Renowned as one of Alaska’s most well-known destinations, Seward is a must-visit on any Alaskan itinerary. This charming coastal town poised on the pristine waters of Resurrection Bay offers visitors endless wildlife viewing, hiking, and aquatic adventure without skimping on the pleasures of home.
In this guide, we will walk you through the history that made Seward the unique destination it is today, why you should visit, top things to see and do in the area, and how to get there. Get ready to pack your bags for an adventure to Alaska’s seaside gem.
A Key Port Through History
As one of Alaska’s oldest communities, Seward has played a key role in Alaska’s history. As an ice-free port, the town has served as a gateway to the interior for hundreds of years and is the ancestral home of the Alutiiq people.
In the early 1800s, Russian fur traders arrived in the area, establishing a trading post at the port In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia and the quiet trading post quickly grew as a bustling port in the new American territory.
In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Seward as the terminus for the newly built Alaska Railroad, which helped transform the small town into a bustling port city. Seward's strategic location made it an important center for transportation, trade, and communication in the region.
However, on March 27, 1964, a devastating earthquake struck the town, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Many buildings and homes were destroyed, and the town's port facilities were severely damaged. Despite the destruction, Seward was quickly rebuilt and remains an important economic hub for Alaska.
Today, Seward is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the town's museums and galleries, take a cruise to the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park, or enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The town's deep connection to Alaska's history and culture makes it a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in the state's unique past and present.
Why You Should Visit
Beyond having a fascinating history, Seward is perfectly positioned to offer an excellent Alaskan adventure for every traveler. Poised at the edge of a long fjord, Seward offers endless vistas and dramatic scenery directly from downtown. Throughout the summer, the docks are bustling with frequent wildlife cruises, dinner cruises, and boat taxis.
The town offers casual travelers an excellent array of culinary delights, exquisite museums, and interesting souvenir shops. There are car rentals and hotels available downtown, and Seward is also the perfect basecamp for exploring the wider Kenai Peninsula area.
What to See and Do in Seward, Alaska
With enough sightseeing fonder to fill multiple days, we’ve narrowed down a list of the top must-see attractions to do during your visit in Seward.
Take a wildlife cruise: During the summer, Seward is home to a variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, puffins, and sea otters. A wildlife cruise is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Opt for a cruise with a wildlife biologist aboard, so you can learn more about these amazing animals while viewing them.
Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Located just outside of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park offers breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Guided hikes and boat taxis are available daily from the Seward docks throughout the summer.
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center: The Alaska SeaLife Center is a research and rehabilitation facility that features exhibits showcasing the marine life of Alaska. This is a must-visit during your time in Seward, with the chance to view some of the intricate ecosystems thriving beneath the frigid Alaskan waters.
Hike to Exit Glacier: The trail to Exit Glacier is an easy, family-friendly hike that takes you to the base of the famous glacier. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with multiple opportunities for wildlife viewing and photo spots.
Go fishing: Seward is a popular destination for fishing, with opportunities to catch salmon, halibut, and other fish. Check into renting a guided fishing boat for the day or check out fly-fishing opportunities around the Kenai Peninsula. King Salmon are common throughout July and August, and local restaurants will cook up your fresh catch for a small fee.
Visit the Seward Museum: The Seward Museum showcases the history of the town, including its role in the 1964 earthquake and its role as the start of the infamous Iditarod Trail. Pop in here during a rainy day to learn more about the culture and history of the area and of southcentral Alaska.
Take a scenic drive: The Seward Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Alaska, offering breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and the ocean. Located just outside of Seward, this drive will take you through national forest lands, along mountain lakes, and past dramatic valleys. Pack yourself a picnic or stop at Cooper’s Landing on your way, to enjoy a local treat at the small pub.
Go kayaking: Kayaking in Resurrection Bay is one of the most popular activities in Seward, offering the opportunity to explore the coastline and view wildlife from the water. Kayak rentals are available daily from the docks throughout the summer, and the protected waters offer a kayaking experience for most levels. If you’re uncomfortable being on your own, guides are also available. Just be sure to keep your distance from the glaciers, as falling ice can cause small tidal waves and can be extremely destructive for kayakers.
Enjoy fresh seafood: Seward is known for its fresh seafood, with a variety of restaurants offering delicious dishes featuring local ingredients. If you’re visiting in the late spring or summer, keep an eye out for halibut or salmon on the menu. There’s a very good chance what you’re eating came straight out of the ocean that morning!
How to Get to Seward
Unlike many coastal destinations in Alaska, Seward is extremely well-connected to the rest of the state and is accessible by boat, plane, car, and train.
If you venture here by boat, you can opt to catch a cruise from Washington or California. Many Alaskan cruises will voyage through the Inner Passage of Southeastern Alaska before terminating in Seward.
Charter flights are available from Homer and Anchorage, though many visitors opt to drive. Seward is approximately 125 miles south of Anchorage, and can be reached via the Seward Highway in about 2.5 hours. Several bus operators also offer transportation between Anchorage and Seward, as well as to other destinations on the Kenai Peninsula, such as Homer.
For a more memorable adventure, you can also visit Seward via the historic Alaska Railroad. From May to September, the Alaska Railroad offers daily train service from Anchorage to Seward, with the ride taking approximately 4 hours. Be sure to pack your camera for this option, as the train travels along the coast and through some of the most dramatic alpine terrain in the state.
Gear Up and Head Out for Your Alaskan Adventure
From hiking through pristine wilderness to watching glaciers calve into the ocean, there is no shortage of breathtaking experiences to be had in Seward, Alaska.
Whether you're an avid fisherman, a nature lover, or a history buff, Seward has something to offer everyone. You can explore the town's rich cultural heritage at the museum or get up close and personal with Alaska's wildlife on a guided tour. Every moment you spend in this incredible seaside escape, you are surrounded by the pristine beauty of coastal Alaska. With wilderness accessible by everyone, there is no shortage of adventures to be had here.
