles and will take 1-2 hours depending on your pace.

Head into Seward to check into your lodgings and have dinner. We had an excellent meal at The Cookery , for which you’ll want to make reservations at least a week in advance.

Day 8: Kenai Fjords National Park cruise

You’ve got a real treat in store today! Grab a gourmet coffee and some pastries at Resurrect Art Coffee House , where you can also spend some time perusing the locally made artwork and handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up a memorable souvenir of Alaska! You can order and sit down inside or use the outdoor window and sit in the lovely garden.

Once you’ve filled your belly, head up the road to the Seward small boat harbor. You’ll be spending your day cruising Kenai Fjords National Park with Major Marine. Try to arrive at the Harbor 360 hotel around 10:30 to check in for your 11:30 cruise. You’ll need the time to check in, walk to the dock where your boat is and stake your claim to a primo spot on the upper deck.

Our cruise with Major Marine was one of the highlights of our trip to Alaska – you can read all about it here . This is one experience you won’t want to miss, as it’ll show you some of the best scenery in all of Alaska and you’ll enjoy tons of wildlife spotting. Here’s a sampling of what you might see on your Kenai Fjords National Park cruise:

You’ll return to the small boat harbor around 5:30pm. Head to Gold Rush Bistro on the south end of town to put your name on the wait list. They offer great fish and chips along with other fishy favorites. The wait list will notify you by text message when your table is ready, so you’re free to roam the area.

While you wait it’s a great time to walk across the street and stroll along the historic Iditarod Trail. You’ll find informational panels explaining the trail’s history and wonderful views of Resurrection Bay. The trail is so lovely that we walked it each night we were in Seward! For those visiting with kids, there’s also a lovely playground along the paved path that our bunch enjoyed.

Day 9: Fun things to do in Seward

You’ll spend the majority of today exploring Seward and nearby before driving on to Girdwood (below). Fortunately it’s only a 90 minute drive so you have plenty of time!

Start your day at the Alaska SeaLife Center , a locally-focused aquarium that does great research, rehabilitation and conservation work as well. They have a great exhibit that even includes seals and sea lions. In the summer it opens at 8-9am depending on the day of the week, so I recommend an early start if possibly. Pro tip: If you’re a member of your local zoo or aquarium, bring your membership card to save 50% on admission.

Your visit will take about 90 minutes and then you walk a few steps to Zudy’s Cafe for a sandwich with a view.

Around mid-day, hop back in the car and head south past the SeaLife Center for your next adventure: the Tonsina Creek trail. The Tonsina Creek trail comes in at a roundtrip distance around 3.5 miles, but with a 700+ foot elevation change that mostly comes in a short span. Both of our kids managed the hike without issue, but I’d rate it as “moderate” – there’s nothing accessible or stroller-friendly about this trail.

But the payoff at the end is absolutely magical! You’ll find yourself at a secluded beach along Resurrection Bay with just a few other hikers, some driftwood and the wildlife. Artists will want to bring their sketch books and watercolors for this one. The Tonsina Creek trail is unquestionably one of the most beautiful hikes on the Kenai Peninsula. The total walking time is around 2 hours, but allow yourself additional time to stroll and relax on the beach. Watch for bears – we saw fresh scat right near the beach, which isn’t surprising because of the huge number of salmon congregating at the mouth of the creek.

The hike wraps up your time in lovely little Seward. Hop back in the car, where you’ll drive about 90 minutes north to Girdwood – the final stop on your 10 days Alaska itinerary. Hit up Jack Sprat or Spoonline Bistro for dinner; both are excellent but don’t take reservations, so I recommend putting your name down before you go check in to your accommodations.

Where to stay in Girdwood

Girdwood is unique among Alaska tourist towns in that it has a solid year-round presence thanks to its combination of summer mountain adventures with a robust ski resort in the winter. It’s also just 45 minutes from Anchorage, so lots of people maintain vacation rentals in Girdwood.

We stayed in this 2-bedroom rental and it was absolutely perfect! There’s plenty of space for a group of four or five people and the bedrooms are totally dark (which helps with sleep quality and quantity in Alaska’s abundant summer sun). There’s easy parking in front and you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best restaurants in Girdwood. You can also hop directly on a ski lift from the front door if you’re planning a trip to Alaska in winter (it’s used as a mountain biking lift in the summer if that’s your preference). If we go back and visit Girdwood again, I’ll definitely book the same condo.

Want a little more luxury for your last night in Alaska? Check out the famous Alyeska Resort . The hotel and grounds are beautiful and it has lots of great on-site amenities like spa, pool and restaurants. The location is extremely convenient for accessing the Alyeska Aerial Tram and the Winner Creek hiking trail, which are just on the back side of the hotel.

Day 10: Girdwood & Portage Valley

Your final full day in Alaska will be packed, so start your day with a hearty pancake breakfast at The Bake Shop . They’re best known for their sourdough pancakes (which I can confirm are excellent) and we also enjoyed their French toast and omelettes. It was about a 30 second stumble from our lovely condo , so the rest of the family was able to finish getting ready and packing up for the day while I waited for our food in the charming picnic area outside.

After breakfast, head to the Alyeska Hotel for a ride up the tram. You can drive your car and park in the hotel parking lot. There is also a free local shuttle bus with a variable schedule by season; the ride itself is just four minutes from the bottom of Olympic Mountain Loop, but you’ll have less flexibility in terms of timing during some seasons.

