Nestled along the coast, between towering mountains and the shimmering waters of Resurrection Bay, Seward is one of Alaska’s most spectacular destinations. Known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, marine life encounters, and rich local history. Here’s a guide to the top things to see and do in Seward, Alaska.
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1. Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park
A visit to Seward isn’t complete without a boat tour through the Kenai Fjords National Park, located at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula. The Harding Icefield is the crowning jewel of the park. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from this icefield alone. Wildlife thrives in the icy waters and lush forests run along the fjords. .
One of the best ways to explore the park is by boat. Board a glacier and wildlife cruise to see the park’s dramatic fjords, massive glaciers, and diverse marine life. Watch for orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals as you navigate through the icy waters. Some cruises also stop near bird colonies where puffins nest on the rocky cliffs. The wildlife will keep you entertained throughout your journey to the glaciers.
Be sure to pick a tour that takes you to Holgate Glacier or Aialik Glacier. Most will take you by one or the other, depending upon conditions. Here you can witness the ice calving from these majestic glaciers. This is an unforgettable sight as huge chunks of ice crash into the sea. Be sure to dress warm! It may be short sleeved weather when you leave the small boat harbor, but it gets COLD by all that ice!
2. Hike to Exit Glacier
So we already explored Kenai Fjords National Park by water. Now it is time to explore it on land. And there is no better way than with a hike to Exit Glacier. This glacier, located within the park, is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. A short drive from Seward leads to the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Check out the nature center to acquaint yourself with the area’s wildlife, flora, and fauna. Then hit the trail! You can begin the Edge of the Glacier Trail near the nature center. This easy, one-mile trail takes you to the glacier’s edge, offering an up-close view of the ice and its striking blue hues.
For a more challenging hike, take the Harding Icefield Trail. This steep, 8.2-mile round trip trail ascends over 3,500 feet. While this is quite a commitment, the effort pays off as it leads you to panoramic views of the sprawling Harding Icefield. On clear days, you can see miles of untouched ice stretching toward the horizon. As for me? I will stick with the Exit Glacier trail!
If you want to experience the Exit Glacier and Kenai Fjords area both night and day, check out their public use cabins and campground!
3. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center
Located right on Resurrection Bay, the Alaska SeaLife Center combines marine research with interactive exhibits. The center houses native Alaskan species, including harbor seals, sea lions, octopuses, and seabirds. Watch puffins dive underwater through the center’s glass-walled tanks and see sea otters floating playfully along.
The center’s touch tank lets you interact with starfish and sea urchins. Educational programs and behind-the-scenes encounter tours with marine mammals, octopus, and puffins offer deeper insights into Alaska’s marine ecosystems and ongoing conservation efforts. This is a great family-friendly excursion.
4. Kayak Resurrection Bay
For a more intimate experience with Alaska’s coastal beauty, rent a kayak or join a guided kayak tour of Resurrection Bay to Tonsina Point. Paddle through calm waters surrounded by steep, forested cliffs and snow-capped peaks. Seals and sea otters often swim alongside you as you paddle along. And look out for bald eagles soaring overhead.
Guided tours include stops at secluded beaches and coves, where you can take in the peaceful scenery. More adventurous paddlers can head toward Bear Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs float in the milky glacial waters.
5. Walk the Waterfront & Visit the Small Boat Harbor
Seward’s Waterfront Park offers a scenic walking path along the edge of Resurrection Bay from the small boat harbor to the SeaLife Center. Various monuments and landmarks dot the path, such as the Founder’s Monument at Mile 0 of the Historic Iditarod Trail. A lot of people think the Iditarod began in Anchorage, but that is merely the ceremonial start. It actually began in Seward where the town’s first settler’s landed in August 1903. Also look for the Old Seward Railroad Depot.
Watch fishing boats come and go from the Small Boat Harbor and look for otters and seals playing near the shore. The cute little otters alone can entertain you for hours on end. See the proud fishermen display their catch of halibut, salmon, lingcod, and other delights. Then make your way to one of the nearby seafood restaurants. Places like Ray’s Waterfront offer great halibut and king crab, along with great views of the marina and surrounding mountains.
6. Explore the Iditarod National Historic Trail
The Iditarod National Historic Trail begins in Seward and stretches over 2,300 miles to Nome, Alaska. Walk a portion of the trail along the waterfront or through the nearby forest. Interpretive signs highlight the trail’s history as a mail and supply route during Alaska’s early settlement days, before it became the annual sled dog race of today. Basically, the Iditarod was the Pony Express of Alaska!
