8 Day Kenai Peninsula with Teenagers

Welcome to Anchorage! Start your Alaskan adventure with a visit to the Anchorage Museum. This interactive museum offers fascinating exhibits on Alaskan history, art, and science, perfect for engaging teenage minds. Afterward, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride. The 11-mile trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great way to stretch your legs after your journey. If fishing is on your agenda, you can rent poles (and a guide if you’d like one) from The Bait Shack at Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage and try your luck angling for the big one. Or, you can simply head down to Ship Creek and watch the action. Pick up a souvenir at the nearby Ulu Factory while you’re there. Wind down the day at a local escape room, a fun bonding activity for the whole family. Overnight in Anchorage.

Photo: Ship Creek

Wake up early and begin the 2- to 3-hour drive south to Seward, on the Kenai Peninsula. Here are some ideas when you arrive:

• Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, where interactive exhibits and touch tanks allow you to get up close with marine life like sea stars, anemones, and puffins. It's both educational and entertaining.

• Take a kayak tour around Resurrection Bay.

• Go dogsledding! Canine athletes will pull you along fun trails, and you’ll get the chance to play with puppies.

• Go ziplining.

Overnight in Seward.

Photo: Seward Sea Kayaking

Here are some ideas for your full day in Seward:

• Visit Exit Glacier. This is the one part of Kenai Fjords National Park that’s accessible by road. There’s an accessible, paved loop trail that leads to a view of the glacier and an optional short spur that gets you even closer. If you’re in for a challenge, hike all or a portion of the Harding Icefield Trail which leads to an overview of the glacier and the Harding Icefield Itself.

• Take a water taxi to access hikes and beaches that are more remote, such as Caine’s Head or Tonsina Beach.

• Go on a full or half-day fishing charter for salmon or halibut.

Overnight in Seward.

Photo: Halibut Fishing Charter

Drive to Cooper Landing, a scenic journey of about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, head to the Kenai River for a guided rafting or fishing charter. End your day with a relaxing walk along the Russian River Falls trail, where you might see salmon jumping up the falls during the spawning season. Overnight in Cooper Landing.

Photo: Rafting in Cooper Landing

Drive to Homer, a journey of about 2 hours. When you arrive in Homer, explore the Homer Spit, a narrow strip of land that extends into Kachemak Bay. Teens can explore the shoreline, collect interesting rocks and shells, and enjoy the scenic views. It's a great way to wind down after a day of travel and exploration. In the afternoon, visit the local shops and explore some of Homer's vibrant art galleries showcasing local artists. End your day with a relaxing dinner.

Photo: Shores in Homer

There are lots of options for your full day in Homer. Here are a few suggestions:

• Homer is known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," and teens can enjoy the thrill of catching halibut, salmon, and other fish.

• Go on a bear viewing tour to nearby Lake Clark or Katmai National Park to watch bears in their natural environment.

• Take a Kayaking or paddleboarding tour in Kachemak Bay. This offers a chance to see wildlife such as sea otters, seals, and various bird species.

• For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the Pratt Museum and the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center provides fascinating insights into the local environment and history.

• Golfers will enjoy a round of golf at the Homer Golf Course, which offers stunning views of Kachemak Bay.

• Take a water taxi across Kachemak Bay for hikes in Kachemak Bay State Park.

Visit our Things to Do in Homer page for even more ideas. Spend the night in Homer.

Photo: Homer bear viewing

Drive back to Anchorage, a journey that takes 4.5 to 5 hours. You can make a day out of it with stops in Soldotna to walk the various fishing access platforms along the river, or in Cooper Landing or Portage for a Hike. You could also stop in Girdwood, just 45 minutes south of Anchorage, for a hike or scenic tram ride up to the top of Mt. Alyeska, a local ski mountain. You could spend the night in Girdwood or continue onto Anchorage.

Photo: Alyeska Tramway in Girdwood

If you’re starting your day in Girdwood, consider an ATV or helicopter tour to begin your day before driving the 45 minutes to Anchorage. In Anchorage, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. You could also visit the Alaska Zoo to see some Alaska animals up close, or enjoy one of the many hikes in the Anchorage area with a guide or on your own.

Photo: Girdwood Flightseeing