Few places in the world beat the impressive natural beauty and charm of Alaska. Along the coastlines, the island of Kodiak is like visiting a heavenly little place secluded from the rest of the world, with its own unique culture in which one can immerse oneself in and a variety of flora and fauna to explore, for the outdoor adventurer. Aptly known as the Emerald Isle because of its greenery, Kodiak offers an unlimited opportunity of exploration, if you love outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. In addition, it would be remiss to not mention the friendliness and warmth of the locals here, and the beautiful beaches untouched by tourists. So if you are planning a trip to Alaska, don’t miss out on spending a few days on the beautiful island of Kodiak. Read on as we explore all the fascinating things to do in Kodiak, Alaska.
1. Explore the ruins at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
June 25 2019
Posted by Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site on Tuesday, 25 June 2019
Get a glimpse of the past with a trip to this historical park, where you can learn about the fort’s significance during the Second World War, and bask in the scenic beauty of the lush meadows and oceanfront of the park. Founded in 1969, this park is an important historical landmark in Alaska, and it is well worth a visit. You can enjoy a quiet picnic here, or even a classic American camping trip with a tent and some s'mores.
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
Address: Miller Point, Kodiak, AK 99615, United States
Website: Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Sample the beers at Kodiak Island Brewing Company
Whether you are an avid beer enthusiast or someone who never quite got into it, this is a must-visit spot when you are in Kodiak. With incredible music to keep you company, along with a lot of beer to make sure you are having a great time, you really can’t go wrong spending an evening relaxing here. The free tasters they allow here will help you pick out a beer you truly enjoy before committing to it, and the waitstaff is known to be super friendly and welcoming.
Kodiak Island Brewing Company
Address: 117 Lower Mill Bay Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Kodiak Island Brewing Company
Opening hours: 12pm - 7pm (daily)
3. Check out the animals at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
Posted by Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge on Friday, 23 August 2019
If you have little kids, this is a great way to spend a free afternoon in Kodiak. This visitor center has a lot of attractions including short films, taxidermied versions of wildlife on exhibition, and the famous display of a whale’s skeleton. Learn about the natural fauna local to Alaska such as bears ad fish, then pop over into the small gift shop to take home some cool souvenirs!
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Address: 402 Center St, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Learn Kodiak history at Baranov Museum
For history buffs, this is truly a treat. The newly renovated and improved Baranov Museum has been opened again to the public, and hosts exhibits relating to the history of Kodiak island and Alaska, from when it was a Russian colony. In addition, it also hosts a ton of interesting events and festivals showcasing the historical significance of Kodiak. If you’re interested in getting a bit of insight into the past of Kodiak then consider visiting this amazing museum.
Baranov Museum
Address: 101 W Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Baranov Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
5. Visit the historic Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church
As one of the oldest buildings in Kodiak and the oldest Orthodox church in all of North America, the Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church is a sight to behold. As you enter, you will be greeted by breathtakingly ornate architecture and beautiful paintings all around you, and a helper who will teach you about the history of this church and its significance for Orthodox Christians. Churches are always a very peaceful and serene environment, and you are sure to find your stresses evaporating from just a few minutes here.
Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church
Address: 75 E 43rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5W 1S7, Canada
Website: Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Climb to the top of the cliffs at Fossil Beach
Who doesn’t love beaches? A day at the beach guarantees absolute fun, no matter whether you are a sporty adventurer or somebody who likes to relax and watch the waves and sunbathe. Fossil Beach, in addition to offering a great beach experience, is famous for being home to an unlimited number of seashells and fossils spread across the sands. So whether you wish to try your hand at a bit of beach-combing and fossil-hunting, or climb to the topmost cliffs, the choice is yours!
Fossil Beach
Address: 41520 Pasagshak Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Learn about the native Alutiiq people at Alutiiq Museum
Another extremely interesting museum is the Alutiiq Museum. Focusing on showcasing and upholding the culture of the Alaskan Native people, this museum is a beautiful world-class facility hosting group tours that take you through over 250,000 exhibits and artifacts! In addition, you can also watch short films about the Alutiiq culture and heritage and check out their photo gallery. This is a unique museum experience that you really should not miss.
