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The Best Ways to Spend a Day in Cooper Landing

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Cooper Landing. Majestic views, epic wildlife viewing, true Alaskan adventure. I could spend a lifetime there, but if you only have a day to spend in Cooper Landing don’t worry, I’ve got the perfect Cooper Landing day trip itinerary for you!

What’s there to do in Cooper Landing, Alaska?

Well, once you pick your jaw up off the ground after seeing how beautiful it is, there are many adventures to be had in Cooper Landing. Wildlife viewing, history, and world class fishing are just some of the many things you can fill your day with, and I’ll go over them below, along with where you can stay and the best spots to grab some grub.

You definitely can’t do it all in one day, but this Cooper Landing itinerary will give you insight into what options are available. Then you can see what works best for you and create your own plan for how to spend your day in this beautiful spot.

Sterling Highway river view in Cooper Landing
A beautiful river view from the Sterling Highway.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Activities and Adventure

Hiking

Hiking is probably one of the most popular activities in Cooper Landing. Cooper Landing has the trails and picturesque scenery that give it the perfect combination for hikers. Check out this guide book about hikes on the Kenai Peninsula to see which one might be best for your day trip.

Fishing

This is the reason many people visit Cooper Landing and the Kenai Peninsula in general. The salmon and trout draw in many avid fisherman, and for good reason, too. Whether you’re looking for a once in a lifetime fly fishing opportunity or hoping to take a drift boat down the river, fishing in Cooper Landing is something to consider adding to your list.

Tip: If you’re looking to book a guided fishing trip, book ASAP. Since it’s such a popular spot spaces fill up quickly.

Rafting

Do you want to get out on the river, but aren’t interested in fishing? View the Kenai River via raft! Take a leisurely float down the river and keep an eye out for wildlife!

Sights and Wildlife

Scenery

Everywhere you look in Cooper Landing there’s amazing scenery. From the beautiful blues of Kenai Lake and River, to the lush green foliage, it truly is a picture perfect place. Whether you’re viewing this scenery while fishing along the river, driving through, or hiking the trails, it will surely leave an impression.

Wildlife

One of my favorite parts of Cooper Landing: the wildlife! Bring your binoculars to spot Dall sheep and goats, and keep an eye out for bears, too! And don’t forget to check Kenai Lake to see if any of the beautiful swans are out!

Tip: Cooper Landing is not only a popular spot for sportsman to fish, but it’s also a hot spot for bears, too. Be bear aware on your vacation through Alaska.

This big guy was at the Russian River Ferry parking lot.

History and Education

Cooper Landing Historical Society and Museum

After passing by this spot many times, I finally made a trip to Cooper Landing to visit the museum. It was well worth the drive to see the historical buildings, learn some local history, see the brown bear skeleton, and visit with the lovely lady running the museum. Add this stop to your day trip itinerary and learn a bit about the area you’re visiting.

Cooper Landing Visitors Center Cabin
A cute cabin at the Cooper Landing Visitor’s Center.

K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interpretive Site

Come learn about the Dena’ina people and their culture at this beautifully scenic spot. Located along the Kenai River, K’beq’ gives locals and visitors alike an informative and interactive way to learn about local culture and history. They have presentations every Friday during the summer, which include everything from plant harvesting to storytelling and dance. You can find their schedule here.

historical cabin Cooper Landing
A historical cabin at K’beq’ Cultural Heritage Interpretive Site.

Restaurants

Cooper Landing Brewing/Blue Yeti

Copper Landing Brewing is a must-stop place. Not only is the building itself architecturally beautiful, but it’s located in such gorgeous surroundings as well. Grab a refreshing root beer and visit Blue Yeti inside the brewery for a Rally Burger and fries. There is outdoor seating and it’s kid and dog friendly, too. Check out their Facebook to see what concerts they have there as well!

Root beer and a Rally Burger at Cooper Landing Brewing/Blue Yeti.
Root beer and a Rally Burger at Cooper Landing Brewing/Blue Yeti.

Two Brothers Roadhouse

Two Bros is a seasonal spot, so when they open we usually try to make it there ASAP after missing it all winter. Their brisket nachos and mac and cheese is phenomenal, and it’s a cute spot to stop at for lunch or dinner after a day out exploring.

Nachos and mac and cheese at Two Brothers Roadhouse in Cooper Landing.
Brisket and pulled pork nachos plus some mac and cheese at Two Bros.

Wildmans

Wildmans is a popular local spot. Stop in there for convenient snacks, a sandwich or burrito, and some yummy ice cream!

Tip: As with many places in Alaska, restaurants in Cooper Landing may be closed or have different hours during of parts of the year. Check their Instagram, Facebook, and Google, or better yet give them a call to make sure they’ll be open when you’re visiting.

