It’s 2021. I’ve traveled to Alaska several times now. I’m finally at the point where I can share with you the things I’ve learned. There are many unique things to see in this state, but if you take the time to seek them out, you will find that they are not nearly as hard to find as you expect. Here are 15 things that will probably be around in 20 years.
Seward is a small coastal town on the North Slope of Alaska, on the Arctic Circle. It has a rich history with the Klondike Gold Rush, and is also home to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Seward is also considered to be the gateway to the National Parks of Alaska, with five parks within 50 miles of town.
Seward is a great place to get away from it all, yet it’s still a close-knit community with a lot of activities to keep you busy. Whether you prefer a relaxing picnic or a lively night out, Anchorage’s vibrant downtown offers a variety of entertainment options, and a short drive across the bay will get you to Seward’s charming waterfront area, offering its own mix of culture and activities. The Alaska Railroad runs from Anchorage to Seward, and there are plenty of ways to get around the area. Take a walk along the beach, explore the many trails, or tour the historic homes. Seward also has a vibrant art scene, and the Maritime Museum of the Pacific is a great place to learn more about this fascinating part of
Seward, Alaska, is your destination for all things outdoors and adventure, having been formed by towering glaciers and situated between ice-capped mountains and beautiful coastal waters.
Seward, pronounced “Soo-word,” is a port city on the Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska. Seward’s weather is warmer in winter and summer due to its southerly position, making it an excellent vacation at any time of year.
This beautiful coastal town is a must-see on any trip to Alaska.
Do you have a restricted amount of time for your schedule or are unsure where to begin? Then use our list of 15 things to do in Seward, Alaska to organize your trip.
1. Explore Resurrection Bay’s Gateway.
The Resurrection Bay, also known as Blying Sound or the Harding Gateway, is the entrance to the Kenai Fjords National Park. This well-known fjord offers some of Alaska’s most breathtaking panoramic vistas.
Resurrection Bay (Shutterstock photo by Tomasz Wozniak)
From sunbathing harbor seals to humpback whales, the bay’s outer reaches are home to a diverse variety of marine species. On the cliffs facing the sea, even the odd mountain goat may be spotted.
The bay is usually explored on a half-day boat trip or in conjunction with a Kenai Fjords tour. Just remember to dress warmly for your adventure!
2. Visit the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
You’ll enter the Kenai Fjords National Park after passing through the entrance, where you may marvel at the geological heritage of surviving ice-age glaciers.
Hiking, kayaking, and wildlife excursions are all available here. Keep an eye out for puffins if you’re visiting the region for bird viewing.
The park covers 699,983 acres and is home to almost 40 glaciers. The Exit Glacier, an active glacier accessible year-round with hiking paths and ranger-guided tours of the region, is the park’s primary feature.
(Photo credit: Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock) Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska
You can observe how glaciers change the terrain up close, as well as how plant life flourishes amid the stony remnants left behind by receding ice.
Feeling a bit wobbly on your sealegs? Instead of taking a cruise, rent a kayak and explore the Kenai Fjords on your own time.
3. Go on a Whale Observation Tour
Are you too weary to go trekking or walking? Experience the bay and fjords from the luxury of your seat on a wildlife boat trip.
Many ships provide half-day excursions for those who want to fit in a little nature excursion during their busy day. Part glacier cruise, and whale viewing, part sight-seeing; many cruises offer half-day tours for those who want to squeeze in a little nature adventure during their busy day.
Enjoy the views of gray whales migrating from the Mexican Baja coast to the Bering and Chukchi seas by booking a trip between late February and early May. In the early spring, these whales travel up to 7,000 kilometers to reach their feeding areas.
4. The best way to see the sights is to fly above them.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience Seward’s breathtaking aerial vistas.
The finest views of the lush green woods, pure blue bay waters, snow-capped mountains, and stunning glaciers are from above.
(Photo credit: Nikki Gensert / Shutterstock) Helicopter in Seward
Take a trip on one of Seward’s helicopter excursions and take in the sights from above the clouds with one of the area’s skilled pilots.
This unique experience offers you a birds-eye view of all the main sites in Seward, with flights ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. Your pilot may even land your helicopter on one of the glaciers during your trip if you’re fortunate!
5. Participate on a Walking Tour
Want to put your feet on the ground for a while and see Seward through the eyes of a local? Join one of the city’s walking tours to get the inside scoop on where the locals hang out.
Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com / Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com / Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com / Andrew F.
What better way to learn about the place you’re visiting than from the locals themselves? Because most walking tours take place throughout the day, you may arrange them around your other activities.
Explore the historic downtown, the Founder’s Monument, and the Iditarod National Historic Trail on a tour. Make sure to inquire about the mural tour, since Seward is known as the “Mural Capital of Alaska.”
