The first version of “Non-Fishing Activities on the Kenai Peninsula” has been, by far, the most popular blog written on the Fishology website to date. It’s so popular because it’s information that so many visitors are seeking, and the blog was able to accumulate a list of activities that would otherwise take many hours to compile. Some time has gone by, and additional opportunities have arisen, so this blog (Part II) is an attempt to add to the original (Part I). Hopefully you will find this list helpful!

ATV Trips & Rental – Exploring the beaches and forest of the southern Kenai Peninsula can be done very effectively by 4-wheeler, so rent a machine or book a trip with Pure Fun Alaska and get your adventure on! All safety equipment is provided.

Mount Marathon – There are a ton of incredible hikes all around the Kenai Peninsula, some are very casual while others are primarily for fit and advanced hikers. Mount Marthon, located just outside of downtown Seward, is without a doubt a major challenge, but the reward for your hard work is one of the best views on the planet, and a sense of accomplishment to boot.

Peninsula Oilers Baseball – Very few visitors realize that Kenai has its own semi-professional baseball team that plays its games right in the heart of Kenai. I encourage you to check out a home game if you get a chance!

Alaska Canoe and Kayak – The Kenai Peninsula is dotted with an incredible number of small lakes, and a day of canoeing or kayaking on one of these beautiful lakes can be the perfect way to relax and reset. Rent a canoe or kayak from Alaska Canoe and Kayak, then set off to one of the many lakes along the Swanson River Road & Swan Lake Road. You might be surprised to know that these pothole lakes are plenty warm for swimming during the summer and fall months. Bring your bug spray and you’ll have a great time!

Bishop Creek Day Use Area – Most people think about going to the beach when they’re on tropical vacations, but the beach at Bishop Creek in Nikiski is a true gem. Hang out and enjoy the amazing volcano views across Cook Inlet, take an exploratory walk along the sandy beach, or slide around in the tidal mud and take a refreshing dip in the creek. On a nice day, this spot has something for the whole family.

Zip lining – You can’t beat the views with Stony Creek Canopy Adventures located just outside of Seward. Featuring eight ziplines, three suspension bridges and two rappels, this tour will surely provide you with both excitement and awe!

Helicopter Tour – Mother Nature does some fine work, and the surrounding landscape of Resurrection Bay is one of her most treasured masterpieces! This is a bucket list item for sure, and if you want even more Alaska on this trip you can also book a dog sled ride.

Alaska Jet Ski Tours – A little off the beaten path, but jet skiing in Prince William Sound surrounded by snowcapped mountains, marine life, glaciers… This is a bucket list trip that’s worth the adventure, and the drive through the mountain tunnel to the town of Whittier is an added bonus.

Kayak in Resurrection Bay – Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most visited locations in Alaska, but the vast majority of visitors see the glaciers and marine life from a large boat with a hundred others on board. Sonny Cove offers a different experience with an up-close, intimate view from your very own sea kayak.

Soldotna Creek Park – Right in the heart of Soldotna is a park that hosts local vendors and fantastic live music periodically throughout the summer. On a sunny day it’s a lot of fun!

Alaska Railroad – The train ride from Anchorage to Seward and back is a unique way to see the Turnagain Arm and eastern Kenai Peninsula. The tracks take you off the beaten path where it’s common to see sheep, moose, bears and eagles, and you’ll get some time to enjoy the small town of Seward as well.

Visit Hope, AK – The Hope turn off is almost exactly half way between Anchorage and Soldotna, and although it’s a pretty quiet and sleepy location, it’s a scenic spot with history and culture. Check out the view across Turnagain Arm, try some gold panning, and have a bite to eat at The Dirty Skillet.

Grewingk Glacier – If you’ve been to Homer on a clear day and been blessed with the gorgeous view across the bay, you’ve laid eyes on Grewingk Glacier. What many don’t realize is that there’s a hiking trail that will take you right up to that very glacier. A short water taxi ride across the bay will get you to the trailhead.

The Salty Dawg Saloon –The Salty Dawg is best known for the huge number of hoodies and t-shirts they sell, in fact, you may have seen their apparel in other parts of the country. But this dive bar located right on the Homer Spit, is worth a stop for a quick beer. Don’t forget to sign a dollar bill and leave it pinned to the walls as thousands have done before you!

Rent Fat Tire Bikes – A beach ride is a great way to cover some ground and explore the western beaches of the Kenai Peninsula from Homer to Nikiski. Beemuns Variety, located in downtown Soldotna can get you equipped with an off-roading mountain bike that’ll be just what you need to accomplish this task!

If you’re looking for sightseeing or any other non-fishing activities to enjoy during your stay in the Kenai Peninsula area, hopefully these two blogs will be a lot of help. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and Fishology will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about these activities or others.