Alaska Travel Guide - Visit The Kenai Peninsula

Visiting the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska during a road trip is a dream come true for many visitors to Alaska. The moment visitors set foot on this remarkable piece of the Last Frontier, they are instantly captivated by its stunning natural beauty. The towering mountain ranges, pristine glaciers, lush forests, and rugged coastline created a visual feast that words can hardly describe.

What makes a trip even more unforgettable is the opportunity to witness Alaska's iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. You'll never forget the awe-inspiring sight of a grizzly bear catching salmon along the Kenai River or the majestic bald eagles soaring above, a true testament to the wild essence of this region. For an outdoor enthusiast, the Kenai Peninsula is a paradise of adventure. Hike along scenic trails, kayaked through serene waters, and experience the thrill of rafting down rushing rivers. Each moment is a chance to connect with the untamed wilderness and marvel at its grandeur.

The Kenai Peninsula is also a food lover's paradise. Indulge in the freshest seafood, from succulent salmon to mouthwatering halibut, and relished the flavors of the ocean like never before. Every meal is a culinary delight, and the local seafood leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Kenai (Population: 6,975) is located on the Kenai Peninsula, 159 miles from Anchorage, 89 miles from Homer and 11 miles north of Soldotna. Visitor information: Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center, 11471 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611; Phone (907) 283-1991, Fax 283-2230 Kenai is the largest city on the Kenai Peninsula. Originally occupied by the Dena’ina people, the Russian traders established Fort St. Nicholas, or St. Nicholas Redoubt, in 1791. In 1869 the U.S. Army established Fort Kenai (Kenay). The first fish canneries were established in the 1880s. Oil exploration began in the mid-1950s, with the first major discovery made in 1957. Two years later, natural gas was discovered. Kenai is situated on a low rise overlooking the mouth of the Kenai River where it empties into Cook Inlet, with majestic views of 3 major volcanic peaks in the Alaska Range: Mount Spurr (elev. 11,100 feet); Mount Iliamna (elev. 10,016 feet; and Mount Redoubt (elev. 10,197 feet).

Soldotna (Population: 3,983) is located on the western Kenai Peninsula, 84 miles north of Homer, 148 miles from Anchorage and 95 miles from Seward via the Sterling Highway. Visitor information: Greater Soldotna Chamber of Commerce 44790 Sterling Highway, Soldotna, AK 99669; Phone (907) 262-1337 or 262-9814, Fax (907) 262-3566.  The town of Soldotna was established in the 1940s because of its strategic location at the Sterling–Kenai Spur Highway junction. Soldotna was incorporated as a first-class city in 1967. It has become the retail, governmental and medical hub of the Peninsula. Soldotna gets very busy with visiting fishermen when the salmon are running in the Kenai River, which flows through town, and in nearby Kasilof River. All facilities are available in Soldotna, including supermarkets, banks, and drive-ins, medical and dental clinics, golf courses, a library, sports center and churches. Two shopping malls are located on the Sterling Highway in town.

Ninilchik (Population: 853) is located on the Kenai Peninsula, 45 miles north of Homer, 136 miles from Seward and 189 miles from Anchorage on the Sterling Highway.  The original village of Ninilchik, referred to as Ninilchik Village, is reached by a side road from Milepost S 135.1 Sterling Highway. The highway community of Ninilchik provides all services. There is an active senior center, a library and swimming at Ninilchik High School pool. On Memorial Day weekend, Ninilchik is referred to as the third biggest city in Alaska, as thousands of Alaskans arrive for the fishing. A major halibut fishery off Ninilchik has produced some of the largest trophy  halibut found in Cook Inlet, including a 466-lb. unofficial world record sport-caught halibut.

Sterling (Population: 5,123) is located on the Sterling Highway, 81 miles from Seward, 134 miles from Anchorage and 98 miles from Homer, at the confluence of the Moose and Kenai rivers. This unincorporated community serves the summer influx of Kenai River sportfishermen, campers and canoeists paddling the Moose and Swanson rivers. The name Sterling was formalized in 1954 when a post office was established. Sterling has a post office and a school. Traveler services include motels, RV parks, gas stations, several restaurants and cafes.

Anchor Point (Population: 1,829) Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Anchor Point is 23 miles north of Homer and 61 miles south of Soldotna on the Sterling Highway. Visitor Information: Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 610, Anchor Point, AK 99556; Phone (907) 235-2600. Anchor Point is a full-service community with a Chamber of Commerce, post office and a variety of businesses, churches, a library, senior citizen center and VFW are among the many organizations here. Anchor Point was originally named “Laida” by Captain James Cook in the summer of 1778, when the Resolution and Discovery sailed into Cook Inlet looking for the Northwest Passage. It was later renamed Anchor Point by early homesteaders to commemorate the loss of an anchor off the point by Captain Cook. A post office was established here in 1949.