The trail also offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for black bears, moose, and bald eagles along the route. Be sure to know the local guidance for wildlife encounters. Particularly in regard to bear sightings!
7. Take a Fishing Charter
Seward ranks among the top fishing destinations in Alaska. Book a charter from the harbor and head into Resurrection Bay or the Gulf of Alaska. Anglers target halibut, lingcod, and rockfish, while salmon runs peak in the summer months.
Fishing charters range from half-day to full-day trips, with local guides providing equipment and expert advice. In addition to the thrill of reeling in a massive halibut, you will enjoy a day on the water seeing the various ocean life native to the area.
At the end of your adventure, your guide will weigh, filet, and package your catch for you. Many local restaurants will cook your catch, letting you enjoy the freshest possible seafood. Or you may elect to have your fish sent home. What an amazingly tasty souvenir!
8. Ride the Scenic Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad connects Seward to Anchorage, offering one of the most scenic train rides in North America. Board the train at Seward’s historic depot and travel through glacier-carved valleys, coastal fjords, and rugged mountains.
The journey includes opportunities for wildlife spotting, with chances to see moose, bears, and eagles along the way. Panoramic viewing windows and an open-air platform provide the best views of Alaska’s stunning landscapes.
Yes, you can also drive from Seward to Anchorage, but the driver never gets to fully enjoy the scenery! A ride along the Alaska Railroad is a wonderful way to get from Seward to Anchorage while actually seeing the sites along the way.
9. Visit Lowell Point
Just south of Seward, the Lowell Point State Recreation Site offers a quieter escape with sandy beaches and forested trails. The area provides excellent beach-combing and tide-pooling, with starfish, anemones, and small crabs often visible at low tide.
The Tonsina Point Trail leads from Lowell Point through coastal forest to a secluded beach. The trail offers a mix of ocean views and shaded paths, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
10. Visit Bear Creek Weir
During the summer months, visit Bear Creek Weir to watch salmon make their way upstream to spawn. The weir is basically a blockage of the creek and it is used to control and count salmon returns. This is all well and good for science and fishery management, but the most interesting part is that this small fish ladder provides a unique vantage point for us to see the powerful determination of returning salmon.
As a bonus, bears and eagles often gather near the creek in hopes of snagging a delicious salmon lunch. This provides excellent wildlife viewing! That said, don’t wander off away from the weir. You don’t want to personally replace the salmon on a bear’s dinner plate!
11. Explore the Seward Community Library & Museum
For a quieter cultural experience, visit the Seward Community Library and Museum. The museum showcases Seward’s history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Admission is free and you can wander around the museum at your own pace. The museum offers two short (25 minute) films for a small fee, including “Waves Over Seward: The 1964 Earthquake,” and “Iditarod National Historic Trail.”
This is a good rainy day activity. Don’t have time to get to the museum this trip? Then check out this virtual tour!
12. Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Icefield
For a bird’s-eye view of Seward’s glaciers and fjords, book a helicopter tour. Flights often include the Harding Icefield or one of its outlet glaciers such as the massive Bear Glacier. You will get a birds eye view of glacial crevasses, enormous icebergs, and majestic waterfalls. Your pilot/guide will lead you to explore the area on foot and you will often see moose, otters, seals, and sometimes bears!
Helicopter tours also offer unmatched views of Resurrection Bay, Bear Glacier, and the surrounding Kenai Mountains.
Tips for Visiting Seward
Best Time to Visit: Summer months from June to September offer mild weather, long daylight hours, and peak wildlife activity.
Packing: Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy footwear. Even summer days can be chilly and damp. That said, you might still want a short-sleeved shirt or two. Don’t assume you won’t.
Wildlife Safety: Carry bear spray and follow local guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Cruising to Seward: Several cruise lines sail in and out of Seward including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Viking, Silversea, HX Expeditions, Crystal, and Regent Seven Seas. Enjoy anywhere from a day to a week or more pre- or post-cruise in Seward! Give me a ring to plan your trip!
Local Transportation: Renting a car is the best way to explore Seward and access trailheads and scenic areas. If you are cruising in or out of Seward you can rent a locally and use the train to get to/from the Anchorage airport! I love using Turo to rent vehicles in Alaska.
Where to Stay: There are all sorts of wonderful places to stay ranging from nice hotels and lodges, to RV parks and “luxury” tents, in Seward! Check them out!
Experience the Best of Seward
No matter what you choose to do, Seward offers an authentic Alaskan experience.
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