South Central Alaska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Seward which includes mountains, a river or creek and forests
Chugach State Park showing a gorge or canyon, a river or creek and mountains
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve featuring mountains and snow
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve which includes interior views
Anchorage featuring modern architecture

As the most populated region in the state, Southcentral Alaska combines the majesty and excitement of the wilderness with charming, accessible cities.

Southcentral Alaska is a gateway to all of the thrills and wonder of America’s last frontier. Creaking, ancient glaciers, craggy peaks and forested rivers are just a short journey away from some of the state’s liveliest cities. Enjoy all the amenities of modern Alaska and visit a wide array of cultural attractions on the coast before venturing into the enticing wilderness that lies beyond the coast.

The Southcentral region is one of the best places in Alaska to learn about the state’s indigenous communities. Explore Anchorage, the largest city in the state, and visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Join one of the guided tours of the exhibits and villages for expert insight into the history of the region.

Linger in Anchorage to discover more of the city’s attractions. The Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum examine different aspects of the state’s history. Take your family to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Alaska Zoo, where visitors of all ages can meet the region’s beautiful wildlife.

Discover the towns scattered along the Kenai Peninsula, which are known for their laid-back and creative atmospheres. Mingle with artists in Girdwood and browse the galleries of Homer and Old Town Kenai.

Head into the Wrangell Mountains around the Copper River Valley or hike into Chugach National Forest for wilderness escapes on your doorstep. Those that prefer to explore from the water can join kayaking or white-water rafting expeditions along the Kenai, Matanuska and Sixmile Rivers.

Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport then choose one of many different ways to travel around Southcentral Alaska. Water taxis skim around the coastline while the Alaska Railroad promises hours of uninterrupted scenery.

Unlike Far North Alaska, summers in Southcentral can have long stretches of hot weather, making it a perfect time to explore the region. The temperature in winter drops well below freezing, but the season offers the chance to ski on the Kenai Peninsula and maybe even see the northern lights.

Where to stay in South Central Alaska

Anchorage showing a river or creek and marine life

Downtown Anchorage

3.5/5(15 area reviews)

Downtown Anchorage is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Anchorage Historic City Hall and Log Cabin Visitor Information Center.

Downtown Anchorage
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Midtown Anchorage

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers come to Midtown Anchorage for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Z.J. Loussac Library - Main Branch and Cinemark Century Anchorage 16 while you're in town.

Midtown Anchorage
Chugach State Park featuring a river or creek

Hillside

While visiting Hillside, you might make a stop by sights like Alaska Zoo and Anchorage Golf Course.

Hillside
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Alyeska

If you're spending some time in Alyeska, Girdwood Town Square and Girdwood Park are top sights worth seeing.

Alyeska
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Spenard

4/5(8 area reviews)

Abundant dining options and lake views are well-reviewed features of Spenard. Make a stop by top sights like Arctic Benson Park while you're exploring the area.

Spenard
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Taku - Campbell

While visiting Taku - Campbell, you might make a stop by sights like Dimond Center and Campbell Creek Greenbelt Park.

Taku - Campbell
Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
The price is ₹17,538 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹17,538
₹19,643 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,024 reviews)
"The property is a little tired and staff was adequate. Nothing remarkable in either but it was a good price for the area and did the job for our one night stay prior to check in for our cruise only a block away the next day! The carpet could’ve been a little cleaner but bathroom and linens were fine. ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Westmark Anchorage Hotel
Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

3 out of 5
4411 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹25,779 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹25,779
₹28,872 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"A good choice with a really very good value"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,830 reviews)
"Helpful staff"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
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! (408 reviews)
"Great hosts, great property!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Midnight Sun Log Cabins

Midnight Sun Log Cabins

2 out of 5
Mile 28.9 - 34847 Seward HWY, Moose Pass, AK
Stay at this cabin in Moose Pass. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Grant Lake Trail and Upper Trail Lake are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (250 reviews)
"A vacation cabin in mid of forest with every thing you need."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Midnight Sun Log Cabins
Gwin's Lodge & Roadhouse Est. 1952

Gwin's Lodge & Roadhouse Est. 1952

2.5 out of 5
14865 Sterling Hwy, Milepost 52, Cooper Landing, AK
Stay at this cabin in Cooper Landing. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping and a picnic area. Popular attractions K'Beq Footprints Heritage Site and Resurrection ...
7.4/10 Good! (105 reviews)
"Would stay at again."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Gwin's Lodge & Roadhouse Est. 1952
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 South Central Alaska