Whether you can see Russia from Alaska or not, there’s no question that Alaska is a beautiful place. The Kenai Peninsula is one of the more breathtaking locales, with tundra-clad mountains, glaciers you can walk on, and enough wildlife that you’ll need to keep you eyes peeled for moose crossing the road.

You’ll fly into Anchorage, but quickly make your way to Seward. If you don’t expect you’ll be back to Alaska any time soon, you ought to experience the historic Alaska Railroad. The trip between Anchorage and Seward- The Coastal Classic- is said to be the most scenic section, and you can take the train one-way. You’ll see glaciers and alpine meadows by that you can’t see by car.  Small catch—there’s only one 6am daily departure from Anchorage. Once there go for a breathtaking 7.4 round-trip mile hike to the Harding Icefield, the origin of many glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula. Watch out, this is bear country. Beyond bears Seward is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park.  You’ll also see birds nesting along Resurrection Bay, bald eagles and enjoy a pancake breakfast with fresh picked blueberries.

Spend a few nights at Brigitte’s Bavarian Bed and Breakfast located only three miles from Homer, Alaska. This adorable bed and breakfast features cottages nestled on a hillside among birch trees with a few of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains and their glaciers. Homer is the end of the road, but when the fishing fleet comes in you can watch them weigh the halibut on the wharf.

From Homer, take a boat to explore Kachemak Bay and stop by Seldovia, a little old fishing town with a boardwalk and Russian Orthodox Church.

And be sure to drive to Anchor Point, the most westerly spot on the peninsula with beautiful scenery.

-Arianna Schioldager