Tucked alongside the serene waters of Resurrection Bay, Seward stands out as a premier destination in Alaska. This captivating coastal town is a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure, and comfort, making it an essential stop on any Alaskan journey.
In this guide, I’ll run through why Seward is an excellent addition to your trip itinerary and my ultimate list of “must-do’s” when visiting this quaint, waterfront town.
“Alaska Starts Here”
Seward is steeped in rich history. As one of Alaska’s oldest towns and the homeland of the Alutiiq people, Seward has seen a constant influx of new cultures and people for centuries.
From its early days with Russian traders to its emergence after the U.S. acquired Alaska from Russia, Seward was finally established as a town with the establishment of the Alaska Railroad's terminus in 1903. From there, it has only grown – surging in population during the Gold Rush era and throughout World War Two.
Despite a massive earthquake in 1964, Seward rebounded and now stands as a top tourist haven with an enduring maritime legacy. With the motto “Alaska Starts Here”, Seward is fondly considered the start of “true” Alaska, as it is one of the largest cruise ports in mainland Alaska. From here, you can travel by road all the way to interior Alaska, up through the Yukon, and even reach the Arctic Ocean.
Top Things to Do in Seward
Its prime location on a gorgeous fjord combined with its access to the rest of Alaska makes Seward an excellent destination during your Alaskan adventure. With plenty to do here, you can easily fill several days or even a week sightseeing, fishing, hiking, and strolling through the historical downtown.
Here’s my unmissable things to include on your Seward itinerary:
Wildlife Cruise
Seward is one of the best places in Alaska to go whale watching. With residential orca pods and migrating humpbacks and gray whales throughout the spring and summer, this is a definite must-do on your days in Seward.
Wildlife cruises depart daily from the docks, with a variety of options available for all age groups. A personal favorite includes Northern Latitude, a small, family-run tour operator offering six passengers tours for adults and older children.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises
Seward is also known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords”, and for good reason. If you are interested in viewing the beautiful and vast Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the best ways will be from the water. From half-day tours to full-day expeditions, Seward offers a multitude of day cruises through the park. Witness tidewater glaciers, marine wildlife, towering mountains, and spot bears and moose along the shoreline.
Sample the Local Coffee & Art Scene
Throughout the summer, Seward can be cool and rainy. One of the best ways to escape the rain is to pop into one of the many, adorable coffee houses throughout downtown Seward. My favorite? Check out the Resurrection Coffee House. Located in a century-old church, it doubles as an art gallery, making your coffee break a culturally enriching one.
Kenai Fjords Park Trails
Apart from taking a cruise of the park, you can also access a portion of the park by car just outside of town. One of my favorite hikes is the Glacier Trail, which offers a deep dive into the park’s icy wonders and is perfect for an afternoon adventure with the family.
There is also an excellent visitor center located in the park which provides informative displays and movies about the history and ecological significance of the park. If you still have daylight after visiting, head out of town to Ptarmigan Creek Trail – a local favorite hike that heads 3.5 miles along a tumbling creek to a pristine alpine lake. Just be sure to bring your bear spray along for this adventure, as bears are incredibly common on this trail.
Fishing Adventures
Throughout late summer, Seward becomes a prime location for salmon fishing and is a year round spot for halibut. From chartered fishing trips to shoreline fishing, you will have a wealth of options to try your hand at Alaskan fishing. Just be sure to stop by one of the outfitters in town to get a fishing license and to rent fishing gear.
The best part? Some local eateries even offer a catch and dine option, so you can enjoy your fresh catch that night.
Alaska SeaLife Center
A trip to Seward isn’t complete until you spend a few hours at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Part-aquarium, part-research facility, this establishment is a wonderful, family-friendly attraction that shares the wonders of the Alaskan waters.
From seeing puffins up close to learning about orphan walrus pups, the SeaLife Center is a great place to learn about our fragile marine wildlife and the actions being taken to preserve it.
Seward Highway
Experience Alaska’s natural splendor by driving along the picturesque Seward Highway. Just a stone's throw from Seward, this route weaves through majestic national forests, skirts pristine mountain lakes, and offers panoramic vistas of mountains, glaciers, and the expansive ocean.
Make your journey even more delightful by packing a picnic or pausing at Cooper’s Landing for a bite (I recommend Two Brothers Cafe for an amazing BBQ lunch).
Local Delicacies
Apart from relishing the fresh catches of the sea, don't miss out on trying the local restaurants throughout downtown Seward. Many of these establishments are housed in historic buildings and have interesting, historic photos along their walls. Some of my favorites include The Cookery and Woody's Thai Kitchen.
Kayak Tours
If you prefer a slower pace and have excellent weather, one of the best ways to enjoy Resurrection Bay is in the comfort of your own kayak. Not only will this allow you to get closer to the glaciers, but you can also get closer to the marine wildlife, including the adorable otters that populate the bay. Kayak tours are offered daily from the docks and include a guide and all the equipment you need.
Whether you're a novice or a pro, the bay's calm waters cater to all skill levels. Just be sure to pack your waterproof camera and be ready for a day of stunning scenery and amazing wildlife.
