Nikiski

Nestled on the west side of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, Nikiski is a town centered around the oil and gas industry. Onshore production facilities and offshore drilling platforms dot the Cook Inlet surrounding the community. Despite its industrial heart, Nikiski offers a surprising array of outdoor adventures. Nature lovers can escape to the Captain Cook State Recreation Area, a haven of forests, lakes, rivers, and expansive beaches. World-class salmon fishing awaits on the legendary Kenai River, while the less adventurous can soak up the beauty of Alaska's floral landscapes at Northern Bloom Peonies, a family-run flower farm, or Hidden Hillside Farmstead, a local working farm. For those seeking a taste of Nikiski's nightlife, there's The Burger Bus, a beloved local joint serving up delicious burgers, Kassik's Brewery for some fresh craft beers, and Addie Camp, a wine bar offering a more relaxed atmosphere.