Are you looking for things to do in Seward, Alaska? You are in the right place. I have visited recently (it was part of my Alaska itinerary) and tried out a bunch of activities.
Seward is a gateway to all sorts of remote, natural goodness. Nestled on the coast of Resurrection Bay, this far-flung town is all about the beautiful vistas and is considered one of the best places to visit in Alaska. Snow-capped peaks rise out of glassy water, while glaciers and epic scenery lie within easy reach of the city.
Remote though it may be, Seward never feels very remote. That’s thanks to its good transport connections and local amenities spanning museums, plenty of restaurants and bars. It’s a fun place to explore.
I spent a few days in Seward during my recent trip to Alaska, and explored the town and its vicinity to take in all the amazing things to do.
Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Seward, featuring some amazing attractions in Seward AK plus some great hotels in Seward Alaska, as well as its best restaurants.
15 Incredible Things to Do in Seward, Alaska
Hike the Exit Glacier
Visiting the Exit Glacier is definitely one of the unmissable things to do in Seward. The easily accessible Exit Glacier is part of the Kenai Fjords National Park, located just a 20-minute drive from town.
Hiking this captivating naturally formed wall of ice is a great way to experience a glacier up close and personal.
You can actually hike this glacier independently, but I wholeheartedly recommend joining a guided hike as you will need a number of items that most people don’t simply carry around on a regular basis.
For example, this Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward will provide you all the necessary equipment. The tour is led by an experienced guide so you will hike on the gargantuan wall of ice of the glacier in safety. The tour also includes transportation from Seward, lunch and snacks for the duration of the trip.
Hike the Harding Icefield
Beginning at the Exit Glacier area, the hike into the Harding Icefield is what to do in Seward Alaska for any adventure lover and hiking junkie.
The trail starts on the valley floor. The trail is a round trip that covers a distance of 8.2 miles (13.2 km) roundtrip, and weaves through woodlands, heather fields and green meadows.
Most of the hike is uphill on the way to the viewpoint, climbing at a gradual but steady incline, affording you some astounding views of the ice field below, which seems to go on forever. It’s a pretty epic panorama.
However, I shall warn you: this is not an easy hike. While the trail is easy to follow and very popular among locals and tourists you can definitely hike independently, it is quite a workout and between the elevation gain and the high chances of rain along the way, you may feel this is quite a challenge.
If you have a car, getting to the trailhead is very easy – it’s basically in the same place where the Exit Glacier is located in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Otherwise, you can join this guided tour that includes transportation from Seward, a professional guide and a very welcome lunch and snacks (there is nothing in terms of services or food along the way).
My post How To Hike The Harding Icefield explains in detail what you can expect from this hike.
Visit the Alaska Sealife Center
The Alaska Sealife Center is one of the top attractions in Seward AK and an important institution where you can get to know some of the ocean creatures that call this wild region home.
As well as being a fun attraction in itself, the Alaska Sealife Center is the only one of its kind (i.e. with a focus on cold water) in the Western Hemisphere.
It’s well worth spending some time here, learning about the natural world of Alaska’s seas and about the conservation and rehabilitation efforts of the center. There’s the chance to see giant octopuses, puffins, harbor seals and Steller sea lions.
Take a boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park
Comprising giant glaciers, coastal fjords and icy islands, Kenai Fjords National Park is situated on the Kenai Peninsula, a stone’s throw from Seward.
Home to part of the Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield, there are more than 40 glaciers slowly carving their way through the landscape of the national park; the largest of these is Bear Glacier which can be seen on cruises and kayaking expeditions along the Kenai Fjords National Park.
Rather than being devoid of wildlife, there’s plenty of chances to spot the flora and fauna that thrive in this inhospitable environment.
During a cruise along the Kenai Fjords, your captain will help you spot all the animals – marine life as well as birds. It’s an wonderful experience though you have to remember the sea conditions may be rough at times, and it can rain too (it did when I went on a cruise). I recommend taking dramamine just in case.
I recommend this Kenai Fjords National Park cruise as one of the best things to do in Seward. Tours depart every day, pretty much irregardless of weather conditions. The tour lasts 6 hours and you’ll have a small deli lunch included as well as the chance of using the binoculars provided on board for a higher chance of spotting wildlife.