The Alyeska Aerial Tram is one of the best things to do in Girdwood by far. It takes you more than 2000 feet up to the top of the mountain during a smooth and beautiful 7 minute ride. If you can, I highly recommend going to the downhill side of your tram car as soon as you board; you’ll get the best view from there. Tickets can be purchased on arrival, and I recommend choosing the “Dine & Ride” option for at least some members of your group; it’s a great value for $20 credit at the Bore Tide Deli up top.

Once you’re at the top of the mountain, the views across the valley to Turnagain Arm are lovely. If you’re up for it, I recommend walking up the fairly steep path to the left when you exit the tram. You’ll pick up some additional elevation and it’ll give you even better views of the nearby glaciers (you even walk on a small one near the top of the path). While at the tippy top we spotted a roaming black bear down below and picked some (very tart but not poisonous) wild berries. It’s also a fantastic vantage point to watch the mountain bikers careening down the mountain!

Back down at the tram depot, there’s a small museum and gift shop, a nice observation deck, the fancy Seven Glaciers restaurant and the affordable Bore Tide Deli. We hadn’t planned to eat at the Deli but stopped in for a hearty snack and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the prices (by Alaska standards, at least). We enjoyed the bison chili ($9), chicken tenders ($15) and plenty of hot cocoa ($2.50 each).

Overall allow 2-3 hours for your time at Alyeska including lunch at the top. You’ll depart at mid-day and leave the Girdwood area to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center . This non-profit provides education to visitors about Alaska’s native creatures and does critical conservation work as well. There’s no capacity cap; just pay as you drive in.

During your self-guided visit (lasting 1.5-2 hours), you’ll see everything from porcupines and coyotes to big game like bears, muskox and wood bison. The informational panels at each exhibit are loaded with fascinating facts. Those with limited mobility can drive the loop, but it’s a flat easy walk all around the complex after parking in the main lot. Fair warning, the road can be muddy and puddly after a big rain!

Your final stop on your Alaska adventure is a lovely little gem, Byron Glacier. It’s in the heart of Portage Valley, a few minutes down the road to Whittier. The drive itself in this area is especially lovely, with incredible glaciers all around. We even saw a moose along the way, checking off one of Ronnie’s Alaska bucket list items.

The Byron Glacier trail is just over a mile in each direction and almost completely flat – it’s perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities, making it one of the easiest hikes in Alaska. At the end you’ll be rewarded with an up-close-and-personal experience with a real glacier! Byron Glacier wasn’t originally on our Alaska itinerary with kids but we added it in real-time thanks to a little more time than we anticipated and I’m so glad we did. It was the perfect way to end an epic family trip to Alaska.

If you have extra time on your hands (or prefer to skip AWCC) you can take an hour-long cruise around Portage Lake to see a stunning glacier up-close. You can book on-site when you arrive or at least 5 days in advance online, but be sure to print their $5 off coupon from the website. If you chose to do the shorter 3 hour trip in Kenai Fjords and missed the glacier there, this is a great option. It’s a smaller boat, a shorter trip and the waters are smooth.

It can be hard to understand how your entire Alaska trip itinerary comes together, so I’ve put together the map below to help you visualize it. It includes the main driving routes, places to stay, where to eat and the best things to do in Alaska that you won’t want to miss. This truly is the best Alaska itinerary without doing an Alaska cruise.

A 10 day Alaska itinerary will get you to most of the highlights on land. Add another week if you plan to do a cruise too.

That depends on what you want to see and the activities you’d like to do during your Alaska trip. A winter Alaska itinerary will be quite cold and dark, so it may offer fewer activities unless you are really into snow and ice sports. The summer months offer a different array of activities. There really isn’t a best month to plan an itinerary for Alaska!

You will only be able to see one or two cities during a 3 day Alaska itinerary versus 7 or 10 days. Keep in mind that Alaska is the largest state in the United States with a lot of land to cover.

You can see a fair amount with a 7 day Alaska itinerary, but it would take double the time to really give the state justice.

Ready to dive deep into your Alaska travel planning? Don’t miss these helpful articles when planning your Alaska itineraries:

• Renting A Car In Alaska: 9 Things You NEED To Know
• Your Complete Packing List for Alaska in Summer: Tried and Tested Advice
• Alaska Travel Tips You Should Read Before You Go
• Alaska With Kids: Unforgettable Activities and Must-Read Tips
• Major Marine Kenai Fjords Cruises: A Can’t-Miss Alaska Highlight
• Alaska Car Seat Laws You Need to Know
• 9 Day Trips from Anchorage You’ll Never Forget

The post Your Ultimate Alaska Itinerary: 10 Days In Anchorage & The Kenai Peninsula appeared first on The Family Voyage .

7 Day Alaska Itinerary: Epic Road Trip, Beautiful National Parks

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on September 5, 2024

You’re going to love this 7 day Alaska itinerary. I’ve lived in Alaska and visited as a tourist, so taking the best of both viewpoints and my years of experience, I’ve put together an awesome 7 day road trip itinerary to see some of the best sights in Alaska. This week-long Alaska plan is a wonderful taste of adventure and wildlife, perfect for families or just adults ready for a great experience.

