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 Cinemark Century Anchorage 16 while in the area.

Midtown Anchorage
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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Alyeska

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

Alyeska
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Sand Lake

While visiting Sand Lake, you might make a stop by sights like Kincaid Park and Jewel Lake Park.

Sand Lake
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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
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! (2,919 reviews)
Satisfactory
"Comfortable room no complaints"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront Anchorage

3.5 out of 5
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
The price is P16,039 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
P16,039
P19,561 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,877 reviews)
Slow
"I liked the hotel and the restaurant was very nice. My biggest complaint was the wait time to get checked in. The line moved very slow. Otherwise, everything was good."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

The Lakefront Anchorage
Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
The price is P10,851 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P10,851
P12,153 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7/10 Good! (1,035 reviews)
"Excellent location. Dislike paying $40 night for convenient parking. I should have parked in the public lot attached."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

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! (436 reviews)
"Loved the ambiance , arrangement and comfort of this place. It was perfect with a beautiful spacious bedroom and extra bed with great view of wilderness. I loved the mini kitchen with everything we needed to make a quick breakfast, coffee and hot chocolate!!! We wish we stayed here longer!"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Hope Alaska's Bear Creek Lodge

Hope Alaska's Bear Creek Lodge

2.5 out of 5
19702 Hope Hwy, Hope, AK
Stay at this cabin in Hope. Enjoy free parking, a sauna, and a garden. Popular attractions Hope & Sunrise Museum and Hope - Sunrise Community Library are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (43 reviews)
Cute cabin vibe
"This place was really cute. It has a lot to offer with the lake the snore area. We really enjoyed it. Just note that the showers and bathrooms are not in the cabin."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Hope Alaska's Bear Creek Lodge
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.
8.4/10 Very Good! (262 reviews)
"Great space for our family to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

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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