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What makes Seward a charming town?
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With glorious snow-capped mountains all around, beautiful and thriving waters to explore, and a small but tight-knit community of 3,000 residents, there’s a lot to love about the charming town of Seward.
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Why do travelers visit Seward?
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Most of the travelers who arrive at Seward are there for the breathtaking natural beauty, the enchanting local vibes, and the majestic wildlife that calls the area home.
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1. Kenai Fjords National Park
Explore icy fjords and spot wildlife on an unforgettable trip through Alaska’s wild beauty.
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Are you eager to get a taste of what living during the ice age feels like? Located at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park allows visitors from near and far to experience just that with nearly 40 glaciers in the park. The glaciers all flow from the park’s crowning attraction, the Harding Icefield. At this area, wildlife thrives in the form of lush forests, beautiful whales, and bears among others. Avid explorers can navigate the fjord’s waters on a boat tour, hike through a glacier, attend a ranger-led program, or even hike the entire 8.2-mile Harding Icefield Trail.
Seward, Alaska 99664, Phone: 907-422-0500
2. Mount Marathon
Hike rugged trails and admire epic views on this exciting outdoor challenge.
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For avid hikers and adventurous travelers, there’s a ton of beauty to behold at popular Mount Marathon. Famous for being home to a grueling racecourse, what many visitors don’t know is that there’s a 2.25-mile route to the top of the Race Point that is equally beautiful but much, much less demanding. The route takes hikers through three different trails, a glacial valley, and up to the top of the mountain’s east buttress. From this point, individuals who make it to the top can enjoy a mind-blowing view of Resurrection Bay and get a lungful of fresh mountain air like no other.
3. Resurrection Bay
Cruise scenic waters and look for marine life on a relaxing summer escape.
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Also known as Harding Gateway or Blying Sound,
Resurrection Bay is situated 650 feet above sea level and is popular for being the gateway to the Kenai Fjords. Kayak tours, angler trips, and recreational boating are frequent activities at the bay, while water taxis regularly use the bay to access gorgeous Kenai Fjords National Park. The bay is home to six islands: Fox Island, Rugged Island, Hat Island, Hive Island, Barwell Island, and Cheval Island. Additionally, there are several coves for people to explore like Derby Cove, Humpy Cove, Porcupine Cove, and Halibut Cove. Among the many activities to enjoy at Resurrection Bay, some of the most popular include cruising through the beautiful waters and feasting on Alaskan salmon.
4. Alaska SeaLife Center
See sea otters, puffins, and octopuses during an educational family outing.
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Get up close and personal with Seward’s starring local inhabitants at the Alaska SeaLife Center, a premier public aquarium in Seward and the state’s only permanent facility for marine mammal rehabilitation. Situated on the shores of Resurrection Bay, the SeaLife Center is dedicated to studying and understanding Alaska’s marine ecosystems while also promoting proper stewardship of the state’s natural resources. The center’s exhibit features a touch tank where visitors are encouraged to touch marine invertebrates like sea urchins and sea stars. Meanwhile, the center’s gem of an aviary features a two-story diving pool and a great variety of seabirds to watch. Popular exhibits also feature harbor seals, giant Pacific octopuses, and Steller’s sea lions. Other notable exhibits are those housing the important fish of Alaska like the sablefish, halibut, and salmon. Let’s not forget the king crab exhibits either!
301 Railway Avenue, Seward, AK 99664, Phone: 907-224-6300
5. Seward Boat Harbor
Walk along the docks and watch boats come and go on a weekend stroll.
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Your port in a storm, Seward Boat Harbor is home to a full-service port along with a 50-ton and 330-ton Travelift, vessel repair yards, power utilities, and more. The port sees hundreds of vessels dock at their harbors, many of which are part of the commercial fishing fleet of the state. Long-liners, gill-netters and purse-seiners alike pass through the harbor, but what’s really special about this attraction are the over 100 fishing boats and tour boats that take adventurous souls on tours of the Kenai Fjords and beyond. Travelers can also spot the US Coast Guard Cutter Mustang, which proudly calls Seward home.
6. Waterfront Park
Enjoy ocean breezes and picnic with kids at this peaceful local park.
