Soldotna

The heart of the Kenai Peninsula, the charming town of Soldotna has lots going on, giving it the feeling of an up-and-coming community. With 5,000 people in town but 30,000 people in the surrounding area, you’ll get all the amenities of a big city, along with a very special small-town feel. It’s authentic Alaska at its best.

Soldotna begins with an eclectic collection of fantastic eateries and shops. But the town really transforms on summer Wednesdays: That’s when the town’s focus becomes the popular Wednesday Market, with vendors from around the state. It’s also a showcase for the town’s developing music scene that becomes more vibrant each year—the Levitt AMP Soldotna Concert Series. Each Wednesday evening in summer, after the market activities, local and national artists perform on a bluff overlooking the Kenai River in gorgeous Soldonta Creek Park.

Outdoor lovers will find lots of other activities as well, both in town as well as in the surrounding area. Walk the boardwalks in summer and you’ll see plenty of people angling in the river. Fishing is a major focus here, as the town is home to the largest king salmon ever caught! (It’s on display in the visitor center). The river also offers fun opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Keep an eye out for the moose that wander around in town, and enjoy some great hiking trails right in town, like on the Centennial Trail , Tsalteshi Multi-Use Trails, or the multiple trails departing from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. It’s also easy to take a quick flight to find near-guaranteed bear-viewing.

Come linger and let Soldotna work its magic on you. The town has everything you need, with plenty of surprises along the way. And friendly locals are always ready to welcome you as one of their own!

Planning Your Trip

• 1 Day: If you’re passing through Soldotna on your way to somewhere else on the peninsula, take a few hours and explore this charming town. Walk through gorgeous Soldotna Creek Park and appreciate the boardwalk and river views. Take a quick hike. Or come on a summer Wednesday to peruse the Wednesday Market and take in a show at the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series.
• 3 Days / 2 Nights: Here’s our suggested itinerary of how to spend a few nights in Soldotna during the summer.
• 5 Days/4 Nights, Soldotna Basecamp: The Kenai Peninsula offers a lot to explore. Soldotna is centrally located and can serve as a base camp to explore nearby towns of Homer, Cooper Landing, and Seward. Here’s how.
• Winter: Soldotna is a thriving community, even in the middle of winter. Ski the local trails, go ice skating at public parks, and more. See our Winter in Soldotna itinerary.

Getting Here & Around

• By Car: Soldotna is about a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage, and about 1.5 hours from Homer. Here's our road guide.
• By Bus: The Alaska Bus Company offers service between Soldotna and Anchorage, Girdwood, Cooper Landing, and Homer during the summer.
• By Air: Fly into the nearby Kenai Airport.

• Private Transfer: Red Eye Rides offers flexible, year-round transportation to and from Soldotna, with friendly local drivers and comfortable vehicles. They can accommodate custom schedules or add extra stops along the way to explore more of the Kenai Peninsula.

• Private Tour Option: Wild Journeys Alaska provides guided private transfers between Anchorage and Soldotna for up to six guests. Enjoy a personalized trip in your own tour van with a local guide, complete with an included stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or Indian Valley Mine. Optional add-ons like a lunch stop in Girdwood or a tram ride at Alyeska can also be arranged.

On the Blog

• The Best Things to Do in Soldotna With Kids
• The Best Places to Photograph in Soldotna
• Soldotna Treasure Hunt: Find These Hidden Gems