Southwest Alaska, AK

Travel Guide

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve featuring forests
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve which includes land animals and dangerous animals
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve showing rocky coastline and mist or fog
King Salmon featuring a lake or waterhole
King Salmon showing a lake or waterhole

Venture out into a region characterized 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.

Quality Inn Kodiak

Quality Inn Kodiak

2.5 out of 5
1395 Airport Way, Kodiak, AK
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$190 nightly
The price is $200 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$200 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total includes taxes and 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! (127 reviews)
"Loved everything!"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Quality Inn Kodiak
Best Western Kodiak Inn

Best Western Kodiak Inn

3 out of 5
236 W Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK
$242 nightly
The price is $271 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$271 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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! (433 reviews)
"We didn't explore as we got there lare. Friendly and accommodating."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Best Western Kodiak Inn
Kodiak Compass Suites

Kodiak Compass Suites

2.5 out of 5
203 Alder Lane, Kodiak, AK
$266 nightly
The price is $297 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$297 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (157 reviews)
"Clean, pretty, comfortable beds."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 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.
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 Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church and Alutiiq ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
"Super easy check-in. Interesting use of space, with a Beautiful View of the channel and smaller islands. We so enjoyed sitting on the deck, enjoying the view and being surrounded by salmon berries and spruce. My grandparents had a house 1/2 mile down Mission Road in the 60’s and 70’s.The Captains ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Kodiak Awesome View Vacation Rentals: The Captains Quarters
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Nice Base
"Used this as our base to explore Katmai. Very convenient and quiet."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Spacious Guest House with Sauna, 5+ beds, Near Katmai!
Cozy Island Lake Cabin in Kodiak

Cozy Island Lake Cabin in Kodiak

2 out of 5
Kodiak
Stay at this cabin in Kodiak. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Island Lake Park and Mill Bay Beach Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"A great place to stay. Very peaceful and clean."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Cozy Island Lake Cabin in Kodiak
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 Southwest Alaska