Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula delivers rugged landscapes, stunning wildlife, and unforgettable adventures. Stretching from the Turnagain Arm to Homer, this region offers dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and glacier-fed rivers. A 10-day trip to the Kenai Peninsula allows you to experience its highlights at a relaxed pace, from fishing in the world-famous Kenai River to spotting bears in Katmai National Park.
This itinerary starts and ends in Anchorage, loops through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the state, and gives you time to actually enjoy the ride. Ready? Let’s go.
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Day 1: Anchorage to Homer — Scenic Driving
You’ll likely arrive by air in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Or if you are arriving from a cruise, you may find you start in Whittier, like I did. Pick up your rental car or camper, and hit the road toward Homer. It’s only about a 5-hour drive, but you’ll want to stop a lot — the scenery is ridiculously gorgeous.
Stop At Least Twice!
Beluga Point: This spot is just outside Anchorage, and if the tide’s right, you might spot beluga whales cruising the Turnagain Arm.
Girdwood: A cozy ski town nestled in the Chugach Mountains. Stop at The Bake Shop for a cinnamon roll or ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for stunning views (worth it even if you’re not skiing).
As you turn off onto the Sterling Highway, keep your eyes peeled for moose and bald eagles. Maybe detour to Ninilchik to check out the old Russian Orthodox church on the bluff.
By the time you reach Homer, the sun might be low over Kachemak Bay, and the view of the mountains across the water is going to knock your socks off.
Where to Stay: Seaside Cottages on the Homer Spit, or something cozy up on the bluff with a view. There are loads of places to stay and things to do in Homer!
Days 2–4: Homer — Ocean Adventures, Bears, & Glaciers
You’ve got a few days to dig into what makes Homer special. It’s got that end-of-the-road charm with a creative, outdoorsy vibe. Here’s how to fill your time:
Day 2
Walk the Homer Spit, a narrow strip of land extending into Kachemak Bay. It is filled with restaurants, bars, shops and galleries galore!
Visit the Pratt Museum to explore exhibits on Homer’s history and marine life.
Stop at Salty Dawg Saloon, a historic bar covered in dollar bills from visitors worldwide.
Also check out the Homer Brewing Company
Grab fish and chips on the Homer Spit as you watch the sun set – if you can stay up that late!.
Day 3
Take a halibut fishing charter or head out for salmon if that’s more your style. The fishing here is legendary. We used Maverick Charters and you really can’t beat the service. After a full day fishing for halibut and rockfish we returned with our limit. They cleaned and bagged the fished and helped us arrange for them to be mailed to our home once we returned from vacation. We highly recommend these guides!
Or if you aren’t into fishing, take a wildlife-viewing cruise across Kachemak Bay. Look for sea otters, puffins, and bald eagles. But honestly, fishing is not what I call fun yet. it is difficult not to catch the fever when you reel in 2 rockfish on one line!
Looking for something extra special? Book a flightseeing tour across Cook Inlet to see brown bears in Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. You’ll land on a beach and watch them in the wild — it’s absolutely amazing, but very expensive!
Day 4
Hop a water taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park and hike the Grewingk Glacier Trail. You’ll cross alpine meadows, walk through a quiet forest, and end up staring at a glacier.
Chill out. Visit the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, stroll the art galleries and studios in Old Town, or just sip coffee with a view. Bonus points for finding live music or a beach bonfire.
Pro tip: Homer is famous for fresh seafood — don’t leave without trying halibut tacos or a salmon burger. We loved the food at both the Boardwalk and Swell Taco on the Spit. The Boardwalk’s Halibut fish and chips are to die for, but are. bit pricey at $30 a plate. Swell Taco was a bit more affordable and yummy. I recommend you try both.
Days 5–6: Seward — Fjords, Glaciers, & Wildlife
Time to say goodbye to Homer and head east to Seward (about 3.5 to 4.5 hours). The drive back along the Sterling Highway is just as pretty the second time around.
