South Central Alaska, AK

Travel Guide

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

Downtown Anchorage

3.5/5(1,370 area reviews)

This central business district boasts some of Alaska's tallest buildings, such as the ConocoPhillips and Atwood Buildings, and offers cultural points of interest, shopping, dining, and nightlife attractions.

Downtown Anchorage
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Midtown Anchorage

4/5(784 area reviews)

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 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 Girdwood Park.

Alyeska
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Spenard

3.5/5(1,106 area reviews)

Bohemian lifestyle and artistic flair thrive in this Alaskan neighborhood, with easy access to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Enjoy the lively bar scene and convenient public transportation via the People Mover's frequent network.

Spenard
Moose on the loose!  Take a hike near the airport in Anchorage and you likely will see a moose or two.  Kincaid Park is a true gem.

Sand Lake

4/5(13 area reviews)

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

Sand Lake
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
$199 nightly
The price is $223 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$223 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total with taxes and 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! (2,940 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront Anchorage

3.5 out of 5
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
$306 nightly
The price is $343 total per night from Sep 19 to Sep 20
$343 total
Sep 19 - Sep 20
Total with taxes and 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! (1,892 reviews)
"pretty good, expensive dining options, not very quiet with planes overhead"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

The Lakefront Anchorage
Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
Fully refundable
$168 nightly
The price is $189 total per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
$189 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Total with taxes and 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! (1,059 reviews)
"Property was was clean"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 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! (442 reviews)
"Having a campfire and s’mores was a great addition! The massage chair in the lodge was nice!"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Better than a midtown hotel.
"A neighborhood apartment without the traffic noise of the typical midtown Anchorage hotels."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Great North Lodging
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (44 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
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