If you think you need more time than a week to do and see it all, you’re completely right. This 7 day Alaska itinerary is ideal for getting into the vibe of AK, but if you can add more days, you should! After the week-long travel plan, I’ve included more suggestions for how you can add more days of exploring. If you have any questions about visiting Alaska, perfecting your own itinerary or need some specific recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more!

Need to Know for a Week Alaska Trip

A lot of people visiting Alaska for a road trip are doing so for their first time ever in the state or they’ve only experienced any part of AK on a cruise ship. Having a 7 day Alaska itinerary for exploring on a road trip is a great way to get to see a fair part of the wilderness and wildlife it’s known for. I love road tripping around Alaska and BRAVO to you for considering this wonderful travel plan. But let’s set some trip expectations…

Travel in Alaska, whether on your own or as part of a group is expensive. I equate the costs of a week in Alaska to what you’ll spend for a week on the Big Island of Hawaii , or 5 days on Kauai . It’s fun but it’s costly. There aren’t a lot of ways to do an Alaska trip on a budget unless you’re camping your way around for a week. 

Also, it’s good to keep in mind that as you travel beyond Anchorage, much of the tourism staff in Alaska is either international or there just for the summer. This means that they may not have a well-honed restaurant skill set or maybe they don’t have all the secret tips for where to go or where the locals go. Approaching your tourism interactions with patience and grace will go a long way, so choose kindness instead of frustration.

Also, unless you’re planning a spring or fall trip to AK, spending a week in the Land of the Midnight Sun can mess with you. Even having lived in Alaska, traveling through the state during the months of June and July was very difficult regarding sleeping well. I need a dark room to sleep and even though hotels know that it doesn’t get dark for two months, it’s rare to find accommodations with appropriate blackout curtains or effective shades. Be prepared with your own sleeping mask and USE IT!

Where to Travel in Alaska

Because we are talking about a 7 day Alaska itinerary, it’s best to keep it to the easier to reach parts of the state. While you could do the drive down to Valdez or the epic, awful road up to Prudhoe Bay, keeping to the regions directly around Anchorage will give you both a great experience and afford you more time in the wilderness because you won’t be driving 5-10 hours.

This one week Alaska plan includes Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula (some of it), Portage / Whittier, Talkeetna and Denali National Park. You can easily add more days by including Homer, Palmer or Fairbanks to your trip, but if you want a good 7 day Alaska itinerary stick with what I’ve put together here.

Check out our 2 Week Alaska Itinerary here! (coming soon)

Packing Tips for Alaska Travel

I am a light packer and don’t usually regret it, but when it comes to spending a week in Alaska, including during the summer months, I opt for over-packing. While it’s true that a summertime visit may be exceptionally sunny and warm (even in the 80s F) it’s very likely that you’ll also get some lovely days full of rain or mist, and then temperatures in the 50s (and sometimes even 40s). It really can vary greatly and you need to be ready for all of it. Also, as you visit different parts of Alaska you’ll have very different weather.

For this 7 day Alaska itinerary, our road trip takes you down to the Kenai Peninsula and out into Kenai Fjords National Park. Here you’ll come face to face with icy glaciers in the fjords and the temps will be chilly! But then there’s also a visit to Denali National Park, and if you get lucky it’ll be sunny and clear with temperatures in the 70s. Basically, you need to pack like you’re going on two different trips.

Even in summer, shorts are rarely needed. If you feel like you should put on shorts in the morning, just remember that later the weather could quickly turn or you may be in a mosquito-heavy area and you won’t want your legs exposed.

Here’s my summertime Alaska packing list:

• Walking shoes AND waterproof hiking shoes/boots
• Thick socks and regular socks
• Light, wind/water resistant pants – 2+ pairs
• Sweaters / sweatshirts / fleece
• Pullover windbreaker
• Rainproof warm jacket
• Gloves / mittens
• Baseball cap AND stocking cap / beanie / toque
• Camera gear, appropriate to your skill level (practice active photography before arrival)
• Sleeping mask to get through the eternal lightness of summer

I think packing for Alaska is pretty easy and if you’re good and packing for travel, you can do it in a carryon bag. This 7 day Alaska itinerary doesn’t require lots of outfit changes… unless you really want to.

Advice for Driving in Alaska

The Alaska Highways system stays fairly well maintained given the harsh winters and fluctuating temperatures. Having said that, there are some “highways” that you either shouldn’t or CAN’T drive rental cars on. That’s right, when you pick up a rental car in Anchorage or Fairbanks you’ll see a list of highways that the vehicle isn’t permitted to drive on. These roads include the following:

• Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay
• Dempster Highway in Canada (NT and YT)
• Denali Highway from Cantwell to Paxson (the west end is paved for quite a ways before becoming a dirt highway)
• Edgerton Highway near Valdez towards Wrangell-St Elias NP
• Elliott Highway north of Fairbanks
• Klondike Highway from Skagway to Dawson City (YT)
• Steese Highway north of Fairbanks
• Taylor Highway by Alaska’s eastern border

If you’re planning a trip that includes any of these, you’ll need to find a rental car that DOES allow this sort of driving. Keep in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll end up on the Dempster, Klondike, Elliott, Steese or Taylor highways during your visit, but if you decide to go rogue with your Alaska travel plan, you’ll need to be prepared for that.

