Southcentral - Anchorage - Kenai Peninsula

Glacier Cruises, Wildlife, Kenai River Fishing, Girdwood, Whale Watching

The Southcentral region in Alaska is one of our most popular hot spots. With abundant fishing and wildlife, wilderness trails and urban shopping, and access to many of Alaska’s national parks and glaciers, the Southcentral region, including the Kenai Peninsula, is a must for any Alaska vacation itinerary. Many Alaska cruise tours depart from the nearby ports of Whittier and Seward. A visit to this area is perfect before or after an Inside Passage cruise or Denali National Park.

The most popular destinations in Alaska’s Southcentral region are the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Girdwood, Seward, Homer, and Valdez. This region is also home to Kenai Fjords National Park, known for its glaciers, marine wildlife, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is home to nine of the tallest 16 mountains in the country, as well as the glacier-filled Prince William Sound, the famous Kenai River, and the Chugach National Forest. Remote lodges, such as Caribou Lodge, Riversong Lodge, and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, offer diverse wilderness experiences.

In the winter, locals and visitors flock to Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood. In March and April, gray whales migrate past Seward, providing an excellent opportunity to see these majestic mammals. Anchorage hosts the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race the first weekend in March, and the official start is in Willow the following day.

Alaska’s largest airport is in Anchorage, making it a convenient place to begin and end your Alaska vacation. From Anchorage, you can fly to many other destinations in the state. The Alaska Railroad and scheduled summer bus service connect Anchorage to Seward and Whittier. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry operates in Prince William Sound between Whittier, Valdez, and Cordova several times per week. And on a more limited schedule, the ferry operates between Homer, Seldovia, and Kodiak Island.

The most practical way to reach most of the region is via the well-maintained highway system. The Seward and Glenn Highways are nationally recognized Scenic Byways because of their unique beauty. Imagine stopping along the highway to view a roadside glacier, a pod of beluga whales, or a black bear fishing for dinner. Every day in Southcentral Alaska, you will experience something uniquely special!

 

Choose from 104 vacations in Alaska related to Southcentral - Anchorage - Kenai Peninsula

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Grand Alaska Guided Bus Tour

Great option as a stand-alone touring program or as a comprehensive land tour before or after an Alaska cruise. There is spectacular mountain scenery every day, with local sightseeing insights from a professional guide the entire tour—first, journey... Browse itinerary

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Alaska by Rail Tour

Travel the entire Alaska Railroad in just nine days! Take the train from Anchorage to Seward, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Cruise to an active glacier, jet boat on the Talkeetna River, view wildlife in Denali National Park and... Browse itinerary

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Glaciers and Wildlife Tour

Combining Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, and Denali, this tour provides wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic touring throughout. You travel by the Alaska Railroad to Seward and cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, well known for glacier scenery and viewing... Browse itinerary

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All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Explore three of Alaska's National Parks: Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska's natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,... Browse itinerary

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Turnagain Turnaround Tour

On this Anchorage day tour, travel with a small group along Turnagain Arm, one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Your driver will pick you up from your Anchorage hotel and take you south along the Seward... Browse itinerary

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Denali & Glacier Experience

By train, travel along the scenic Seward and Portage Glacier Highways before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the second-longest tunnel in North America. On arrival in Whittier, embark on the 26 Glacier Cruise with lunch. Enjoy viewing... Browse itinerary

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Family Fun Vacation by Car

An excellent family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family-oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a "whistle stop" train operated... Browse itinerary

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Great Alaskan Road Trip

Explore Denali, Seward, and the Matanuska Valley with the freedom of a rental car. These three destinations complement each other with natural beauty from mountains to valleys to coastlines. The bus tour into Denali National Park is a... Browse itinerary

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Circle Alaska Adventure Tour

Ride the Alaska Railroad, explore Denali National Park, search for gold, meet a sled dog team, and much more! Travel abroad on the Alaska Railroad to Denali and Fairbanks and by car to Valdez, Seward, and Anchorage. We... Browse itinerary

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