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 105 vacations in Alaska related to Southcentral - Anchorage - Kenai Peninsula

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Chulitna Gorge Jetboat Tour from Talkeetna

This jet boat trip out of Talkeetna will take you to 3 Alaska rivers: the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna. You will run through the Chulitna River Gorge and experience Class II and III whitewater. During a leisurely quarter-mile... Browse itinerary

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

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

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

Spring Wildlife Cruise in Resurrection Bay

On this Seward day tour and whale-watching cruise in the Spring, witness the incredible annual migration of California Gray Whales, traveling over 5,000 miles from Baja California to the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska’s Bering Sea. This 4-hour Alaska... Browse itinerary

Kenai Canyon Rafting at Cooper Landing

Depart from Cooper Landing on a rafting float trip down the Kenai River that includes calm sections, whitewater, and a journey across the stunningly blue Skilak Lake.  Search for moose and bald eagles, learn about the life cycle... Browse itinerary

Kenai River Scenic Float Tour at Cooper Landing

Depart from Cooper Landing on a gentle rafting trip down the Kenai River. Watch for wildlife as your guide navigates your raft through snow-capped mountain scenery, hear about the early settlers and forces of nature that shaped this... Browse itinerary

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

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

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

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 6-8 hour tour to photograph the aurora’s lightshows will begin with a pick you up at... Browse itinerary

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