South Central Alaska

Travel Guide

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

Downtown Anchorage

3.5/5(15 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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Midtown Anchorage

4.5/5(3 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 Wells Fargo Alaska Heritage Library and Museum while you're in town.

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
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Alyeska

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

Alyeska
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Taku - Campbell

While visiting Taku - Campbell, you might make a stop by sights like Dimond Center and Campbell Creek Greenbelt Park.

Taku - Campbell
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Spenard

4/5(8 area reviews)

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 S$131 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
S$131
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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! (2,655 reviews)
"It was an okay stay. The place is a little rough around the edges but comfortable enough. In the evening, the lobby smelled like cigarette smoke. They seem to be undergoing some renovations. But breakfast was much nicer than I expected! Overall, I'd probably stay here again - particularly for the ..."

Reviewed on 15 Apr, 2025

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Resort
4 out of 5
1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK
The price is S$369 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$369
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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 17 Apr, 2025

Alyeska Resort
Westmark Anchorage Hotel
Westmark Anchorage Hotel
3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
The price is S$203 per night from 16 May to 17 May
S$203
includes taxes & fees
16 May - 17 May
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 14 Oct, 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 2 Apr, 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 26 Sep, 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 30 Sep, 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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