19 Things to Do in Kodiak (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Parks & Outdoors | Food & Drink | Historical Sites & Museums | Seasonal

I was born and raised in Kodiak, so I am intimately familiar with what to do and see there. For a small town, there are lots of fun attractions!

Perched on the northeastern end of Alaska’s “Emerald Isle,” the city of Kodiak and its surrounding area are a treasure trove of adventures. The local mountains, forests, and oceans teem with wildlife and stunning vistas. If you love the great outdoors, Kodiak is the place to go.

Along with natural beauty, there are several urban attractions. I’m thrilled to tell you about the best things to do and see in my hometown. To further build your itinerary, check out my guide to the best places to stay in Kodiak.

19 Best Things to Do in Kodiak

Kodiak History Museum (aka Baranov Museum)

Delve into Kodiak’s Rich History at Alaska’s oldest historic building.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-5920 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed, Thu & Sat; 12 pm – 7 pm Fri, Closed Sun-Tues | Entrance: $10 ages 13+, free 12 and under

Despite seeming like an out-of-the-way place, Kodiak has a lot of history. The best place to learn more about it is the Kodiak History Museum. Exhibits display artifacts from the local Native American and Russian cultures.

The museum also has a collection of antique photos from the early 1900s onward, chronicling life in Kodiak. Kodiak saw its difficulties, such as the 1964 earthquake and tsunami, but also its booms, such as crab fishing in the 1960s and 70s. The gift shop has a variety of great souvenirs for sale.

🎥 Get a Glimpse: Curious about my favorite local attractions? See my short video of things to do in Kodiak!

St. Paul Harbor

Take a walk on the dock to see Kodiak’s proud fishing fleet.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-8080 (Harbor Operations/Office)

Fishing forms the backbone of the Kodiak Island economy. Many visitors may be familiar with some local fishing boats from Deadliest Catch. Some of them may dock at the nearby St. Herman’s Bay Harbor (more on that below), but St. Paul’s is the heart of Kodiak’s maritime culture.

Before walking the docks, grab a coffee and a snack at Harborside Coffee. Besides locals, foreign travelers sometimes stop in Kodiak during the summer, docking their boats at the harbor. You may run into people from all over the world!

Alaskan commercial fishing is a world unto itself. There are several different kinds of fishing boats and plenty of stories behind each vessel.

St. Herman’s Bay Harbor

See the largest boats in Kodiak’s fleet and watch sea lions lounge around.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Open 24 hours

The larger of Kodiak’s two harbors lies at the southern end of Near Island. The first rows of docks hold private crafts, but the rows at the very end hold crabbers and other larger vessels.

From time to time, you may even spot a luxurious yacht docked along the last row.

The favorite haunt of Kodiak’s sea lions lies at the end of the last dock at St. Herman’s Harbor. They enjoy sunning themselves on a floating platform a ways off from the dock itself. You’ll wonder if George Lucas didn’t derive some inspiration from these beasts once you get a good look (and listen) at them. 

👉 Pro Tip: Sea lions may flop all over each other while sunbathing, but they like to keep their distance from humans. Now and then, one may venture onto the docks, so, if you see one, keep a respectable distance. They move faster on land than you’d think!

Parks & Outdoors

North End Park

Hike the winding trails of Near Island.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Open 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Near Island is a great place for short hikes and picnics. You can get a good view of Kodiak City from the western side of the island. Trails open onto a vista looking down the “Kodiak Channel.” 

Though not part of North End Park per se, the trails on the southern end of Near Island provide the best views of the greater Kodiak area.  You can get to the trailhead by driving past the turn-off for the Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium. It will be on your right after you round the bend.

👉 Take a Hike: If you’re looking for some more great local trails, check out my article on Kodiak hikes!

Pillar Mountain

Panoramic views, hiking trails, and windmills!