For the rest of your week-long Alaska road trip, the roads are fine and the biggest thing to keep in mind is to be alert for wildlife. There is a lot of wildlife in Alaska and many species will use human-cleared pathways for easy travel, and that often will bring them to paved roadways. Just be smart and alert, and just like if you encountered wildlife on a hiking trail, do not approach it and just let it do its thing.

7 Day Alaska Itinerary

As you plan for a week in Alaska, you can either follow this 7 day itinerary exactly, do it in reverse or pick and choose what sounds most interesting. I love exploring the wilderness, and as a wildlife photographer I get very excited about all that can be seen here. Feel free to adjust our travel plan to suit your own needs and interests.

Start: Fly to Anchorage

You can fly into Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) from all over North America, and even Europe! It’s true. For this 7 day Alaska itinerary, you’ll want to book your flight and rental car in ANC, as Fairbanks isn’t a part of this trip, and neither is Juneau . Here are all the destinations with direct flights into Anchorage, so you should be able to get here easily with just one connector:

• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis
• New York (EWR)
• Salt Lake City
• San Francisco
• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Frankfurt, Germany

As you’ll probably have had a long travel day, I recommend getting a hotel in Anchorage for your first night. Get your rest, do some shopping for Alaska road trip snacks, and be ready to hit the road the next morning.

When you’re looking for an Anchorage hotel, anything downtown will be walking distance to restaurants for your first night. If you book a hotel off Spenard, Northern Lights or Tudor Road you’ll need to drive to find food most likely. Consider how easy you want your night after a long travel day to be.

Day 1 – Turnagain Arm to Seward

Begin your day early! I recommend getting sandwiches before leaving Anchorage as services are pretty limited along the Seward Highway until you get to Seward itself. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Portage Glacier visitor center and cruise
• Trail of Blue Ice hiking / fish viewing

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

• Tern Lake Wildlife Watching
• Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward
• Dinner in Seward

As you exit Anchorage and south, you’ll drive along the Turnagain Arm. This inlet is a great place to watch for bald eagles, Dall sheep, moose (at the marsh) and even beluga whales when the time is right. As you drive, make stops at the different pull outs along the highway until you get to Girdwood. Here you can leave the Seward Highway and head east towards Portage, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. This part of the 7 day Alaska itinerary is a wonderful introduction to the scenery and wildlife of the Kenai Peninsula.

Portage Valley and Glacier

At Portage, stop into the Portage Glacier visitor center , a part of the Chugach National Forest to learn about Alaska’s glaciers and get your bearings. From there, head over to the Portage Glacier Cruise to set sail on Portage Lake and get your first up-close taste of the Alaska wilderness. The cruise lasts an hour and is similar to Glacier National Park boat tours , so it’s mellow and great for families.

On the way out of the Portage Valley, stop at the Williwaw fish viewing platform to watch for salmon, and then for fun if the weather is nice, follow the trail north to the beaver ponds (it’s an easy loop trail). You can also stop in a few places to walk or bike on the Trail of Blue Ice. This follows the highway along the stream and is a great place for birding and looking for other wildlife.

Before ending your time at the end of Turnagain Arm, stop into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center . This is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see native Alaskan animals who’ve been cared for after injuries and such, and it’s one way to make sure you see bears, moose, musk oxen and more. 

Stops Along the Seward Highway

As you continue south on the Seward Highway, make stops at the Place River (wildlife watching), the “Welcome to the Kenai” signs, and the different pull outs and rest stops along the way. You can just drive straight through to Seward if you want, but there are some beautiful things to see along the way. While it may seem like a weird stop, the Turnagain Pass Snowmobile Parking Lot ( Google maps link here ) actually has some beautiful trails and it’s great to explore on foot. I love seeing the wildflowers and the Chugach Mountains from here!

Moving right along the Seward Highway, you’ll come to Tern Lake where the road meets the Sterling Highway (the road to Homer). Stop at Tern Lake to watch the swans and arctic terns, and if you’re lucky you may even see a bear or moose. There’s a picnic area here that’s perfect if you need to eat lunch or have snacks.

The last stop before Seward is Bear Lake or Snow River. Depending on the wildlife, both have great potential for seeing swans, bald eagles, bears and moose. When I was a driver guide here on the Kenai Peninsula I would stop here often to watch wildlife. When you get to Seward, if you have time, visit the Alaska Sea Life Center. It’s a fun and unique aquarium with animal rehabilitation areas, touch tanks, and a puffin diving tank.

Where to Stay in Seward

There are a few hotel options downtown Seward, and then some cabins and lodges as you approach the town along the Seward Highway. We had a great stay at the Seward Windsong Lodge and loved its location near Exit Glacier (that’s on tomorrow’s itinerary). You’ll want to book your accommodations for two nights, as Seward and the surrounding area will take up several days of your 7 day Alaska itinerary.

Day 2 – Kenai Fjords National Park

I love Kenai Fjords National Park and have spent countless days both on boats in the fjords, kayaking in Resurrection Bay and hiking at Exit Glacier. I think visiting Kenai Fjords NP is one of the most special National Park experiences anyone can have. I know that it’s not a drive you can do, but exploring this National Park is a must-do part of our Alaska road trip. It’s a nice way to mix up the activities of the 7 day itinerary. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour

Hiking at exit glacier.

