Ninilchik

Ninilchik is rich with natural and historic treasures. The village is a bustling fishing community during the summer months, with many saltwater charter tours based here.

While halibut is king in Ninilchik, the annual opening weekend of the king salmon season brings many Alaskans to this natural playground to fish and to dig for razor clams on the nearby shores of Cook Inlet.

The Kenai Peninsula State Fair is held in Ninilchik in August, and rodeos are held each summer at the fairgrounds.

The area's history and culture can be seen in the distinct architecture brought by the Russian Orthodox missionaries who settled here with the region's Dena'ina Indians. Tour the historic Ninilchik Village and see buildings from the late 1800s, including the Melania Curis Home, the Ninilchik Village Cache and the first Russian School House.

You will want to keep your camera handy, as the area offers exceptional views across Cook Inlet, with several pullouts along the highway as you make your drive toward Homer.