Alaska: The Last Frontier. Land of the Midnight Sun. The Great Land. A place where naturalist, John Muir, once wrote “never go to Alaska as a young man because you’ll never be satisfied with any other place as long as you live.” Could one place really live up to such expectations? After spending a week on the Kenai Peninsula, I quickly found out that it absolutely could!
Planning a trip to Alaska? Use this Kenai Peninsula road trip itinerary as a guide for your own adventure.
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
As your flight touches down in Anchorage, right away you’ll be amazed by the views of the surrounding mountains from the plane and airport. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and check in to your hotel. I recommend staying the first night in the city so you’ll be ready for an early start tomorrow morning.
Spend the rest of the day exploring downtown Anchorage and stock up on snacks, clothing, and anything you may have forgotten to pack. From Target to Walmart to Cabela’s, you’ll be able to find just about anything you might need for the week. Then, grab dinner at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, a popular bar and pizza joint serving fantastic food and local beer in a vibrant environment. After dinner, return to your hotel and get a good night’s rest because tomorrow is when your Kenai Peninsula road trip begins.
Day 2: Drive to Seward
Wake up early this morning and get ready to embark on your Alaskan adventure! Today, you have the entire day to make your way to Seward, a charming port city on the Kenai Peninsula and where you’ll spend the next four nights.
seward scenic highway
As you leave Anchorage and enter the Seward Scenic Highway, get your camera ready because this is where the real beauty of Alaska starts. The Seward Scenic Highway, a 125 mile route that connects Anchorage to Seward, is one of the most stunning drives in the United States. With many pull offs and photo stops along the way, you could easily spend a full day slowly navigating your way along this 2.5 hour stretch.
Make as many stops as you’d like depending on your schedule, but a few that I’d suggest include Potter Marsh, Beluga Point Lookout, Moose Pass and Kenai Lake.
where to stay
Arrive in Seward in the afternoon and find your way to your accommodation. I stayed at the Seward Windsong Lodge and couldn’t recommend it enough. Just a few miles north of the town, it consists of several log cabin style buildings, as well as an onsite restaurant. It has a woodsy, but modern Alaska feel and is just far enough from downtown to be peaceful but still only a few minutes away from the action.
After getting settled in your room, head to the harbor area and spend the evening in town. Take a walk along Seward’s Waterfront Path and then get dinner at Chinooks Restaurant on the harbor. Overlooking the water, Chinooks not only provides a stunning backdrop for your meal, but it offers a nice selection of local seafood on the menu.
Day 3: Seward
Fuel up for a exciting day by grabbing breakfast at Resurrection Roadhouse, the Windsong Lodge’s restaurant. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk over from your room… it’s not uncommon to spot moose in the area!
Kenai fjords national park tour
After your meal, drive to the harbor and stop by Nature’s Nectars for a quick coffee. Then, depart on your tour for the day, a cruise through Resurrection Bay with Kenai Fjord Tours. Their six hour Kenai Fjords National Park Tour is a great way to experience the park, as most of it isn’t accessible by land. Highlights of the trip include the chance to spot wildlife, such as orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, puffins, etc., as well as Aialik Glacier. Lunch is included, so you don’t need to worry about packing food. Bring extra layers because it gets cold on the water and you won’t want to miss a minute of the stunning scenery sitting inside the boat!
Return to the harbor and drive to Exit Glacier Salmon Bake for dinner. Along with delicious food, the Salmon Bake provides visitors with a rustic dining experience. Located in a log cabin, the pub is decorated in wood tones and outdoor and fishing gear adorns the walls and ceiling. The cozy atmosphere, along with mountain views from the outdoor patio make it perfect place relax after a long day on the water.
