Alaska Travel Memories That Never Fade

One of the most common places people ask me about is Alaska. Whenever it happens, my husband usually groans and mutters, “Oh boy, here we go.” He knows exactly what’s coming. To be fair, it usually happens in a social setting, and since Alaska is one of my favorite places in the world, I have a lot to say.

I’ve made five trips to Alaska so far, three by air and two by sea. I genuinely believe everyone should cruise Alaska at least once. Still, my favorite way to visit is to fly in, rent a car, take a few train rides, or even take a floatplane excursion to visit remote, smaller towns.

Some places shine from the water. Glacier Bay is unforgettable, and many of the cruise stops sit on Alaska’s islands. The train ride from Fairbanks down to Seward is one of my favorite trips in the entire state. The stretch between Anchorage and Seward is the standout. Then again, nothing compares to flying over Denali National Park. Alaska is full of impossible choices like that.

Why the Kenai Peninsula Stands Out in Alaska

Since I can already hear my husband groaning in the background, I will stick to one area today. Let me tell you about the Kenai Peninsula, my experiences there, and what you can expect when you visit.

The Kenai Peninsula became one of my favorite places in Alaska the very first time I visited. I went with two friends, and we flew into Anchorage before taking a tour bus southwest to Seward. Our guide talked the entire way, but I didn’t mind one bit. He gave us a crash course in Alaskan life while the scenery rolled by. I learned about Indigenous traditions, the dip-net harvest of eulachon, and why so many teenagers earn a pilot’s license before a driver’s license. Some towns can only be reached by plane, so learning to fly at fourteen is perfectly normal there.

Exploring the Scenic Seward Highway

During another visit, my husband and I rented a car and drove from Anchorage to Seward along the Seward Highway. It is considered one of America’s most beautiful drives, and I wholeheartedly agree. The road hugs the Turnagain Arm with the Chugach Mountains towering above. The drive is only a few hours, but stopping along the way is half the fun. You can see wildlife, learn some history, hike a few trails, and take in views that look like they were painted by someone showing off.

Wildlife Encounters on the Kenai Peninsula

A must-see along the way is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It is a 1.5-mile loop that lets you see Alaska’s wildlife up close. While you are there, walk out to the end of the boardwalk toward the Turnagain Arm. Depending on the time of year, you may see Beluga whales cruising through the water.

While we were watching the bison, a Bald Eagle swooped down right in front of us and grabbed some unlucky varmint. It landed nearby and dug into its meal. You do not fully grasp the size or power of an eagle until you see one that close.

Farther down the Seward Highway, the mountains show long scars from old landslides. Signs warn you about them as you drive, and for good reason. Alaska likes to keep you on your toes.

Spotting Eagles and Alaskan Wildlife Up Close

At one point, I yelled for my husband to pull over. He practically jumped out of his skin. I spotted something out of the corner of my eye and refused to let it go. He turned around, probably questioning every life choice that led him to this moment, and I told him to slow down until I found it. I instructed him to stop, then hopped out of the car and pointed.

“Look. It is an Eagle’s nest.”

There it was, a massive nest perched high in a tree. I scanned the surrounding branches and found the adult eagle watching quietly. My husband pretended not to be impressed, but from that moment on, he learned that if I yelled “Stop,” there was a good reason.

Visiting Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

Seward itself is a lovely little town and the perfect place for a wildlife and glacier excursion. Both times I have taken a Kenai Fjords National Park marine cruise, I have seen humpback whales, orcas, gray whales, sea lions, seals, otters, and more birds than I could count, including puffins. Seward is also home to the Alaska SeaLife Center, a great stop if you are visiting for the day. Hours change by season, so check before you go.

Best Time to Visit Alaska

People often ask me when they should visit Alaska. My answer is always the same: any time is a good time. I have stood in Fairbanks in the dead of winter at minus twenty-five degrees. I’ve also spent time in Alaska during spring and summer, and it feels like a different world entirely. Each season brings something special. Puffins nest in the spring. Whales and porpoises feed throughout the summer. The Aurora dances through the cold months. The salmon run attracts both fishermen and ravenous bears.

