Things To Do
Kenai River
There are plenty of fishing tours and charters along the Kenai and Russian Rivers, or you can try a self-guided fishing experience (just make sure you apply for a fishing license - you can do it online the same day you fish.) There are plenty of bait and tackle shops along the road that rent gear and/or help you ship your catches home.
SEWARD, AK
2.5 hours from Anchorage, Seward is a beautiful coastal town and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park with stunning views, tons of marine life, and lots of fun activities on and off the water. If you want to see a big glacier up close, take the short hike to Exit Glacier.
HOMER, AK
1.5 hours south of Soldotna, this charming seaside town is worth the drive! Homer is the halibut fishing capital of the world, and we'd be remiss not to encourage you to take a deep sea fishing charter (D &G Charters is a great option) to catch halibut, king crab, and more. For those who haven't yet found their sea legs, Homer is a great place to spend time souvenir shopping (Alaskans wear their Salmon Sisters and AK Starfish Co. gear all year) and walking along the rocky Alaskan beaches. Head into the Salty Dawg Saloon for a drink after a long day and hang with some locals.
SELDOVIA, AK
Take the 45-minute “Fast Ferry” from Homer to Seldovia to experience a charming and remote boardwalk community. As you cross Kachemak Bay, watch for diving seabirds, otters, or even humpback whales. Stroll along Seldovia’s bustling waterfront, visit art galleries, learn about Seldovia’s Russian origins and Native Alaska influences at the Seldovia Museum & Visitor Center, and stretch your legs on Rocky Ridge Trail, the Otter Bahn trail and Outside Beach.
HATCHER PASS, AK
1 hour and 45 minutes north of Anchorage, this pass offers some of the most stunning views. Check out some of the hiking trails in the area, or visit the Independence Mine Historical State Park.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
About 5 hours north of Anchorage (or 8 hours via the gorgeous Alaska Railroad route), Denali National Park hosts one of the tallest mountains in the world. Spend some time exploring the park and surrounding areas – you're almost guaranteed to run into a moose, bear, or sled dog. Though the road into the park is closed beyond mile 43 through 2026, there are plenty of amazing things to do in the park before that point.
KATMAI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
For guests who want a true Alaskan experience, take a flight-seeing tour and visit the grizzly bears of Katmai as they feast on salmon in preparation for Fat Bear Week 2025. Note that you cannot drive into this park.
WHITTIER, AK
An hour south of Anchorage, Whittier is known as the gateway to the Prince William Sound. If you take an Alaskan cruise, it's likely that the ship will make port here. Even if you're not planning a cruise, this quirky town is worth a visit for its amazing fudge, glacier kayaking opportunities, and deep sea fishing. While you're around Whittier, say hi to some animals at the Wilderness Conservation Center and take a quick hike at Portage Glacier. Please note that the road to Whittier travels through a timed one-way mountain tunnel. Make sure you check the tunnel schedule as you plan your travels.
Activities In and around Anchorage area:
HIKE FLATTOP MOUNTAIN Park at Flattop Trailhead and there are many options for hikes - from easy walks to more challenging climbs. Enjoy a panoramic view of Anchorage from all vantage points! WALK OR BIKE THE TONY KNOWLES COASTAL TRAIL Anchorage's most popular trail! It's 11 miles from Kincaid to Downtown Anchorage with many stops between. Rent bikes or walk parts of the trail and enjoy this local treasure. Keep your eyes peeled for moose along the trail! ANCHORAGE MUSEUM Learn more about the history of Alaska, see some cool northern art, and stop in to the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center! The Anchorage Museum is a great and convenient way to spend a few hours. ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER Learn about Alaska's First People and their rich, varied culture. You can tour six Native dwellings – the Dena’ina Log Home, Yup’ik/Cup’ik Qasgiq & Enet, Iñupiaq/St. Lawrence Island Yupik Qargi, Sugpiaq Ciqlluaq, Unangax Ulax, and the Eyak/Tlingit/Haida/Tsimshian Clan House & Carving Shed.