Make a few fun stops:
Anchor Point: Snap a photo at the westernmost point on the U.S. highway system.
Soldotna: Stop for lunch at Kenai River Brewing Co. and check out the Soldotna murals.
Moose Pass: This charming little stop has a historic water wheel and stunning lake views. Maybe even check out Alaska Nellie’s homestead!
Where to Stay in Seward: Harborfront hotels, rustic cabins, or campgrounds right along the bay in Seward.
Day 5
Take your time this morning traveling from Homer to Seward. Stop along the way to experience all the Kenai Peninsula has to offer. Remember, the days are long so you will have time to do everything you want to do (except sleep).
Upon arrival, hike to Exit Glacier for a close-up view of this retreating glacier. A Ranger Led Walk only lasts an hour and a half to the Glacier Overlook and is wheelchair accessible. For a more challenging adventure, tackle the Harding Icefield Trail—a steep but rewarding climb that ends with a panoramic view of the massive icefield. If you’re feeling brave, go ice climbing with a guide.
Seward is a vibrant port town surrounded by towering peaks and turquoise water. Spend a little time this evening checking it out. Then, enjoy fresh seafood at The Cookery.
Day 6
Book a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise to see Holgate Glacier and Aialik Glacier calving into the ocean. Keep an eye out for orcas, humpback whales, puffins, and sea lions.
Spend the afternoon at the Alaska SeaLife Center, which is part aquarium, part marine rescue center — very well done and great for kids too. Grab dinner on the harbor — Ray’s Waterfront is a local favorite.
Days 7–9: Cooper Landing — Peaceful Vibes & Turquoise Waters
Drive back up the Seward Highway to Cooper Landing — it’s only a couple hours, but you’ll want to stop and explore along the way. Make sure you hit any stops you missed on your way south to Seward!
Grab lunch at Summit Lake Lodge in Moose Pass. It is both peaceful and scenic. Plus, the pie is on point.
Where to Stay in Cooper Landing: We stayed at Gwin’s Lodge. it came highly recommended by people I know and trust. Unfortunately, the lodge has had a change in ownership and the place has gone downhill fast. It may be OK for a bunch of men who only want to fish, but I will personally never return or recommend it.
For other lodging options consider Kenai Riverside Lodge or Drifter’s Lodge. Or better yet, for just a little bit more you can stay at the Princess Kenai Wilderness Lodge. Your Travel Agent will be able to book that for you as part of a cruise package or a stand-alone booking. This lodge is beautifully appointed and clean.
Day 7
Sleep in a bit and then take your time traveling from Seward to Cooper Landing. It isn’t a long drive and you have all day to get here. Cooper Landing is all about nature and slowing down. The Kenai River flows through here, and it’s unbelievably blue and beautiful.
If you have time after your arrival, hike the Russian River Falls Trail to watch salmon leap upstream toward their spawning grounds. It ‘s about 4.75 miles out and back and takes roughly 2 hours to hike the moderately strenuous terrain.
Enjoy a great dinner and hit the sack early. You have a full day of fishing tomorrow!
Day 8
Take a full day fishing excursion and float trip down the Kenai River. Your guide will teach you how to properly catch trout and/or salmon and all about the nature and history of the area. We used Kenai Float and Fish and can’t recommend them enough. I don’t even like to fish but I had a wonderful day on the water. I know a full-day excursion sounds like a lot, but the time will fly by!
End the day with a quiet dinner at your lodge. There is nothing better than feasting on your own catch! All that salmon needs is a little pepper.
Day 9
If salmon fishing is your thing, then strap on some waders, hit the river and drop a hook all on your own! You will have all the skills you need after your guided excursion with John from Kenai Float and Fish! This is the primary reason Mike wanted to return to Alaska. On our first trip, we saw fishermen lined up shoulder to shoulder hooking salmon left and right. Mike was mesmerized and I had to drag him away as we had a train to catch. I promised we would return upon retirement and spend several days in Cooper Landing. So he actually spent 4 days doing just that on our 2025 trip.
