Seward is a charming coastal town nestled at the edge of Resurrection Bay in south-central Alaska. With stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and access to Kenai Fjords National Park, this small fishing village offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re visiting during the midnight sun of summer or the snowy quiet of winter, Seward delivers authentic Alaska adventure.
Picture yourself watching massive glaciers calve into icy waters while whales breach nearby. Imagine hiking through pristine wilderness trails with snow-capped peaks towering above you. That’s the magic of Seward, a destination that combines rugged natural beauty with accessible outdoor activities.
This guide covers the best things to do in Seward Alaska, from must-see attractions to hidden gems. We’ll explore seasonal activities, unique experiences, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to this remarkable corner of the Last Frontier.
Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park
A glacier cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park ranks among the best things to do in Seward Alaska, and for good reason. These tours take you into the heart of one of America’s most spectacular national parks, where tidewater glaciers meet the sea in dramatic fashion.
Most cruises depart from Seward’s harbor and venture into the protected waters of the park. You’ll witness towering glaciers like Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier, often watching huge chunks of ice crash into the ocean with thunderous roars. The sight and sound of glacial calving is something you’ll remember forever.
Beyond the glaciers, these cruises offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your camera ready for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions. Puffins, bald eagles, and other seabirds are常見 常常 spotted along the rocky coastlines.
Tours range from half-day excursions to full-day adventures with some including meals. Choose a tour that matches your schedule and interests. Spring through early fall offers the best weather and wildlife activity, though each season brings its own unique beauty to these icy waters.
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center
The Alaska SeaLife Center stands as Alaska’s only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center. This world-class facility combines education, research, and rehabilitation in one impressive waterfront location. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Seward for families and anyone curious about marine life.
Inside, you’ll discover exhibits featuring puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, and various fish species native to Alaska waters. The center’s large windows allow you to watch these animals both above and below the water surface. Seeing sea lions zoom past underwater is absolutely mesmerizing.
The center also serves a critical role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured marine animals. Many of the residents you’ll see are recovering from injuries or are permanent residents unable to return to the wild. Staff members are usually available to answer questions and share fascinating details about Alaska’s marine ecosystems.
Interactive touch tanks let visitors get hands-on with sea stars, anemones, and other tidepool creatures. Daily presentations and feeding times add extra value to your visit. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring all the exhibits and learning about the important conservation work happening here.
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Hike Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier offers one of the most accessible glacier viewing experiences in Alaska. Located just a short drive from downtown Seward, this massive river of ice flows down from the Harding Icefield. The Exit Glacier area provides several hiking options suitable for different fitness levels.
The easiest option is the paved Edge of the Glacier trail, a gentle walk that brings you close to the glacier’s terminus. Interpretive signs along the way mark where the glacier’s edge stood in previous decades, dramatically illustrating climate change’s impact. Even this short walk delivers spectacular views and photo opportunities.
For a more challenging adventure, tackle the Harding Icefield Trail. This strenuous 8.2-mile round-trip hike gains over 3,000 feet in elevation. The reward is breathtaking views of the massive icefield that feeds Exit Glacier and numerous other glaciers. On clear days, the panorama of ice and mountains is absolutely stunning.
Summer months from June through September offer the best hiking conditions. The trail can be icy and dangerous in winter, though snowshoeing and cross-country skiing become popular things to do in Seward Alaska in winter for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Always check current trail conditions and bring appropriate gear.
Explore Historic Downtown Seward
Downtown Seward may be small, but it’s packed with character, history, and local charm. Strolling through this walkable town center is one of the most relaxing things to do in Seward after a day of adventure. The main street features colorful buildings housing unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Start at the Seward Museum to learn about the town’s fascinating history. Exhibits cover the 1964 earthquake that devastated the area, the construction of the Alaska Railroad, and the indigenous Alutiiq people who first called this region home. The museum’s collection provides valuable context for understanding modern Seward.
Art galleries showcase work by local Alaskan artists, from paintings and photography to handcrafted jewelry and native crafts. These make excellent spots to find unique souvenirs that support the local creative community. Many shop owners are happy to share stories about their work and life in Alaska.
The harbor area bustles with activity, especially during summer months. Watch fishing boats unload their catch, charter vessels prepare for tours, and seaplanes take off for remote destinations. Grab fish and chips from a waterfront restaurant and enjoy watching the maritime activity while seagulls circle overhead.
Go Fishing in Resurrection Bay
Seward earned its reputation as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska” for good reason. Sport fishing here ranks among the best things to do in Seward for anglers of all skill levels. The nutrient-rich waters of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding Gulf of Alaska teem with prized fish species.
Halibut fishing is incredibly popular, with these bottom-dwelling giants reaching impressive sizes. Landing a 100-pound halibut creates memories that last a lifetime. Salmon fishing is equally exciting, with multiple species including king, silver, and pink salmon running at different times throughout the summer.
