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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two people on the deck of a tour boat looking at a tidewater glacier

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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Alaska Dreams Winter Tour

Start your adventure with a glacier trek from Anchorage, then continue your journey north to Fairbanks with the Alaska Railroad. Finally, conclude your trip with a stay at the exclusive Borealis Basecamp, where you can watch for the... Browse itinerary

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Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

On this exciting day cruise from Seward, hop on this unforgettable glacier and wildlife boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park! This Alaska national park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise... Browse itinerary

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Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Transfers to the lodge are from Seward via a cruise tour. The sailing route offers many of the same highlights as the popular Kenai Fjords National Park day cruises. Along the way, learn about the region's natural history... Browse itinerary

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Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour

This day tour from Talkeetna treats you to a scenic journey aboard a 15- to 52-passenger jetboat on the Susitna River. It will allow you to experience wildlife, folklore, and historical artifacts. Conditions permitting, enjoy the panoramic view... Browse itinerary

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Alaska by Rail and Car Tour

This rail and road trip takes you from Anchorage to Fairbanks on a classic Alaska train trip aboard the Alaska Railroad with an independent tour by car from Fairbanks to Valdez, driving the scenic Richardson and Glenn Highways.... Browse itinerary

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Unique Itinerary

Alaska’s National Parks Tour by Car

Visit 4 National Parks: Kenai Fjords, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias and Katmai (or Lake Clark National Park for bear viewing). Plus, an add-on opportunity for a 5th national park with a visit to Gates of the Arctic National Park... Browse itinerary

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Active Tour
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Adventure Driving Tour

Enjoy an Alaska adventure vacation from Anchorage, exploring Alaska’s “playground” of the Kenai Peninsula and discovering Denali National Park by car. Raft, hike, and discover fantastic scenery and wildlife throughout your Alaska road trip. You’ll first leave Anchorage... Browse itinerary

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Alaska Railroad Adventure

Touring Alaska by train is a relaxing way to experience all that the Great Land has to offer. Designed for independent travelers and train enthusiasts this tour utilizes several segments of the Alaska Railroad. This round trip itinerary... Browse itinerary

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Columbia Glacier Cruise

This Valdez day tour with a glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board, you can view Prince Williams Sound’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn... Browse itinerary

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Relax Alaska

Great for travelers looking to explore Alaska at a relaxed pace. This tour starts in Anchorage and combines travel by train and motor coach between Seward and Fairbanks, ending with a scheduled flight from Fairbanks returning to Anchorage.... Browse itinerary

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Northern Lights & Iditarod
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Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

This comprehensive Alaska winter travel experience begins with sightseeing in Fairbanks, including a great chance to see the northern lights. Departing from Fairbanks, travel by motorcoach to the historic town of Healy on the outskirts of Denali National... Browse itinerary

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Winter Wonderland and Iditarod

All things Iditarod! Attend the Musher’s Banquet, visit a kennel, meet an Iditarod champion, and watch the ceremonial start and official start of the Last Great Race! Travel by van or coach from Anchorage: Tour Anchorage, the Anchorage... Browse itinerary

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Glacier Discovery Train and Guided Walk

This Anchorage day trip departs in the morning on the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for a 3.5-hour ride along Cook Inlet’s spectacular Turnagain Arm to Spencer Glacier in the Chugach National Forest.  Upon arrival at Spencer Lake,... Browse itinerary

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Glacier Discovery Rail and Raft Trip

This Anchorage day tour starts with a southbound tour aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train—the 3.5-hour train ride tours along Cook Inlet’s scenic Turnagin Arm and the Chugach National Forest.   On arrival at Spencer Glacier, the Alaska... Browse itinerary

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Alpine Classic Guided Hike from Anchorage

This classic “Alpine Classic” guided Alaska hiking tour is the ideal Anchorage day trip for active adventurers, featuring hearty athletic challenges, rewarding sights, and a lasting payoff. You and your Alaska hiking guide will experience the thrill of... Browse itinerary

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Iditarod Race Official Start Tour

Based in Anchorage for five nights, this Iditarod experience begins with the ceremonial start on snow-covered city streets, where you can have up-close viewing of this unique dog sledding event. The next day, travel to the community of... Browse itinerary

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Glacier & Wildlife Flightseeing Tour

Enjoy a day tour from Anchorage with flightseeing from Lake Hood over the majestic Chugach State Park! You will soar above the expansive Knik or Triumvirate Glacier on your flight, rimmed with spectacular hanging ice formations. With a... Browse itinerary