📍 Google Maps 

Pillar Mountain is Kodiak’s best place for panoramic views of the surrounding area. A road leads up from town to the top of the mountain. The road on top continues down the ridge of the mountain for a while, leading to a trailhead that goes even further. The road may be closed in winter, depending on conditions.

Besides the town and the Coast Guard base to the east, you can look west to Three Sisters Mountain and northwest to Spruce Island. If you want to hike up Pillar instead, a trailhead starts right around the corner from “the gravel pit.” A few other trails skirt along the backside of the mountain and are popular places for mountain biking and ATVs.

Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park

Kodiak’s largest park is perfect for day hikes!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-6339 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | Entrance: $5 parking, $20 camping | 👉 Watch my short video on Fort Abercrombie

A lush forest of Sitka spruce trees draped in moss covers the territory of Fort Abercrombie State Park. Take a hike around the tranquil Lake Gertrude, and, in summer, keep an eye out for berries! Kodiak has abundant bushes of salmonberries (a tart cousin of raspberries) and, to a lesser extent, blueberries.

Camping spots are available in several locations. The “pavilion” area has a large picnic shelter and a small sandy volleyball court. Great views abound in every corner of the park. Miller Point, the highest part of the park, is also a great place for whale watching in spring and summer. Whales local to Kodiak Island include gray whales, humpback whales, and orcas.

Great views abound in every corner of the park, but Miller Point, the highest part of the park, is the best for whale watching in spring and summer. 

🐻 Be Bear Aware: Bears roam here from time to time. While not as aggressive as mainland brown bears or black bears, you still want to give them plenty of space. The Department of Fish & Game has compiled a comprehensive guide to bear safety best practices.

Buskin River State Park

A favorite fishing hole of locals and tourists alike!

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | Entrance: $5 entrance, $20 campsite

Fishing trips are one of the most popular tourist activities in Kodiak. Red, silver, and pink salmon are the most abundant fish. There are several rivers and beaches to fish from, but one of the most popular and conveniently located is the Buskin River.

You’ll see the mouth of this river from the right side of the plane when landing in Kodiak. Prospective fishers can also go further upstream, but the area around the mouth remains more popular. The beach here is also a great place to unwind, offering a great view of Kodiak City and the surrounding area.

💡 Local trivia: The five species of salmon in Alaska each have two names. Locals know them well, but it can be confusing for a visitor. The salmon names are as follows: pink (humpback salmon), red (sockeye salmon), silver (coho salmon), dog (chum / keta salmon), and king (chinook salmon).

Fossil Beach and Pasagshak

Hunt for fossils, sunbathe, and even surf at Kodiak’s best beach!

📍 Google Maps | Hours: Open 24 hours

Fossil Beach lies at the southern end of Kodiak’s road system. The rocks and cliffs here have the fossilized remains of shellfish and other marine life embedded in them. Fossil Beach is also part of the area known as Pasagshak. The beaches at Pasagshak are the go-to getaway for locals on warm sunny days.

You’ll also notice the Pacific Spaceport Complex looming into the sky. The complex does not accept visitors, but, from time to time, the launches can be viewed from a safe distance. Pasagshak is also a great place for whale watching. It’s also, in my opinion, the best place to camp in Kodiak. You’ll have to rough it, but the views are worth it!

Food & Drink

Kodiak Island Brewing & Still

Get to know the locals at “Kodiak’s Living Room.”

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-2537 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 8 pm Sun-Wed; 12 pm – 9 pm Thu-Sat

One of my favorite local watering holes is Kodiak Island Brewing & Still. Started in 2003,
“The Brewery” has been Kodiakians’ go-to for top-quality craft beer. A food truck offers a small but tasty menu, but patrons can also bring their own food.

The central location of this brewery puts it well within walking distance of hotels such as the Best Western Kodiak Inn. Several restaurants and bars also lie a stone’s throw away if you want to explore more options, too.

To get there, follow the “highway” from the airport. The brewery will be right on your left when you take a left at “The Y,” as locals call the conjunction of Mill Bay Road and Rezanof Drive.

Double Shovel Cider Kodiak

Sip on a cider after summiting a local peak.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 942-3585 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm daily

Kodiak’s latest watering hole is an outpost of Alaska’s first cidery. Here, you can enjoy different refreshing ciders brewed with a variety of fruits and herbs. This is a great place to go if you’re on a gluten-free diet or just prefer ciders.

Double Shovel is centrally located at “The Y” of Rezanof and Mill Bay, the two main roads of Kodiak. It also boasts a cozy patio area (a rarity in this rainy town). This is the perfect place to sit back on a summer day and watch the mellow flow of life in Kodiak.

Kodiak Marketplace

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: varies by business, most close by 6

The Kodiak Marketplace is the closest thing there is to a mall on the Emerald Isle. It’s humble by most standards, but still a great spot to visit on a rainy day, which is common in Kodiak.

Boutique shops include a bookstore, a toy store, and two uniquely local gift shops (the best places for souvenirs that are a cut above the typical mugs, shirts, etc). There’s also a bakery and an Asian fusion restaurant here, plus several of the town’s best bars nearby.

Bean and Bloom Coffeehouse

Kodiak’s newest coffee shop has great coffee and an unbeatable location to boot!

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – 4 pm Wed-Sat; 8 am – 4 pm Sun; 7 am – 2 pm Mon; closed Tues

Kodiak runs on caffeine and fishing. Nowhere combines the two quite so well as the newest addition to the Kodiak coffee scene: Bean and Bloom Coffeehouse. 

Located right on “the channel” this cafe is the perfect place to observe Kodiak’s main industry in action. Why not pass a rainy day with a hot cup of joe, watching fishing boats emerge from and fade into the distant fog? If the weather happens to be good, the pier-turned-patio is the perfect place to bask in the sun with an iced drink!

Espresso drinks are made with Kaladi Bros. Coffee (one of the top craft roasteries in Alaska). There are also irresistible pastries that pair perfectly with any drink.

Historical Sites & Museums

The Alutiiq Museum

Learn all about Alutiiq culture and customs.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844) 425-8844 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tue-Fri; 12 – 4 pm Sat, closed Mon & Sun | Entrance: $10 adults, $8 seniors, free youth 18 and under

To learn more about the history and culture of the Native Alutiiq people of Kodiak Island, the Alutiiq Museum is the place to go!  Exhibits include artifacts, contemporary art, and audiovisual presentations. Check with the staff to see if Kodiak’s Alutiiq Dancers have a performance of traditional Alutiiq dances coming up.

The museum also has extensive photo collections telling about various aspects of life in Kodiak over the years. The gift shop is perfect for picking up souvenirs, especially the local artisan jewelry, art, and other unique items done in Native styles.

🚗 How to get there: The Alutiiq Museum is up Mission Road from the Kodiak History Museum. Like many downtown Kodiak attractions, it’s within walking distance, but you can drive, too.

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

Learn about Kodiak Island’s flora, fauna, and much more!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 308-6086 | Website | Visitor Center Hours: varies seasonally, see website | Entrance: Free

My hometown is well-known for the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which occupies much of the island. The visitor center in town has a wealth of information available.

One of the highlights of the museum is the gray whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. A life-size statue of a Kodiak bear stands on the deck outside. The museum stands right across the street from the Baranov Museum, so you can’t miss it!

🌳 Into the Wild: Kingfisher Aviation offers ways to experience the refuge, from bear-viewing flights to fly-overs of the rugged interior of the island. You might even see other Kodiak critters like mountain goats and Sitka black-tailed deer!

The Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium

Get hands-on experience with starfish and other marine life

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-9343 | Website | Hours: 12 – 4 pm Tues; by appointment 8 am – 4 pm Mon-Fri | Entrance: Free

For an up-close look at some of the smaller, tamer sea creatures of Kodiak, visit the touch tank at the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center. The hands-on aquarium lies over the Near Island Bridge on the road to the Trident Basin float plane dock. The aquarium runs for limited hours, but it’s a great experience for families visiting Kodiak.

