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.

Best Western Kodiak Inn

Best Western Kodiak Inn

3 out of 5
236 W Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK
The price is ¥24,809 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥24,809
¥27,786 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
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! (442 reviews)
"Overall very nice and clean. Staff was very accommodating and the redo was very good."

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2025

Best Western Kodiak Inn
Quality Inn Kodiak

Quality Inn Kodiak

2.5 out of 5
1395 Airport Way, Kodiak, AK
The price is ¥18,704 per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
¥18,704
¥19,640 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
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! (133 reviews)
"Bed was super comfy and front desk staff was helpful and friendly. Bear Spray is loaned out free of charge by the hotel to guests that are hiking! Just ask at the front desk."

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025

Quality Inn Kodiak
Kodiak Compass Suites

Kodiak Compass Suites

2.5 out of 5
203 Alder Lane, Kodiak, AK
The price is ¥26,581 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥26,581
¥29,771 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
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! (159 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.
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 property, very well stocked, great wifi in the land of minimal to no cell service. Friendly and responsive hosts"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Spacious Guest House with Sauna, 5+ beds, 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! (81 reviews)
"Very nice two things no porch light i think the bulb is burned out pluse the front door needs a stopper to stop it from hitting picture frame that is all would definitely pass it on the friends that are visiting kodiak"

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2025

Kodiak Awesome View Vacation Rentals: The Captains Quarters
Ocean view modern guest suite with private beach access

Ocean view modern guest suite with private beach access

Kodiak
Stay at this vacation home in Kodiak. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blue Planet Eco-Charters and Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"We absolutely enjoyed our stay. It is very spacious, well stocked and in a great location. We watched the otters play from the shoreline. There was a pair of golden eagles nesting in the tree next door. They were on a stump right outside the back door on our last morning."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Ocean view modern guest suite with private beach access
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