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Discover Denali Flightseeing

This scenic flight from Anchorage to Denali National Park takes you within six miles of the 20,320 ft—Denali summit, North America’s tallest mountain. Fly by float plane, plane on skis, or even wheels (depending on lake / ice... Browse itinerary

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UNIQUE Experiences
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Alaska Lodge Driving Tour

Travel to off-the-beaten-path locations, including overnights at wilderness lodges and inns that offer options for hiking, kayaking, and canoeing adventures. The touring route includes a spectacular flight into the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and the... Browse itinerary

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Unique Itinerary
a person standing next to a wooden sign reading "Arctic Circle, Dalton Highway, Alaska, Latitude 66, 33"

An Alaskan Odyssey

This unique itinerary takes you from the North Pacific waters of Prince William Sound to the Arctic coast near Prudhoe Bay. This itinerary is for independent travelers seeking a chance to see the incredible diversity of Alaska, from... Browse itinerary

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Young Couple View Denali And The Alaska Range In Denali National Park Alaska Summer

Alaska Explorer Guided Bus Tour

The Alaska Explorer Tour is a one-way, guided group bus tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali and Talkeetna. The Alaska Explorer tour is ideal for a pre-cruise land tour in Alaska. You’ll begin your fun... Browse itinerary

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Bird Creek ATV Backcountry Tour

Access Alaska’s backcountry on an ATV day tour out of Anchorage or Girdwood! To begin your day trip, you’ll drive to Bird Creek, located on the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood, and an area with a maze... Browse itinerary

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Alaska’s Gems Tour

This tour provides Alaska travelers with many key Alaska highlights, combining travel by train and by deluxe motorcoach. Enjoy opportunities to view towering glaciers up close and perhaps catch a glimpse of a glacier "calving" into the waters... Browse itinerary

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Caribou Lodge

This fly-in-only lodge is accessible just 15 minutes from Talkeetna with views of mountain Denali. A visit includes various hiking options to explore the area daily, kayaking, or canoeing on the lake. Enjoy home-cooked meals served in the... Browse itinerary

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Alaska’s Finest Self Driving Tour

This Alaska self drive tour is designed for independent traveler's seeking the best available accommodations Alaska has to offer while road touring. Enjoy spectacular mountain, glacial and coastal scenery while visiting several must-see locations such as Prince William... Browse itinerary

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Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

The lodge is reached via boat from the Seward harbor. Positioned on the shores of Fox Island in Resurrection Bay, a stay at the lodge offers a scenic cruise in Resurrection Bay, private cabin accommodations, and a guided... Browse itinerary

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Orca Adventure Lodge

Start in Anchorage with a scheduled flight over glacier-carved Chugach mountains to Cordova's quaint historic fishing town. On arrival, transfer to the lodge and settle into one of the 40 cozy guest rooms for two nights. The lodge... Browse itinerary

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Hurricane Gulch Train Excursion

On this Talkeetna day tour, ride the Alaska Railroad on one of America’s last “flag stop” trains on the Hurricane Turn Train—the train route threads from Talkeetna along the Susitna River and through the Indian River Canyon. The... Browse itinerary

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Best Seller
The Alaska Railroad rolls past forested mountains on it's way north out of Anchorage

Greatland Explorer Tour

Starting in Fairbanks, enjoy the scenic ride by train to Denali National Park and then to Anchorage. With two nights at Denali National Park, there is ample time to experience one of Alaska's most popular destinations. The Tundra... Browse itinerary

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Kenai Riverside Lodge

Transfer provided to Cooper Landing, just a 2-hour scenic drive from Anchorage. The lodge sits on the upper reaches of the Kenai River, a world-renowned for wild salmon and trophy trout fishing. This riverside retreat is the perfect... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Winter Photo Safari

If you’re going to be in Anchorage this winter, a photography day tour is a fun experience for amateur to avid photographers alike to learn about Anchorage’s many attractions! This 4-hour sightseeing tour with your camera is a... Browse itinerary

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Alaska Winter Wonders Tour

Exploring Alaska in winter is easy and a great value. Start with a few nights at a luxurious hotel in the village of Girdwood, then travel aboard the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. This... Browse itinerary

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Resurrection Bay Kayaking Tour

This kayaking tour from Seward is a fun and adventuresome way to explore the spectacular beauty of Resurrection Bay!  Your kayaking tour starts with a transfer from Seward Small Boat Harbor to Lowell Point, where you board your... Browse itinerary

