Kenai Peninsula Day Tours & Attractions
To truly appreciate all that the Kenai Peninsula has to offer, we recommend staying a few days. The list below shows activities that are available throughout the Peninsula.
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Day Tours & Attractions
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Fishing Charters
Rafting Tours
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Fishing Charters View All
Seward, Cooper Landing, Kenai / Soldotna, & Homer
O’Fish’ial specializes in saltwater halibut and king salmon charter fishing experiences out of Homer, as well as Long Range trophy fish hunts. Owner Chad has spent countless hours with seasoned Alaskan fishermen who shared time-tested advice – and their fishing hotspots – with him. He combines this knowledge with a customer-service focus and passion for sharing all the excitement and adventure Alaska fishing has to offer.
The logo for the Soldotna B&B Lodge says it all: a guest who’s lounging in bed — while also fishing. This family-run fishing lodge directly on the Kenai River offers a relaxing place to soak up the sights and sounds of nature, while also delivering a front-row opportunity to do some of Alaska’s most famous, exciting fishing. All stays carry a two-night minimum, but most guests stay longer (an average of 5 – 7 days), which is easy to do given the ...more
Where will you find Alaska’s best salmon fishing? The Kenai Peninsula is hard to beat. Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA) has specialized in fishing the Upper Kenai River between Kenai and Skilak Lakes since 1977. Their professional guides are experts in fly-fishing, drift fishing, and back trolling, so you can fish from the boat, the bank, or both. Expect an exciting day of fishing for salmon (red, silver, or king depending on the season), as ...more
Profish-n-sea Charters, out of Seward, offers salmon and halibut fishing with friendly, experienced Alaskan guides. Trips last a full day; you’ll motor 2 to 2.5 hours from Seward to the Gulf of Alaska, Montague Island, and other outer-coast hotspots. Profish-n-Sea knows the three keys to catching fish: boats, knowledge, and gear. That’s why the boats are always clean, the gear sharp, and the crew friendly, helpful, and fun.
Fishing the Kenai Peninsula is pretty much the ultimate for fishermen the world over, and with Alaska River Adventures, even beginners do well. This area is famous for salmon (Kings, reds and silvers), rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden, which Alaska River Adventures can help you find in the amazing green of the Kenai River and other points along the Peninsula. Alaska River Adventure guides have been fishing these waters for years. They’re patient ...more
Homer is the halibut capital of Alaska, and this longtime charter company offers a blue-chip way to get to the fish. They have high-quality boats, experienced captains, and enthusiastic crews — as well as an inside line on finding halibut, rock fish and silver salmon. But they also offer a variety of other ways to enjoy the waters off Kachemak Bay, from wildlife cruising to paddling a kayak or hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Alaskan adventures and great lodging await at the Great Alaskan Adventure Lodge. This all-inclusive experience lets you drive or fly in to the property, which sits on 25 acres at the confluence of two rivers. An old homestead with cabins and luxury tent options, the lodge makes for a comfortable stay. You’ll also find an array of adventures — everything from great fishing to glacier cruising. The owners have been perfecting their itineraries for ...more
Feel the thrill of world-class salmon and trout fishing on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula with experienced, passionate guides. You’ll get out on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, just hours from Anchorage, with a team that knows where the fish will be running each day. Spend a day, or make it a multi-day trip with a custom package that includes lodging on the river.
Where can you find the biggest salmon, on average, in the entire world? In the Kenai River. And The River Crew, based in Soldotna, can take you to some secret spots on the famous river to fish for salmon and trout — whether you’re an experienced angler or not.
When in Seward, head out on the water with Alaska Northern Outfitters on their comfortable 46-foot catamaran – the Sea Quest — for an epic day of fishing for halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish. It’s the only charter vessel in Seward with an upper viewing deck. This lets you sightsee or have lunch on the upper deck while watching the action below. . Inside you’ll find a large and heated interior, indoor seating for everyone, tables, and ...more
Don’t miss this opportunity to go fishing for Alaskan salmon in beautiful rivers. This easy, one-day trip departs from Anchorage; you’ll drive over mountain passes and along the Cook Inlet to the Great Alaska Adventure Lodge where you’ll have lunch. Then it’s out to the confluence of two rivers with the lodge’s expert guides, where you’ll cast your line for famous salmon — king, sockeye, silver, or pink, depending on the season. Or choose a one-day ...more
Rafting Tours View All
Girdwood, Hope, Cooper Landing
Six Mile Creek is one of the most famous — and most challenging — whitewater runs in the entire state of Alaska. Your heart will be pounding and your muscles burning as you paddle through rapids called “Big Rock Drop,” “Suckhole,” and “Let’s Make a Deal.”
The original hallmark trip that got the Alaska Railroad to bring the Glacier Discovery to Spencer Glacier in 2002. This is one of the most scenic glacier river trips in Alaska and a perfect float for all ages. Your trip begins with a scenic ride on Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train, which runs from Anchorage, Girdwood, and other pick-up points along the railbelt. Enjoy a beautiful ride down Turnagain Arm and the Placer River Valley and ...more
Experience the wilderness of the Chugach National Forest from several different perspectives. Combine a helicopter ride, alpine hike, glacial lake tour, river rafting and train ride all in 9 – 10 hours! It’s one big and bold Alaska tour de force with Chugach Adventures.
Alaska River Adventures Kenai River rafting trips are some of its most popular and accessible excursions – and are a great value too. Full day trips showcase 19 miles of Alaska wild from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake, giving plenty of time for spotting wildlife, historic spots and gorgeous views from all angles. When you have just a few hours, a scenic and serene 14-mile float of the Upper Kenai River provides a variety of sights, from historic ...more
Alaska Wildland Adventures pioneered floating the mellow, turquoise Kenai River and has operated continuously since 1977. Join them for a serene 2‑hour float, or take on a 7‑hour adventure, complete with fun Class II+ rapids and a cruise through a glacial lake. AWA’s Kenai River Scenic Float Trip offers a nice introduction to the river, taking you along a stretch of the scenic Upper Kenai closed to motorized boats. Watch for wildlife as your ...more
Join us as we drift downstream through one of the world’s most beautiful freshwater salmon fisheries, passing gravel bars left by a glacial flood, migrating salmon, brown bears, and human fishers as you float on by.
Sea Kayaking Tours View All
Girdwood, Seward, Homer
Homer is the halibut capital of Alaska, and this longtime charter company offers a blue-chip way to get to the fish. They have high-quality boats, experienced captains, and enthusiastic crews — as well as an inside line on finding halibut, rock fish and silver salmon. But they also offer a variety of other ways to enjoy the waters off Kachemak Bay, from wildlife cruising to paddling a kayak or hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Explore a quiet coastline just a few miles from Homer, where you’ll kayak through the protected waters of Tutka Bay in search of amazing views, wildlife and adventure! Your guide leads the way on a half-day or full-day tour, gliding past dense woods, rugged shoreline and hidden coves. Add on fishing for the freshest in Alaskan salmon or rockfish!
Take a boutique, small-group kayaking trip with experienced guides at Liquid Adventures and get close to glaciers in kayaks or paddleboards while looking for whales and other marine mammals. You can even combine your adventure with a jetboat, helicopter, or wildlife cruise. There’s nothing quite like it in all of Alaska!
Members of 1% For The Planet, Kayak Adventures Worldwide strives to fulfill their mission to inspire an active stewardship of our natural world. Through small group sea kayak tours in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, they focus on safety, education, and connecting guests with the unique and fragile ecosystems you’ll visit.
For a closer, quieter, and more peaceful version of the Alaskan glacier and wildlife cruise, travel by sea kayak. Paddle the shoreline of Resurrection Bay, where encounters with sea otters, seabirds, and spawning salmon are common. Choose from a variety of three-hour excursions or take a full-day trip.
Enjoy a magical morning or evening kayaking the calm waters of Spencer Lake, in the awe-inspiring presence of a jagged terminus glacier. Your time on the water is sandwiched between two train rides that offer up some of Alaska’s most scenic rail miles. It’s a full day of unforgettable experiences in our country’s second largest national forest – the Chugach.
Enjoy remote Alaska at its best. Go with this small, family-owned company in Homer for a magical kayaking experience, with the option to add on a gorgeous hike to an iceberg studded glacier lake! Trips range from half-day to full-day, and are great for families.