• Dinner at Resurrection Roadhouse

Because Kenai Fjords National Park is mostly only accessible by water, the best way to see it is on one of the boat tours. Kenai Fjords Tours (KFT) has a few different options for going out into the park depending on how long you want to be gone for the day. The wildlife of Kenai Fjords is the real highlight, so the longer you can be on the water the better! Here are the options:

• Kenai Fjords National Park Tour  – 6 hours – includes lunch and some snacks, visits Aialik or Holgate Glacier  OR  do the same route and add dinner on Fox Island
• Northwestern Fjord Tour **MY FAVORITE**  – 8 hours – includes light breakfast and lunch w/ some snacks, visits Northwestern, Northeastern, Redstone and Southwest Glacier (one fjord has them all)
• Resurrection Bay Tour w/ Fox Island  – 5 hours – includes dinner on For Island at the day lodge
• Glacier Dinner Cruis e – 5.5 hours – includes dinner onboard (drinks are extra), visits Holgate or Aialik Glacier.
• SPRINGTIME ONLY Resurrection Bay Tour  – 4 hours, March – May – includes lunch, doesn’t visit any glaciers but is for wildlife watching

When you head out on your tour, park in the designated KFT parking lot and jump on their shuttle bus, then check in for your boat tour a half hour beforehand. Continental breakfast is provided onboard, but you can also grab your own full breakfast either at your hotel or at the Porthole food truck nearby. The tour will go through islands, around peninsulas, to waterfalls and all while watching for whales, porpoises, dolphins, puffins, seals and more.

The highlight for many when they’re doing the Kenai Fjords Tour is getting up close to a tidewater glacier. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll either go to Northwestern, Aialik or Holgate Glacier. Each is beautiful and really cool to see up close, especially if it’s calving or having an ice fall. It’s an amazing tour and you’ll fall in love with Kenai Fjords National Park! This may be the highlight of your 7 day Alaska itinerary.

After a day on the water an easy hike at Exit Glacier is just what you need to round out your Kenai Fjords National Park experience. The trails here are pretty easy, including a wheelchair accessible trail. You’ll be able to hike through the woods and look out over the Resurrection Valley, see the face of Exit Glacier and walk the path of how the glacier has quickly receded in recent years. I was stunned since I’ve been coming here for 20+ years.

Finish your day with dinner at the Resurrection Roadhouse (we love it!) and then go for a wildlife drive after dinner. Dusk is one of the best times to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, and the Exit Glacier road is a great spot to just hang out and see what you can see!

Day 3 – Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage

There’s a lot of hiking you can do on the Kenai Peninsula, but there’s also just a lot to see. In an effort to keep our 7 day Alaska itinerary on task, we’re just scraping the surface of what you’ll find on the rest of the Kenai. For day 3 of our Alaska road trip, we’re heading to the Sterling Highway to look for bears and enjoy two of the prettiest rivers in mainland Alaska: the Russian and Kenai Rivers. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Hiking at Russian River and falls, wildlife viewing
• Cooper Landing Brewing Co
• Scenic float on the Kenai River
• Drive north, departing the Kenai Peninsula

You’ll see that we don’t have any fishing planned on the itinerary. This is because we don’t do sport fishing and it’s a very expensive activity if you want to catch, keep and cook your fish… or ship it home. It’s a lot. When I lived on the Kenai River fishing was awesome and I ate a lot of salmon, but not now as a tourist.

Russian River Falls for Salmon and Bears

As you head through Cooper Landing on the Sterling Highway, you’ll cross the milky turquoise Kenai River. Continuing on you’ll come to the Russian River recreational sites . This is where you’ll pay a fee to access the area, which is a part of the National Forest Service (get a discount with military ID or National Park pass), and then continue to one of the parking areas. A lot of people come to the Russian River for salmon fishing, but that’s not our plan. This activity is a gentle hike along the Russian River.

Remember the name of the lot you parked in (Pink Salm, King Salmon…) and then head down the pathway to the river. Go right to head towards the confluence of the Russian and Kenai Rivers, or go left to head towards Russian River Falls. Because so many salmon return to the Russian River to spawn there are often bears here fishing in the river. BEAR SAFETY is a must!

If you encounter a bear along the river, give it as much space as you can, paying attention all around you in case there are others. Because there are usually a lot of fishermen on the river, the bears do tend to stay on the far side, but they can cross whenever and wherever they want. Enjoy the wildlife and hike, and then head back to your vehicle (because you’ll remember where you parked!).

Cooper Landing Brewing Co and Kenai Lake

Grab lunch at one of the small restaurants in the Cooper Landing area (I love Gwin’s Lodge) or head to Cooper Landing Brewing Co for one of the best burgers I’ve ever had anywhere, not just in Alaska. There’s a beer counter to get pints from their local brewery and a food counter for burgers, pretzels and more. There’s both indoor and outside seating, and it’s got a great vibe. Cooper Landing Brewing Co wasn’t open when I lived in the town, but it’s for sure a welcome addition. 

Afterwards, if you have time, head down Quartz Creek Road to the shore of Kenai Lake. The mountain and lake views are beautiful, and if you’re lucky you might even see a moose during your visit.

Kenai River Scenic Float Raft Trip

I’ve rafted the Kenai River many times. I love it because there are moments with some rapids, but for the most part it’s a pretty gentle experience. Doing a scenic float on the Kenai with either Alaska Rivers Co or Alaska River Adventures is a great afternoon activity. I’ve seen many moose and bears from a raft here, and once I even had a school of sockeye salmon rush under the raft and it was wild!