Day 4: Seward
bardy’s trail rides
In the late morning, saddle up and get ready to ride with Bardy’s Trail Rides. From the very start to the end of the trail ride, the views will be spectacular. Ride through the forest, look for bald eagles, cross the Resurrection River, and stop in an open field with mountains in the background for the perfect photo opportunity. The two hours will pass by quickly, but this may end up being on of the best memories of your trip!
seavey’s ididaride dog sled tour
In the afternoon, drive a few miles from the hotel to Seavey’s IdidaRide Dog Sled Tours. This family run business is home to several Iditarod champion Alaskan huskies and the Summer Dog Sled Tour is one of the most unique experiences I’ve had. After watching your guide hook up a team of dogs to a cart, you’ll go for a short ride throughout the property. They take great care of the dogs and will give them plenty of opportunities to rest during the ride. Considering the cart alone weighs several hundred pounds, I’d say the dogs earned their breaks!
Returning to the kennel area, we were allowed to pet the dogs and even hold a few of the brand new puppies. The staff gave a brief presentation, educating us about the Iditarod race and explaining all of the gear needed for the journey. It’s a fun and informative experience and one that you shouldn’t miss.
Day 5: Seward
Exit glacier hike
Start off the day with a brisk hike to reach Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Park at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and follow the Glacier Overlook Trail to reach Exit Glacier Overlook. After a short hike, you’ll be treated with one of the best views possible of Exit Glacier. On your way back down the trail, take a detour on Glacier View Loop Trail to reach Glacier View, which gives you an excellent look at the area where the glacier once came to before it receded.
If you’re uncomfortable hiking alone, or would simply prefer to go with a guide, Adventure Sixty North offers a two hour Exit Glacier Nature Hike with transportation included. It’s a great way to learn about the area, as the guide will provide you with a brief history of the glacier and point out interesting details along the way.
Spend the rest of the day in downtown Seward however you wish. Stop by Resurrect Art Coffee House, a quaint cafe and art gallery located in a refurbished church. Snap a few photos and grab a coffee or browse the small shop to find the perfect souvenir. Even if you don’t find that perfect memento, it’s worth a stop for the coffee and pastries alone.
alaska sealife center
The Alaska SeaLife Center is another nice place to spend a free afternoon. A small aquarium showcasing local sea-life, take your time wandering between exhibits and enjoying an up close look at these Alaskan sea creatures.
At some point during the day, pick up takeout for lunch or dinner to enjoy on a picnic along the harbor. Zudy’s Cafe, next to the SeaLife Center, is a good lunch option offering a selection of sandwiches, soups and salads.
Day 6: Drive to Girdwood
It’s time to leave Seward and get back on the Seward Scenic Highway toward Girdwood, where you’ll spend your last night in Alaska. Along the way, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The entrance fee was $17 when I visited, but well worth it. This wildlife refuge is a great way to see all different kinds of Alaskan wildlife throughout it’s 1.5 mile loop, which you can either walk or drive. Moose, musk ox, brown bears, black bears, elk, and caribou are among the many animals you can see here. I ended up spending about three hours here, but probably would’ve stayed longer if it wasn’t so windy during my visit.
Next, drive about twenty minutes to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. A large ski resort in the winter, this gorgeous hotel looks like a European chalet, and consists of several restaurants, a few shops and even an aerial tram. The staff were so friendly and I was upgraded to a room with incredible mountain views. The property also has hiking trails, a small pond in the back, and plenty of places to sit and relax during your stay.
If you arrive before it’s time to check in, The Bake Shop is a cute cafe only a few minutes drive way. It’s surrounded by a small cluster of shops and restaurants where you could spend some free time.
For dinner, try the Pond Cafe at the hotel. The deck, which overlooks the pond and mountains, is an excellent choice for a relaxing and peaceful meal with great food. Alternatively, Girdwood Brewing Company, a local taproom and beer garden hosting a rotating schedule of food trucks is a more laid back option with an upbeat atmosphere.
Day 7: Fly Home from Anchorage
Today, you’ll end your Kenai Peninsula road trip by driving back to Anchorage to catch your flight home. Depending on your time of departure, you could either spend the morning in Girdwood or immediately return to Anchorage. If you choose to stay in Girdwood for a few more hours, fill your time by taking a ride on the aerial tram, going on a hike, or having breakfast at a local cafe.
I hope this Kenai Peninsula road trip guide has inspired you to add Alaska to your bucket list!
READ MORE: 8 Spectacular Photo Spots in Seward, Alaska