Day Cruises View All
Seward & Homer
Get up close to the Alaskan glaciers and wildlife you came to experience by taking a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park on a custom-built catamaran out of Seward. The difference from other cruises, is that you’ll then get off the boat and into a kayak, paddle around icebergs, and watch for wildlife from your own vessel.
Whether you’d like to go on a personalized boat tour of the Homer area or take a water taxi to the Alaskan backcountry, Homer is an ideal place to launch from, and Coldwater has the boats and expertise to get you there. Explore places like Kachemak Bay State Park, the small town of Seldovia, and picturesque Halibut Cove.
$400+ Day-trip | $470+ Multi-day
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: M/V Caroline
Spend the afternoon, or a few days exploring the waters of Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound aboard the M/V Caroline, a beautiful custom-built yacht set for adventure! It’s the perfect setting for a family or small group vacation. Fill your days lounging on the flybridge, fishing, kayaking, strolling beaches and cruising to your next fantastic destination.
Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords are great places to see wildlife and glaciers. And Major Marine’s vessels, which have cozy heated cabins and an outdoor viewing area, can take you out to see both. This family-owned tour operator has gone above and beyond to give guests an amazing day on the water since 1990.
This veteran tour operator runs a a fleet of fast, modern boats in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll visit tidewater glaciers as you watch for puffins, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, sea lions, and more. Some tours are designed to please birders or shutterbugs, while others are perfect for families.
Homer is the halibut capital of Alaska, and this longtime charter company offers a blue-chip way to get to the fish. They have high-quality boats, experienced captains, and enthusiastic crews — as well as an inside line on finding halibut, rock fish and silver salmon. But they also offer a variety of other ways to enjoy the waters off Kachemak Bay, from wildlife cruising to paddling a kayak or hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Just an hour’s drive from Anchorage, the MV Ptarmigan let you get within 300 feet of the towering ice wall called Portage Glacier. You can also book a narrated motorcoach tour to take you to Portage Glacier.
Dog Sledding Tours View All
Seward
Go behind the scenes with Iditarod mushers and get your own thrilling ride with the dogs at Turning Heads Kennel. Choose a summer dog demonstration and cart ride, or whisk off by helicopter for glacier dog sledding. Winter brings its own variety of tours, which range from an hour long to multi-day expeditions near Willow, Alaska.
Visit Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s homestead, home to three generations of Iditarod mushers. Experience an exciting two-mile dog sled ride, tour the racing kennel, meet the dogs, cuddle adorable husky puppies, and listen to stories from the Iditarod trail. Then climb aboard a custom-designed sled; an Iditarod race finisher drives you through rainforest to a river-cut canyon surrounded by mountains.
Experience the unique thrill of summer dog sledding on a glacier! Lift off in a helicopter and enjoy incredible views on your way to this amazing adventure. Want more time in the air? Add a flightseeing excursion before or after your dog sledding experience!
The port city of Seward is a classic stop on any Alaska itinerary, thanks to its proximity to Chugach National Forest and Kenai Fjords National Park. But it’s also one of the more diverse places to fly. This tour operator offers stunning birds-eye views of the area’s alpine meadows, glaciers and fjords, as well as the chance to touch down, explore the terrain and even meet sled dogs.
Bear Viewing Tours View All
Kenai / Soldotna & Homer
Explore a quiet coastline just a few miles from Homer, where you’ll kayak through the protected waters of Tutka Bay in search of amazing views, wildlife and adventure! Your guide leads the way on a half-day or full-day tour, gliding past dense woods, rugged shoreline and hidden coves. Add on fishing for the freshest in Alaskan salmon or rockfish!
Serenity and privacy are paramount at this intimate collection of five romantically rustic vacation rentals. Underground cabins and a yurt are just some of the unique rooms that make up this Homer property, all perched on a bluff with spectacular views of Kachemak Bay and the mountains beyond.
Soldotna Park, in downtown Soldotna, offers all Kenai River species — but most people are here for the sockeye. That means it can get crowded during peak sockeye season, but it’s also a good place to learn how to fish for sockeye. The combination of easy accessibility, hard-packed gravel and a shallow grade make the fishing enjoyable.
Biking, fish viewing, a natural history center and a flat hike to a glacier are within easy reach of this quiet, intimate campground in Portage Valley at the head of Turnagain Arm in the Chugach National Forest. The 12 sites in the graveled, wooded Black Bear are yards from the Trail of Blue Ice — a non-motorized multi-use trail that traverses the valley floor.
Indeed, the Harbor 360 Hotel has a pretty literal name: Located on Seward’s waterfront, this 96 room hotel offers stunning 360-degree views: You’ll see the Seward Small Boat Harbor and Resurrection Bay if you book a Harborside room, or the Kenai Mountains if you book a Mountainside room.
Popular with hikers and backpackers, this easy-to-follow trail connects the state’s most intense sockeye salmon sports fishery with stunning mountain backcountry. It offers many of the Kenai Peninsula’s highlights in one trip. The 21-mile route accesses Russian River Falls, Lower and Upper Russian Lakes, Cooper Lake, 3 federally managed recreational cabins, and numerous campsites
O’Fish’ial specializes in saltwater halibut and king salmon charter fishing experiences out of Homer, as well as Long Range trophy fish hunts. Owner Chad has spent countless hours with seasoned Alaskan fishermen who shared time-tested advice – and their fishing hotspots – with him. He combines this knowledge with a customer-service focus and passion for sharing all the excitement and adventure Alaska fishing has to offer.
Just an hour’s drive from Anchorage, the MV Ptarmigan let you get within 300 feet of the towering ice wall called Portage Glacier. You can also book a narrated motorcoach tour to take you to Portage Glacier.
Spencer Glacier rises 3,500 feet in a stunning, natural ramp from a lake of royal-blue icebergs in the Chugach National Forest just 60 miles south of Anchorage. It’s a family-friendly recreation destination featuring camping, hiking, glacier exploration, nature walks, paddling and sightseeing. Maybe best of all: You have to take a train to get there!
Experience complete immersion in the wonders of wild coastal Alaska, and stay in spacious, bright yurts (circular, reinforced tent-like structures) on a private island in Humpy Cove. Inside, the yurts are warm and comfy with fireplaces, private bathrooms and private decks overlooking the cove all connected by extensive boardwalks. They water taxis is included along with sea kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, and fishing gear. All of this is just a ...more
Six Mile Creek is one of the most famous — and most challenging — whitewater runs in the entire state of Alaska. Your heart will be pounding and your muscles burning as you paddle through rapids called “Big Rock Drop,” “Suckhole,” and “Let’s Make a Deal.”
For many Alaskan travelers, bears are the ultimate highlight. Pair a magnificent sighting with a gorgeous helicopter flightseeing ride and you’ll have an unforgettable experience. On this unique tour from Homer, you’ll take a helicopter ride out into one of Alaska’s gorgeous national parks to witness these spectacular creatures in the wild.
Alaska Heavenly Lodge offers the best of both worlds: all the seclusion and luxury normally associated with fly-in lodges, as well as the affordability and convenience of being on the road system. Built in 1974, Alaska Heavenly Lodge is made up of three hand-hewn log cabins. The Main Lodge features a full kitchen, a 16-person dining room table, a comfy sitting area with a wood-burning fireplace, a loft library, and a deck overlooking the Kenai ...more
A stretch of exposed bedrock southeast of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm was gouged and polished by mile-thick glaciers during the last ice age. The grooves appear as smooth channels carved into the rock itself by almost unimaginable forces. Some are subtle, like ripples, and hard to see. Others are large enough to lie inside on a sunny afternoon.
Homer is the halibut capital of Alaska, and this longtime charter company offers a blue-chip way to get to the fish. They have high-quality boats, experienced captains, and enthusiastic crews — as well as an inside line on finding halibut, rock fish and silver salmon. But they also offer a variety of other ways to enjoy the waters off Kachemak Bay, from wildlife cruising to paddling a kayak or hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Alaska Wildland Adventures pioneered floating the mellow, turquoise Kenai River and has operated continuously since 1977. Join them for a serene 2‑hour float, or take on a 7‑hour adventure, complete with fun Class II+ rapids and a cruise through a glacial lake. AWA’s Kenai River Scenic Float Trip offers a nice introduction to the river, taking you along a stretch of the scenic Upper Kenai closed to motorized boats. Watch for wildlife as your ...more
Well-maintained and suitable for summer hiking and biking, the 10-mile Devil’s Pass Trail features a steep route up a spectacular V‑shaped valley that intersects with the Resurrection Pass Trail and a rental cabin in the alpine realm. The country is rugged, with great access to cross-country tundra exploration and berry picking.
