Seward serves as a fantastic home base for exploring the myriad wonders of the Kenai Peninsula and beyond. Our neighboring communities offer a multitude of awe-inspiring experiences to round out your Alaska bucket list.  

If you’re traveling in the colder months, be sure to check road conditions ahead of time and be prepared for winter driving conditions. Don’t feel like driving yourself? Motorcoach, bus, and taxi companies offer limited passenger and cargo service between communities. Check out Red Eye Rides who offers year-round transportation. 

MOOSE PASS

Take a scenic 30-mile drive north from Seward to the charming town of Moose Pass, nestled among towering mountains, dense forests, and pristine lakes. Enjoy outdoor activities year-round, including flightseeing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, ice skating, skiing, and more. Don't miss the annual Summer Solstice Festival, offering live music, food, and a local maker fair.

Moose Pass Adventures offers guided kayak excursions through Trail Lake and Grant Lake, complete with historical insights and adventures tailored for all skill levels. In winter, opt for a guided snowshoe tour for an authentic Alaska experience. End your day with a cold beverage and a hot meal at Trail Lake Lodge before returning to Seward, or spend the night at Moose Pass Campground.

The Moose Pass Solstice Festival is an annual event that celebrates the midnight sun with vendors, live music and community gathering. PC: Janessa Anderson

WHITTIER

Accessible via Portage Glacier Rd. (mile-77) through the scenic Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (the longest combined single lane vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America — call (877) 611-2586 for the 15-min interval schedule). 

Take a glacier and wildlife cruise with Philips Cruises and Tours  then stroll along the waterfront where you'll find a touch of history in the remnants of military structures from World War II.

GIRDWOOD & TURNAGIN ARM

Consider a turn down Alyeska Highway (mile-90) to Girdwood — a vibrant ski resort town celebrated for its breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm. Explore Spencer Glacier with Chugach Adventures or go canyoneering in historic Crow Creek Gold Mine with Alaska Backcountry Access.  

The 40-mile stretch of Seward Highway between Portage and Potter Marsh offers picturesque views of Turnagin Arm and the Chugach Mountains and a chance to see beluga whales, Dalls sheep, waterfalls, eagles and more. Witness the world’s northernmost bore tide at one of the many scenic pull-outs from Bird Ridge to Beluga Point. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage to see native animals including bears, wolves, moose, muskox, owls and more, in a natural setting.

COOPER LANDING

"Turn left at the Y" onto AK-1 to make the approximately 45-mile drive along the Sterling Highway to Cooper Landing, at the intersection of the Kenai and Russian Rivers. Expert fishing guides with Cooper Landing Fishing Guide offer driftboat and fly fishing experiences. For a family-friendly adventure, explore the Russian River Falls Trail or embark on a scenic float with Kenai Riverdog or choose a full-day canyon rafting trip with Alaska Rivers Company. For a combined day of fishing and rafting, choose Kenai River Trips with Alaska Wildland Adventures. Cap off your day at the cozy Sunrise Inn’s Cafe & Bar.

Visit the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area, a favorite loop-road with campgrounds, trails, scenic photographic pullouts, and fishing spots. Explore the K’Beq Native Heritage Site - The Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s interpretative site offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Dena’ina customs and culture.

SOLDOTNA AND KENAI

Continue your westward journey to Soldotna, a riverside city boasting a rich fishing heritage. The Kenai River, famous for salmon runs, beckons both locals and tourists alike. Engage in guided fishing with a knowledgeable angler like Jason’s Guide Service.

Head west, ten miles, to the City of Kenai located on the bluffs of the Cook Inlet.  If you have time, book a stay with Salmon Catcher Lodge for a bespoke Alaska experience. Explore the Kenai Fine Art Center, housed in the historic Kenai jail and firehouse, offering workshops, exhibitions, and a sales gallery. Drive 26 miles beyond Kenai to Captain Cook State Park where the beaches are a favorite among agate hunters.

HOMER & KACHEMAK BAY

Extend your Kenai Peninsula exploration to Homer, a coastal gem renowned for its artistic community, thriving food scene, and stunning views of Kachemak Bay. This charming seaside town is a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Seward.

Explore the "End of the Road" on the Homer Spit, where local shops and art galleries line the shore. Visit the Pratt Museum, a regional natural history museum or head to the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center, a 140-acre wildlife preserve with trails detailed with wildflowers; watch for the appearance of moose, bear, lynx, and songbirds. 

Get a bird’s-eye view with Smokey Bay Air or Emerald Air Service — air taxi and flightseeing operators offering year-round opportunities to view bears in their natural habitat, along with stunning vistas of glaciers and volcanoes. Consider taking a few days to explore destinations around Kachemak Bay, including the charming town of Seldovia (reachable by air or water taxi ) where you can spend the night at a remote getaway like Between Beaches Alaska.