Lodging

Camping

Put up a tent, pull up your RV, or visit in your van! Check out the Quartz Creek Campground in Cooper Landing. This is one of my favorite spots to visit and has beautiful views for camping.

Chocolate Labrador and German shepherd at Quartz Creek Campground in Cooper Landing, Alaska.
Our pups enjoying Kenai Lake and Quartz Creek Campground.

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

If you want more bougie accommodations, check out the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge. This luxury stay is a little out of my price range, so I can’t give you my personal opinion on this stay, but it’s situated in a convenient and beautiful spot, giving you amazing views of the surrounding area.

There you have it, there are so many options on how you could spend a day in Cooper Landing! Are you a little overwhelmed with the options, or do you have a mild case of decision fatigue? Not to worry, there’s really no bad way to spend a day in Cooper Landing, so no matter what you choose you’ll have a once in a lifetime adventure!

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!  

A 7 Day Kenai Peninsula Itinerary: A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Kenai Peninsula Adventure

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Planning a trip to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula can be a bit overwhelming. With such a huge variety of things to do, it’s hard to narrow down the places to see and activities to do. That’s why I’ve created this seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Who is this itinerary for?

This itinerary is for anyone who is planning a trip to the Kenai Peninsula. I’ll be making a few different itineraries geared towards specific interests such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing, too. Feel free to follow one specific travel guide, or take pieces from each and make up your own. This particular one is the itinerary I would create for myself if I were visiting the Peninsula for a week. It includes my favorite things to do and see, which I hope you’ll love, too.

What activities should we include in our itinerary?

Great question! I’ve included my favorite Kenai Peninsula activities and places in the itinerary below for you to check out. This travel guide has a mixed bag of activities, but, as state above, I’ll create ones catered to wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking and more as time goes on. What you choose to do will depend on your interests, abilities, and the time of year you visit.

A collared cow moose and one of her twin calves on the Kenai Peninsual.
A collared moose and one of her twins on the Kenai Peninsula.

What do I need to know before I travel to the Kenai Peninsula?

Check out this list of things to consider when planning an Alaska vacation. This travel advice will give you insight into what to plan for and expect on your Alaskan adventure.

When are the activities on this Kenai Peninsula travel planner available?

Many of these activities are seasonal, so it will depend on what time of year you’re visiting to what activities will be available. Things start to open up and become more busy during May. The season tapers off in early September, with business’s changing to winter hours or closing for the season. But, if you’re coming to Alaska during the “off season”, check out my winter bucket list for some fun winter activities!

Where does this travel itinerary take us?

All over the Kenai Peninsula! Cooper Landing, Seward, Soldotna, Hope, Homer, and more! For this itinerary I’m assuming you’ll be traveling by car from Anchorage rather than flying into the Peninsula, so Anchorage is our starting point.

The welcome sign to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
Enjoy your trip to the Kenai Peninsula!

Why should I use your itinerary?

As a lifelong Alaskan I’ve been very fortunate to travel all over Alaska. I’ve made the Kenai Peninsula my home for the last eight years and hope to show you the best ways to enjoy your time here. Obviously, you don’t need to use whole itinerary verbatim, but the travel plan listed below includes my favorite things to do on the Kenai Peninsula, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Day One

Get an early start to the day and enjoy a hearty breakfast before you leave Anchorage. Although you won’t have a long drive today, you’ll be on the road awhile since there are many great places to explore on your way to Soldotna, so don’t forget snacks for the road.

Tip: Before you hit the road, check out road and weather conditions for any delays along the way. You can find out about those here. Also, fill up your vehicle before you head out of Anchorage.

You’ll start your journey on the Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm. You won’t be on the highway too long before you get to Girdwood, which is your first stop. Although it’s not technically on the Kenai Peninsula, it’s a fun stop to make on your way south. Here, you can explore this unique little community, and visit Alyeska Resort. Take a trip on their tram for some aerial views of glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and the resort itself. Depending on how busy it is, and how much you explore Girdwood, be prepared to spend an hour to an hour and a half here.

The Alyeska Resort tram in Girdwood, Alaska.
The Alyeska Resort Tram on its way up to the mountain.

Next up the is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, just a short drive down the highway from Girdwood. This is one of my favorite stops as you can see so many amazing Alaskan critters in one place. This stop will be a minimum of an hour, but it really depends on how long you’d like to watch the animals and if you decide to do a tour or animal encounter while you’re there.

After you visit the center, it’s time to hit the road and head towards Cooper Landing. It will take roughly an hour to get there. Once in Cooper Landing, you can grab a bite to eat or snacks. The reason I’m including this stop in this seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary is not only for the beautiful views and food, but for the wildlife viewing.

