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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Winter Helicopter Flightseeing with Glacier Landing

Enjoy an extended flightseeing adventure from Girdwood over the heavily glaciated Chugach Mountains. This popular one-hour helicopter tour explores Lake George Glacier, Lake George Valley, Whiteout Glacier, and Colony Glacier. As you fly through the Chugach State Park... Browse itinerary

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

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

Anchorage Dog Sledding Tour in the Fall

Today’s adventure starts with a scenic drive north from Anchorage to dog mushing country! After arriving at the kennel in Talkeetna, you will get an introduction to mushing your team and then help harness the dogs before setting... Browse itinerary

a man on a fishing charter boat holds up two halibut

Halibut Fishing in Homer (Full Day)

The Alaska city of Homer is known as the “Halibut Capital of the World” and offers some of Alaska’s best halibut fishing from mid-May to September. The boat trip itself on this Homer fishing trip is a treat... Browse itinerary

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

green aurora over a highway with snow to the sides

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

the mountain of Denali; a dirt path in foreground

Alaska “On A Dime” Self-Drive Tour

This affordable driving tour is designed for travelers with a small budget. Explore two of Alaska's most famous national parks (Denali and Kenai Fjords) at your own pace in only one week. This trip includes a guided bus... Browse itinerary

a blue and yellow 'Alaska' train at a depot surrounded by trees in fall colors

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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