Petropavlovsk's home volcanoes are the Avachinsky group: Avachinsky, Koryaksky and Kozelsky rising behind the city. They dominate the skyline and are the first serious taste of Kamchatka's volcanic landscape.
Avachinsky is the most commonly climbed, often as a guided day trip in summer, though weather can turn quickly and the slope is still a real mountain. Even if you do not climb, the drive toward the base gives wide views back toward Avacha Bay and the city.