12 towns in Southcentral Alaska and why we love them

The best way to explore Southcentral Alaska is to rent a car or RV and head out on your own. These 12 towns are easy to get to and offer loads of outdoor adventure and Alaska-style fun. We’ll suggest a few things to do in each town and let you know our favorite thing to do in each.

Alaska has five distinct regions. Each with unique geography and climate. With its fishing towns, national parks, hiking trails and city life, Southcentral Alaska has something for everyone and is a great place to start your Alaska adventure

alaska.gov

Anchorage

The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage has something for everyone. You can hike, bike, fish, or shop for Alaskan made products. With 15 breweries and countless coffee shops and restaurants, it’s a great place to sample Alaskan seafood and more. If you are looking for something more low-key, check out the museums and cultural centers.

Things to do in Anchorage

Visit the Anchorage Museum to learn about Alaska’s history and culture
Rent a bike and ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for stunning views of the city and coastline
Climb Flattop Mountain

Our favorite in Anchorage -Eat at the Peanut Farm (but only if you get a table in the back overlooking Campbell Creek)

Fairbanks

Although located in the Interior of Alaska, rather than Southcentral, we are including it in our list because we love it! It is a bit of a drive from Anchorage so you’ll want to stay a day or two. Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city and is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Things to do in Fairbanks

Take a riverboat tour down the Chena River to see local wildlife and learn about the area’s history
Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center to learn about Alaska Native cultures
Hike the Angel Rocks Trail for stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys
Go birdwatching at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Soak in natural hot springs at Chena Hot Springs

Our favorite in Fairbanks – Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum for its world-class collection of vintage automobiles and period fashions

Wasilla

Located in the Mat-Su Valley, Wasilla is in the middle of everything and is a great place to start your exploration of the Alaskan wilderness. You can hike, camp, or fish in the nearby parks, or take a scenic drive on the Glenn Highway.

Things to do in Wasilla

Go fishing or kayaking in many of the local lakes
Hike around Reflection Lake for stunning views and possible moose sightings
Visit the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters to learn about Alaska’s famous sled dog race and cuddle a puppy or two
Visit Matanuska Glacier for a unique hiking experience
Learn about Alaska’s history at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry

Our favorite in Wasilla – kayaking at King’s Lake

Palmer

This charming town is home to the GreenHouse and offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. Walk from the GreenHouse to downtown Palmer to local breweries and coffee shops. It’s also home to the Alaska State Fairgrounds and a great place to stay if you are attending events at the Fairgrounds.

Things to do in Palmer

Visit the Musk Ox Farm or Reindeer Farm to see these amazing animals up close
Climb the Bodenburg Butte for amazing views of the Matanuska Valley
Drive to Hatcher Pass and explore Independence Mine, once the largest producer of gold in the Willow Creek Mining District

Our favorite in Palmer – hiking Bodenburg Butte

Soldotna and Kenai

If you love fishing, Soldotna and Kenai are the place to be. The Kenai River is home to some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the world.

Things to do in Soldotna and Kenai

Go fishing for salmon or trout in the Kenai River
Hike the Skyline Trail for stunning views of the Kenai Mountains
Visit the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to see moose, bears, and other local wildlife
Take a guided float trip down the Kenai River
Visit the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center to learn about the area’s history and culture
Hike the Captain Cook State Recreation Area for stunning views of the coastline

Our favorite in Soldotna and Kenai – fishing on the Kenai River

Homer

Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” Homer is a great place to fish for halibut, salmon, and other species. You can also hike the nearby mountains or take a boat tour to see the glaciers.

Things to do in Homer

Visit the Homer Spit for fresh seafood, local crafts, and stunning views of Kachemak Bay
Explore the trails at Wynn Nature Center, a great place to see wildflowers and wildlife
Kayak on Kachemak Bay
Visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center to learn about the area’s marine life
Take a water taxi to the charming town of Seldovia

Our favorite in Homer – Fish and Chips and people watching on the Spit

Whittier

The small town of Whittier is accessible by car only through a 2.7 mile long tunnel which is shared by cars and trains. Travel through the tunnel alternates between cars and trains.

Things to do in Whittier

Take a glacier cruise to see the stunning glaciers and marine life of Prince William Sound
Eat some halibut fish and chips straight off the fishing boat
Hike the Portage Pass Trail for stunning views of Portage glacier
Go fishing or kayaking in the nearby fjords and bays of Prince William Sound

Our favorite in Whittier – Varly’s Swiftwater Seafood Cafe for their amazing halibut fish and chips

Talkeetna

Used as the starting point for expeditions climbing Denali, Talkeetna is a great place to experience the Alaskan wilderness. Enjoy views of Denali 100 miles to the north, shop for local made goods and sample a brew at Denali Brewing Company.

Things to do in Talkeetna

Take a flightseeing tour to see Denali, North America’s tallest mountain
Visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture and the Native Alaskans, trappers, gold miners and aviators who once lived here
Hike the Kesugi Ridge Trail for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
Sample some birch syrup and learn how it is made at Alaska Birch Syrup & Wild Harvest

Our favorite in Talkeetna – a cold brew at Denali Brewery

Valdez

Known as the “Switzerland of Alaska,” Valdez is a great place to ski and snowboard in the winter. In the summer visitors can hike, fish, or take a boat tour to see the glaciers and marine life.

Things to do in Valdez

View salmon at Crooked Creek
Go fishing! The waters around Valdez hold the largest recreational fishery in Prince William Sound
Visit the Valdez Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture
Hike Mineral Creek Trail which winds through a valley with waterfalls on either side in America’s northernmost temperate rainforest
Visit ”Old Valdez,” the original townsite which was destroyed during the 1964 earthquake. The Old Town site has been preserved as a memorial and walking tour of Valdez’s history

Our favorite in Valdez – Mineral Creek Trail for its stunning views

Seward

Known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park,” Seward is a great place to take a boat tour to see the glaciers and marine life. You can also hike the nearby mountains or go fishing in the nearby parks.

Things to do in Seward

Visit Kenai Fjords National Park
Charter a fishing trip or a whale watching cruise
Visit Alaska Sea Life Center
Kayak on Resurrection Bay
Visit Exit Glacier
Hike the Tonsina Creek trail through the forest and to the shore of Resurrection Bay

Our favorite in Seward – Lowell Point Beach

Girdwood

Home to Alyeska Ski resort, Girdwood is a great spot for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Increasingly known for its dining experiences, you’ll find locally sourced dishes in casual and upscale eateries.

Things to do in Girdwood

Relax at the Alyeska Nordic Spa’s saunas and outdoor pools
Visit the Alaska Wildlife and Conservation Center – a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, and research
Hike the Lower Winner Creek Trail and pull yourself across Glacier Creek in the hand tram
Take the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska

Our favorite in Girdwood – Alyeska Tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska