Population: 206
Seldovia is located on Seldovia Bay, on the southwestern arm of Kachemak Bay, on the Kenai Peninsula, 16 miles from Homer. It is accessible only by air or by boat.
Visitor Information: Seldovia Chamber of Commerce.
Because it is removed from Kenai Peninsula highways, Seldovia has retained much of its old Alaska charm and traditions. The name Seldovia is derived from Russian Seldevoy, meaning “herring bay.” Between 1869 and 1882, a trading station was located here. A post office was established in Nov. 1898. Seldovia holds a distinction of being one of the two Alaskan cities with an ice-free harbor in the winter.
Seldovia has most visitor facilities, including gas/diesel and propane, hotels, B&Bs, a general store, a whole-foods store, restaurants, coffee shops, liquor store and gift stores. The post office is in the center of town. Public restrooms are found at the Harbormaster’s Office, the City Offices, the Library/Multipurpose Room (when open), and at the Seldovia Village Tribe Visitor Center. 24-hour WiFi from the library parking lot.
City campground with RV/tent sites, firepits, restrooms and water; fee charged, phone (907) 234-7643. Located at Mile 1.5 Jakolof Bay Road; look for “Wilderness RV Park” sign on the left-hand side of road. Maximum stay 14 days. Pay at city offices during office hours or at the Harbormaster’s Office weekends and evenings. Sani-dump station next to boat storage area.
Attractions:
- St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, a national historic site, has stood on the hill welcoming returning sailors to port since 1891.
- Shopping, fishing, renting an ATV, eating at the restaurants, birding, and walking around this picturesque town are favorite activities for visitors. Visitors can learn about Seldovia’s cultural and natural history from a series of interpretive signs placed about the town.
- The Seldovia Village Tribe Visitor Center/Museum features Native culture and local artifacts.
- Drive Jakolof Bay Road for panoramic views of Kachemak Bay, McDonald Spit, Jakolof Bay and Kasitsna Bay.
- Bird watch along area hiking trails and at Jakolof Bay. Visitors traveling to Seldovia by boat will see a number of pelagic birds.
- Seldovia’s sheltered bay is ideal for kayaking. Kayak rentals and tours available.
- Seldovia Summer Solstice Folk Music Festival, held in June, features a number of national recording artists as well as Alaskan musicians.