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 featuring rocky 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.

Best Western Kodiak Inn

Best Western Kodiak Inn

3 out of 5
236 W Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK
The price is AU$224 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
AU$224
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kodiak. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (450 reviews)
Ok

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Best Western Kodiak Inn
Quality Inn Kodiak

Quality Inn Kodiak

2.5 out of 5
1395 Airport Way, Kodiak, AK
The price is AU$171 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
AU$171
21 Nov - 22 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kodiak. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (139 reviews)
Great place. Convenient to town and airport. Great breakfast. Very helpful staff.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Quality Inn Kodiak
Kodiak Compass Suites

Kodiak Compass Suites

2.5 out of 5
203 Alder Lane, Kodiak, AK
The price is AU$262 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
AU$262
21 Nov - 22 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kodiak. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Russian-American Magazin and SS ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (160 reviews)
Clean, pretty, comfortable beds.

Reviewed on 12 July 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.
Spacious Guest House with Sauna, 5+ beds, Near Katmai!

Spacious Guest House with Sauna, 5+ beds, Near Katmai!

King Salmon
Stay at this vacation home in King Salmon. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions King Salmon Visitor Center and King Salmon Pier ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
Nice property, very well stocked, great wifi in the land of minimal to no cell service. Friendly and responsive hosts

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Spacious Guest House with Sauna, 5+ beds, Near Katmai!
The Grotto Alaska 1BR Apartment, Near Katmai!

The Grotto Alaska 1BR Apartment, Near Katmai!

King Salmon
Stay at this apartment in King Salmon. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions King Salmon Visitor Center and King Salmon Pier are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
This property served its purpose. Being close to fishing and Brooks Falls without breaking the bank. It had what we needed for our stay

Reviewed on 31 July 2025

The Grotto Alaska 1BR Apartment, Near Katmai!
Kodiak Awesome View Vacation Rentals: The  Captains Quarters

Kodiak Awesome View Vacation Rentals: The Captains Quarters

Kodiak
Stay at this apartment in Kodiak. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Alutiiq Museum and Russian-American Magazin are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
Nice little get away spot. View was beautiful, beds and shower comfortable. We would have benefited from a pearing knife to cut our bagel and apple. One other suggestion is a taller faucet in one of the sinks to better wash dishes and fill water bottles. Great spot! I would highly recommend!

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Kodiak Awesome View Vacation Rentals: The Captains Quarters
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

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