If you are planning a cruise to Alaska, you will likely have a stop in Seward. Here are the top 5 things to do in Seward, Alaska.
The charming port town of Seward is located at the end of Resurrection Bay, a calm fjord on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of thick spruce and hemlock forests, snow-covered mountains, and endless skies. The natural beauty surrounding Seward makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Seward serves as the gateway to the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park and the expansive Harding Icefield. This makes it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like sea kayaking and dog sledding. The town itself is lively, with a bustling harbor, craft breweries, galleries, and historic sites to explore.
If you're planning a Alaska Cruise, you'll probably stop in Seward. Here are the top 15 things to do in Seward, Alaska.
Around 40 slow-moving rivers of ice flow down from the large Harding Icefield to the sea. Hiking to Exit Glacier, a popular activity in Seward, is a challenging adventure. The trail is over four miles long and climbs uphill on the glacier’s rocky path. Along the way, you might hear the ice cracking or spot mountain goats nearby.
When you reach the top, the views of the blue and white icefield, surrounded by tall peaks and forests, are amazing. It’s a perfect spot for couples enjoying an Alaskan honeymoon. For adventure lovers, there’s also the chance to go ice climbing. A helicopter ride takes you over the trees and glaciers, with expert guides leading the way.
The closer you are to the water, the more connected you'll feel to nature. The calm fjords and inlets around Seward are perfect for sea kayaking, where you can paddle right up to the towering ice face of a glacier. Kayaking is one of the top activities in Seward and should be high on your list of things to do.
A popular kayaking adventure is to Aialik Glacier, which is an easy day trip. You'll start with a water taxi ride from Seward to Aialik Bay, keeping an eye out for whales, porpoises, and Steller sea lions along the way. Once there, you'll hop into your kayak and paddle close to the massive blue-white wall of ice. Aialik Glacier is very active, with chunks of ice breaking off with a roar. You might see seals resting on floating ice or popping up to watch you, and you may even spot bears on the shore and bald eagles on the cliffs.
Seward is known as the starting point for the famous Iditarod Trail, making it a top destination for dog sledding in Alaska. The Seavey family, who have their kennels and home at the foot of Resurrection Mountain, have a rich history in this sport. With four generations of mushing champions, they have won the Iditarod race seven times.
While dog sledding races happen in the winter, you can still enjoy a visit to the kennels in the summer. You can cuddle cute, fluffy puppies and even go for a sled ride through the wilderness. In the summer, the sleds have wheels, and the strong team of dogs pulls you along trails through the forests around Resurrection Mountain and Box Canyon Creek. These rides are not only fun for visitors but also keep the dogs in top shape for racing.
Also read: What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Get ready for an exciting adventure on the Stoney Creek zipline, where you’ll need to be comfortable with heights. As you glide above the spruce forest, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views from high up, like an eagle looking down on the treetops below.
During this Alaskan treetop adventure, you’ll cross three swinging suspension bridges and zip from one wooden platform to another, high in the massive spruce and hemlock trees. Some of the ziplines will take you closer to the ground, giving you a unique view of the streams rushing through the lush greenery below.
The Alaska SeaLife Center offers more than just a chance to see seals and puffins up close. However, there are plenty of opportunities for that. It's a great place to visit in Seward, especially on a rainy day. It is both fun and educational for families.
As the only cold-water marine science center in the Western Hemisphere, it focuses on helping injured marine animals recover. Kids can touch sea creatures like sea stars in the tide pool or check out the salmon ladder. You can watch seals swimming in a large tank or see the graceful movements of giant octopuses. You can also enjoy a close-up experience with puffins during feeding time and learn about sea otters and how they survive in the cold waters of the North Pacific.
Kenai Fjords National Park is an attractive place with tall mountains, deep fjords, and large glaciers. You can take a day cruise to see these sights up close and watch for whales, sea lions, puffins, and sea otters. The cruises go through Resurrection Bay and along the coast, giving you great views of the glaciers and marine wildlife.
If you prefer to explore by land, visit Exit Glacier, which is the only part of the park you can reach by road from Seward. From the Exit Glacier Nature Center, a short 2.2-mile hike takes you to a viewpoint for great views of the glacier. For a longer hike with even better views, take the Harding Icefield Trail, which climbs 3,000 feet over 4 miles.
For some of the best Fishing on the Kenai Peninsula, book a fishing charter in Seward. You can head out to the popular fishing spots in Resurrection Bay and beyond to catch various fish, including all five types of Pacific salmon, halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. Choose a charter that focuses on a specific type of fish or opt for a combo trip to try several kinds at once.
If you're a serious fishing lover, take advantage of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby in August. This event draws anglers from all over the country. The competition is fierce, and those who catch the largest silver salmon win a share of the prize, which is usually more than $100,000.
Seward is a great place for hiking lovers, surrounded by beautiful mountains with trails for all skill levels. The town is famous for the Mount Marathon Race, held every 4th of July weekend. In this race, skilled runners from around the world compete to race up and down the 3,022-foot Mount Marathon peak. The event draws nearly the entire town and many visitors who come to cheer on the athletes.