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Wilderness Dogsledding Ride & Tour

This Seward  day trip provides an Alaska dog sledding “insider’s tour.” Tour Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s Iditarod Racing Kennel, meet famous sled dogs, cuddle adorable puppies, dress up as an Iditarod musher, and take in the spectacular Alaskan... Browse itinerary

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Exit Glacier Ice Hike

During this guided glacier hiking tour from Seward, Alaska, you’ll follow a scenic hiking trail through an alpine valley to Exit Glacier which is a mixture of back-country and on-trail trekking (about 1.5 – 2 hours). The elevation... Browse itinerary

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Experience Seward & Real Alaska

Learn about Seward’s fascinating history and the Iditarod Trail while enjoying the beautiful scenery on this Seward summer day trip. You’ll travel to 2017 Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s sled dog kennel, where you can meet famous dogs, cuddle... Browse itinerary

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Denali Flyer Tour from Talkeetna

This Denali flightseeing tour from Talkeetna by bush plane is an extended version of the Denali Experience Tour. In addition to covering that entire flight route, you will fly to the remote western end of Denali National Park.... Browse itinerary

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Talkeetna River Fishing (Half Day)

This Alaska fishing half-day tour from  Talkeetna takes you by jet boat to the best fishing holes on the Talkeetna River. Talkeetna is located at the confluence of the Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chulitna Rivers, offering a few possible... Browse itinerary

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Talkeetna Lakes Evening Hiking Tour

On this evening hiking tour from Talkeetna, explore Talkeetna’s best hiking trail with an experienced and informative naturalist guide. A new beauty scene unfolds around every turn on this 3-mile moderate hiking trip. Look for loons and kingfishers... Browse itinerary

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Shoup Glacier Kayaking Tour

This Valdez kayaking tour to Shoup Glacier offers an intimate experience at one of Prince William Sounds’ many calving tidewater glaciers. This day trip is perfect for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Climb aboard a motor boat for... Browse itinerary

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Columbia Glacier Kayaking Tour

On this Valdez day tour, search for wildlife such as whales, sea otters, and sea lions as you cruise for two hours to the Columbia Glacier by water taxi. This is Alaska’s second-largest tidewater glacier. Since the early... Browse itinerary

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Meares Glacier Cruise from Valdez

This Valdez day tour takes you on a 110-mile glacier cruise through the majestic waters of Prince William Sound to Meares Glacier. On board, you can spot and photograph Prince William Sound wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals,... Browse itinerary

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Halibut Fishing in Homer (Half Day)

Enjoy fishing in Kachemak Bay from Homer, known as the “Halibut Capital of the world,” This half-day fishing charter reaches nearby fishing grounds for halibut.  This Homer fishing adventure is recommended for families or those who only have... Browse itinerary

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Kachemak Bay Glacier Lake Hike

In the morning, travel by water taxi from Homer across Kachemak Bay to Glacier Spit in Kachemak Bay State Park. Join your Alaska guide for a hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake. Your guide will identify and allow you... Browse itinerary

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Kachemak Bay Eagles Nest Kayaking Tour

Homer, Alaska, is surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks, remote fjords, and abundant wildlife, making Homer’s Kachemak Bay a premier destination for sea kayaking. This half-day kayak trip provides a short but wonderful introduction to kayaking and to this... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Dog Sledding Tour

This Anchorage day tour puts you in the Alaska dog sledding driving seat. After a scenic drive north to Talkeetna and dog mushing country, you will arrive at an Iditarod champion sled dog kennel and get an introduction... Browse itinerary

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Anchorage Aurora Quest Tour

This aurora borealis photo tour from Anchorage is designed to maximize fun and opportunity for those fascinated with Alaska’s northern lights. The 4-6 hour tour to photograph the aurora’s lightshows will begin with a pick you up at... Browse itinerary

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Iditarod Starting Line Event

On this day tour from Anchorage, experience the official start of the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Every year hundreds of people line the streets of Willow Lake just north of Anchorage for the start of this iconic... Browse itinerary

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Alaska Winter Driving Tour

Designed for independent travelers, this SUV (all-wheel) self-drive tour features a few days to explore Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs. The Fairbanks area is among the best places to experience the amazing northern lights. At Chena Hot Springs,... Browse itinerary

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Denali Express Train Tour

After an overnight in Fairbanks, meet the train departing to Denali National Park. This afternoon take a guided excursion into Denali National Park and learn about the history and geology of the park, stopping when there is an... Browse itinerary

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