Whether you’re in the market for fishing lures, rain gear or snacks for the day, this store on the Harborview Boardwalk is your one-stop shopping spot.
Take a spectacular private guided hiking tour in Seward — where the mountains meet the ocean — to explore glaciers and alpine ridges. When you go with Seward Wilderness Collective, you get a great tour plus a dialogue with their knowledgeable guides about the impacts of climate change, with living examples right in front of your eyes.
This tributary of the Kenai River flows alongside the Sterling Highway, just north of Cooper Landing (from milepost 40 – 45). There are plenty of designated pull-offs along the highway — like Quartz Creek Road, which leads to Kenai Lake, as well as the popular access point at the Quartz Creek Bridge.
This trail is also called the Primrose trail at the north end. It begins in a beautiful rainforest and eventually takes you up to a multiple of beautiful lakes in high meadows.
This wildlife sweet spot is worth a visit. The Russian Lakes Trail begins off the access road to the Russian River Campground in Cooper Landing, at milepost 52 of the Sterling Highway. Get off-the-beaten path, hike two miles to the falls and enjoy the immediate reward of spectacular salmon viewing.
The logo for the Soldotna B&B Lodge says it all: a guest who’s lounging in bed — while also fishing. This family-run fishing lodge directly on the Kenai River offers a relaxing place to soak up the sights and sounds of nature, while also delivering a front-row opportunity to do some of Alaska’s most famous, exciting fishing. All stays carry a two-night minimum, but most guests stay longer (an average of 5 – 7 days), which is easy to do given the ...more
Not many hotels can say that every room has a great view, but Ocean Shores was designed that way. Each room features views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding mountains. Also the ocean front property has a nice path to our secluded beach and tide pools of Kachemak Bay. Or explore the nearby town of Homer.
Feel the thrill of world-class salmon and trout fishing on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula with experienced, passionate guides. You’ll get out on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, just hours from Anchorage, with a team that knows where the fish will be running each day. Spend a day, or make it a multi-day trip with a custom package that includes lodging on the river.
Each head of household is allowed to keep 25 sockeye salmon per year, and every additional member of the family is entitled to 10 fish.
Alaska’s Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge is a premier, full-service destination lodge in Halibut Cove adjacent to the Kachemak Bay State Park. Your hosts understand that experiencing Alaska’s great outdoors is a primary goal for those active in mind and spirit, so they have designed numerous guided adventures to choose from, including hiking, glacier kayaking & wildlife viewing. You can also add-on a fishing charter or bear viewing tour during ...more
Crystal-clear Williwaw Creek and its bank-side trail system in Portage Valley at the head of Turnagain Arm offers exceptionally good conditions for watching spawning in action. Coho, sockeye and chum salmon converge on the creek as it winds through the brushy flats beginning in mid-August, with some late-arriving fish still present after first frost in the fall.
From the base of the Homer Spit, take this 4‑mile paved trail to the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. The trail is in excellent condition and is flat as a pancake for most of its length. The first mile of trail is along a broad estuary that is great for birding. Once you pass the one-mile mark you’ll be riding past fishing boats that are out of the water being worked on as well as a few shops.
This world-class, 115,000-square-foot facility was built with funds from the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and serves to remind visitors — in a highly interactive way — of the importance of understanding and maintaining Alaska’s marine ecosystem. See life swimming right before your eyes: witness a Steller sea lion gliding past underwater viewing windows, puffins diving in natural habitat, and harbor seals resting on rocky beaches. Take self-guided or ...more
Locals know this Homer institution as the place that has everything — from sporting goods to oil for your car, art supplies to prescription medications. While it has a staggering amount of variety, it maintains a charming mom-and-pop vibe.
This is a day use site that offers 13 picnic sites with tables, a fish viewing platform, water, toilets, an information board, and fire grates.
Where can you find the biggest salmon, on average, in the entire world? In the Kenai River. And The River Crew, based in Soldotna, can take you to some secret spots on the famous river to fish for salmon and trout — whether you’re an experienced angler or not.
Your own idyllic log chalet —is surrounded by more than a million acres of Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park and Kenai Fjords National Monument. Every day offers a first-class adventure. There are miles of lovely hiking trails and trout fishing supplies are provided. You may ask the pilot to return and take you for a day of brown bear viewing, or other fly-out adventure! Immersing yourself in some of the best of Alaska involves just a ...more
This is one of the few spots along the road system where you might catch halibut from the shore. Check out the beach, which surrounds the Land’s End Hotel, on the Homer Spit. Here, you’ll find a small parking lot, and the water’s only about 100 feet away.
Enjoy a magical morning or evening kayaking the calm waters of Spencer Lake, in the awe-inspiring presence of a jagged terminus glacier. Your time on the water is sandwiched between two train rides that offer up some of Alaska’s most scenic rail miles. It’s a full day of unforgettable experiences in our country’s second largest national forest – the Chugach.
The Homer Spit is a long, narrow finger of land jutting 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay. Dotted with businesses, the area caters to visitors and provides numerous recreation opportunities, from fishing and beachcombing to shopping and boating.
Staying at the remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers a real taste of the wilderness. The lodge, located on a five-acre, private in-holding, began as a river-accessed hunting cabin back in 1935. Years later, the remodeled and expanded property is still road-free, and guests raft into the lodge. Alaska Wildland Adventures pride themselves on a ‘leave no trace’ style of eco-tourism.
When in Seward, head out on the water with Alaska Northern Outfitters on their comfortable 46-foot catamaran – the Sea Quest — for an epic day of fishing for halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish. It’s the only charter vessel in Seward with an upper viewing deck. This lets you sightsee or have lunch on the upper deck while watching the action below. . Inside you’ll find a large and heated interior, indoor seating for everyone, tables, and ...more
Out on the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, at (literally) the end of the road, sits the quirky town of Homer — the ecotourism capital of Alaska. Artists, adventurers, and foodies all come to experience the town’s creative energy, great restaurants, and gorgeous wilderness. And at the entrance to town, just off the Sterling Highway, you’ll find the Homer Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
The port city of Seward is a classic stop on any Alaska itinerary, thanks to its proximity to Chugach National Forest and Kenai Fjords National Park. But it’s also one of the more diverse places to fly. This tour operator offers stunning birds-eye views of the area’s alpine meadows, glaciers and fjords, as well as the chance to touch down, explore the terrain and even meet sled dogs.
Go behind the scenes with Iditarod mushers and get your own thrilling ride with the dogs at Turning Heads Kennel. Choose a summer dog demonstration and cart ride, or whisk off by helicopter for glacier dog sledding. Winter brings its own variety of tours, which range from an hour long to multi-day expeditions near Willow, Alaska.
With 60 sites on paved loops, Williwaw is suitable for large motorhomes and offers great access to the Trail of Blue Ice — a non-motorized multi-use trail that traverses the valley floor. Also nearby biking, salmon viewing, hikes, and glacier viewing.
The view will likely be the first thing you notice at Alaskan Suites. Set about 20 feet from the edge of a bluff, the property features incredible views of Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet, and the mountains beyond. It’s a view you can take in from the five romantically rustic cabins, the common-area hot tub, or the campfire pit. Do as most guests do: maximize your time here by staying at least two nights.
This 38 mile long USFS trail climbs Resurrection Pass (elev. 2,600) and descends to the north to another trailheadtrailhead near Hope on Turnagain Arm. There are 8 public use cabins along the trail, making this an advanced but comfortable day cabin-to-cabin hike. There are also 19 campsites available along the trail.
This tiny cove, 10 miles from Seward, offers a combination of unplugged bliss, cool yurt living, and a kayaker’s paradise. The two “unplugged” yurts each come with a queen-size bed and full size sofa bed, a table and chairs, linens, and a kitchenette. You get unlimited use of kayaks during your stay — and given the amount of sunlight during summer, that means you can be paddling in and out of coves at midnight if you feel like it!
Get up close to the Alaskan glaciers and wildlife you came to experience by taking a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park on a custom-built catamaran out of Seward. The difference from other cruises, is that you’ll then get off the boat and into a kayak, paddle around icebergs, and watch for wildlife from your own vessel.