If you prefer a less challenging hike, the Mount Marathon Jeep Trail offers a more relaxed route up the mountain, passing a lovely waterfall and offering great views of Resurrection Bay. Other popular trails in the area include the Tonsina Creek Trail, which runs along the Resurrection Bay coastline and links to a network of trails and campsites at Caines Head State Recreation Site.
The Small Boat Harbor comes alive in the summer, filled with sailboats, fishing boats, and charters, with snowy mountains in the background. Nearby, you can explore five miles of rocky beach at Waterfront Park. Keep an eye out for active sea otters floating on their backs, sea lions lounging in the sun, and maybe even a whale spouting in the bay.
The beach is dotted with interesting sites, like the Founder's Monument, where the first settlers arrived in 1903, and the Mile 0 marker of the Historic Iditarod Trail, which once connected to Alaska's wild interior. The harbor area is also lined with restaurants and cafes, perfect for enjoying local Alaskan dishes in the sun. Don't forget to stop by Harbor Street Creamery for a treat of homemade ice cream, sundaes, or smoothies.
Explore downtown Seward, a lively area filled with rich history and local charm. As the end point of the Alaska Railroad, this historic town has been a hub since the early days of fur trading and served as a supply port due to its ice-free harbor in Resurrection Bay. Stroll through the streets to see giant murals depicting local scenes like Exit Glacier, Mount Marathon, and the original Iditarod Trail.
While downtown, enjoy the unique sights and local businesses. Visit the Train Wreck on 4th Avenue, a quirky spot with restored railcars, and grab a meal at the Smoke Shack, known for its Tex-Mex flavors and smoked meats. Don’t miss the Resurrect Art Coffeehouse, a charming gallery in an old church, or try local craft beers at the Seward Brewing Company, a building rich in history.
Seward may be a small city, but it has a lively arts community worth discovering. Take some time to walk through the local art galleries, like Nakao Ceramics, where artist Jenny Nakao creates unique pottery inspired by local designs. She even offers pottery classes, giving you a chance to make your special keepsake.
The Ranting Raven is another must-see, featuring a fun mix of prints, trinkets, and small artworks, with the bonus of a café serving cappuccinos. Don't miss Susan C. Swiderski's gallery, where her oil paintings capture the cultural history and stunning landscapes of Alaska, from sweeping views to detailed portraits.
Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, one of the best things to do near Seward, to see Alaska's amazing wildlife up close. This sanctuary is home to many animals, including grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and reindeer, all of which have been rescued because they were orphaned or injured. It's a great place to see these creatures, which you might not easily spot in the wild.
The center, located about 90 minutes from downtown Seward, is perfect for a fun and educational afternoon trip. Staff members give informative talks about animals like Twix, a friendly porcupine, and Adonis, a bald eagle who lost a wing. It’s a wonderful place for all ages, especially for kids and teens eager to learn about wildlife.
One of the best ways to truly appreciate Alaska's vast wilderness and stunning natural beauty is from above. Join a guided flightseeing tour on a floatplane or helicopter to see breathtaking views of mountains, fjords, wildlife, and glaciers. Fly over the Chugach Mountain Range and Kenai Fjords National Park or enjoy tours that include glacier landings and dog sledding.
Flightseeing trips are perfect for all levels of activity and offer a unique way to explore Alaska's remote areas. These tours make it easy to access the state's backcountry, taking you deep into its rugged terrain without the need for long hikes or strenuous activities.
Seward is famous for its fresh, delicious seafood, thanks to its long history as a fishing port. Many of the fish you eat here are caught locally, sometimes just hours before reaching your plate. Almost every restaurant in town serves seafood, and some will even cook the fish you catch on a fishing trip for you.
Wild Alaskan halibut is a local favorite, known for its firm, meaty texture and great taste whether grilled, seared, or poached. Other popular seafood options include flaky Pacific cod, buttery scallops, and sablefish, also known as black cod. With many choices, there is always something tasty to enjoy in Seward.
Beluga whales can be spotted along the 120-mile scenic road between Anchorage and Seward in Alaska, which runs along the Cook Inlet. This is one of the few places in the world where you can see these white whales from the road. The Cook Inlet belugas are considered endangered, with fewer than 400 left, but conservation efforts are showing hopeful signs.
Beluga whales are unique creatures known for their intelligence and social nature. They are closely related to narwhals and dolphins. One of their most distinctive features is the “melon,” a bulge on their forehead that helps them with echolocation. This allows them to control their sound waves for communication and navigation underwater precisely.
Seward, Alaska, is a perfect place for adventure and relaxation, offering a mix of stunning natural beauty and exciting activities. From exploring glaciers and fjords to enjoying the local culture in the lively downtown area, there’s something for everyone. Whether you love outdoor adventures or simply want to soak in the views, Seward has it all.
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