Dall sheep on the mountains near Cooper Landing on the Kenai Peninsula.
Dall sheep on the mountains near Cooper Landing.

While you’re in Cooper Landing, pull out your binoculars and glass the surrounding mountains for goats and Dall sheep. The agility of these animals is amazing to witness, and this is the perfect opportunity to spot some. Then we’re on to Soldotna.

Tip: To find the best places to view wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, check out our Kenai Peninsula wildlife viewing guide.

After viewing wildlife in Cooper Landing, continue along the Sterling Highway into Soldotna. This is where you’ll stay for the night, and grab some dinner for tomorrow’s adventure.

Tip: If you’re looking for great places to eat in Soldotna, check out the list of my favorite local spots here.

Day Two

Soldotna is famous for its salmon fishing on the Kenai River, so take this opportunity to do a bit of fishing yourself! You can grab a pole and fish at the many public use areas along the river, or take a guided trip on the Kenai or nearby Kasilof River. Spend this day on the river, and then check out the visitor’s center to learn about local events like markets and concerts. Take time to explore shops such as Northcountry Fair, and grab a bite of some delicious local food. Then kick back for the night before you head to your next destination.

Tip: Before you go fishing, make sure you have your fishing license. Also, be sure to check out all of the rules and regulations first. You can loan gear from the local Fish and Game Office if you plan on going unguided. If all the regulations make going without a guide seem daunting, it may be best to book a fishing trip. Book ASAP, though, as they fill up quickly.

The Bluebird Cafe in Sterling, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsual.
Head to the nearby community of Sterling to eat at the Bluebird Cafe.

Day Three

We’re on the road again! Pack up your things, grab some food, and let’s head to Homer. Only an hour and a half away from Soldotna, Homer is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Spend the day on the Homer Spit visiting shops, eating, and walking the beach. After your time on the Spit, check out the Islands and Ocean Visitor’s Center to learn about Alaska history and wildlife. Wind down the evening with a stop at a local restaurant such as Fat Olives or AJ’s Oldtown Steakhouse.

Shops along the Homer Spit.

Day Four

For your second day in Homer, take advantage of the great halibut fishing. Homer is known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World”, so book a charter in advance and hit the waters to catch the tastiest fish in Alaska. If you’re not interested in fishing, or are unable to book a charter, hop on the ferry and head to Seldovia.

You can explore much of the community of Seldovia on foot. It’s a beautiful little spot to spend some time, view wildlife, and then enjoy the boat ride back over to Homer before dinner.

Day Five

Now we’re off to one of my favorite towns on the Kenai Peninsula: Seward! This drive will take you over three hours, and possibly longer since there are many scenic places to stop along the way. Once you arrive in Seaward and get settled in, the first must-do activity is visiting the SeaLife Center.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a fun, interactive, and educational center that supports wildlife rescue, research, and rehabilitation for Alaska’s marine wildlife. After your trip there, grab a bite to eat, and walk around town to see the various murals and visit local shops. Then, settle in for the night for a big excursion on day six!

Mural of whales in Seward, Alaska.
One of the many colorful murals in Seward.

Day Six

All aboard! Head out of the Seward Harbor on the adventure of a lifetime aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise. View the Kenai Fjords National Park, see epic glaciers, and get the opportunity to see whales, sea otters, puffins, porpoise, and more on this full day adventure. If you’re curious about the glacier and wildlife cruise experience, read more here. After your day on the water, it’s time to eat and get ready for the drive back to Anchorage tomorrow.

Tip: Are you wondering what to wear and bring on a glacier and wildlife day cruise? Check out my post about what to wear here.

Day Seven

Onto the last day of the seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary. Today, you’ll be making your way back to Anchorage. This is about a two and a half hour drive, but you can take it as leisurely as you’d like depending on when you need to be back in Anchorage. I’d suggest stopping in the very small town of Hope on your way back, depending on how much time you have. It’s just a short detour off of the Seward Highway, and is a cute place to stop, walk around, and learn a bit about Alaska history. Then, you can cruise back on into Anchorage from there to wrap up your time on Alaska’s beautiful Kenai Peninsula.

This may not be the jam packed seven day Kenai Peninsula itinerary you were expecting. This is for good reason, though. Traveling in Alaska shouldn’t be rushed, overly planned, or stressful. I believe the best way to view our beautiful state is by taking as much time as you can, visiting with locals, enjoying the scenery, and not planning every minute of your stay here. Yes, there are things you have to plan ahead of time, but save some time to savor the experience, too.

I hope this week long Kenai Peninsula itinerary has helped you with your Alaska travel planning. If you have questions about traveling to Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!