Many people know of the grueling Mount Marathon racecourse in Seward, some 130 miles south of Anchorage. However, most people don’t know that there’s also a hiking path to the top at Race Point — and it’s far less demanding. This 2.25-mile route, which entails hiking three different trails, takes you up the mountain and lets you to explore a glacial valley along the way.
Here’s our list of places to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, as well as tours to get you to the good spots.
If you can’t decide whether you’d rather have sunset or sunrise views on vacation, Between Beaches Alaska perfect. Perched on a spit near Seldovia that offers both East and West water views, this idyllic spot also offers the chance to watch whales, otters, seals, shorebirds and eagles while enjoying the tranquility of a unique setting. Choose from 6 cabins.
This fly-in-only lodge features two secluded chalets set amid a stunning mixture of sea, forest, and a glacier-formed lake. Enjoy guided walks, custom zodiac tours on the lake, bonfires on the beach, and relaxation at your private chalet. The rate includes transportation to and from the lodge, kayaks, dinner prepared by your hosts, and access to a pantry of items to supplement breakfast, lunch, and snacking. Each chalet is equipped with its own ...more
If you have some outdoor experience and an adventurous spirit, consider this 11-mile traverse up the Colorado Creek valley and down the Summit Creek. Beginning 2 hours south of Anchorage, this traverse doesn’t involve any rock scrambling, river crossings, or arduous bushwhacking. But if you feel comfortable hiking in wide and trackless country, you may reap the reward of having an entire valley to yourself.
This veteran tour operator runs a a fleet of fast, modern boats in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll visit tidewater glaciers as you watch for puffins, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, sea lions, and more. Some tours are designed to please birders or shutterbugs, while others are perfect for families.
$4,500+ (Inside Passage starting at $1,320)
5 days / 4 nights
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: M/V Sea Star
Set sail for 5 days and 4 nights with the crew of the M/V Sea Star for small ship adventure cruising in Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula or along the Inside Passage. The well-appointed yacht accommodates just 12 guests, allowing for a personalized experience where you are the explorer! Unplug from day-to-day life and soak up the wonders of Alaska’s amazing coastline. All meals prepared by an on-board chef and featuring fresh local ...more
If you want to camp beside subalpine Upper Summit Lake close to trumpeter swans and fishing for rainbows, take the family to this campground deep in the Kenai Mountains off Mile 46 of the Seward Highway. The 35 sites are spread along a loop in the alder, willow and spruce woods on the hillside above the lake, with clear-running Tenderfoot Creek passing through
Take a boutique, small-group kayaking trip with experienced guides at Liquid Adventures and get close to glaciers in kayaks or paddleboards while looking for whales and other marine mammals. You can even combine your adventure with a jetboat, helicopter, or wildlife cruise. There’s nothing quite like it in all of Alaska!
$450+ Lunch Cruise | $1100+ Overnight & Multi-Day
Afternoon & Multi-Day Packages
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: M/V Gambler
Hop aboard the M/V Gambler and cruise out to Resurrection Bay for a relaxing and personalized outing with locally-owned Alpenglow Charters. Couples and families will relish their time together exploring Seward’s enchanting coastline, guided by an engaging and knowledgeable crew. Options fit into the busiest of schedules: from a 4 hour lunch cruise, a remote overnight, to a 2‑day land and sea journey.
According to folklore, the tradition of the Mt. Marathon Race began when two sourdoughs argued about the possibility of climbing and descending the mountain in less than an hour. “Impossible” one said. To settle the argument, and the resulting wager, a race was held, with the loser to furnish drinks for the crowd. At the same time, enterprising merchants put up a suit of clothes and other attractions for the winner and proposed the race take… ...more
Need a dinner recommendation? Want to know the best place to see whales? Or how about kid-friendly activities in Seward? There’s no better place to have your questions answered and to learn about Seward than the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.
This cozy, family-run hotel features a range of comfortable studios and suites — some of which come with ocean views. Seafarer Suites is walking distance to local restaurants and art galleries, and just a few miles away from the Homer Spit.
$400+ Day-trip | $470+ Multi-day
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: M/V Caroline
Spend the afternoon, or a few days exploring the waters of Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound aboard the M/V Caroline, a beautiful custom-built yacht set for adventure! It’s the perfect setting for a family or small group vacation. Fill your days lounging on the flybridge, fishing, kayaking, strolling beaches and cruising to your next fantastic destination.
The wildflowers are abundant and verdant undergrowth can be check high sometimes. Most of the trail lies below treeline, so there are established camp clearings along the way that are nestled into the trees. One of the best campsites is 10 miles in from the northern trailhead, set among trees on a spruce-covered knoll looking over the trail and Bench Lake.
Behind the town of Seward is a mountain whose first peak rises 3022 feet. Formerly Lowell Mountain, it is now called Mt Marathon.
This 38 mile long USFS trail starts in Hope and climbs Resurrection Pass (elev. 2,600) towards the south before descending to the opposite trailhead near Cooper Landing. There are 8 public use cabins along the trail, making this an advanced but comfortable day cabin-to-cabin hike. There are also 19 campsites available for tent camping.
This trail, hands down, is one of the most popular hikes in the Kachemak Bay State Park. It is one of the easiest hikes in the park as the trail is well maintained, and you can’t beat the view of the glacier at the lake. For the first 1.5 miles, the trail meanders through mixed cottonwood and Sitka spruce. These cottonwoods are some of the largest in the park so take time to appreciate their enormous size. After 1.5 miles, the trail proceeds ...more
Upscale casual restaurant in Homer — part of Ocean Shores Resort — is a delicious destination for lunch and dinner and features amazing views of shimmering Kachemak Bay and the mountains beyond.
It’s easy to view or explore glaciers on the peninsula — known for its rugged terrain, coastal fiords and deep winter snows. Use our guide to plan your journey or day trip to see Kenai’s active ice.
No other mining trail on the Kenai Peninsula climbs as high or takes in more extensive views as the 6‑mile-long Crown Mine Trail. Beginning some 2 hours south of Anchorage on the appropriately named Mine Road just south of Trail Lake, this trail climbs to 3,900 feet above sea level to a unique spot — a glacial cirque littered with mining paraphernalia.
Located on the banks of the Kenai River and open 7 days a week in the summer. Stop by and pick up a Soldotna Visitors Guide as well as view photos from all over the Kenai Peninsula. Don’t miss the exhibit on the world record king salmon — 97 pound, 4 ounces!
This trail is a good day hike for the whole family. It alternates between open meadows and forests and offers the option of tent camping or staying in Crescent Lake Cabin. There are options for longer hikes and there is a lot of wildlife to be seen such as moose, goats and bears.
Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords are great places to see wildlife and glaciers. And Major Marine’s vessels, which have cozy heated cabins and an outdoor viewing area, can take you out to see both. This family-owned tour operator has gone above and beyond to give guests an amazing day on the water since 1990.
Experience the unique thrill of summer dog sledding on a glacier! Lift off in a helicopter and enjoy incredible views on your way to this amazing adventure. Want more time in the air? Add a flightseeing excursion before or after your dog sledding experience!
On the Fourth of July, the population of Seward swells from around 2,500 to a reported 40,000. Main Street is completely blocked off to traffic and the streets fill with people. Many come to run in or watch the Mt. Marathon Race, while others come to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and take part in the festivities. Seward’s annual July 4th celebration features a packed holiday schedule of special events, presentations,… ...more
Bertha Creek Campground is a great choice for a low-key campout in a recreational gold-panning area on a quiet loop where the kids won’t get lost. Located just south of Turnagain Pass in the Kenai Mountains about 65 miles south of Anchorage, the campground is tucked into an open forest beside the confluence of Bertha and Granite creeks at the base of steep mountains.
Driftwood Inn presents a variety of lodging options, including hotel rooms, deluxe lodges, a family cottage, and an RV park — all of which have great views of Bishop’s Beach and Kachemak Bay. This family-owned and ‑operated inn and has free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers in most rooms, and a cozy lobby with a fireplace. And you’re within walking distance of coffee shops, bakeries, bookstores, and restaurants.
Members of 1% For The Planet, Kayak Adventures Worldwide strives to fulfill their mission to inspire an active stewardship of our natural world. Through small group sea kayak tours in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, they focus on safety, education, and connecting guests with the unique and fragile ecosystems you’ll visit.
