Head just a few miles west from Soldotna and you’ll find yourself in the coastal town of Kalifornsky, population just under 10,000. At just 70 square miles, this eastern shore town of Cook Inlet on Kenai Peninsula is easily accessible from Sterling Highway and just ten miles from Kenai city. Featuring mild winters and cool summers, it’s the perfect “beach getaway” for peninsula guests looking for gorgeous water views.

“Kali” is the indigenous word for “fishermen,” the namesake of the town—and aptly so. However, another legend is that the name came from the indigenous Dena’ina name Qadanalchen which means “acts quickly.” The leader worked at the local Russian American Fort Ross colony in California in the early 1800s. When coming home to Alaska, it’s said that Qadanalchen changed the town name to Kalifornsky, an homage to California.

Strong Roots

Not only is the beach town nestled against Cook Inlet, it’s also just four miles from Kasilof River, offering even more fishing and water recreation options. While the majority of permanent residents are white, there’s also a thriving African American, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander community. The diverse town welcomes visitors, especially fishermen and women looking for the big prizes.

From oil and gas industries to timber, sports fishing and tourism, it’s a quaint getaway town. Enjoy nearby boating facilities to optimize your fishing expedition.