The Kenai Peninsula is often described as “Alaska in one place,” and for good reason. Here you’ll find glaciers, towering mountains, pristine rivers, rugged coastline, small historic towns, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether it’s kayaking among icebergs, hiking dramatic trails, fishing for halibut, or watching brown bears in their natural habitat, the peninsula captures the essence of the Last Frontier.
For anyone planning a first trip to Alaska, this is the region I always recommend. It’s large enough to feel wild and remote, but compact enough that you can see and do a lot in just a few days.
Where Exactly Is the Kenai Peninsula?
The Kenai begins just south of Anchorage, along the Seward Highway, which eventually becomes the Sterling Highway. Road names tend to shift as you drive, so don’t be surprised if signs change along the way.
The main destinations here include Seward, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kenai, Ninilchik, and Homer. Each offers a mix of outdoor adventures, small-town charm, and plenty of opportunities to experience authentic Alaska.
What Makes the Kenai So Special?
This region is known for packing in nearly every Alaskan adventure: whale watching, hiking, glaciers, world-class fishing, dog sledding, rafting, kayaking, and even zip-lining. It’s also home to Kenai Fjords National Park, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and several state recreation areas. With so many options, you’ll never run out of things to do.
27 Things to Do on the Kenai Peninsula
1. Paddle at Spencer Glacier
Take the train to Spencer Glacier and kayak among floating icebergs. The combination of rail travel and paddling through turquoise waters makes this one of the most memorable adventures on the peninsula.
2. Ride the Train from Anchorage to Seward
Skip the driving and enjoy the Alaska Railroad instead. The route passes dramatic coastline, sweeping mountain valleys, and ends in Seward with enough time for a glacier or wildlife cruise.
3. Go Bear Viewing from Homer
Hop on a small plane or boat from Homer to see brown bears in Lake Clark or Katmai National Park. Watching them fish for salmon in the wild is an unforgettable, humbling experience.
4. Stay in an Off-Grid Yurt
Across the bay from Seward, Orca Island offers eco-friendly yurts with kitchens, bathrooms, and access to kayaks and paddleboards. Remote yet comfortable, it’s the perfect off-grid escape.
5. Hike Exit Glacier
Just outside Seward, Exit Glacier is one of the few glaciers you can drive right up to. Short trails lead to viewpoints where you can see how the ice has retreated over time.
6. Trek to the Harding Icefield
For a challenging but rewarding hike, continue past Exit Glacier to the Harding Icefield. The 8.6-mile round trip offers sweeping views of a 700-square-mile sheet of ice.
7. Taste Local Brews
Craft beer lovers will enjoy exploring breweries in Homer, Soldotna, and Cooper Landing. Many spots also serve cider and even mead.
8. Try Dog Sledding with the Seavey Family
In Seward, learn about Iditarod-winning mushers and ride behind a team of enthusiastic sled dogs through forested trails.
9. Climb Mount Marathon
Hike the steep trails of Mount Marathon in Seward. The ascent is tough, but the views over Resurrection Bay are worth the effort.
10. Watch the Mount Marathon Race on July 4th
If climbing isn’t for you, join the crowds in Seward on Independence Day to watch racers sprint up and down the mountain in record time.
11. Camp Beside Kenai Lake
Pitch a tent at Trail River, Ptarmigan, or Quartz Creek Campgrounds and enjoy emerald-green waters surrounded by peaks.
12. Take a Day Trip to Seldovia
This tiny fishing town across Kachemak Bay is accessible only by boat or plane. A boardwalk, beaches, and hiking trails make it a perfect quiet getaway.
13. Stroll the Homer Spit
Shops, restaurants, and the iconic Salty Dawg Saloon line this narrow strip of land stretching into Kachemak Bay.
14. Hike to WWII Bunkers at Caines Head
From Lowell Point near Seward, trek to abandoned bunkers at Fort McGilvray. Time it with the tides or take a water taxi to avoid the tricky sections.
15. Cruise Kenai Fjords for Glaciers & Whales
Board a day cruise in Seward to see tidewater glaciers crash into the ocean, while whales, sea lions, and puffins appear along the way.
16. Go Halibut Fishing in Homer or Ninilchik
Known as the “Halibut Capital of the World,” Homer offers charters for anglers eager to land a giant flatfish.
17. Visit Bear Creek Winery in Homer
Sample wines made from local fruits like blueberries and raspberries in a rustic, romantic setting.
18. Dine in a Historic Train Car
In Soldotna, Addie Camp serves upscale meals inside a restored 1913 railcar with views of the Kenai Mountains.
19. Jet Ski Around Resurrection Bay
Thrill-seekers can take a jet ski tour to see glaciers and marine wildlife from a whole new perspective.
20. Raft the Kenai River
From Cooper Landing, float along emerald-green waters through canyons and valleys. Choose a calm scenic float or opt for more adventurous rafting.
21. Stay at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Overlooking the Kenai River, this lodge combines comfort with incredible access to fishing, rafting, and hiking.
22. Experience Tutka Bay
Across from Homer, Tutka Bay offers both rustic yurts and a luxury lodge tucked into secluded coves accessible by water taxi.
23. Camp at Skilak Lake
Set up camp along this vast lake reached via a gravel road. Sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early for the best views.
24. Have a Drink at the Salty Dawg Saloon
This legendary Homer bar, covered in dollar bills, has been a landmark since the 1950s.
25. Retreat to Odyssey Lodge
A newer luxury lodge across Kachemak Bay, featuring treetop suites, saunas, and guided excursions.
26. Explore the Historic Town of Hope
This small village was once a Gold Rush hub. Today, it offers hiking trails, rafting, and a glimpse of old Alaska charm.
27. Raft Six Mile Creek
For adrenaline junkies, the Class IV and V rapids of Six Mile Creek near Hope provide some of the most extreme whitewater rafting in Alaska.
Final Thoughts
The Kenai Peninsula truly has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife, history, or just breathtaking landscapes. With so many unique experiences packed into one region, it’s easy to see why this corner of Alaska captures the hearts of visitors again and again.