Scenic Drive to Homer Along the Sterling Highway

After a few days in Seward, my husband and I continued around the Peninsula to Homer via the Sterling Highway. It is a beautiful and peaceful drive. One word of warning: obey the speed limit. Alaska does not tolerate speeding, and it is not just about safety for other drivers. Animals can appear out of nowhere. You do not want to hit a moose. They are enormous, and as the locals say, if you see a moose running, do not assume the danger is over. Something is probably chasing it.

Moose wander all over Alaska. Locals jokingly call them rubber-nosed swamp donkeys. In the warmer months, you can find them feeding languidly in wetlands, strolling through yards, or crossing the street without the slightest concern for cars.

Rubber Nosed Swamp Donkey (Moose) wandering in a park in Homer

As we made our way along the Sterling Highway, we stopped to admire the Kenai River, the Russian River, and many lakes along the route. The scenery along this drive is mesmerizing. It’s a close runner-up to the Seward Highway.

The Kenai River is famous for salmon and trout fishing. You can hire a guide or plan your own trip if you are experienced. Lodges, Airbnbs, and VRBOs are abundant. I fished the Kenai once. I didn’t catch a salmon, but both of my friends did. Floating down the river with our guide, watching wildlife along the shore, was peaceful and exciting at the same time.

Eventually, we had to stop gawking at the rivers and lakes and get back on the road. As the road curved toward the coast, the rivers gave way to open views and a different kind of Alaska waiting in Homer.

Fishing Adventures in Homer, Alaska

Homer is a small coastal town visited by cruise ships, but many travelers visit specifically for the abundant fishing and outdoor adventures on the Kenai Peninsula. I have been twice: once to see the Homer Spit and this trip with my husband.

If you enjoy fishing, Alaska is hard to beat. That was our mission in Homer. We booked a fishing guide to take us out for a day. My husband and I caught our full allowance of Halibut, along with cod and rockfish. Afterward, we brought it all to a local fish processing shop where they cleaned, filleted, flash-froze it, and shipped it home. There is nothing quite like opening your freezer months later and remembering exactly where that dinner came from.

Returning to Anchorage After the Kenai Peninsula

After a couple of days in Homer, we drove back to Anchorage. Another option is to drive back to Seward and take the train from Seward to Anchorage. It’s what I did on my first trip to Seward. It’s a beautiful train ride. The train stops often to pick up backpackers along the way. I found that these were a very social crowd, happy to tell you their stories: where they got off the train, where they hiked, how long they stayed out in the wilderness, and what they experienced.

Taking the Seward Highway back to Anchorage is just as awesome as it is heading out of Anchorage. The drive is genuinely easy. Just remember, don’t speed!

Exploring Anchorage and Alaska Culture

Once back in Anchorage, we stayed a couple of days to walk around, take in the brewery scene, and visit the museum. The Anchorage Museum was important to us because we wanted to learn even more about the history of the indigenous people. This museum did not disappoint.

Although I don’t talk much about visiting Anchorage itself, it’s where most of my adventures have started and ended. This was the only trip I spent some time in the city. It’s also where we took an Otter plane excursion to fly over Denali and visit Talkeetna.

Reflections on Alaska and What Comes Next

There are endless Alaska adventures still to talk about. I’ll share more of them as this series continues. As I stated in the beginning, I could go on and on, cue my husband groaning and rolling his eyes right here.

For now, I’ll leave you with this. Alaska is massive, twice the size of Texas, barely touched by people, and still holding on to its wild personality. Every mile reminds you that the world is bigger and wilder than we tend to remember. There are so many ways to experience its beauty, and I hope that somewhere in this series, something sparks your own adventure. Every person I know who has visited comes back with two thoughts: "Why did I wait so long?" and "When can I go again?"

Just promise me one thing. If you ever bring up Alaska and hear my husband groan in the background, don’t worry. He just knows that once I start talking about this place, I won’t stop anytime soon.

- J.S. Whaldo

Wildlife and Wonders on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula

Alaska Travel Memories That Never Fade