South Central Alaska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Downtown Anchorage

4/5(38 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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Alyeska

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

Alyeska
Chugach State Park showing 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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Midtown Anchorage

3.5/5(4 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
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University Area

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in University Area and surrounding area, you can visit Alaska Airlines Center and Nunaka Valley South Park.

University Area
Far North Bicentennial Park featuring mountain biking and forest scenes as well as a small group of people

Abbott Loop

If you're spending some time in Abbott Loop, Anchorage Golf Course and Alaska Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Abbott Loop
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
The price is AU$145 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$145
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (3,081 reviews)
"TY"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport

3 out of 5
4411 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
The price is AU$187 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$187
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7/10 Good! (1,038 reviews)
"All was good"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Wyndham Garden Anchorage Airport
The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront Anchorage

3.5 out of 5
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
Fully refundable
The price is AU$346 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$346
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,948 reviews)
"Yes"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

The Lakefront 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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (483 reviews)
"A very cute cabin in the woods - we will recommend it to our friends & family 🏔️"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Great North Lodging

Great North Lodging

3 out of 5
3130 Lark St, Anchorage, AK
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Anchorage. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Alaska Airlines Center and Goose Lake ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"I had an unplanned visit to Anchorage, an Emergency at Providence Medical Centre, I found this place and it was perfect for my needs. It was close to the hospital, there were food venues nearby. The property itself was situated in quite a quiet are. The studio that I staid in was very well equipped ..."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

Great North Lodging
Fox Den Cabin at Granite Point

Fox Den Cabin at Granite Point

seward
Stay at this cabin in Seward. Enjoy a garden and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Thumb Cove State Marine Park and Safety Cove State Marine Park are ...
Last minute cancellation
"Reservation was cancelled due to weather. We are grateful the owner was able to refund the reservation.The owner was very considerate and hope to stay there next year."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2024

Fox Den Cabin at Granite Point
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

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