If you’re looking for a bigger rafting adventure, in the Hope area of the Kenai Peninsula is 6 Mile Creek. It is not for the faint of heart. I’ve rafted it and it’s one of the only rivers that genuinely scared me. It’s beautiful and is for sure an experience, but it’s intense. Due to the class IV and V rapids, it’s for very advanced rafting. And that’s why I like the Kenai River float trip!

When you’re done on the Kenai, head back north to Anchorage or Eagle River, or continue up to Talkeetna. You’ve got flexibility with the 7 day Alaska itinerary to mix up where you’re staying for this last half of the travel plan.

Day 4 – Willow and Talkeetna

People who’ve done an Alaska road trip or done the land portion of a cruise tour often talk about Talkeetna and how cute it is. And it is that. I’ve been to Talkeetna many times and it’s definitely got the “old Alaska” vibe. This part of our 7 day itinerary is a sort of relaxing reset before heading to the tundra. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Drive north on Parks Highway
• Float or fishing on Willow Creek
• Explore and dine in Talkeetna
• Jet boat up the Susitna River

Willow Creek for Photography and Calm

Making our way north towards Denali National Park there are lots of pretty spots and a few small towns to stop into. One of these places is Willow. There’s not much to the town, but it’s a great place for fishing and floating through the wilderness. If you didn’t do a scenic float on the Kenai River or if you want to do another, doing a scenic float here with Willow Creek Tours , it is a nice morning or afternoon activity. Bald eagles, deer and wildflowers are the main attraction here. I love that it’s a very different sort of wilderness experience than other places thus far on this Alaska road trip.

Talkeetna – Famous for Being Itself

Just like Key West is famous for being a free-flowing vintage Florida town or Port Townsend is famous for its slogan “we’re all here because we’re not all there,” Talkeetna has that same feel. The area around the town on the Talkeetna Spur Road is pretty and there are lots of things to do, but the town itself is the main attraction. Walk from one end to the other popping into shops, mercantiles and restaurants. Get spinach bread from the airstream trailer and sit by the river enjoying a snack.

Also in Talkeetna is a satellite visitor center for Denali National Park. This is a good stop to make for confirming your plans as you approach the park the next day. Get hiking suggestions and find out about conditions in both Denali National Park and State Park. Once you’ve got your bearings, head over to the XY Lakes for some easy hiking around, or rent a kayak at the parking area. Talkeetna is mellow and fun. It can be busy with tourists, but I do love it.

Jet Boat on the Susitna River

Not many people have done a jet boat adventure, but they’re really cool! It’s a very different boat experience, so even though there are lots of water activities in our Alaska road trip plan, the jet boat on the Susitna River is very different. I’ve done this type of excursion here, on the Rogue River in Oregon ( another amazing road trip ), and in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area . I love it!

A jet boat ride is both fast and loud, with quiet breaks and lots of information. The Susitna River is a really unique waterway, so getting to blast upstream and check out the Alaska wilderness from the river is pretty cool. Also, when you do the jet boat on the Susitna River, there’s a stop on the tour where you get to pop onto shore upriver to see a trapper’s cabin, indigenous camp, and have a little nature walk between them. I think it’s a great activity!

Where to Stay in Talkeetna

There are some surprisingly nice options around Talkeetna when it comes to where to stay. You don’t have to stay directly in town (because that’s not an easy thing to do) but you can be very close, walking distance or a ten minute drive away. For our 7 day Alaska itinerary we’ve only got one night planned in Talkeetna, so where you choose to stay doesn’t have a huge impact on your daily plan.

We had a great stay (four days actually!) at the Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge on the Talkeetna Spur Road. We had a fantastic little cabin, access to Montana Creek for fly fishing and it was wonderfully quiet in the woods. The Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge was actually also one of the most affordable places we’ve stayed on any Alaska trip.

Day 5 – Denali State Park to Denali Village

Today’s the day on our Alaska itinerary that we finally get to Denali National Park! But before that, we need to stop at Denali State Park and do a little hiking. As you head north, there are some (potentially) great views and easy hikes to enjoy before getting to the village around the National Park entrance. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Stop into Denali State Park for a few easy hikes
• Have Lunch in Cantwell
• Arrive at Denali Village and explore
• Evening hike at Denali National Park

Hiking at Denali State Park

As you head north to the National Park, you’ll go by Denali State Park. While it may not be famous like the other, there are some nice hikes, great views of the Chulitna River and Denali (formerly Mt McKinley), and awesome wildlife opportunities. Make sure you bring snacks and water just in case you decide to do one of the longer hikes.

Both the Moose Flats Loop and Denali Viewpoint South are easy trails that won’t add a ton of time to your drive. The Byers Lake Loop trail is a longer one that is still fairly easy, and then the Curry Ridge trail has a lot more elevation and takes a bit longer. Because these two both go further from the road and campground areas, there is better potential for wildlife. Remember, seeing wildlife is awesome, but you need to be SAFE. I cannot stress enough the importance of giving wild animals plenty of distance and observing them from afar.

Enjoying Denali Village

Denali Village and the townsite around the National Park entrance is kind of fun to explore. It’s not like Cherokee at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but more like West Glacier at Glacier National Park. There are lots of restaurants and lodges, so in the middle of those you’ll find shops and convenience stores. There are a few attractions within the village, like the Sourdough Photo Studio, and such, but it’s not chalk full of museums and galleries like some National Park towns.

