Often referred to as the gateway to Alaska's untouched wilderness, Seward is a popular destination for road trippers. The journey between Anchorage and Seward takes you along the scenic Seward Highway, a stretch of approximately 127 miles, giving travelers glimpses of the pristine Turnagain Arm, towering cliffs, diverse wildlife, and stunning glaciers. Though this trip can technically be completed in a day, this is a trip where taking your time comes with great advantages.
In this guide, we’ll run through the Ultimate Anchorage to Seward Road Trip, stretching across three days with departure and return from Anchorage. While you can condense this trip or expand, this itinerary provides a great starting off point for a quick getaway to the epic Kenai Peninsula.
Day 1: Depart Anchorage
- Stop 1: Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm
Commence your road trip heading south on the beautiful Seward Highway. This stretch gives the first glimpses of the majestic Alaskan landscape and a vastness of the Cook Inlet. Stop to pick up a coffee at one of the many adorable coffee shops in Anchorage and then get ready for a great day of sightseeing! - Stop 2: Moose Flats Boardwalks
Ideal for early risers but a great option for everyone – The Moose Flats Boardwalk is a great place to get out to stretch your legs, go birdwatching, and look for moose. Plan to spend at least 30 minutes exploring this area.
- Stop 3: Look for Dall Sheep
The first part of the Seward Highway is known for Dall sheep who graze along the cliffs and sometimes stray low to be easily spotted from the road.. Keep your binoculars handy and look up to the cliffs as you head south. Their white fur is often very visible against the gray rocks. - Stop 4: Beluga Point
In the summer, the Cook Inlet plays host to an amazing event – the annual migration of beluga whales hunting salmon into Turnagain Arm. Keep an eye out for their white backs during your journey, and stop at Beluga Point to take a closer look. To keep you updated, text “beluga” to 833-541-0408 for real-time sightings from the Alaska Wildlife Alliance.
- Stop 5: Lunch in Girdwood
Refuel with a meal at the adorable town of Girdwood. For an afternoon adventure, take the gondola at the Alyeska Ski Resort to go hiking in the high alpine meadows and catch some of the most incredible panoramic views in all of Alaska. Looking for something more low-key? Check out the family-friendly Winner Creek Gorge trail, which features a hand tram that shuttles hikers over a cascading river.
- Stop 6: Portage Glacier
As you continue on, stop at the Portage Glacier Visitor Center to learn about the massive glaciers that have carved out Alaska’s dramatic valleys and fjords. If you have time, hike up to Byron Glacier along the easy, 1 mile trail. Keep an eye out for moose and bears in this area, as both are extremely common! - Stop 7: Moose Pass Mercantile
To finish up a long day of adventuring, stop by the Moose Pass Mercantile for an aromatic coffee to re-energize. This is also a great place to stretch your legs and take photos of the dramatic pass. If you have time, head down the road towards Seward and stop at the Ptarmigan Campground to explore Ptarmigan Lake Trail, a 3 mile trail that meanders along a glacier creek up to a beautiful alpine lake. - Stop 8: Seward Arrival
Finish up your day with your arrival to Seward – the Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. There are plenty of hotels, airbnbs, and campgrounds available around town, but a local favorite is to stay downtown where you can easily walk to all of the historic stores and along the waterway.
Day 2: Explore Seward
Morning: As dawn breaks in Seward, make your way to Resurrect Art Coffee House. This café/art gallery, housed in a renovated church, offers a unique blend of local Alaskan art and steaming espresso. Gazing at art, plan out your boat tour – a definite highlight of Seward:
- Full Day Tours: Ranging between 6-8 hours, these cruises meander through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. From the playful otters to the magnificent humpback whales, the wildlife spotting is unparalleled. Witnessing glaciers calving is another magical experience.
- Half-Day Tours: Ideal for those pressed for time. These 3-4 hour tours focus on either wildlife or glaciers.
Kayak Tours: Get close and personal with nature. Paddle amidst pristine waters, making sure to admire the playful sea lions or the occasional bald eagle overhead. - Small Whale Watching Tours: If you’re mainly interested in seeing marine mammals (primarily whales), check into tour operators that focus solely on whale
watching. Operators like Northern Latitude offer tours on smaller vessels that cap at 6 passengers, allowing for a more personalized experience.
Afternoon: After a day out on the water, head up to Kenai Fjords National Park via the park road just outside of town. If you arrive early enough, pop into the visitor center to get situated with the park, learn about its geological and cultural history, and get updates on trail conditions. The most common trail at Exit Glacier is the Harding Icefield Trail. It is a strenuous hike, approximately 8.2 miles (round trip) with an elevation gain of around 3,000 feet. It provides incredible views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape, as well as informative sign posting along the way.
Evening: Spend the evening exploring the quaint downtown of Seward, stopping in to enjoy a local beer at the brewery or taking an evening stroll along the waterfront. For an excellent dinner, check out Woody’s Thai Kitchen, one of the best restaurants in town.
Day 3: Sea Life Center and Copper Landing
Morning: Start your day at the Alaska Sealife Center, a popular marine research and rehabilitation facility that is open to the public. The center features numerous exhibits showcasing Alaska's diverse marine life with the opportunity to observe a variety of marine creatures, including sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins, octopuses, salmon, and many species of fish. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to book a reservation online to ensure there is availability for the time you want to visit.
Early Afternoon: Head out of Seward back to Anchorage, but make a turn to visit Cooper’s Landing, an infamous fly fishing destination. If you have time, consider booking a fly fishing tour for a couple hours to try your hand at salmon fishing or spend some time watching the pros at the sport.
For a fun side adventure, head to Russian River Campground to hike the short, 1.5 mile Russian River Falls trail. This trail leads to an overlook over the Russian River, which is commonly frequented by grizzly bears who are drawn to the jumping salmon. If you plan on doing this hike, be sure to carry bear spray, approach the platform quietly and calmly, and do not venture down to the river if there is a bear present.
Afternoon: Keep heading out of Cooper’s Landing towards Homer to Skilak Lake Road. Head down the gravel road to the Hidden Creek Trailhead to enjoy a serene and beautiful 3.1 mile hike to a pristine glacier lake. This trail meanders through fields of wildflowers and groves of trees before ending at a remote beach with dramatic views. Consider picking up a lunch to go at Two Brothers Roadhouse in Cooper’s Landing before you head out, so you can enjoy a picnic along the lake.
Tip: This is a very common area for black bears, so keep your eyes out along the road and trail for these silent travelers. Be sure to carry bear spray with you and remain calm if you do encounter a bear.
Evening: After a day full of adventure, head back to Anchorage via the Seward Highway, but be sure to stop along the way at any scenic spots you might have missed on your way out.
Essential Road Trip Tips
To help you prepare for this epic Alaskan adventure, check out these local tips on how to save money, avoid hunger, and plan for the best experience possible.
- Car Rental: If you are traveling in the summer, look into renting your car through Turo to save on costly summer rental prices. Turo owners can often throw in bear spray, picnic gear, and coolers to help you be prepared for your journey.
- Packing: Summer is construction season in Alaska, so be prepared for numerous delays on your trip. Pack extra snacks and water, and have some flexibility in your plan in case you have to skip something.
- Fueling Points: Girdwood, Seward, and Cooper's Landing.
