Where To Stay on the Kenai Peninsula

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.

Otter Beach Lodges makes for an intimate Alaskan stay. Just 13 luxury units (7, 1-3 bedroom lodges and 6 efficiency apartments) make up this property in Homer, offering plenty of privacy and featuring stunning water and mountain views. Plus, the property is within walking distance of Homer’s great restaurants, as well as its art galleries and shops. It’s also close to the docks—perfect for those leaving on early-morning fishing charter trips. 

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.

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.

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 River. But it’s far from rustic: Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, and a Jacuzzi bring the lodge fully into the 21st century.

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!

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. 

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 30 years, so they’re bound to be adventures that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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 life and mountains. Go for a wildlife-viewing cruise, or just go for a stroll along the lodge’s own nature trail.

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.

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 your stay.  This is Alaska as you imagine it, an exceptional journey from start to finish.

Experience complete immersion in the wonders of wild coastal Alaska, and stay in spacious, bright yurts (circular, reinforced tent-like structures) on a private one-acre island. Inside, the yurts are warm and comfy, outside you'll find private decks, as well as boardwalks and fire rings. They also provide complimentary sea kayaks, rowboat, and fishing gear. All of this is just a 9-mile boat ride from the Seward Boat Harbor.

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 your guides. Spend your day hiking, fishing, or strolling down a self-guided trail. At night, take in a naturalist program, enjoy a wood-fired sauna, or just relax on the riverside deck by the fire pit.

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 watching, and more! Relish the rustic elegance of the Lodge’s private, deluxe accommodations and gourmet cuisine.

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.

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. 

Experience complete immersion in the wonders of wild coastal Alaska, and stay in spacious, bright yurts (circular, reinforced tent-like structures) on a private one-acre island. Inside, the yurts are warm and comfy, outside you'll find private decks, as well as boardwalks and fire rings. They also provide complimentary sea kayaks, rowboat, and fishing gear. All of this is just a 9-mile boat ride from the Seward Boat Harbor.

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 15-minute floatplane flight from Homer or a one-hour flight from Anchorage.

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 watching, and more! Relish the rustic elegance of the Lodge’s private, deluxe accommodations and gourmet cuisine.

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 your stay.  This is Alaska as you imagine it, an exceptional journey from start to finish.

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.

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 3 cabins or 2 luxury glamping tents.

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.

Experience complete immersion in the wonders of wild coastal Alaska, and stay in spacious, bright yurts (circular, reinforced tent-like structures) on a private one-acre island. Inside, the yurts are warm and comfy, outside you'll find private decks, as well as boardwalks and fire rings. They also provide complimentary sea kayaks, rowboat, and fishing gear. All of this is just a 9-mile boat ride from the Seward Boat Harbor.

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.

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.

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!

Otter Beach Lodges makes for an intimate Alaskan stay. Just 13 luxury units (7, 1-3 bedroom lodges and 6 efficiency apartments) make up this property in Homer, offering plenty of privacy and featuring stunning water and mountain views. Plus, the property is within walking distance of Homer’s great restaurants, as well as its art galleries and shops. It’s also close to the docks—perfect for those leaving on early-morning fishing charter trips. 

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.

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 30 years, so they’re bound to be adventures that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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 your guides. Spend your day hiking, fishing, or strolling down a self-guided trail. At night, take in a naturalist program, enjoy a wood-fired sauna, or just relax on the riverside deck by the fire pit.

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.

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 your guides. Spend your day hiking, fishing, or strolling down a self-guided trail. At night, take in a naturalist program, enjoy a wood-fired sauna, or just relax on the riverside deck by the fire pit.

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 life and mountains. Go for a wildlife-viewing cruise, or just go for a stroll along the lodge’s own nature trail.

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 30 years, so they’re bound to be adventures that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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 River. But it’s far from rustic: Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, and a Jacuzzi bring the lodge fully into the 21st century.

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.

The six-room B&B, in a log building, is strictly no-frills, but you’ll find clean, comfortable rooms with one double bed and one twin bed. While they may be basic, you won’t find more affordable lodging in the area—there’s even a continental breakfast. It’s the perfect choice for hardcore fishermen and adventurers who want a warm, clean, affordable room to return to in the evening.      

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.

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.

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 six-room B&B, in a log building, is strictly no-frills, but you’ll find clean, comfortable rooms with one double bed and one twin bed. While they may be basic, you won’t find more affordable lodging in the area—there’s even a continental breakfast. It’s the perfect choice for hardcore fishermen and adventurers who want a warm, clean, affordable room to return to in the evening.      

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.

16 sites in a wooded setting. Trail to Ptarmigan lake departs from the campground.

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.

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. If you want to try your hand at gold panning, head up the road to Crescent Creek campground. Here you'll find a quiet spot for some good fishing at Crescent Creek and Crescent Lake. Both campgrounds offer maintained sites, fire rings and flush toilets.

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