You can do some cool stuff here though, including some small hikes. If you have time and the budget, the Husky Homestead does really fun tours that are great to add to your Alaska road trip if you haven’t done anything dogsled related yet. If you’re into flightseeing, Denali Air is an incredible way to see the park, including doing a landing on an icefield if that’s what you’re looking for.

Where to Stay at Denali National Park

Unfortunately there’s not an epic National Park lodge like in Yellowstone or Yosemite, but there are lots of nice places to stay all around the park entrance. You can also choose to stay down in Cantwell or up in Healy, depending on availability and your budget. The key thing is actually finding availability and booking it. We have two nights of the 7 day Alaska itinerary here at Denali, so as soon as you know your travel dates, get your hotel reservations!

I worked at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and have stayed at the McKinley Chalet Resort , so can recommend both properties. If you’re doing your Alaska road trip during peak summer months, the nightly rate is going to be $300+ USD, but if you’re visiting at the start or end of the season, you may get a great deal!

Day 6 – Safari into Denali National Park

I can remember the first time I ever got to go into Denali National Park. I fell in love with the tundra immediately. There are a few ways to experience the tundra and the reaches of Denali, but for our Alaska road trip itinerary we’re keeping it simple and going with the guided version. Don’t worry, you still have your own freedom to explore. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Denali National Park Wilderness Safari
• Visitor Center
• Hiking at Denali National Park

Music of Denali Dinner Show

Denali National Park Bust Tour

The main way to explore Denali National Park is via one of the bus tours. During normal years / summer season there are three options for doing this:

• Denali Natural History Tour – 5 hours
• Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour – 8 hours
• Denali Transit Buses – as long as you want

Due to a landslide/sinkhole issue in the park, only 43 of the 92 mile Park Road is open in 2024 and 2025. The road is supposed to reopen all the way to Wonder Lake in 2026. In the meantime, you can still see a ton of Denali National Park, its wildlife and the incredible tundra landscapes.

The difference in tours is how far into the park they go. The Denali Natural History Tour goes beyond Savage River (as far as you can drive into the Park) while the Tundra Wilderness Tour can go all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center potentially. If you’re doing the Transit Bus, this tour ISN’T narrated but actually makes stops along the way to Wonder Lake (when fully operational) to let people off for hiking in the tundra. The Transit Bus also will stop for wildlife like the tour buses do, but it’s much more so a transportation service than a tour.

BOOK YOUR TOUR ASAP . I can’t stress this enough, you need to book your bus tour into Denali National Park as soon as you know you’ll be there. The longer tour, the Tundra Wilderness, books up VERY FAR in advance, and the Natural History tour does too, but there’s often more availability. Don’t let your Alaska road trip get foiled by not being able to visit this amazing place!

Easy Denali Things to DO

A great bonus to having a 7 day Alaska itinerary is that you have the flexibility to move things around and spend more time in places where you’re having a wonderful experience. There are quite a few hiking trails at Denali National Park that you can access from the visitor center and town. And you can also drive into the Park as far as the Savage River, so enjoy hiking there as well. The Taiga, Horseshoe Lake and the Savage River Loop trails are all great options that aren’t too difficult and get you into nature easily.

Something wonderfully unique about exploring Denali National Park, and the park rangers will confirm this, is that the best parts of the park aren’t on the trails. Due to the nature of the tundra and landscape, visitors are encouraged to explore where they want. The key to doing this successfully is to keep safety in mind at all times, leave no trace, and to bring the supplies you’ll need for however long you want to be tundra hiking. Be sure to ask a ranger about off-trail hiking if you’re interested!

I had to add the Music of Denali dinner theater to our 7 day Alaska itinerary because it’s iconic… and so cheesy. I love this show and have seen it many times. The buffet of salmon, ribs and more is delicious and the experience is very family friendly. For being both dinner and a show, it’s also one of the most affordable unique experiences in Alaska. The Music of Denali show happens at the McKinley Chalets, so if you’re staying there you really can’t miss it.

Day 7 – More Hiking and Return to ANC

I can’t believe it’s already the last day of fun. After spending a week doing a road trip in Alaska, you have seen a lot! There are just a few more things to do before you call it the end though. As you drive south back to Anchorage, go rogue! When you’re on the Parks Highway heading south, make a left onto the Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Drive through Hatcher Pass (partial dirt road)
• Visit Independence Mine State Park
• Hike in the Archangel Valley
• Return to Anchorage

Visiting Hatcher Pass

It’s rare that I voluntarily drive on lone dirt roads, but Hatcher Pass is an exception. Once upon a time we got stuck in a rental car on a sketchy dirt road in Nova Scotia and since then I’ve been wary, but Hatcher Pass is well maintained and actually quite popular. Heading east on the Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive you’ll go through a beautiful valley with mossy green hills, small waterfalls and streams, placer washouts, old and current gold mines and off-trail hiking spots.

Keep an eye out for wildlife here in Hatcher Pass because there are lots of wild blueberries and rooty areas that bears LOVE. From the stream bed up the hills, watch for Alaskan brown bears and black bears. If you’re hiking, be sure to keep your bear spray available and make yourself known as you traverse the hills.