Go flightseeing in a helicopter out of scenic Seward and enjoy unforgettable views of the Kenai Mountain Range, Resurrection Bay, and gorgeous glaciers. Choose from a 30-minute, 45-minute, or 1‑hour long tour. And, add a glacier landing to any of them!
Probably the second most traveled trail in the park, this trail offers a great day hike for those spending time in the lagoon. You can start hiking the trail from the ranger station or the trailhead in Halibut Cove Lagoon. The trail traverses up numerous switchbacks to a place called First Lake. On a hot summer day, a soak in this lake can’t be beat.
Don’t miss this opportunity to go fishing for Alaskan salmon in beautiful rivers. This easy, one-day trip departs from Anchorage; you’ll drive over mountain passes and along the Cook Inlet to the Great Alaska Adventure Lodge where you’ll have lunch. Then it’s out to the confluence of two rivers with the lodge’s expert guides, where you’ll cast your line for famous salmon — king, sockeye, silver, or pink, depending on the season. Or choose a one-day ...more
This 0.4‑mile-long trail, which begins within earshot of downtown Homer, plays host to a variety of birds and plants. Wheelchairs may have some trouble in the first few feet of soft gravel, but once they reach the plastic boardwalk they should find the going much easier — and maybe worth the trouble it took to drive 4 hours from Anchorage.
$4,800+
3 days / 2 nights +
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Darby
Explore Alaska’s Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park fully with a three-day/two-night custom adventure perfect for families or couples. Alaska Fjord Charters guides you to the best mix of kayaking, glacier viewing, whale watching, and fishing, all in one leisurely tour.
The McBride Family has perfected their all-inclusive world-class Alaskan experience. Their amazing local Alaskan team and professional guides will personalize and customize your stay based on your interests, the tides, and the weather. Your days can be quiet and relaxing or filled with action-packed adventures including sea kayaking, hiking, casual beach fishing, tide pooling, marine and wildlife viewing, boat excursions, beach campfires, bird ...more
Spend several hours or a full day watching bears in the wild on a quintessential Alaskan adventure with a family-run company. Start with a scenic flight out of Homer over Kachemak Bay and into Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Once you land, your pilot/guide will take you to an optimal spot to watch and photograph these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, hunting, playing, and relaxing. Spend anywhere from 1.5 to 9 hours on the ...more
The City of Kenai’s visitor center goes well beyond a person at a counter handing out maps. You’ll find an impressive permanent collection of Native Alaskan and local history artifacts, art exhibits, as well as the largest collection of mounted bald eagles in North America. The gift shop features souvenirs, maps, books, music, and locally produced items. And, indeed, friendly staffers distribute information on local lodging, tours and… ...more
Where will you find Alaska’s best salmon fishing? The Kenai Peninsula is hard to beat. Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA) has specialized in fishing the Upper Kenai River between Kenai and Skilak Lakes since 1977. Their professional guides are experts in fly-fishing, drift fishing, and back trolling, so you can fish from the boat, the bank, or both. Expect an exciting day of fishing for salmon (red, silver, or king depending on the season), as ...more
Watch bears digging for clams, wandering the sedge grass, or nursing their young – all in a short flight from Homer to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Smokey Bay’s bear tours last about five hours total — including flights and about three hours on the ground. On any given day there will always be a morning outing (leaving at 8 a.m. at the latest) and possibly one that leaves around 2 p.m.
At the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, see Alaskan wildlife up close. The center’s mission is to provide refuge for orphaned, injured, and ill animals — those that can’t survive in the wild. The center, which opened to the public in 1993, educates visitors about Alaska’s wildlife. Coyotes peer out from behind the brush while a bald eagle swoops in on the salmon remains left by a grizzly bear. Wood Bison plod through 65 acres of tidal ...more
Enjoy stunning views of Resurrection Bay from these A‑frames cabins. You’ll feel like you’re in remote Alaska but you’re just three miles from downtown Seward and all the nearby tours and activities.
Charter their private, live-aboard, 60’ yacht. Wake up each day in the middle of untouched wilderness and go sea kayaking, hike through boreal forests, fish for trophy halibut and salmon, or spend a quiet day on the water photographing wildlife
Hop on board the all-season Missing Lynx and Lost Lynx, the vessels bound for whatever Seward Ocean Excursion suits your fancy. Want to whale watch, see glaciers, go bird watching or just check out hidden coves? Captains Bixler and Krystin McClure will help your small group plan an outing catered to your preferences. No matter the season, you can always catch some excitement in Resurrection Bay!
Located just outside Seward, the Abode Well Cabins are tucked back amidst four acres of trees. Of the 13 available rooms, six are King Cabins (which includes a kitchenette and sleeps up to three) and one is a “family cabin,” which has a full kitchen, separate bedrooms and sleeps up to eight with two queen beds, two twins, plus a queen-size sleeper sofa. There are also six Queen Studio Rooms available, with similar amenities to the King Cabins. ...more
This family-friendly, 2.5‑mile trail climbs 3,600 feet to a summit halfway between the sea and the heavens
More a gated road than a trail, this hike largely remains a local secret among the residents of Cooper Landing, the fishing mecca located some 105 miles south of Anchorage on Sterling Highway. Many in this town consider it their personal getaway, which makes it quite a popular secret. A foreman for Chugach Electric (the company that manages the dam on Cooper Lake) said he often experienced congestion while driving to the dam, due to the heavy ...more
Located on the docks in Seward, this fish processing plant and gift shop can send fish to your home freezer, whether you caught it yourself that day or just picked it out. Bring in a catch from your fishing trip and that day they’ll cut it into meal-sized portions, vacuum package, blast-freeze, and box it for you to take home. Their commercial blast freezers operate at 40 degrees below zero and their holding freezers at 20 degrees below zero.… ...more
Experience the wilderness of the Chugach National Forest from several different perspectives. Combine a helicopter ride, alpine hike, glacial lake tour, river rafting and train ride all in 9 – 10 hours! It’s one big and bold Alaska tour de force with Chugach Adventures.
How and where to find Alaska’s glaciers — some of the state’s most beautiful natural attractions
The Coastal Classic train runs between Anchorage and the town of Seward — a four-hour trip that’s the most beautiful along the entire Alaska Railroad. You’ll see Turnagain Arm as the train departs Anchorage, then a panorama of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and streams. You may even see wildlife like Dall sheep, Beluga whales, moose, bear, and more! Day Trip from Anchorage: Seward, Girdwood Multi-Day Trip from Anchorage: Overnight Seward, or ...more
This 86-room lodge not only has endless views over a vast valley, but it also sits on the banks of the Kenai River, which teems with fish. With vaulted ceilings made of naturally finished wood, cozy sitting areas with wood-burning stoves and private porches, it’s easy to feel like the whole place is yours. The area is famous for its fishing, but you also have easy access to Kenai Fjords National Park, a wild land filled with glaciers, marine ...more
Seward Waterfront Park extends from the small boat harbor to the SeaLife Center and contains paid tent and RV camping, playgrounds, a skate park, picnicing areas, beach access, and a trail lined with historical landmarks.
Looking for an intimate and accessible getaway with an authentic Alaskan feel? Alaska Wildland Adventure’s Kenai Riverside Lodge will fit the bill, with just 16 cabins set on the Kenai River, surrounded by 3,000-foot snow-capped mountains. This easy-access riverside lodge has a remote feel, but is still right on the road system. Meals are served family-style, creating a more intimate experience, and allowing you to mingle with fellow guests and ...more
The original hallmark trip that got the Alaska Railroad to bring the Glacier Discovery to Spencer Glacier in 2002. This is one of the most scenic glacier river trips in Alaska and a perfect float for all ages. Your trip begins with a scenic ride on Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train, which runs from Anchorage, Girdwood, and other pick-up points along the railbelt. Enjoy a beautiful ride down Turnagain Arm and the Placer River Valley and ...more
You can hike right up to Seward’s Exit Glacier and feel the dense blue ice while listening to it crackle. Walk the lower trail to get a good photo in front of the glacier face. Or, choose the more challenging 7‑mile round-trip Harding Icefield Trail. There is a short ranger-led walk daily at 11am and 3pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Seward’s Halibut Tournament, in June, offers an early-season focus on this famous fish, attracting anglers from all over Alaska and beyond
Profish-n-sea Charters, out of Seward, offers salmon and halibut fishing with friendly, experienced Alaskan guides. Trips last a full day; you’ll motor 2 to 2.5 hours from Seward to the Gulf of Alaska, Montague Island, and other outer-coast hotspots. Profish-n-Sea knows the three keys to catching fish: boats, knowledge, and gear. That’s why the boats are always clean, the gear sharp, and the crew friendly, helpful, and fun.
Quick: what’s the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America? It’s the Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and you’ll drive through it on the scenic and historic drive to Whittier. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a place whose valleys and mountains, communities and people tell the larger story of a wild place and a rugged frontier. This audio guide gives you the inside scoop on its fascinating history. You’ll… ...more
The most spectacular and accessible waterfalls around Alaska you can see from the road, from a hike, or from a day cruise.
There’s nothing quite like camping in the woods with the family when you’re a kid. The crackling campfire and gooey s’mores. Biking around the campground loop. Running through the forest and gathering wood. Catching (and landing) that first fish. Here we offer details for nine great public family campgrounds within a 90-minute drive from Anchorage.
The 23-mile Johnson Pass Trail offers hikers, backpackers and bikers a well-marked route through a lush pass in the Kenai Mountains — featuring gradual climbs, two lakes with fish, spectacular peaks and some way cool gorges.
Bald eagles are known to nest in this wooded spot near Resurrection Bay — and when you sign up for a tour with Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures, you’ll get to soar just like these iconic birds. This three-hour tour — the only canopy tour on the Kenai Peninsula — combines ziplines, rappels and sky bridges, with panoramic views of Mount Marathon, Resurrection Peaks and all the gorgeous scenery around you. It’s easy, and undeniably thrilling.
Whether you’d like to go on a personalized boat tour of the Homer area or take a water taxi to the Alaskan backcountry, Homer is an ideal place to launch from, and Coldwater has the boats and expertise to get you there. Explore places like Kachemak Bay State Park, the small town of Seldovia, and picturesque Halibut Cove.
Fly out of Soldotna with Natron’s owner and pilot, Tim. You’ll soar over the Cook Inlet towards Mt. Iliamna Volcano and land on a beach, right where the bears are. You’ll watch them playing and clamming and be close enough to take amazing photos.
Touring Alaska by helicopter gets you to unimaginably wild and remote places. Some of the most amazing have been scouted by Alaska Ultimate Safaris. Explore a glacier surrounded by snow-capped mountains, or climb to the steaming summit of an island volcano. In either case, the views are unparalleled and the experience is surreal.
Beginning 103 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway, the 3.5‑mile-long Ptarmigan Lake Trail makes for a fine family outing. The lake itself is a long and narrow body of water squeezed between ridges and mountains that tower as high as 6,000 feet. It even offers a small beach upon which to relax and enjoy the view while cooling your feet.
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby® is one of the oldest and largest fishing derbies in the State. Seward’s Derby is equally popular with locals, other Alaska residents, and visiting anglers from around the nation and world. Anglers vie for the largest Coho (Silver) Salmon and try to catch tagged fish worth prizes. Anglers turn their fish in daily, which are sold to raise funds for fish enhancement efforts. Derby tickets go on sale Friday night… ...more
This unique festival in Homer, Alaska is an art-lovers dream.
Set in a handsome birch forest overlooking Turnagain Arm, this campground in Chugach National Forest close to the historic village of Hope is a family classic. The 34 sites offer all the usual amenities (picnic table, campfire ring, outhouses, water pump) and are laid out with an eye toward privacy. Just 81 miles from Anchorage.
Quartz Creek campground is situated on the banks of sparkling Kenai Lake. This is a great spot to cool off on a hot day. Kenai Lake has a good sandy swimming beach and a trail that follows along nearby Quartz Creek. Cast your line for some awesome fly-fishing at the creek or look for the nearby horse stable for a scenic ride.
Fishing the Kenai Peninsula is pretty much the ultimate for fishermen the world over, and with Alaska River Adventures, even beginners do well. This area is famous for salmon (Kings, reds and silvers), rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden, which Alaska River Adventures can help you find in the amazing green of the Kenai River and other points along the Peninsula. Alaska River Adventure guides have been fishing these waters for years. They’re patient ...more
For many Alaskans, travel by plane is essential for work, getting to medical appointments in the big city, or connecting with family in another part of the state. For visitors, plane travel helps maximize their limited time exploring the state, showcases spectacular views of the land, and gives an authentic peek into Alaskans’ air-centric lifestyle. Ravn Alaska’s network offers flights to major Alaska cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, ...more
Traverse the majesty of Exit Glacier by ice hiking or ice climbing, or opt for a nature hike in the gorgeous terrain around Seward, Alaska. Never ice climbed or hiked on a glacier? Not a problem. All trips include instruction to get you started.
This is one of Homer’s top hikes. It starts on top of Baycrest Hill, crosses Diamond Ridge Road, then follows Crossman Ridge to the Bridge Creek Reservoir. Throughout, it rolls through forests, meadows and over streams. The area is excellent for birding and catching a glimpse at the occasional moose.
Your best bet for this trail is to go out on one low tide, spend the night — in either a forest service cabin or campsite — and then return the following day or several days later on another low tide. Great forest-to-beach hiking trail.
It’s thrilling to see coastal brown bears in their natural habitat, especially when you’re not rushed. Fly out of Homer to the Katmai coast for five days of amazing bear viewing with Alaska Bear Adventures. Stay overnight on the Alaska Dawn, a 65-foot expedition trawler, so you can easily get back to the bears each morning.
For a closer, quieter, and more peaceful version of the Alaskan glacier and wildlife cruise, travel by sea kayak. Paddle the shoreline of Resurrection Bay, where encounters with sea otters, seabirds, and spawning salmon are common. Choose from a variety of three-hour excursions or take a full-day trip.
Visit Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s homestead, home to three generations of Iditarod mushers. Experience an exciting two-mile dog sled ride, tour the racing kennel, meet the dogs, cuddle adorable husky puppies, and listen to stories from the Iditarod trail. Then climb aboard a custom-designed sled; an Iditarod race finisher drives you through rainforest to a river-cut canyon surrounded by mountains.
Start with a dramatic flightseeing trip in either a helicopter or ski plane and then get out onto an ancient river of ice for a thrilling glacier exploration either hiking or climbing.
Ocean Shores offers amazing views from all of its sites — plus, it’s warmer here than on the Homer Spit, since it’s not as windy. Most sites come with a picnic table and three shared fire rings overlooking the bay. You’ll also find cable TV and Wi-Fi, as well as coin-operated showers and laundry.
Located within a 1700 acre native-owned wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, the central lodge and 16 guest cabins of Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge have full views of Pedersen Glacier and easy access to wildlife-viewing adventures. The elegantly rustic lodge and secluded guest cabins pair modern comfort and environmental stewardship.
One of the top trails on the Homer side of Kachemak Bay, Diamond Creek is a 2‑mile trail that takes you through forest, alders, and tall grass meadows before descending to the beach, where you’ll find small Alaskan sealife.
The Lands End Resort sits at the very tip of the Homer Spit, offering incredible views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountain Range. Take a walk along the beachfront, then head to the shops, bars, and restaurants along the spit. If the views are too beautiful to leave, enjoy a meal at the hotel’s Chart Room restaurant. When it’s time for activities, a helpful staff of locals can provide recommendations and book your excursions.
Alaskan adventures and great lodging await at the Great Alaskan Adventure Lodge. This all-inclusive experience lets you drive or fly in to the property, which sits on 25 acres at the confluence of two rivers. An old homestead with cabins and luxury tent options, the lodge makes for a comfortable stay. You’ll also find an array of adventures — everything from great fishing to glacier cruising. The owners have been perfecting their itineraries for ...more
If you have the ability to transport bicycles, this trail makes for a great afternoon trip. The dirt path winds through the Portage Valley, passing glacial lakes and ending at Portage Lake (this part of the trip is 5 miles each way). Make sure to bring your camera: you’ll see hanging glaciers and, very likely, some wildlife.
16 sites in a wooded setting. Trail to Ptarmigan lake departs from the campground.
Alaska River Adventures Kenai River rafting trips are some of its most popular and accessible excursions – and are a great value too. Full day trips showcase 19 miles of Alaska wild from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake, giving plenty of time for spotting wildlife, historic spots and gorgeous views from all angles. When you have just a few hours, a scenic and serene 14-mile float of the Upper Kenai River provides a variety of sights, from historic ...more
Natron Air’s owner and only pilot, Tim, can take you flightseeing to some of Alaska’s most beautiful places: the Harding Icefield and Mt. Redoubt Volcano. You can also opt for a bear-viewing tour that includes a beach landing, where you can photograph bears in their natural environment.