Numerous charter operators offer half-day and full-day fishing trips. Most provide all necessary equipment, bait, and expert guidance from experienced captains who know the best fishing spots. Many charters also offer fish processing services, so you can ship your catch home or have it prepared for dinner.
The fishing season runs from late May through September, with different species peaking at various times. King salmon run in May and June, while silver salmon arrive in August and September. Halibut fishing remains excellent throughout the entire summer season.
Experience Dog Sledding
Dog sledding isn’t just for winter in Seward. Several mushers offer unique summer dog sled experiences on glacier ice, making this one of the most unique things to do in Seward Alaska year-round. These tours combine helicopter or plane rides with hands-on husky interaction and actual sledding on snow.
Summer tours typically fly you to Godwin Glacier, where a dog mushing camp operates on the permanent snow and ice. You’ll meet the enthusiastic sled dogs, learn about mushing traditions, and take a thrilling ride across the glacier. The combination of flight-seeing and dog sledding creates an unforgettable adventure.
Winter brings traditional dog sledding opportunities in the valleys around Seward. The experience feels more authentic as you glide through snow-covered forests with a team of powerful huskies pulling your sled. Many tours allow you to try mushing yourself under expert supervision.
These athletic dogs live for running and absolutely love their work. Don’t be surprised when they howl with excitement before hitting the trail. Meeting the mushers who dedicate their lives to these amazing animals adds a personal dimension that makes the experience even more special.
Kayak in Resurrection Bay
Sea kayaking offers an intimate way to explore Seward’s coastal waters and get close to wildlife. Paddling through Resurrection Bay at your own pace is one of the best things to do in Seward for active travelers who want a more personal connection with nature. The protected waters make this accessible even for beginners.
Guided kayak tours range from a few hours to multi-day camping expeditions. Shorter tours typically explore the bay near town, where you might encounter sea otters, harbor seals, and various seabirds. The perspective from a kayak puts you at eye level with wildlife, creating magical encounters.
For experienced paddlers, multi-day trips into Kenai Fjords National Park offer wilderness camping and pristine paddling through fjords and past glaciers. These adventures require more commitment but deliver unparalleled access to remote coastlines that few visitors experience.
The calm waters of early morning often provide the best kayaking conditions with mirror-like reflections of surrounding mountains. Summer months from June through August offer the warmest weather, though you’ll still want to dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions on the water.
Take the Coastal Trail
The Seward Coastal Trail stretches along the waterfront, providing easy walking or biking with spectacular scenery. This paved path runs approximately two miles from downtown to the north, making it perfect for a morning jog, evening stroll, or leisurely bike ride. It’s one of the most accessible things to do in Seward for all ages and abilities.
The trail offers stunning views across Resurrection Bay to the mountains beyond. Watch for marine life in the water below, including sea otters floating on their backs and occasional whale sightings. Interpretive signs along the route share information about local ecology and history.
The trail continues south from town as well, though it becomes rougher and more natural. Hardy walkers can follow this southern section several miles to scenic beaches and tide pools. The entire trail system provides opportunities for both quick outings and extended explorations.
Bring your camera, especially during golden hour when the light paints the mountains in warm colors. The trail also connects to several other hiking paths, allowing you to extend your adventure into the surrounding wilderness. Bike rentals are available in town if you don’t have your own wheels.
Visit During Special Events
Seward hosts several annual events that add extra excitement to your visit. The Fourth of July celebration is legendary, featuring Alaska’s oldest footrace up Mount Marathon. Watching runners scramble up and down the mountain is thrilling, and the town comes alive with festivities, parades, and fireworks.
The Mount Marathon Race itself is a grueling 5K that gains 3,022 feet in elevation over just 1.5 miles to the summit before runners plunge back down. The event attracts competitors from around the world and spectators pack the streets. If you’re visiting around Independence Day, this is one of the most exciting things to do in Seward.
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby runs throughout August, offering anglers the chance to win prizes for catching tagged fish. Even if you’re not competing, the energy around town during the derby is infectious. Local businesses get into the spirit with special promotions and events.
Winter brings the Polar Bear Jump Off every January, where brave souls plunge into frigid Resurrection Bay. The Seward Wintersong festival in February celebrates music and the arts with performances throughout town. These events showcase the community’s vibrant spirit and offer unique things to do in Seward Alaska in winter.
Explore Bear Glacier
Bear Glacier, Alaska’s largest glacier, creates a stunning sight as it flows down to Bear Glacier Lake. While you can’t reach the glacier by road from Seward, kayaking on the glacier-fed lake ranks among the unique things to do in Seward Alaska for adventurous travelers. Several tour operators offer this incredible experience.
