Southwest Alaska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve featuring forest scenes
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve featuring dangerous animals and land animals
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve showing rugged coastline and mist or fog
King Salmon showing a lake or waterhole
King Salmon showing a lake or waterhole

Venture out into a region characterized by windswept archipelagos, forested hills teeming with wildlife and a diverse array of historical attractions.

Southwest Alaska promises a true wilderness experience to the intrepid traveler. Untouched islands and peninsulas bursting with nature at its wildest make the region an inviting and adventurous destination for those wanting to visit the far corners of America. Hop between volcanic islands, watch bears roaming the woodland and stop in charming towns that maintain a strong sense of local culture.

Learn about Alaska Native culture in the towns of Southwest Alaska. Visit the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository on Kodiak Island for an informative insight into indigenous culture in the region.

Bring your binoculars and watch the horizon for a sighting of the bears that live in the region. Ride a boat to Kodiak Island, home of the Kodiak bear, and join a wildlife-spotting excursion into the wilderness. Katmai National Park and Preserve is one of the best places in Alaska to watch the salmon run and the feast that it provides for the park’s furry residents.

Explore the Aleutian Islands, a long archipelago of striking volcanic outcrops that stretches all the way to Russia. Stop in Unalaska, a large island that features the Cathedral of the Holy Ascension, a Russian Orthodox building that houses a large collection of religious artwork. The island also has the Museum of the Aleutians and the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area.

Southwest Alaska’s extensive coastline makes it a popular destination for seafood enthusiasts. Bring your own rod and tackle to catch salmon and trout in tranquil, scenic settings or come for a feast at Kodiak’s crab festival.

Alaska Airlines and Era Aviation both run flights to airports across the region or you can charter a flight to Southwest Alaska. This part of the state experiences a complete range of seasonal temperatures. Visit in the summer months of June, July and August to explore the region on long, sunny days. Wrap up warm for a winter visit, when the lows are well below freezing but the days promise thrilling activities in snow-covered landscapes.

Best Western Kodiak Inn

Best Western Kodiak Inn

3 out of 5
236 W Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK
The price is ₹21,711 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹21,711
₹24,316 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kodiak. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (418 reviews)
"Ella made our stay outstanding! Helpful and above and beyond helping us with our frozen fish, luggage and excursion."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Best Western Kodiak Inn
Quality Inn Kodiak

Quality Inn Kodiak

2.5 out of 5
1395 Airport Way, Kodiak, AK
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹17,103 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹17,103
₹17,958 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kodiak. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (122 reviews)
"Staff were excellent, but no on-site lounge or restaurant due to renovations."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Quality Inn Kodiak
Kodiak Compass Suites

Kodiak Compass Suites

2.5 out of 5
203 Alder Lane, Kodiak, AK
The price is ₹24,075 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹24,075
₹26,964 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kodiak. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Russian-American Magazin and SS Albert ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (153 reviews)
"Clean, pretty, comfortable beds."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Kodiak Compass Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

3 out of 5
17351 E Michele Drive, Talkeetna, AK
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Talkeetna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (403 reviews)
"Our favorite place we stayed. Only wish it could have been longer."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins

3.5 out of 5
1/10th Mile Lester Road, Healy, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Healy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tri-Valley Community Library and Black Diamond ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (435 reviews)
"A week in Alaska. This was by far our favorite stay. Quiet, exceptionally clean and well stocked. Cute Cabin with firm beds, easy access to main road."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins
North Star Place

North Star Place

3.5 out of 5
1313 22nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Fairbanks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
"Clean and nice and quiet. It was a perfect little place for me, my husband, and my two young kids. It truly felt like we were at home. We really enjoyed our stay at North Star Place."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

North Star Place
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southwest Alaska