This meandering, single-track path leads to some of the Kenai Mountain’s most remote and fragile high country. On a route once trekked by gold rush prospectors, this trail ascends from spruce forest through the jungled zone of alders into a realm of sweeping tundra, with incredible views and productive berry picking. Plus, the top of the nine-mile journey ends in Resurrection Pass, about midway through the 39-mile Resurrection Pass Trail.
Homer Brewing Company opened its doors in 1996 and has been a local fixture ever since. The brewery is open 7 days a week, until about 6pm (hours vary slightly, so it doesn’t hurt to call ahead). While there isn’t an official tour, you’re welcome to look around while you enjoy your brew.
Located towards the head of Tutka Bay on the north side is Tutka Bay Falls. The beach in front of the falls is a good spot for clam digging, pink salmon fishing and just lounging around. Explore along the trail that parallels the waterfall and take a backcountry shower in one of the pools. Be courteous of private property in this area.
The Hope-Sunrise Historical and Mining Museum exhibits photographs and artifacts of the Turnagain Arm Gold Rush of 1896 and the years since.
In an old railcar, this barbecue joint has personality and serves good “Q”. They do breakfast in addition to lunch. The servings are big, the quality is great — but the seating is limited (it’s in a railcar after all). On a nice day you can sit at tables outside, but if it’s rainy, you might want to get it to go. Their pulled pork is excellent, but it’s all quality. Try the eggs benedict with crab for breakfast, or the hash.
King salmon enter Deep Creek during late May and early June and continue to spawn into early July. Watch for their dark red bodies in the riffles and deeper holes. A very limited fishing season is provided during the early summer for kings and steelheads.
The yurt is located about ¾ the way up Tutka Bay on the right as heading up the bay. It is approximately 1 mile past the Hatchery entrance and about ½ mile from the Sea Star state cabin rental. The yurt is located on the prominence just past the beach with the state park campground and the trailhead marker.
Panning for gold with a lifelong miner. One-on-one attention — no big groups. And of course, plenty of gold. That’s what you’ll get at Gold Rush Peck, in the town of Hope. This is the real deal and it’s worth taking the time to visit if you’re in the area. You won’t find a more authentic gold panning attraction.When you arrive at the rustic tent next to the Hope Mining Museum you’ll choose from three different bucket sizes – $20, $40, or $60 –… ...more
A wood-burning fireplace and spectacular views of the Kenai River and Mount Cecil Rhodes create an inviting atmosphere in the Rod & Reel Restaurant. While this is a fine-dining restaurant, it’s not formal — you won’t find table linens or pretentious waiters. Come with the kids or just drop in for any meal. This is a popular place with locals, who know it’s one of the better options on the Kenai. There’s an extensive wine list, Alaskan beers… ...more
Known to locals as the Divide Ski Area, this trail was built by dedicated community volunteers from the Seward Nordic Ski Club.
16-by-16 rustic log cabin on Fox Creek in the Resurrection Creek valley near the edge of by spruce/birch forest with views of nearby mountains. Sleeps 6, with table, wood stove, splitting maul, crosscut saw, and outhouse.
The Islands and Ocean Visitor Center is a comprehensive establishment on the Bypass that houses the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, dedicated to understanding and conserving the marine environment. Their programs include naturalist-guided estuary and birding walks and tide pool explorations just a little ways outside the back door and down to the beach below the Center.
Operated by the non-profit Alaska Mountain and Wilderness Huts Association, Manitoba Cabin is intended to promote wilderness experience and camaraderie in the spirit of European-style trekking huts. While very popular among backcountry skiers during winter weekends, the facility often has openings during weekdays. During the summer, you might have the entire place to yourself.
Includes bear locker and fire ring.
Bear Lake is a popular destination for cross country skiing (both skate and classic), skijoring, skating, and snowmachining. Groomed entirely by volunteers, the trail follows along the perimeter of the lake and amounts to roughly 5 miles.
A quaint town with some of the best scenery in Alaska: Seward makes most people’s must-stop list for any Alaska odyssey, and this small inn just outside town gives you easy access to all of it. Opened in 2010, the five-room inn set on five acres is a 10-minute drive from downtown Seward, the city’s boat harbor and the famed Alaska Sea Life Center. Innkeepers Shane and Gala Davis have lived in Alaska most of their lives: he’s a commercial… ...more
Big-screen televisions for the game. It’s fun and loud when it’s busy and serves up standard pub food. If you’re looking for a sports bar, this is the only one. If you’re looking for food alongside the game, get a burger. The menu is average and can be hit or miss, but the burgers are consistently big and juicy, and can be ordered with buffalo, elk or caribou.
This is a triathalon event (not race) that takes place in Seward every spring. It begins with a 3km section at Mile 12 ski area. For this section participants can either snowshoe, use classic skis or skate skis. Next is a 15 km bicycle ride to Seward from Mile 12, ending with a 6 km run to a specified location on the Waterfront Trail for a picnic.
Mile 29.2 Resurrection Pass Trail. This cabin sits at the south end of Juneau Lake. A rustic cabin with counter space, a table, benches and a wood stove for heat. Sleeps eight with bunks for six. Other features include a splitting maul and saw, an outhouse — and a canoe with paddles for exploring the lake. Check Availability ...more
Quality seafood dinners with great views of the water (sit on the second floor if you can). It’s a toss-up between Ray’s and here, but there’s a slightly more diverse menu here. Better salads and sides. It’s more casual too.
Originally built in 1956 as a bar at the end of a 5 mile gravel road which served Glacier Ice Margaritas. In 1964 a restaurant and lodging was added, but the lodging portion was eliminated in 1980. The only place to eat in the valley, this family-run day lodge has a gift shop and serves cafeteria-style food.
Check Availability
Join us as we drift downstream through one of the world’s most beautiful freshwater salmon fisheries, passing gravel bars left by a glacial flood, migrating salmon, brown bears, and human fishers as you float on by.
This little museum is a must see in Cooper Landing. Housed in two historic buildings, the old school house, built in 1955 and Jack Lean’s Cabin, circa 1920; the Cooper Landing Historical Society Museum covers the mining history of cooper landing, the lifestyle of early residents and the natural history of this area. Don’t miss the brown bear skeleton reconstructed by local school children.
Across the water from Homer and accessed by boat only, the Saltry serves up fresh seafood and salads in the fairy-tale setting of Halibut Cove. In a town that is connected by boardwalks, of course you’ll be eating waterfront. And of course, the halibut and salmon is fresh.
Milepost 17.7, Seward HighwayKenai Lake offered a flat treeless path to travel in winter. This trail was one of two overland routes to Sunrise and Hope. (The other overland route was through Portage Pass.) Miners traveled by dogsled from Seward to Snow River and on to Kenai Lake. At the other end of the 17 mile lake, travelers would follow Quartz Creek north through Turnagain Pass along Canyon Creek to the gold rush towns of Sunrise and Hope. ...more
A rustic log cabin with counter space, a table, benches and a wood stove for heat. Sleeps eight, with bunks for six. Other features include splitting maul and saw, outhouse — and a rowboat equipped with oars for exploring the lake. Check Availability ...more
12 by 14 rustic cabin on Resurrection Creek in spruce-birch forest with mountain views. Sleeping bunks for six with space for eight. Equipped with counter space, table, benches, wood stove, splitting maul and hand saw. Outhouse and bear locker.
Enjoy remote Alaska at its best. Go with this small, family-owned company in Homer for a magical kayaking experience, with the option to add on a gorgeous hike to an iceberg studded glacier lake! Trips range from half-day to full-day, and are great for families.
Derby Cove Cabin is 14′ X 18′. This cabin sits within a spruce and hemlock forest behind a gravel beach. At the head of the Caines Head trail system, Derby Cove is a quarter mile from the ranger station. Use the creek that runs in front of the cabin as a water source.
The Sea Star Cove public-use cabin is located in Tutka Bay, about three-quarters of the way in, on your right, on the south side. The cabin is surrounded by large, old-growth Sitka spruce. By far, this is the best Public Use Cabin in the park, and it has many hiking and kayaking options if used as a base.