Alternatively, if you are visiting in the summer you can even opt for this dinner cruise by the glaciers which is one of the best things to do in Seward at night (well, days are really long in the summer months!) and provides plenty of chances to spot wildlife.
Explore Resurrection Bay
Resurrection Bay is a fjord set on the outer reaches of the Kenai Peninsula. Also known as Blying Sound, the bay is known not only for its natural credentials but also for a little bit of history, too.
Here you’ll find Fort McGilvray, located 650 feet (200 meters) above sea level atop Caines Head. It was built to protect against Japanese invasion during World War II.
Resurrection Bay is often used as a jumping-off point for those who want to explore further into the Kenai Fjords National Park. As a result, you’ll find everything from water taxis and fishing boats to kayak tours departing from here.
Many people get to visit Resurrection Bay during boat tours along the Kenai Fjords – it’s what to do in Seward to spot wildlife. On any given tour you will have the chance to spot whales, orcas, sea otters (there are lots and lots of those) as well as sea eagles and mountain goats. If your tour goes all the way to Cape Resurrection, you may even get to see Steller sea lions.
I recommend this half day Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise: it lasts 4 hours and includes a shuttle from your accommodation to the harbor if you need it.
If you are visiting Seward between mid-May and mid-June, you could also consider this highly rated Orca Quest Cruise that lasts 4 hours and has a strong focus on spotting orcas (hence why it’s best to go during the season).
Check out the Fox Island
Part of the Aleutian Islands, which stretches between northeastern Siberia and Alaska, Fox Islands are the closest archipelago to the North American continent. The Fox Islands have been home to the native Aleut people for centuries, but were first visited by Europeans in 1741.
The main islands are Akun, Akutan, Amaknak, Sanak, Umnak, Unalaska and Unimak.
Exploring them can be tricky as the weather conditions are often quite bad (think foggy and lots of rain, like in the photo above), and there are lots of treacherous reefs and frequent earthquakes.
It’s best visited on a tour, which will include transport by boat. Many boat tours along the Kenai Fjords will make a quick stop outside of the main Fox Island for you to check out the wildlife – usually orcas, whales and sea otters.
I recommend this Kenai Fjords National Park tour with Fox Island that also stops at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
Hike to Caines Head / Tonsina Point
The area around Caines Head offers some of the best hiking opportunities in Alaska. There are many trails, allowing visitors to take in World War II history, pass by glaciers and spot bald eagles in their natural habitat.
You can hike to Caines Head from Seward itself. The route follows an old wagon track, passing through temperate rainforest, past a creek and onto a beach trail that winds its way around the coast. Climbing up to Fort McGilvray – an old WWII fort – is optional, but a must for history fans and from there you can enjoy stunning views of Resurrection Bay.
I recommend this Kayak and Hike to Historic WW2 Army Fort in Alaska tour that also includes a kayaking tour to Miller’s Landing for chances of spotting wildlife along the way.
Fly over a glacier
For more incredible things to do in Seward Alaska, consider flying over a glacier. It’s not exactly a cheap activity, but if you have the money to splurge I wholeheartedly recommend it. There are two ways to do it – a scenic flight in a small plane, or a helicopter flight. Both are fantastic adventures.
For example, you can take this 45-minute flight over the Bear Glacier and Aialik Glacier that is bound to give you some of the most impressive views of the glaciers, as well as of the Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay.
There is also this helicopter tour that lasts a bit less but it lands in Godwin Glacier, where you’ll get to spend 15 minutes browsing around. It’s a fantastic experience!
There even are some helicopter flights which land on glaciers and then include dog sledding – it truly one of the top (and most expensive) things to do in Seward Alaska, but certainly a once in a lifetime experience.
I recommend this helicopter and glacier dog sledding tour that lasts 1.5 hours. You will land on Godwin Glacier and then embark on a 2-mile (around 3.2 km) dog sled ride. The tour seems short but you’ll get to learn loads about dog sledding!
Walk along Seward Waterfront
Take some time out of your day for a stroll along the picturesque Seward Waterfront. The paved pathway can be found in downtown Seward, hugging the sea as it makes its way out of town. Views from here stretch out across Prince William Sound, backed by the ever-present mountains in the distance. It’s one of the most relaxed things to do in Seward.
Visit Seward Community Library and Museum
This warm, welcoming hub is the place to come to learn about Seward’s history and culture. The Seward Community Library and Museum showcases relics of the area’s indigenous people and more modern incidents, such as the Russian era before Alaska became a US territory.
You can also learn about the devastating Good Friday Earthquake (1964) and the equally devastating oil spill of 1989.
Visit and discover a wealth of intriguing antiques, cultural artifacts and plenty of exhibits including movies and even a children’s area. It’s free to enter, so surely what to do in Seward Alaska for travelers on a budget.
Look for salmon and bears at Russian River
Salmon are famed for being able to swim upstream, but it’s not often the case that you get to see this phenomenon occur in the wild. But in Seward, you can see this spectacle for yourself.
Most people go to Bear Creek Weir for this, but there are more places you may want to check out where the experience is more local.
Best witnessed in late June, during the salmon migration when thousands of sockeye salmon make their way upriver, there are a couple of viewing decks along Seward’s Russian River.
You will have to actually cross the river by boat (you can get tickets once on the spot, and ride the boat together with the many local fishermen) and walk on a nice trail through the woods to find the best viewpoints.
If you’re lucky you may even see bears along the riverside, attempting to scoop a few salmon up for their dinner! We certainly saw one, and we knew there were more in the area because we saw many fresh “droppings”.
My post Where To See Bears In Alaska gives insights into more places you can visit for bear viewing.
Hike Mount Marathon
Named after the actual marathon that happens here each year on the Fourth of July, this mountain is a well-trodden favorite for hikers (and runners) in the Seward area. There are two options if you want to climb it.
The first begins at sea level and sees you ascending 3,022 feet (921 meters) in just 3 miles (4-8 km) – so as you can imagine it’s very challenging.
Otherwise, there’s the much more gradual Jeep Trail, which is a 4 mile loop (6.4 km) that takes around 4 hours to complete.
Walk along the Iditarod National Historic Trail
Alaska’s only historic trail goes right by Seward, so if you are planning some time in the lovely small town this is definitely one of the attractions in Seward AK you should add to your list.
But what is it exactly?
This is a trail that was used as the dog-team mail and supply route in the times of the gold rush. In fact, it existed before as it used to connect all the small native villages in the area.
It’s a very long trail – 3,701 km or 2,300 miles – but there you can walk some smaller bits while in Seward. For example, you can try to find the Iditarod Monument that was erected in Resurrection Bay.
Go rafting on the Resurrection River
If you visit in the right season, rafting is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Seward. You have to be prepared for a bit of exercise (you will need to paddle and work as a team as per your guide’s instructions) and not be afraid to be thrown in the water which – I am sorry to break the news – can be very cold even if you wear a dry suit.
The best place to go rafting near Seward is the Resurrection River – which is also a great place to see salmon swimming upstream in the right season.
You will be going down for about 8 miles (roughly 13 km) along class I to class III rapids, so it’s not too challenging or scary and it’s in fact great for first timers too. It’s a great experience considering that you may be lucky to spot wildlife along the way too!
I recommend this rafting expedition on the Resurrection River. It includes transportation from Seward, all the necessary equipment – including a dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry as you paddle.
Enjoy Seward’s incredible restaurant scene
Seward has a surprisingly good food scene, and eating is one of the best things to do in Seward after a long day of exploring the area. There are places to grab some amazingly fresh seafood, fast food joints, high-end restaurants and local bars where you can have a drink or two to wind up your day.
They are popular among locals too, so in many cases you’ll have to make reservations in advance or wait in line (drink in hand, of course) before you are assigned a table.
Here are some restaurants I tried and loved during my trip to Seward.
The Cookery
Opening its doors in 2015, The Cookery has since made a name for itself based on its oysters, produced from the Kenai Peninsula, and locally farmed meat and seafood. It’s all wonderfully paired with an international selection of wine and a range of beers on tap.
The couple behind The Cookery have also opened The Lone Chicharron Taqueria, which is located over the road and features a tasty menu of Mexican staples.
When I visited, service was spot on and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary requirements. The desserts are decadent!
The Flamingo Bar
For a steakhouse that also serves seafood, look no further than The Flamingo Bar. Complete with a vintage 1950s aesthetic, from the friendly service to the interior design, it’s the ideal place to come for sustainable food with a quirky twist. There are also craft cocktails on offer.
I recommend sharing the main course here as portions are immense. It’s also not the cheapest place, but food is good. In case of doubt, order their fried halibut basket.
Seward Brewing Company
Serving up a good choice of local craft beer and delicious pub food (their fish tacos are delicious), Seward Brewing Company is a great option for evening drinks in Seward. It’s a brewpub with modern-meets-rustic decor and a friendly atmosphere.
Practical Guide
Best time to visit Seward
Seward is best visited during the late spring and summer months (from May through August). This is when the weather is at its warmest, around 65°F (18°C) during the day, and also the time of year that sees the most sunlight. The longest days typically have around 19 hours of sunlight.
This is also when all the restaurants and accommodation are open for visitors. But obviously, it’s the busiest time of year, too, so you’ll have to book your accommodation far in advance and make reservations for restaurants.
For a quieter time to visit, or if you’re looking for a bit of an adventure, then the autumn season (September to November) is a good bet. The landscape is marked by autumn colours on the trees, and then gradually changing to a snowy winter wonderland.
Temperatures drop though, falling to between 30°F (-1°C) and 50°F (10°C). There’s also quite a lot of rain around this time of year.
Incidentally, I visited at the end of August and got solid rain for most of the time I spent there (a few days): go prepared with good rain gear as you will end up needing it as some point or another!
How to get to Seward
Traveling from Anchorage to Seward is fairly easy – even if you don’t have your own car. Here’s how to do it.
Take the train from Anchorage to Seward
For a truly unique experience, you can take the the Alaska Railroad train from Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. This daily passenger service is an incredible chance to sit back and watch the incredible Alaskan scenery pass by.
The train departs Anchorage at 6:45 am and arrives in Seward at 11:20 a.m. If you want to get back to Anchorage, the train leaves Seward at 6:00 pm and arrives back in Anchorage at 10:15 pm.
Rent a car in Anchorage
If you want to drive from Anchorage to Seward, then you’re in luck — it’s a gorgeous drive. Located around 2 and a half hours away, the route takes you along the Seward Highway, which is designated an Alaska Scenic Byway and a National All-American Road.
The highway runs for around 129 miles (207 km). There are plenty of places to hire cars in Anchorage, with major car rental companies easy to find in the city. I recommend looking online on Discover Cars for the best car rental deals.
Best hotels in Seward Alaska
When I visited I stayed at the Edgewater Hotel and I must admit the only thing I liked about it was the convenient position close to the Alaska Sealife Center and all the restaurants. Other than that, breakfast was very basic, the rooms a bit cramped and not cozy, and I would not stay there again.
Here is a selection of much better hotels in Seward Alaska:
Luxury – Harbor 360 Hotel Seward
Open all year round, this is one of the nicest hotels in Seward Alaska, and it is well located right on Seward’s waterfront. Here guests can enjoy 360-degree views of Resurrection Bay and the mountain scenery beyond.
Rooms here are bright and airy, while amenities include an on-site dining room, a continental breakfast served up each morning, and a tour desk to help you explore further afield.
Midrange – The Vue B&B
This bright and airy B&B is conveniently located in central Seward. Guest rooms here feature TVs, private bathrooms and seating areas, with some rooms featuring sea or mountain views.
There’s a complimentary breakfast served up each morning, while there’s also a shared kitchen to help budget travelers keep their costs low. The hotel also boasts free parking, which is ideal if you’ve rented a car.
Budget – Sauerdough Lodging
The bright, airy studio apartments on offer at Sauerdough Lodging offer some great views of Resurrection Bay. They feature kitchens, good Wi-Fi and their own dining areas. It’s set above a cafe (the Sea Bean Cafe), which serves up tasty food early in the morning — the ideal way to start your day.
Further Readings
If you are planning a trip to Ala
- Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Alaska
- A Quick Guide To Talkeetna
- How To Hike The Savage Alpine Trail
- A Useful Guide To Denali National Park
- The Best Day Trips From Anchorage
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