Most of the touchable creatures are invertebrates such as starfish or anemones. There are also traditional “non-touch” tanks with assorted Alaskan fish. Several displays explain various aspects of Kodiak’s marine life and ecosystems are also present here.

Kodiak Military History Museum

Learn about Kodiak’s role in World War II.

 📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-7015 | Website | Hours: 1 – 4 pm Sat & Sun (May & Sep); 1 – 4 pm Fri-Mon (June-Aug) | Entrance: $3 – $5

Another noteworthy feature of Miller Point is the Kodiak Military History Museum. Although small and operating on limited hours, it’s a great place for families and history buffs to visit. Next to it, the remnants of a large coastal-defense gun stand. There are also tower viewer binoculars here for up-close looks at the local scenery.

Besides the museum, you’ll find other remnants of the former military installation throughout the park. Some are larger bunkers; others are small pillboxes on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Some even lie hidden a little way off the paths.

The museum and the road to Miller Point close in the winter, but it’s still a great time to hike the area and take in the views. For more advice on seasonal activities in Alaska, check out my guide on the best months to visit Alaska!

Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church

One of Kodiak’s most iconic landmarks and the resting place of an Alaskan saint.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-5532 | Website | Hours (Weekend Services): 7:30 pm – 9 pm Wed; 8 am – 10 am Sun; closed Mon-Tues & Thu-Sun; sometimes open on cruise ship visits

The blue onion domes of the local Russian Orthodox church stand as the most visible testament to Kodiak’s Russian heritage. The current building is the third to stand on the site, constructed in 1945 after the previous building burnt down.

Kodiak’s Russian Orthodox Church is also the resting place of St. Herman, the first saint of the Orthodox Church in the American lands. He spent much of his life in Alaska aiding the Alutiiq people and later left Kodiak to live on nearby Spruce Island, helping the people there.

Want a glimpse back in time? Right up the road from Holy Resurrection stands the chapel of the St. Herman Theological Seminary. The log building was modeled after what researchers believe the original 16th-century mission chapel looked like.

When Crab Was King Easter Egg Hunt

 Learn local lore from Kodiak’s “gold rush” days of crab fishing.

📍Google Maps

Scattered around downtown, you will find large photographic portraits of locals, often accompanied by QR codes. Scan them to hear the first-hand stories of these people who lived through Kodiak’s “gold rush” days when the crab industry boomed.

Tales range from humorous anecdotes to a Coast Guard rescue pilot’s experiences rescuing fishermen from harrowing storms on the Bering Sea. Though some of the people featured here have since passed on, you may spot others around town. You may even get a chance to learn more if you bump into them at one of the local watering holes!

Seasonal Things to Do

Kodiak Crab Festival

Celebrate the days “When Crab Was King” in Kodiak.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (907) 486-5557 | Website | Hours: late May | Entrance: Free

Every Memorial Day weekend sees Kodiak swing into party mode. In the 1960s and 1970s, crabbing boomed in Kodiak. As a result, this festival sprang up in celebration.

Besides the usual festival fare of rides, food booths, and craft vendors, the Kodiak “Crab Fest” has some unique Alaskan activities. One is the traditional survival suit race. In this race, contending teams must don survival suits and swim out to a survival raft in the harbor. The fastest time wins!

Feeling crabby? Although the glory days of crabbing in Kodiak have diminished somewhat, you can still buy crab legs during the Crab Fest. It’s also a good time to check out restaurants if you want a quieter meal because locals will usually be getting grub at the food booths.

👉 Read Next: Why I think Kodiak is a good destination for all seasons

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I hope you’ve gotten some good ideas to add to your Kodiak Island itinerary! Add some stops to your trip with the help of my guide on the best places to visit in Alaska.