Alutiiq Museum
Address: 215 Mission Rd # 101, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Alutiiq Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun and Mon)
8. Take a small group flight on a Bush Hawk floatplane
Posted by Andrew Airways on Friday, 23 March 2018
Take a different approach to sight-seeing altogether, by taking this Bush Hawk trip and soaring above Kodiak Island, witnessing the grandeur of the isle from a bird’s eye view. Andrews Airways has different types of tours, including one of the entire island. Your pilot will explain all the interesting sights to you as you go over them, and you are sure to have the time of your life. You can pre-book your tour via their website. This tour is, perhaps, one of the best ways of seeing Kodiak; from the sky.
Andrews Airways
Address: 500, Trident Way, Kodiak, Alaska
Website: Andrews Airways
9. Check out the sea creatures at Kodiak Fisheries Research Center Aquarium And Touch Tank
Aquariums are a fascinating trip no matter how old you get. Being able to witness a variety of amazing marine and freshwater species right before you, with only glass separating you is a great experience. So head on to this special aquarium that has a touch tank facility, that actually allows you to handle the small invertebrate species! If you are traveling with little ones, this is a good educational experience for them. While here, you’ll get to learn about the different species of sea creatures found in the area and a rare opportunity to interact with them.
Kodiak Fisheries Research Center Aquarium And Touch Tank
Address: 301 Research Ct, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Kodiak Fisheries Research Center Aquarium And Touch Tank
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
10. Enjoy hiking along the trails at North End Park
For the outdoor adventurer in you, challenge yourself to an exciting hiking trip in North End Park with your loved one. Sprinkled with little ponds and bridges and adorable woodland creatures flitting between the trees, this beautiful park is a great place to spend a Sunday morning in when other establishments are bound to be closed. The highlight of this park is that the hiking trail ends at a stairway that opens right to the coastline.
North End Park
Address: 100 Alimaq Dr, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Go fishing with Kodiak Island Charters
Posted by Kodiak Island Charters on Sunday, 29 June 2014
Take your regular fishing experience to the next level with deep-sea fishing offered by Kodiak Island Charters. This family-run business will take you out into the sea and teach you about the unique species of fish that are local to the area, at very affordable prices, and they will ensure that you are fishing in a safe and comfortable way. So whether you are new to this age-old hobby or you’re an avid fisher, do check out this great experience!
Kodiak Island Charters
Address: 1315 Larch St, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Kodiak Island Charters
Opening hours: 6:30am - 8:30pm (daily)
12. Enjoy kayaking with Sea Hawk Air
One of our nicer days in Kodiak!
Posted by Sea Hawk Air on Friday, 2 November 2012
Another awesome activity for the outdoor enthusiast is kayaking along the beach and watching wildlife from the banks. You can even go beach-combing for special treasures with Sea Hawk Air, or take a ride on the floatplanes available to you. All these activities can be done by people of any age, making it the perfect family activity on a vacation. And, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a North American brown bear! If you’re into action-packed activities then look up Sea Hawk Air when you’re in Kodiak and plan a whirl-wind adventure.
Sea Hawk Air
Address: 506 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Sea Hawk Air
Opening hours: 7:30am - 6pm (daily)
13. Learn salmon fishing at Sargent Creek
Salmons are pretty fascinating marine creatures. Every year, they swim upstream to lay their eggs, making it the perfect time for both fishermen and women as well as brown bears to go fishing for some delicious salmon. You can witness this activity yourself at the famous Sargent Creek, as you loosen up with a beer or two and watch the salmon being fished. You may also take this opportunity to learn a thing or two about salmon fishing.