The Challenger Learning Center of Alaska was created to meet the educational needs of students throughout Alaska. Using simulated space and earth science missions, distance education and hands-on workshops, the CLCA inspires youth to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and to consider careers in these fields. Using space and earth sciences as a medium, participants work in an environment that spans the… ...more
Serving up locally brewed beers in a fun, family-friendly pub atmosphere, St. Elias is a favorite with locals and travelers. It draws a crowd and can get loud and a little wild if they have live music. But without a band, it’s a fun, happening place. They have a great deck for nice afternoons, serve sampler flights of their beer and have great pizza and big salads.
The cabin is located on the north shore of Engineer Lake. The cabin is south facing overlooking the lake surrounded by spruce and birch trees. Two bunk beds, table with benches, wood stove, broom, shovel, water bucket, fire extinguisher, established campfire ring, and outhouse.
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While you’re exploring Homer and it’s ecological-rich environs, a stop at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies adds to your appreciation of the history and wildlife of the area.
This historic log roadhouse, restaurant and bar was build in 1952 by cutting, hauling and peeling spruce logs in true pioneer fashion. The lodge was restored to its original condition in 1995 and 2003, so today it looks much like it did in the 1950s. Stop in for a fantastic Alaska-sized meal or for information about area activities.
Located at the top right hand side of the entrance of Sadie cove. The site is overlooking the cove and out to the Kachemak Bay and Eldred Passage.
A family-run place that’s been around for 40 years, Paradiso’s serves up Italian and Greek food, plus seafood and even some Mexican. They’re best known for their pizza and Greek food, but you can score a good seafood dinner here on the right night. Ask the staff. The locals come for the Greek food, which is scarce on the Kenai.
Homer’s Pratt Museum preserves the stories of the Kachemak Bay region and provides a gathering place for people to learn and to be inspired by this region and its place in the world. The museum’s extensive collection offers an excellent way to learn more about the landscape, communities and ecosystems of the area.
Mile 2.3 Russian Lakes Trail. This rustic cabin in a flat area along the eastern shore of Lower Russian Lake features a rowboat with oars. It sleeps eight, with bunks for six, and includes cooking counter, table, benches, wood stove, spitting maul and saw, and an outhouse. Check Availability ...more
Sushi is the focus here, and you’ll find an extensive sushi menu as well as specialty rolls. But that’s not all. Wasabi’s also does great seafood, steak, and duck entrees, all with fresh, local ingredients. There are also creative drinks (and drink specials), often made with infused liquors — look for the huge jar of strawberries soaked in vodka.
The yurt is on the Left side of Right Beach facing the beach
Doug Capra first came to Alaska in 1971 as a teacher — his first job was out in the Aleutian Islands. Now living on the Kenai Peninsula, he continues to teach you all about a place he loves.
A 12ft x 14ft rustic cabin overlooking the southern shore of Crescent Lake. It is a 7 mile hike via Carter Lake Trail and an 11 mile hike via Crescent Creek Trail.
Rustic Cabin, approximately 16′ x 20′, located on Northeastern shore of Holgate Arm in Aialik Bay.
Small Rustic Cabin Sleeps Two
You might feel there’s a gift shop at every turn in Alaska, but few of these offer the opportunity to contribute to the protection of Alaska wildlife like the Discovery Gift Shop at the Alaska SeaLife Center. With their “Round up for Rehab” program and a guaranteed percentage of profits going to aquarium programs, your purchases here contribute to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife, as well as the education and… ...more
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This cabin is a real treat! If you spend the night here you are staying in what was the original Park Ranger Headquarters for Kachemak Bay State Park.
This easy trail winds along the banks of three lakes. There is a camping area on the side of the trail. The trail climbs a saddle and drops down into the valley. It can be dangerous to cross the rivers, as they are glacier-fed and you cannot see the bottom. The rivers are lower during the beginning of the year, but they are also colder.
Whether you wish you’d caught more fish when you visited the Kenai Peninsula — or you just want easy access to excellent fish at about half the usual retail price —this fishery in Kasilof is a great find. The family-owned fishery — a historic site first established in the 1930s —offers fresh-caught wild salmon and other fish at harvester prices. They sell whole fish, and you get the satisfaction of picking your own fish from their catch if you’re… ...more
Overlooking the harbor, ocean and mountains, Ray’s is a local institution for seafood dinners. It’s popular with both fishermen and tourists, who want a good meal with a great view. And since the fishing boats unload right there on the dock, the seafood couldn’t be fresher. They serve halibut cheeks, red snapper, cod and salmon. It’s good seafood, cooked well, but the sides are average. The bar can get loud and crowded, but the dining area is… ...more
This 18-mile-long loop gravel road is the premier wildlife-viewing area on the Kenai Peninsula, and you’ll get spectacular views of lakes and glaciers. Don’t forget to stop and explore all the nature and wildlife around you!
The Raven’s Way Loop is accessed from the Sterling Highway. You will see the Trailhead and large parking lot. The trail meanders through open spruce and muskeg terrain and there it is a great chance to see lots of eagles and ravens.
This is a great spot to fish for Dolly Varden beginning in August.
Soldotna’s homesteaders arrived in 1947, visit the Soldotna Homestead Museum and take a look at some of the area’s early homestead cabins. The museum also features handmade utensils and pioneer objects as well as Alaska Native artifacts, boats and the original schoolhouse. Hours Summer only or by appt. Admission No admission fee, donations accepted.
Take a step back into Seldovia’s past while learning about the present at the Seldovia Museum & Visitor Center. Check out detailed exhibits on the cultural traditions and legacies of the Native peoples of the area, see interactive wildlife exhibits and pick up free travel information and maps.
An annual event with local Alaskan artists, featuring beautiful work for your holiday shopping pleasure. Don’t forget to check out the food vendors, live entertainment, holiday music and Santa! Generally the first week in December at the Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad Intermodal Facility.
The cabin can sleep up to six and has two latrines close by, a fire ring overlooking the dock, a wood stove, table and other cabin necessities. During the height of the summer, you should be able to get water close by. This cabin is close to the Ranger Station, hiking trails, safe kayaking and King salmon fishing in June.
16-x-16 log cabin in an alpine valley nestled amid steep mountain slopes. Sleeps 6, with table, oil stove, and outhouse. Note: You must bring #1 stove oil if you want heat. One gallon lasts about one hour. Devil’s Creek Trail intersects here, a 10-mile descent to the Seward Highway trailhead. Devi’s Pass Lake is about one mile down the trail. Check Availability ...more
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The trail is half a mile long and takes you through a mature birch forest that is carpeted with devil’s club and watermelon berry plants. It’s an easy walking, ideal for small children, and ends at a small camping area on a slight bluff that overlooks Bishop’s Beach and Bishop Creek.
National chain with great local perks
This breakfast and lunch place has a great deck that’s tailor made for a sunny day. Hang out at the espresso bar, or dig into everything from French toast and huevos rancheros to fish tacos and a chicken tikka pita with chutney.
Visit local galleries and shops in downtown Seward to see featured local artists and enjoy local Alaskan hospitality. See handmade jewelry, pottery, photography, paintings, metal work, carvings, clothing and more. Occasionally the event includes local musicians, dancers or drummers.
These popular trails lead to two beautiful, pristine lakes. Even better, they’re both easy hikes, which makes them perfect for people of all ages. Bring a fishing pole and angle for stocked trout in Meridian Lake or grayling in Grayling Lake.
The cabin is located on an island of Tustumena Lake in the Kenai Wilderness area.
The yurt is accessible by water. The Grace Ridge Trail makes it accessable by Alpine hike from the Kayak Beach trail head at the head of Little Tutka Bay.
This 16 x 16 cabin is located on the north bank of Big Indian Creek. This cabin offers seclusion and the opportunity to explore the remote northeast interior of the Refuge. Wildlife includes moose, black and brown bears and wolves. Hunting and trapping is allowed. In the winter there is cross-county skiing and snowshoeing. Review Alaska department of Fish and Game hunting and fishing regulations.
Resurrection Creek is the site of the exciting second discovery of gold on the Kenai Peninsula in 1888. Since 1895 this creek has yielded an approximated 30,000−40,000 ounces of gold. Itís been over 100 years since mining began at Resurrection Creek, but it is still a popular site for recreational gold panning. There is a half-mile stretch available for recreational gold panning that starts 4.5 miles from Hope, at the Resurrection Pass Trail… ...more
A 12ft x 14ft rustic cabin at the northwest end of Crescent Lake in the Kenai Mountains.