Be sure to keep an eye out for bears who like to come and steal your catch. They aren’t there to hurt you, but they would love a free meal if they happen upon your salmon along the shoreline. Just stay clear of them but be sure to carry bear spray just in case.
Other Options
This is a good place to try fly fishing. Local guides are great and the scenery is unbeatable.
For an alternative to fishing, Visit the nearby Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for a chance to spot moose, bears, and lynx. With nearly two million acres to roam, this refuge hosts an abundance of wildlife, as well as fishing, camping, and hiking facilities. Enter through the visitors center in Soldotna to learn more about the area.
For a real workout, climb Slaughter Ridge for amazing views. This 4.6 mile out and back hike gains 2,700 feet in elevation for a challenging hike year round.
Cooper Landing also has a cute little museum you should definitely check out. It consists of an old school house, a cabin, mining history, natural history, and cultural information about early residents. This is topped of with the full skeleton of a brown bear. It may not sound like much compared to the Smithsonian, but it is still well worth a visit! The museum is only open 1:00 to 5:00 and completely closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so you need to time your visit carefully.
Day 10: Return to Anchorage — One Last Scenic Stretch
The final stretch back to Anchorage is about a 2-hour drive, but you’ve got time for a few last highlights. That said, sleep in as it is likely to be a long day before you catch your flight home.
Stop at Tern Lake for a quiet moment and to see a family of swans if you’re lucky.
Take the detour to Portage Glacier Road — hike to Byron Glacier, or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to get one last close-up with musk ox, bears, and moose.
Most flights don’t leave until late so you might have a whole day to enjoy the city. Visit the Anchorage Museum to learn about Alaska’s Indigenous history and art, and stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.
Take the Anchorage Trolly Tour to get a good overview of the city and its history. Go shopping! Anchorage is a great place to buy your Alaska souvenirs!
Wrap up your trip with dinner at 49th State Brewing Co. (killer rooftop views) or Moose’s Tooth (often rated the best pizza in Alaska).
Tips for a Successful Trip
Timing: The best time to visit the Kenai Peninsula is from June to early September when the weather is mild and wildlife is active.
Packing: Bring layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Weather can change rapidly, especially near the coast. Once there you will need to purchase a fishing license.
Transportation: Renting a car is essential, as public transportation is really just not a thing here.
Wildlife Safety: Carry bear spray, store food securely, and follow local guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Final Thoughts on the Kenai Peninsula
I designed this road trip itinerary to allow you to experience the best of the Kenai Peninsula in 10 days. In truth, we experienced it over the course of two different trips. On our first trip to Alaska, we flew into Anchorage and drove to Seward where Mike fished off-shore and we spent a few days exploring before returning to Anchorage and then heading north toward Denali. It was on our return trip to Anchorage that we discovered Cooper Landing and I promised Mike we would return.
When Mike retired in 2025, we took a one week inside passage Princess cruise from Vancouver to Whittier. Mike’s brother Crocket and wife Darla met us in Whittier and we drove to Homer. This gave us a different experience from Seward but still provided the wonderful off-shore halibut fishing. After a few days, we drove to Cooper Landing where Mike enjoyed his promised five fabulous days of fishing. It wasn’t enough! But it was all the now retired pocketbook could endure. I suspect he will return again one day in the future.
This road trip through the Kenai Peninsula is the real deal. It’s classic Alaska with a great mix of adventure and unforgettable scenery. You’ll see wildlife, hike glaciers, eat fresh-caught fish, and come home with stories that sound made-up (but aren’t).
Whether it’s your first time in Alaska or your tenth, the Kenai Peninsula will leave you awestruck. So, start planning, get packing, and go make those lifelong memories!
Are You Ready To Experience the Kenai Peninsula?
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