South Central Alaska

Travel Guide

Seward showing mountains, forest scenes and a river or creek
Chugach State Park featuring mountains, a gorge or canyon and a river or creek
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve which includes mountains and snow
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve featuring 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 marine life and a river or creek

Downtown Anchorage

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers to Downtown Anchorage praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Anchorage Historic City Hall and Log Cabin Visitor Information Center.

Downtown Anchorage
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Midtown Anchorage

5/5(1 area review)

Midtown Anchorage is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Z.J. Loussac Library - Main Branch and Wells Fargo Alaska Heritage Library and Museum while in the area.

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
Virgin Creek Falls in Girdwood. Such an easy short hike in the rainforest to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Fall colors in full display.
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#Adventure #Girdwood #VirginCreekfalls

Alyeska

While visiting Alyeska, you might make a stop by sights like Girdwood Town Square and Alyeska Ski Resort.

Alyeska
Apparently the busiest seaplane base in the world ... pretty quiet the day I was there though

Taku - Campbell

If you're spending some time in Taku - Campbell, Dimond Center and Campbell Creek Greenbelt Park are top sights worth seeing.

Taku - Campbell
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Spenard

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
Puffin Inn of Anchorage
Puffin Inn of Anchorage
2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
The price is P5,050 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P5,050
P5,656 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,666 reviews)
Best value found during many stays in Anchorage
"Staff, location, cleanliness are fantastic! Breakfast put out at 5am for early travelers. It is an urban location, which suits me great for convenience of food, transportation, the Inn has a dependable shuttle to the airport not far away; but it's not for folks who want to get away into the ..."

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2025

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Resort
4 out of 5
1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK
The price is P12,973 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P12,973
P15,948 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Girdwood. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Perfect weary travel place!
"Beautiful place has everything need for a comfortable and relaxing stay"

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Alyeska Resort
Westmark Anchorage Hotel
Westmark Anchorage Hotel
3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
Fully refundable
The price is P9,676 per night from 15 May to 16 May
P9,676
P10,837 total
includes taxes & fees
May 15 - May 16
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"nice property didn't like the one way streets"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

Westmark Anchorage Hotel
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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (345 reviews)
"Great, beautiful and clean ! Has nextflix"

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2025

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Alaska Creekside Cabins
Alaska Creekside Cabins
2 out of 5
11886 Old Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, AK
Stay at this cabin in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Seward ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (542 reviews)
"Great little cabin, clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

Alaska Creekside Cabins
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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grant Lake Trail and Upper Trail Lake are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (231 reviews)
"Cute basic, clean log cabin. Simple but very cozy and comfortable. Coffee maker, microware and small refrigerator and mugs provided. Next to a small creek. 40 min from Seward."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024

Midnight Sun Log Cabins
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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