Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula offers a plethora of activities besides fishing. Here’s a list of non-fishing activities you can enjoy on the Kenai Peninsula during the summer:

Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the Kenai Peninsula, including the popular Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, and the Resurrection Pass Trail. The nearest hiking trail to the Soldotna / Kenai area is Skyline Trail.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bears, moose, eagles, and whales. The Kenai Peninsula is rich in diverse wildlife, and there are many opportunities for viewing them in their natural habitat.
Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand-Up Paddle Board: Paddle along the coastal waters, lakes, and rivers for a unique perspective of the peninsula’s stunning scenery. The Kenai River and Kachemak Bay are popular spots for kayaking and canoeing.
Glacier Tours: Take a boat tour or hike to see breathtaking glaciers such as Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park or the Portage Glacier.
Wildlife Cruises: Join a wildlife cruise to explore the coastal waters and fjords while spotting marine wildlife such as whales, sea lions, otters, and puffins. We recommend Kenai Fjords Tours in Seward.
Birdwatching: The Kenai Peninsula is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, puffins, and shorebirds. Birdwatching opportunities abound throughout the peninsula. The beaches of Kenai are a great place to walk for birding.
Camping: Enjoy the great outdoors by camping in one of the many campgrounds on the Kenai Peninsula. Whether you prefer car camping or backcountry camping, there are options for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Our recommendation: Hidden Lake, just east of Sterling.
Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive along the Sterling Highway or the Seward Highway to admire the stunning landscapes of the Kenai Peninsula. Be sure to stop at viewpoints along the way for photo opportunities. The Seward Highway has multiple pullover spots that you can utilize for photos.
Visit State Parks: Explore the state parks on the Kenai Peninsula, such as Kachemak Bay State Park, Kenai River Special Management Area, and Captain Cook State Recreation Area, for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Fishing Charters: Even though you are not interested in fishing, Explore Kenai can still offer scenic tours of the Kenai River, even if you’re not actively fishing. The Kenai River has multiple great locations to check out via a boat to see bald eagles, and occasionally, moose.
Horseback Riding: Experience the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula from a different perspective by going horseback riding through forests, meadows, and along the coastline.
Visit Museums and Cultural Sites: Learn about the history and culture of the Kenai Peninsula by visiting museums such as the Pratt Museum in Homer or the Seward Museum in Seward.

These activities offer a diverse range of experiences that allow you to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Kenai Peninsula without necessarily engaging in fishing.

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Dallas Voss

Owner/Fishing Guide/Trip Planner at Explore Kenai

Dallas Voss is the owner and a guide of Explore Kenai, a woman-owned fishing guide service based on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. A lifelong Kenai resident, Dallas has spent decades fishing the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers and is passionate about helping anglers experience Alaska's world-class salmon and trout fisheries. She is a United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain, Trout Unlimited Kenai River Ambassador, and was recognized as one of the nation's top fly fishing guides in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.