One Week Kenai Peninsula Road Trip (Updated for 2026)
This classic southcentral Alaska itinerary packs in stunning glaciers, fjords, wildlife, and fishing over ~700 miles round-trip from Anchorage. It’s perfect for summer (late May–September) when roads are clear and activities peak.
Key Tips:
- Road Conditions — Check Alaska 511 for updates. Kenai Spur Highway rehab (Soldotna-Kenai) may cause delays through 2028.
- Rental Car → Pick up in Anchorage; most allow the Whittier Tunnel.
- Bear Safety → Carry spray; make noise on trails.
- Fishing → Non-residents need a license (~$45–$100 for short-term; buy online via ADF&G). King salmon stamp extra if targeting them.
Day 1: Anchorage to Whittier (via Girdwood)
Drive ~60 miles south on Seward Highway—stop for views in Turnagain Arm and short hikes in Girdwood (e.g., Virgin Creek Falls).
Enter Whittier via Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (longest combined road-rail tunnel in North America). Schedule: To Whittier on the half-hour (5:30 AM–10:30 PM); from Whittier on the hour (6:00 AM–11:00 PM). Arrive early; toll ~$13–$15 (cash/card).
Highlights: Prince William Sound views; optional half-day glacier cruise (~$150–$200/person).
Stay: Limited in Whittier (e.g., June’s Condo Suites); or return to Girdwood (Alyeska Resort for splurge).
Day 2: Whittier to Seward + Exit Glacier
Drive ~90 miles (~1.75 hours). Detour to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park—hike to the face (easy) or Harding Icefield (strenuous 8+ miles).
Stay: Seward camping or hotels (e.g., Harbor 360 for views).
Day 3: Seward + Kenai Fjords
Explore town: Alaska SeaLife Center or beach walks. Book a Kenai Fjords cruise—Major Marine Tours or Kenai Fjords Tours recommended. 2026 prices: 6-hour ~$149–$239/adult; full-day (e.g., Northwestern Fjord) ~$269–$309.
Stay: Same as Day 2, or luxury like Windsong Lodge.
Day 4: Seward to Cooper Landing/Kenai/Soldotna
Drive ~50 miles to Cooper Landing. Stop for scenic views or “combat fishing” on Russian River (sockeye salmon runs).
Continue ~45 miles to Kenai/Soldotna for more river fishing.
Stay: Riverside lodges or hotels (e.g., Kenai River options).
Days 5–6: Soldotna to Homer + Kachemak Bay
Drive ~75 miles. Stops: Ninilchik (Russian church), Anchor Point.
In Homer: Walk the Spit, halibut charters (~$325–$500/person full-day), or Kachemak Bay cruise/kayak.
Day trip to Seldovia via ferry (~$45–$70 one-way, 45 minutes).
Stay: Lands End Resort (Spit views) or Beluga Lake Lodge.
Day 7: Homer to Anchorage
~220 miles (~5 hours). Stop in Hope or missed spots.
This loop offers Alaska’s best: glaciers, wildlife, fishing. Extend for more hikes or flights (e.g., bear viewing in Katmai). Safe travels!