Attractions in Kenai, Alaska and Kenai Peninsula

Kenai is the best place for salmon fishing, and we're close to other great fishing spots. If you're an enthusiast, you'll love the variety of options.

Explore the adventure-filled Kenai Peninsula, where a plethora of hiking trails awaits discovery. This guide highlights some of the best trails, ensuring you make the most of your outdoor experience.

Covering almost two million acres of the Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is a premier wildlife habitat preserve. It offers some of Alaska's best wildlife viewing opportunities, allowing visitors to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat. The refuge also boasts world-class fishing, rugged hiking trails, and excellent cross-country skiing, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Stretching over 80 miles through the Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai River originates at Kenai Lake, winding its way through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge before flowing into the ocean at Cook Inlet. Renowned as Alaska's premier sport fishing destination, it is particularly famous for its exceptional salmon fishing, with the river being one of the world's best locations for king salmon.

Kenai Beach, comprising North Beach and South Beach, is a community beach offering a perfect setting for fishing, swimming, or simply unwinding while soaking in the breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. Conveniently located just about a mile from downtown Kenai, it's a great spot to spend the day enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Kenai River Flats, an 830-acre state recreation site, is ideal for day use and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. With over a hundred bird species identified, including captivating snow geese, charismatic sandhill cranes, majestic bald eagles, and elegant trumpeter swans, it's a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Additionally, the site is a peaceful spot for a spot of fly fishing, adding to its allure as a must-visit destination.