Sargent Creek
Address: Sargent Creek Rd, Kodiak, Kodiak Island, Alaska
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Read some interesting books at Kodiak Public Library
Posted by Kodiak Public Library Association on Tuesday, 1 January 2019
Public libraries in America are truly a highly underrated treasure. Kodiak’s Public Library is completely free and open to the public, and the highlight is that it holds a ton of books on Alaskan history, along with a very comfortable cabin-like ambiance and a friendly staff. There are comfortable study spaces for students as well as free WiFi! A lot of tourists can be seen popping into the library for their WiFi, which is known to be very efficient and fast, so you can do a bit of people-watching while you’re there as well.
Kodiak Public Library
Address: 612 Egan Way, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Kodiak Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
15. Visit St. Herman Theological Seminary
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 18: 1
Posted by St. Herman Theological Seminary on Friday, 1 February 2019
This unique little church looks like a large cabin in the woods, and it is sure to charm you from the moment you see it. It is a Russian Orthodox establishment that has very pretty architecture and is ornately decorated with beautiful artifacts and paintings on the inside. Founded in 1972, this church provides a free tour to anyone who wishes to witness its grandeur along with educational courses for local youngsters. Gain some knowledge on this church and spare some time to snap some photos while you’re at it.
St. Herman Theological Seminary
Address: 414 Mission Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: St. Herman Theological Seminary
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 3:30pm
16. Spend some time at Kodiak Harbor
For anyone looking to spend an hour or two with some peace and quiet, just watching ships go by, Kodiak Harbor has been around for ages. You can take a walk with your spouse or all alone, explore the establishments, stores and cafes sprinkled along the neighboring streets or just people-watch the sailors and fishermen taking their vessels out into the sea or going about their business. Just leave your cellphone back in your hotel, and let time pass you by, as you enjoy some well-deserved solitude and serenity.
Kodiak Harbor
Address: Kodiak Harbor, 403 Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
17. Encounter the whales and dolphins at Pasagshak State Recreational Site
If you are interested in engaging in some thrilling watersports or witnessing dolphins or whales around you, this is the ultimate activity for you. Located on Pasagshak River, this picturesque and beautiful recreational site promises heaps of fun for you and your loved ones. Go camping in the wilderness, fishing in the deep waters or just have a leisurely late afternoon picnic, the choice is yours.
Pasagshak State Recreational Site
Address: 20 Pasagshak Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Pasagshak State Recreational Site
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
18. Relax and unwind at White Sands Beach
Who doesn’t love a beach outing? Named aptly because of the soft, fine, white sands that are uncovered at low tide, this gorgeous beach is untouched by tourist activity, and it is a great place to check out when in Kodiak. The white sands are formed because of past volcanic activity, as the sand settled over this area it was brought from under the earth! Bring your favorite sports equipment along, because these sands are perfect to play a bit of football or volleyball in. Or, you can build some sandcastles in the relatively firmer sands.
White Sands Beach
Address: White Sands Beach, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
19. Enjoy an aerial tour with Kingfisher Aviation
Posted by Kingfisher Aviation on Saturday, 15 June 2019
Experience the wilderness from a completely different perspective with Kingfisher Aviation, which will take you on an aerial tour and your pilot will show you the local bear population. In addition, your pilot will circle over the best spots so you can witness other species as well, such as whales, eagles and other woodland creatures. This tour will include convenient amenities like bug sprays and water for the duration of your trip.
Kingfisher Aviation
Address: 1829, Mill Bay Road,Kodiak, Alaska 99615
Website: Kingfisher Aviation
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
20. Relish a delicious meal at Henry's Great Alaskan Restaurant
For tonight's special we have sautéed calamari. Broccoli and carrots in a Szechuan sauce served with garlic bread and rice for $19.50
Posted by Henrys Great Alaskan Restaurant on Sunday, 7 July 2019
No vacation is complete without a taste of the local food from the most popular restaurants at your destination. When you are in Kodiak, you simply cannot miss the famous Henry’s, which serves classic American fare along with beer on tap, so you are guaranteed a wonderful time. Go for the codfish ‘n’ chips here, along with the beer-battered Halibut sandwich.
