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 characterised 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.

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 Rp3.068.296 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
Rp3.068.296
Rp3.221.711 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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! (127 reviews)
"Loved everything!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Quality Inn Kodiak
Best Western Kodiak Inn

Best Western Kodiak Inn

3 out of 5
236 W Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK
The price is Rp3.899.669 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp3.899.669
Rp4.367.648 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (432 reviews)
"We didn't explore as we got there lare. Friendly and accommodating."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Best Western Kodiak Inn
Kodiak Compass Suites

Kodiak Compass Suites

2.5 out of 5
203 Alder Lane, Kodiak, AK
The price is Rp3.850.679 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
Rp3.850.679
Rp4.312.857 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (157 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! (434 reviews)
"Super clean and beautiful location."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 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 a picnic area. Popular attractions Tri-Valley Community Library and Black Diamond Golf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (447 reviews)
Quaint Cabins
"Everything was wonderful, except for check in. Office was closed, We didn’t know how to get our room. We did end up finding someone, to give us our room assignment and code."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 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! (119 reviews)
"Great price, had a great time staying here"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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.

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Cities near Southwest Alaska