Kenai Peninsula
Alaska’s most photogenic region entices adventure seekers
With its rugged landscapes, iconic glaciers, staggering biodiversity and stellar array of adventures, the Kenai Peninsula distills the essence of Alaska for many travelers. Visitors come armed with cameras to capture the area’s breathtaking topographical features — soaring mountains, colossal ice fields and wild seas — all packed within a short radius and accessible via (mostly) paved roads. This is the place for first-time Alaska visitors to experience the migration of five whale species, marvel at bears as they feast on gigantic salmon in Kenai’s rushing rivers, go fishing for huge catches and set out on breathtaking hiking trails.
Historic Seward
For many visitors, Seward is the launchpad to the Kenai Peninsula’s awe-inspiring natural wonders. Situated at the edge of Resurrection Bay, the city boasts glorious vistas and a downtown with all the trappings of an alluring travel hub. Here, you’ll find fine restaurants, quirky shops, wood-frame homes and century-old storefronts emblazoned with murals.
Within Seward, the main draw (indeed one of the finest attractions in the state) is the Alaska SeaLife Center, an acclaimed cold-water marine science and research aquarium. There’s a tide pool touch tank, where children can touch starfish and sea anemones, and huge two-story tanks where seals cavort and birds hover above the water.
Kenai Fjords National Park
An epic landscape of serrated mountains, rocky headlands, ancient ice fields and storm-battered waters, Kenai Fjords National Park is Alaska at its most soul stirring. The smallest of Alaska’s national parks, Kenai Fjords harbors an estimated 27 land mammals, including black bears, moose, coyotes and wolverines, as well as 10 species of marine mammal, including otters, seals, sea lions and orca whales.
Draped across a huge swathe of Kenai Fjords National Park’s vast and ethereal lands, the Harding Icefield encompasses 714 square miles of mile-thick ice and feeds three dozen glaciers, including the small but immensely popular Exit Glacier. This attraction hovers at or near the top of travelers’ hit lists because of its drive-up accessibility and terrific hikes.
Captain Cook State Recreation Area
Some 25 miles north of Kenai, Captain Cook State Recreation Area was named after much-storied English sailor Captain James Cook, who explored what is now called Cook Inlet in 1778. Here, the idyllic Swanson River draws anglers to plentiful rainbow trout and silver salmon.
For More Information
Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
907-283-1991
Alaska Travel Industry Association
907-929-2842