Independence Mine State Park and Gold Cord Lake

For all the historic places I’ve been and time I’ve spent visiting and living in Alaska, I actually learned a ton here at Independence Mine State Park . I never understood why mining died out or why huge industrial sites were just abandoned. I learned all about it here at Independence Mine where there are mine and camp ruins, machinery, cool buildings and great hiking trails.

The highlight of visiting (besides the education) was actually the Gold Cord Lake Trail . Wow! This trail is short but intense. Streams and fairy-like mossy mounds set the mood for one of the prettiest hikes I’ve done in the area. If you’re hiking up to Gold Cord Lake in early summer, you may just get to see it still frozen. It’s beautiful.

After hiking, pop into the Hatcher Pass Lodge for lunch and then walk around the property a bit. With each visit I try to scope out which cabin I want to stay in next time. The cabins are really cool and in a beautiful spot.

Hiking in the Archangel Valley – Lane Basin Trail

It’s not too far to our next stop, which is our last hike for our 7 day Alaska itinerary. The Lane Basin Loop is located at the end of the beautiful Archangel Valley. This area is popular with rock climbers, but it’s also got some really cool hikes for the rest of us to enjoy. Fair warning, the road up to Lane Basin is ROUGH. We actually chose to park at one of the climbing areas and walk the additional 1.5 miles up the road because the wheel wells were too big for our rental car.

Once on the Lane Basin Loop trail it was gorgeous. Our 12 year old son even commented that it’s the prettiest hike we’ve ever done AND it was his favorite hike ever. Really, the scenery is amazing, with streams, waterfalls, areas similar to the tundra and rocky cliffs all around. It’s amazing. You couldn’t pick a better hike to end your Alaska road trip with.

Ending the 7 Day Alaska Itinerary

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Alaska road trip. When we first did this itinerary it was solely to relive my glory days of living in Alaska. Little did I think at the time that it was the perfect introduction for the rest of my family to what the Last Frontier is really like and that they’d fall in love with the state the way I did. When you complete this trip I hope you’ll feel the same.

Once you’re on your way home, I encourage you to think about some of the things you saw and didn’t get to do or would like to explore further. You can visit Alaska over and over and never have the same trip twice, even if you do the same itinerary.

If you have any questions about planning an Alaska road trip, need to tweak the itinerary to fit your group’s interests, or if you need some more specific recommendation please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more and help other plan amazing adventures!

Looking for more Alaska fun? Check out our Alaska Adventures page , including our UnCruise experience in Southeast Alaska !

National Park

Must-Do in Alaska: Places to Visit and Things To Do

Alaska is extremely deserving of its ‘Last Frontier’ nickname. The 49th state feels like a world apart from the rest of the US, a vast wilderness of wide-open tundra, towering mountains, frozen glaciers, and unique wildlife. It is one of the best places on Earth for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers to explore and an unbeatable spot to discover wild natural beauty. 

Whether you are there for the majestic scenery or to spot moose or eagles, Alaska delivers adventure and excitement by the bucketload. Here are a few of the best places to visit and things to do that are worth thinking about before packing your bags and heading straight for Alaskan adventures .

Denali National Park & Preserve

Denali (previously known as Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain peak in North America and is a must-see for any visitor to Alaska. The magnificent summit looms over the Denali National Park and Preserve, a fitting backdrop to some of the most incredible landscapes and fascinating abundance of wildlife in the world. From taiga forests to tundra, it is a diverse, varied spot, and an amazing place to hike and camp, or just take a bus tour. You’ll have the chance to see grizzly bears, caribou, and even wolves, making it a stunning destination for animal lovers. 

Glacier Bay National Park

No Alaskan adventure would be complete without seeing a few of its majestic and eye catching glaciers. And the best place for this is the awesome Glacier Bay National Park . In this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can take boat or air tours to get up close to some of the most impressive examples of glaciers in the world. You’ll get a chance to see glaciers calving – when chunks of ice break off from the main structure and crash into the water below – as well as an opportunity to spy seals lounging on the icebergs, or whales breaching in the open waters beyond the bay. 

Kenai Fjords National Park

While most people who want to see fjords head to Norway, Alaska boasts some incredible fjord landscapes as well. Kenai Fjords National Park boasts dramatic coastal scenery as well as the Harding Icefields, one of the largest of its kind in the US. A guided kayak tour through the fjords is a remarkable experience, offering an intimate way to see the breathtaking scenery as well as whales, orcas, puffins, and sea otters. 

Fairbanks & the Northern Lights

Many visitors come to Alaska with the express aim of seeing the Northern Lights, which is no surprise, as it is one of the best places in the world to do so! Even if you hadn’t planned on witnessing the magical Aurora Borealis, it is an experience not to be missed, and Fairbanks is a superb spot to see them. While winter offers the best chance of seeing this sumptuous lightshow, they can be seen year-round, and Fairbanks is a fascinating city overall, as well as being a wonderful gateway to the remote wildernesses of Alaska’s interior, as well as the Arctic Circle. If you come in the summer, while the Northern Lights might be unlikely, you will get a chance to see the Midnight Sun, which is a pretty spectacular and mind-bending sight on its own!

Alaska is a land of extremes, one of the most fascinating and otherworldly places on the planet, and a destination that revels in the raw beauty of nature. From towering glaciers and mountain hikes to the dancing electric extravaganza of the Northern Lights in the night sky, there is so much to see and do in Alaska, and it is no wonder that it is a bucket list destination for so many adventurous travelers!

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