The '''Kenai Peninsula''' [http://www.kenaipeninsula.org] is south of Anchorage, surrounded by the Cook Inlet to the west and Prince William Sound to the east. It is one of the most visited tourist regions in Alaska, especially popular with anglers lured by its excellent salmon and halibut fishing.
Many of the communities of the peninsula were severely affected by the 1964 earthquake.
Cities
Anchor Point -- Just north of more famous Homer. The mouth of the the famous Anchor River is here.
Girdwood -- Home to Alyeska, generally known for its skiing.
Homer -- Jewel's hometown, known for its halibut fishing.
Hope -- Tiny (pop. 200 or so) town on Turnagain Arm.
Kenai -- The largest town on the peninsula, 2003 population 7166.
Ninilchik -- Home of a lovely '''Russian Orthodox Church''' and excellent clamdigging.
Nikiski -- Unincorporated small town north of Kenai, oil and fishing resources.
Seldovia -- Small town across Kachemak Bay from Homer.
Seward -- On Resurrection Bay, home of the '''Alaska SeaLife Center'''.
Soldotna -- King Salmon Capitol of the World
Sterling
Other Destinations
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kachemak Bay State Park
Get in
The Kenai Peninsula can be reached by car by taking the Seward Highway roughly 40 miles south from Anchorage. Sterling Highway branches west towards Kenai, Seldovia, Ninilchik, and ultimately Homer. These are the only two major roads on the peninsula.
The road system is generally good and four-wheel drive is not needed in the summer.
ERA Aviation [http://www.flyera.com] and Grant Air offer flights from Anchorage to Kenai or Homer.
It is also possible to take the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway [http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/] to and from Homer, Seldovia, and Seward.
Get around
Seward Highway - this 127-mile road, linking Anchorage with Seward, passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Seward Highway ties Alaska's metropolitan center, Anchorage, with the port of Seward on Resurrection Bay. From Anchorage to Girdwood, the highway borders Turnagain Arm and Chugach State Park. From Girdwood to Seward, it carries visitors through the Chugach National Forest. The diversity of landscape and wildlife found along the route is the hallmark of the highway corridor. The Highway has been recognized for its natural beauty as a designated All-American Road.
See
Itineraries
Do
Eat
Drink
Stay safe
Both Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm exhibit extreme tides. The only place in the world with a wider tidal range is the Bay of Fundy. Because of the swift tidal currents and the very soft clay of the tidal flats, it can be extremely dangerous to walk or drive on the tidal flats.
Brown bears and moose are quite common on the peninsula. Both can be aggressive towards humans. Moose are a major hazard on the peninsula's roadways, especially in winter.
Get out