Discover Kodiak’s past by checking out one of its museums – either the Alutiiq Museum, the Baranov Museum, or the Maritime Museum. Then, head to Fort Abercrombie State Park, where you can hike on trails, explore beaches, and visit the Military History Museum to learn more about the area’s military history.
We had two choices to reach Kodiak: plane or ferry. With just a weekend to spare, we went for the quick 1.30 -hour plane ride from Anchorage, skipping the lengthier 11-hour ferry trip to save time.
But hey, if you’re up for saving a bit on cost or fancying a unique experience, we’d totally suggest the ferry!
Places to Stay
We chose to stay at the Best Western Kodiak Inn, and it was a great pick! Prices were pretty similar to other places in Kodiak, and the location was fantastic – super central. Oh, and did I mention it had a hot tub? Plus, there’s an on-site restaurant and a bonus of an included breakfast!
If you’re considering other options in town, there’s the Quality Inn, which is super close to the airport, but we thought it looked a bit sketchy. You can also check out Airbnbs for a more local feel.
Now, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, there are various lodges around the island like Kodiak Safaris, Kodiak Lodge, and Kodiak Island Resort.
Keep in mind, they’re not in town, so it takes extra time to get there. But, they seem to offer some seriously unique experiences – something we’d love to try when we’ve got some extra cash saved up!
And don’t forget about the many pull-offs along the roads outside of town and the cool campgrounds like White Sands Beach (for tenting only), Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park, Buskin River State Park, and Pasagshak State Recreational Site. These are just the ones we spotted along the main road – there are probably more!
Places to Eat
Let’s talk about one of the best parts – food! Now, our visit was over the July 4th weekend, so some places had limited hours due to the holiday and others still recovering from the aftermath of Covid. Despite that, we found some real gems:
- Noodles for some delicious Asian cuisine.
- El Chicano if you’re craving Mexican flavors.
- Harbourside Cafe – perfect for breakfast and coffee. Bonus: you can even rent bear spray here!
- Chart Room Restaurant for fantastic seafood.
Now, there were a few places highly recommended to us that we didn’t get a chance to try:
- Kodiak Hana Powerhouse – known for sushi and Asian cuisine.
- Java Flats – where you can grab your coffee fix and apparently the best cookies in the world!
Also, keep an eye out for food trucks scattered around town. They offer a variety of options, making it a foodie’s delight!
Things to Do
We decided to rent a car through Turo and embarked on a scenic drive from the north end of the road (starting at White Sands Beach) to the south end (reaching Fossil Beach), covering about 57 miles.
Google Maps estimated a speedy 1.5-hour trip without stops, but let me tell you, it turned into a full-day adventure with just a handful of pauses. Trust us, taking at least one day for the whole drive is a must!
- Now, if you’re using Kodiak as your base, there’s so much more on our to-do list for next time! Check out these exciting tours:
- Fishing: Consider Kodiak Island Charters, Fish ‘n Chips Charters, Kodiak Marine Charters, or Happy Hooker Charters.
- Bear Viewing Tours: Explore options with Kodiak Island Expeditions or the Kodiak Bear Center.
- Flight Seeing Tours: Give Kingfisher Aviation a shot for a unique perspective.
And if you’re into history and culture, Kodiak has a plethora of museums like the Baranov Museum, Alutiiq Museum, and Kodiak Military History Museum.
For hiking enthusiasts, we gathered some top recommendations from the locals for breathtaking views:
- Termination Point: A 4.9-mile moderate hike.
- Fort Abercrombie Cliffs Loop: A 2.6-mile easy hike.
- Pyramid Mountain Trail: A challenging 2.6-mile hike.
- Monashka Mountain Trail: A 4.4-mile moderate hike.
- Shelly Lake: An 8.9-mile challenging hike.
- Pillar Mountain Trail: A 2.9-mile moderate hike.
- Three Sisters Trail: A 1.9-mile moderate hike.
- Pasagshak Point: A 5.1-mile moderate hike.
- Narrow Cape Loop: A 4.2-mile moderate hike.
These trails come highly recommended for their stunning views – definitely worth exploring on your next Kodiak adventure!
Read More: Seattle and Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
Fun Facts about Kodiak
Guess what? Kodiak Island breaks the mold – there are no moose here! That’s a stark contrast to most other parts of Alaska. Instead, you’ll come across deer and elk, a sight not common in the majority of the state.
Want more details on Alaska’s diverse wildlife? Dive into our blog post about it
Oh, and did you know that Kodiak Island holds the title for being the 2nd largest island in the U.S.? Impressive, right?
But that’s not all! Kodiak is proud to host the largest Coast Guard base in the entire country. Talk about a significant presence!
And here’s a fun fact – the Kodiak archipelago is made up of a whopping 16 major islands. Who would have thought? The more you know about this island gem!
FAQs
Is Kodiak Alaska worth visiting?
Kodiak, Alaska, offers incredible natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor activities. It’s a haven for fishing, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the Alaskan wilderness. Whether you’re into hiking, bear watching, or simply enjoying scenic views, Kodiak has something for everyone.
What is the best month to visit Kodiak Alaska?
The best time to visit Kodiak is during the summer months, from late May to early September. This period offers more daylight hours, milder temperatures, and better wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to see bears and whales.
What is special about Kodiak Island?
Kodiak Island is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the famous Kodiak brown bears, which are the largest in the world. It’s also rich in Alutiiq culture and history, with museums, festivals, and heritage sites showcasing the island’s unique heritage.
Is it expensive to live in Kodiak Alaska?
Living in Kodiak can be relatively expensive due to its remote location and the cost of transportation for goods. However, salaries often reflect this higher cost of living, and residents enjoy a unique lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural beauty
Greetings, fellow explorers! Nicholas Clark here, leading expeditions with “Trip Traveling Guides.” With a keen eye for adventure and a heart for discovery, I’ll guide you through landscapes unknown. Let’s create memories that linger long after the journey ends.
