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!