Henry's Great Alaskan Restaurant
Address: 512 E Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sun: 11:30am - 10pm
21. Have a couple of drinks at Tony's Bar
12 Beers Now on Tap!
Posted by Tony's Bar on Wednesday, 29 March 2017
Few things are as immediately appealing as a classic American bar experience. Kodiak’s own Tony’s Bar offers exactly this ambiance, along with beer on tap! Dance to the jukebox’s tunes or play a game of pool with other patrons here. Either way, you are definitely not going home without making at least a few friends! The highlight of this bar has to be the friendly and open atmosphere, as well as the amazing music.
Tony's Bar
Address: 518 W Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Tony’s Bar
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
22. Have a massage at Northwoods Massage Kodiak
Vacations are often exhausting, even to the most active of us. A long day of adventuring or shopping is bound to leave us feeling tired and cranky. This is where massage parlors such as Northwoods Massage comes into the picture. There is a variety of unique massage experiences on offer such as Myofacial tissue massage, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage and even prenatal massage for pregnant women. The owner is, herself, an athlete and she brings her own experience into her work.
Northwoods Massage Kodiak
Address: 1315 Mill Bay Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Northwoods Massage Kodiak
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
23. Browse through yarns at The Rookery
Posted by The Rookery on Monday, 1 April 2019
These days, knitting, crochet and textile art of all forms has really been picking up, even amongst the younger crowd. It is likely that you know at least a few people who are into knitting or crocheting, and if so, why not bring them a special gift all the way from Alaska? Specializing in animal blends, this yarn shop has a huge collection of yarns in lovely colors. Aside from yarn, this shop also has fabric and other artistic hobby items, if you wish to pick up a brand new hobby while in Alaska!
The Rookery
Address: 104 Center St, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: The Rookery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Sun)
24. Watch a movie at Orpheum Theatre
Another ever-popular activity to engage in when you come to Alaska is to watch a hit movie in theatres near you. After all, nobody likes to miss the release of their favorite movie when they are away on vacation. So if you had a movie in mind for the duration of your vacation, you can catch it at Orpheum Theatre, a huge comfortable theatre that has all the amenities you need for a classic movie experience.
Orpheum Theatre
Address: 102 Center St, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Orpheum Theatre
25. Play a round of golf at Bear Valley Golf Course
If you are looking for a more relaxing morning activity, golf is the perfect solution. Bear Valley Golf Course consists of a nine-hole course of pure unadulterated fun, with a ton of cool amenities that will make your golf day really comfortable, including a snack bar, driving range and more. You can hire all the equipment you need, including caddy cars!
Bear Valley Golf Course
Address: 2.8 Anton Larsen Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615, United States
Website: Bear Valley Golf Course
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
26. Go bowling at Tropic Lanes Bowling Alley
Posted by Tropic Lanes on Friday, 8 July 2016
Who doesn’t love bowling? A classic American activity to engage in with friends, bowling is competitive, fun-filled and a good bit of exercise as well. So make a trip to Tropic Lanes bowling alley and have a grand time bowling against one another, or even making a few new friends to compete against. There is an adjoining bar, and the bartender there is known for serving really good rum, so don’t miss out on sampling a few awesome rum-based cocktails too!
Tropic Lanes Bowling Alley
Address: 102 E Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Website: Tropic Lanes Bowling Alley
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12:30am; Sun: 11:30am - 8pm
Kodiak has a lot to offer
Hiking and mountain-climbing are not the only activities you can find here at Kodiak, Alaska. From engaging in some intense bowling matches to enjoying lip-smacking delicacies and yummy cocktails, Kodiak has a lot to offer for all kinds of travelers. So don’t be intimidated if you are an introverted homebody or you’re scared of creepy crawlies in the jungles, our list of activities will surely tempt you to book your tickets as soon as possible and explore this unique destination!
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