Kodiak, Alaska
The second largest island in the United States, second only to Hawaii, Kodiak Island is one of seven communities in the Kodiak Island Borough. Nicknamed the Emerald Isle, The island has heavy forests in the north but fairly treeless in the south. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refusge takes up the lower 2/3 of the island, bringing lots of tourists to the area. Kodiak is located 250 air miles from Anchorage and is comprised of sixteen islands along the Katmai Coast along the Alaskan Peninsula for approximately 177 miles. Kodiak is known as the transportation hub for southwest Alaska and is home to the largest fishing port in the state with high ranking country wide. Kodiak also hosts the largest US Coast Guard base and was host to the movie The Guardian with Kevin Costner and Aston Kutcher. Also famous in Kodiak are the BROWN BEARS! Some of the largest in the world.
Kodiak was originally habited by Alutiiq natives until the city was settled by subjects of the Russian crown in the 1800’s and became the capital of Russian Alaska before it was sold to the US in 1867. During this time, the Russian settlers over hunted the sea otters and had tense relations and even wars with the natives on the island. By the mid-19th century the sea otters were almost extinct and many native locals had died with the arrival of disease and violence. After the US purchase, Kodiak became a major fishing hub and continues to this day. The main tourism reason for Kodiak is for photography, fishing, bear watching and hunting for goats, elk or black tailed deer (Sitka deer). You can visit Kodiak through airlines or ferry boat.
Where to Stay
Where you are staying kind of depends on which part of the island you are planning to stay on. For the sake of this page, I will only be referencing places in downtown Kodiak.
Hotels
Best Western Kodiak Inn And Convention Center
236 E Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 486-5712
Relaxed hotel with complimentary WiFi, breakfast & an airport shuttle, plus a hot tub.
Shelikof Lodge
211 Thorsheim St, Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 486-4141
Easy walking distance to the shops and restaurants, Helpful staff and shuttle service to the airport. Clean and affordable, good restraint attached to this place too.
Kodiak Compass Suites
203 Alder Way, Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 486-1086
Clean and comfortable. Nice views of the marina and close walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Quality Inn
1395 Airport Way, Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 487-2700
A very clean and simple hotel near the river. Nice staff and sufficient.
B&Bs;
Cranky Crow Bed and Breakfast
1713 17th Avenue – (no access from Rezanof turn on Bartel & then Lechner Street) Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 654-7356
Clean rooms and breakfast is amazing. A full working kitchen, and the hosts make the stay even better!
Goldilocks Bed & Breakfast
3960 Spruce Cape Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 942-9072
A new home right on the ocean with views and rooms with cozy linens and kid friendly atmosphere. 5 Minutes from downtown, delicious, fresh breakfast and hiking trails just ¼ mile away.
An Ocean Bay Bed & Breakfast
420 Rezanof Dr W, Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 486-8315
From the website: Nestled on the side of Pillar Mountain, overlooking the town of Kodiak, An Ocean Bay Bed and Breakfast offers you ocean and mountain views from every room. Our downtown location ensures that you are only four blocks away from downtown restaurants, museums, shopping and the small boat harbor.
- This is not an exhaustive list, there are tons of other inns, B&bs; and places to stay while visiting Kodiak.
What to See and Do
Kodiak has a rich and diverse history which is highlighted in a lot of things to do in the area. Check these places out while you visit Kodiak!
***Check out the official Kodiak Visitors Guide here***
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
A small free museum full of informative staff and history of plants and animals in Kodiak. This center boasts an entire whale skeleton, and a great 15-minute video about the brown bear population. The center also coordinates guided hikes and photography classes.
Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church
From the website: Established in 1794 by a mission of Russian Orthodox monks, Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral is the oldest Orthodox parish in North America. It is also the home of North America’s first canonized Saint; Saint Herman of Alaska the Wonderworker.
Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank
A high-quality research center focused on the large and diverse populations of sea animals such as whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. This place has a touch aquarium and many things to show visitors about the flora and fauna of the region.
The Baranov Museum / The Kodiak History Museum
A center of the community dedicated to celebrating the Kodiak culture. Initially known as the Baranov Museum, the name was changed in 2019 to preserve its mission to share all of Kodiak’s history.
Kodiak Alaska Military History Museum
Located at Ft. Abercrombie and inside an old military bunker, this museum is dedicated to preserving the WW2 History in Kodiak.
Alutiiq Museum
Preserving the Alutiiq history and language. This museum has more than 250000 artifacts, photographs and videos to share. They teach native traditions, arts, language and sustenance through video, elder teaching and exhibits.
Also in and around Kodiak, are the tours! Here are a few highlighted things to do outside the towns of Kodiak.
Bear and wildlife viewing/Photography and cruise – This is only one option to go to, but there are several tour companies that provide bear viewing and wildlife viewing.
Fishing – There are several options for fishing in Kodiak. You can decide if you want to do a deep sea fishing excursion, stay at a fishing lodge or fish off the roadside.
Photography Tours
Whale Watching/ Sea life Tours
Kayaking adventures
What to Eat
Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant
512 W Marine Way West, Kodiak Ak 99615
907-486-8844
Great Beer, Great service and atmosphere, friendly staff and good food!
Chart Room
236 Rezanof Dr. West Kodiak, AK 99615
907-486-5712
Good seafood, good service, and nice location. Located in the Best Western
Kodiak Hana Restaurant
516 E Marine Way Kodiak, AK 99615
907-481-1088
Provides great seafood and Sushi – Great food, winner of 2017 cities best restaurant. Wonderful Views, food and service.
Noodles
1247 Mill Bay Rd, Kodiak, AK 99615
907-486-2900
Thai food with large portions, great tasting, and good atmosphere.
Big Al’s Take and Bake
2161 Mill Bay Rd. Kodiak, AK 99615
907-486-0044
Take and Bake Pizza! Friendly and Tasty!
Kings Diner
1941 Mills Bay Rd. Kodiak, AK 99615
907-512-0419
Diner food and a great breakfast place (maybe the only place) and atmosphere!
Kodiak Island Brewing Co.
117 Lower Mill Bay Rd. Kodiak, AK 99615
907-486-2537
Not really a restaurant but beer!!
Brewing their own handcrafted, flavorful beer beer since 2003
Rendezvous Kodiak
11652 West Rezanof Drive Kodiak, AK 99615
907-487-2233
An American Restaurant, Pub, Bar & Grill.
Monk’s Rock Coffeehouse and Bookstore
202 E Rezanof Dr. Kodiak, AK 99615
907-486-0905
An American Café Sporting Vegetarian, gluten free options, soups, Deserts and
coffee.
Dinghy Food Truck
2018 Mill Bay Rd. Kodiak, AK, 99615
The best place for a burger and shake on the island. Deep fried oreos, cheesy tots and great flavor.
Island Espresso
1213 Mill Bay Rd. Kodiak, AK, 99615
907-539-2600
A drive through coffee shop that roasts its own beans and has been on the island for more than 20 years.
Where to Hike/Camp
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
Became a state park in 1969 and is now listed as a National Historic Landmark as the land hosts historic ruins of WW2. The camp sites here are primarily for tent camping. There is also a hike in this area – cliffs loop around 2.5 miles long that takes you near a lake.