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Nestled in a small portion of the Resurrection Campground, Waterfront Park is a popular RV park and camping ground known for its breathtaking scenery. Seward Waterfront Park features spacious picnicking areas, a skate park, and direct access to the beach. Hikers will also love exploring the park’s trail, which is lined with local historical landmarks. Some of the landmarks found at the trail include the Old Railroad Depot, the Founder’s Monument, and Mile 0 of the historic Iditarod Trail. Exploring the trail also gives visitors ample opportunities to spot sea birds, bald eagles, sea otters, and the occasional harbor seal or sea lion. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a whale.
420 Ballaine Boulevard, Seward, Alaska, Phone: 907-224-4055
7. Bear Glacier
Paddle near icebergs and discover unusual sights on an adventurous kayak trip.
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Located at the eastern portion of Kenai Fjords National Park, Bear Glacier is the longest one in the national park at 13 miles long. Since it’s not a tidewater calving glacier, visitors can’t get too close to the glacier, but that’s not to say that isn’t just as gorgeous from a far. At the edge of the glacier, there is a 300 to 500-foot-deep lake that makes a beautiful sight to behold. Take in the majesty of icebergs floating around the lake or kayak through Bear Glacier Lagoon to get as close to the glacier as possible.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska 99664, Phone: 907-422-0500
8. Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures
Zip through trees and experience thrilling heights on an exciting forest ride.
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Experience the absolute thrill of a treetop adventure when you take a trip to Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures. Situated right by the Chugach National Forest, Stoney Creek offers all those who visit the chance to have an aerial adventure in a sustainable and eco-friendly recreation center. One of the most popular activities at Stoney Creek is the zipline tour. The tour is 3 hours long and takes adventurers down eight adrenaline pumping ziplines and along a woodland aerial walkway, which features unbeatable panoramic views of Alaska’s distinctive natural beauty. Guests also get the chance to immortalize their visit with a complementary photo package available on request.
1304 4th Avenue, Seward, Alaska 99664, Phone: 907-224-3662
9. Miller’s Landing
Book guided tours or camp near the water on an affordable Alaska retreat.
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Have you always heard about Alaskan charm but feel like you don’t really know what that is? Well, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll experience exactly what Alaskan charm is at Miller’s Landing. Located between the Kenai Fjords National Parks systems and Lowell Point, Miller’s Landing in a popular campground that is surrounded by remarkable and awe-inspiring views of Resurrection Bay, Mount Alice, Caines Head, and even barrier islands like Hive, Rugged, and Fox Island. What’s awesome about Miller’s Landing is that it’s not crowded nor is it commercialized, so you can enjoy Alaska in all of its rugged beauty and glory. Spot a humpback or an orca from the beachfront, fish for salmon right along the shore, glimpse a sea otter cracking open some mussels or clams, or go a challenging hike. Whatever you decide, Miller’s Landing is going to be epic.
Seward, Alaska 99664, Phone: 907-331-3113
10. Seward Community Library and Museum
Visit exhibits and read local stories during a quiet retirement-friendly afternoon.
© Seward Community Library and Museum
Immerse yourself in the history of Seward and rub elbows with some of the town’s locals while at the Seward Community Library and Museum. The museum was established in partnership with the city government and the Resurrection Bay Historical Society. Here, visitors can examine an entire collection of photographs, archives, keepsakes, and artifacts from the city’s history. Meanwhile, the library component of the building houses a huge collection of books, audiobooks, magazines, games, newspapers, and more for public consumption. Did we mention that the library’s got a fantastic view of Resurrection Bay for you to enjoy while you get some reading in?
239 6th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures and wildlife beginning to emerge. |
Harbor 360 Hotel – A waterfront stay with stunning views of the harbor. |
Visit Kenai Fjords National Park – See glaciers and wildlife as the park starts to thaw. |
Summer (June-August) – Mild temperatures and peak season for outdoor activities. |
Seward Windsong Lodge – A rustic yet comfortable lodge surrounded by nature. |
Take a Glacier & Wildlife Cruise – Spot whales, puffins, and sea otters in Resurrection Bay. |
Fall (September-November) – Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. |
Hotel Seward – A historic hotel with charm and modern comforts. |
Hike Exit Glacier – Enjoy crisp air and stunning fall colors while exploring this accessible glacier. |
Winter (December-February) – Cold and snowy, with breathtaking scenery. |
Angels Rest on Resurrection Bay – A secluded and cozy retreat with incredible views. |
See the Northern Lights – Visit during the dark winter months for a chance to witness the Aurora Borealis. |
Events:
- Seward 4th of July Celebration - Seward, Every 4th of July
Plan Your Trip
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