The journey begins with a drive along the Seward Highway to the glacier access point. From there, you’ll kayak across the milky blue-green waters of Bear Glacier Lake, navigating between icebergs that have calved from the glacier. The experience feels otherworldly as you paddle among ice chunks in various shades of blue.
Getting close to the massive face of Bear Glacier reveals its true scale. The ice towers above you in waves and crevasses of brilliant blue and white. The crackling sounds of the glacier and the occasional splash of calving ice create an immersive sensory experience.
Tours typically run from June through September when the lake is mostly ice-free and weather conditions are more favorable. The trip requires a moderate level of fitness and some kayaking experience. Guides provide all necessary equipment and safety instruction, making this remote adventure accessible to many visitors.
Discover the Seward Highway
The drive to Seward along the Seward Highway is an attraction itself. This 127-mile route from Anchorage consistently ranks among America’s most scenic drives. Taking your time and stopping at viewpoints along the way enhances any Seward visit and shouldn’t be missed.
Turnagain Arm, which the highway follows for many miles, offers incredible mountain and water views. Beluga whales sometimes visit these waters, and Dall sheep cling to rocky cliffs above the road. Numerous pullouts let you stop safely to photograph the stunning scenery.
About 37 miles south of Anchorage, you’ll find the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This sanctuary houses orphaned and injured animals including bears, moose, caribou, and bison. It’s an excellent stop for guaranteed wildlife viewing and supports important conservation efforts.
The final stretch into Seward winds through mountains and valleys with increasingly dramatic views. Allow at least three hours for the drive, or more if you plan to stop frequently. The route is especially beautiful during fall when autumn colors paint the landscape, making it one of the best things to do in Seward Alaska in any season.
Experience Winter Activities
Things to do in Seward Alaska in winter offer a completely different perspective on this coastal town. The landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, and visitor numbers drop significantly, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing become popular ways to explore local trails.
The area around Exit Glacier becomes a winter playground for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. The quiet of winter in this glacier valley is profound, broken only by your breathing and the crunch of snow. Wildlife tracking in fresh snow adds an element of discovery to winter hikes.
Ice fishing on nearby lakes attracts local anglers through the colder months. While not as famous as summer fishing, winter provides its own rewards with beautiful surroundings and the satisfaction of fishing through the ice. Local guides can set you up with equipment and expertise.
Things to do in Seward Alaska in March include watching for the return of migratory birds and enjoying longer daylight hours as spring approaches. The combination of winter snow and increasing sunlight creates magical lighting conditions. March also offers late-season skiing with warmer temperatures making outdoor activities more comfortable.
Plan Your Seward Adventure
Seward delivers incredible experiences in every season, from the endless daylight of summer to the peaceful snow-covered landscapes of winter. The best things to do in Seward Alaska combine outdoor adventure with wildlife encounters and cultural exploration. Whether you’re cruising past glaciers, hiking mountain trails, or casting a line for halibut, this coastal gem offers authentic Alaska experiences.
Most visitors spend two to four days exploring Seward and the surrounding area. This allows time for a glacier cruise, some hiking, downtown exploration, and perhaps fishing or kayaking. Those with more time can dive deeper into the wilderness with multi-day adventures.
Best things to do in Seward according to Reddit users and travel forums consistently highlight the glacier cruises, Exit Glacier hikes, and the Alaska SeaLife Center. However, the town’s smaller attractions and the simple pleasure of soaking in the stunning scenery shouldn’t be overlooked.
Start planning your Seward adventure today. This remarkable town offers something for every traveler, from families seeking educational experiences to solo adventurers chasing wilderness thrills. The memories you create against the backdrop of glaciers, mountains, and ocean will stay with you forever. Seward awaits with open arms and endless possibilities for exploration.
Conclusion
Seward is a small town with big adventures. From glacier cruises and wildlife watching to hiking, kayaking, and fishing, every day here feels special. No matter the season, Seward shows you the true beauty of Alaska in a simple and unforgettable way.
Whether you visit for a weekend or stay longer, Seward has something for everyone. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find moments to remember. If you love nature, fresh air, and real adventure, Seward is a place you will never forget.
FAQs
1. What is Seward, Alaska best known for?
Seward is best known for Kenai Fjords National Park, glacier cruises, and incredible wildlife viewing.
2. How many days are enough to visit Seward?
Two to four days are ideal to enjoy glaciers, hiking, wildlife tours, and downtown Seward.
3. When is the best time to visit Seward Alaska?
Summer (June to August) is best for cruises and outdoor activities, while winter offers snow sports and fewer crowds.
4. Can you see wildlife in Seward?
Yes, you can see whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and many seabirds.
5. Is Seward good for families?
Absolutely. Attractions like the Alaska SeaLife Center, easy trails, and boat tours are great for families.