6. Take a tour of the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Spend the day at the Alaska SeaLife Center if your wildlife tour didn’t bring you near enough to all of Seward’s amazing creatures. Sea lions, tufted puffins, wolf-eels, and the gigantic Pacific octopus may all be seen up close.
(Photo credit: Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock) Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward
Entry is only possible with online tickets. Make sure to arrive early in the day since the facility shuts at 5 p.m.
Purchase an exclusive tour in addition to your regular admission ticket to experience even more marine life experiences!
7. Take a Sled Dog Ride
Enjoy the view of beautiful glaciers and mountains while being accompanied by friendly dogs!
Follow in the footsteps of the Alaskans and plow across the wilderness. Strap yourself into your sled and hold on tight, for the dogs will know it’s time to sprint once you reach the glacier.
Kid Dog Travel / Shutterstock photo of sled dogs trotting near Seward
You may also take a kennel tour to meet the friendly Alaskan Huskies that pull the sleds and snuggle with the cute pups who are eager to meet you.
Meeting the stars behind Alaska’s most popular sport is a must-do on any vacation to the state!
8. Visit the Seward Community Library and Museum to learn about history.
When you learn about local history, you may connect with the culture.
The Seward Community Library and Museum is a public library, museum, and archive facility with a variety of uses. The outside of this beautiful stop is evocative of mermaid scales changing color in the light of the day!
The Seward Library and Museum is located in Seward, Alaska. (Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/EQRoy)
The history museum, funded by the Resurrection Bay Historical Society, is located on the first level. Discover historical artifacts that trace the town’s history from its earliest settlers through natural catastrophes that changed the community.
From mid-May through the end of August, the museum and library organized a series of film screenings. The “Iditarod National History Trail: A History” and “Waves Over Seward: The Good Friday Earthquake” were among the films shown.
9. Learn More About History
Because of its position, Seward has played a significant role in many of Alaska’s historical events. After seeing the museum and learning about the city’s history, visit one of Seward’s historic locations.
The village is the starting point for Alaska’s sole historic path, the Iditarod National Historic Trail. The path is 2,300 miles long and passes through several Alaskan towns. It was built for the dog-team mail route during the Gold Rush.
The “Trail Blazers” monument commemorates the Iditarod’s centenary. (Photo credit: Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com)
Although most of the route in Alaska is inaccessible, there are many locations on the Kenai Peninsula where you may explore this historic pathway.
Seward has also yielded the following historical finds:
- Learning about the Alaska Railroad’s construction
- Observing how the 1964 earthquake, one of the most destructive in the state’s history, altered the terrain
- Checking out Seward’s oldest business, Brown & Hawkins
10. Schedule a shopping day
Have you misplaced any outdoor gear or need more layers? Perhaps you’d want to take some handcrafted pottery or ceramics home with you?
In the downtown section of Seward, there are many retail businesses, art galleries, and gift shops. You may look around and purchase whatever you might need to finish your journey.
Tourist Shops in Seward, Alaska (Claudiovidri/Shutterstock.com)
Before going on your walk, stock up on the finest outdoor gear, or browse the Mermaid Grotto or Nakao Ceramics for exquisite crafts.
Before you go, don’t forget to buy a memento for everyone in the family!
11. Indulge in the cuisine of the area
Without suggestions for the finest food in the region, no tour would be complete. At these great restaurants and cafés, you can connect with the local culture via food! Cafes and coffee shops:
Ravens Coffee and Books, 13 Ravens Coffee and Books, 13 Ravens Coffee and Books, 13 For a peaceful start to your day, stop into 13 Ravens for a cup of coffee and a look through the books. The butterscotch latte is really delicious!
Zudy’s Cafe is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Do you need a little extra fuel to get your day started? Zudy’s Cafe has all of your needs met. They offer a broad range of pastries, cakes, and sandwiches in addition to coffee and tea.
Coho Joes Dockside Cafe- At Coho Joes, you’ll receive coffee with a view! Coho Joes, located right on the port with a beautiful view of the mountains, is the perfect place to get a cup of coffee before going out on your boat trip.
Seward’s shop and bar (Photo courtesy of Paolo Trovo / Shutterstock.com)
Resurrect Art Coffee House & Gallery- What’s better than coffee, scones, and art? We’d argue nothing, so make sure Resurrect Art Coffee House & Gallery is on your list! Restaurants:
The Cookery- Fishing is Seward’s most popular business, second only to tourism, therefore there’s no lack of fresh fish! The Cookery takes pleasure in producing a cuisine that features locally produced meats, fresh daily oysters, and Kenai Peninsula vegetables.
Lone Chicharron- Another restaurant owned by the Cookery group, Lone Chicharron is a taqueria for individuals who have eaten a bit too much fish during their visit.
Apollo Restaurant- At Apollo’s, you’ll discover a Mediterranean twist on seafood. You’ve just finished a day of fishing and want to consume your catch? It will be prepared for you by Apollo’s!
The Smoke Shack is a breakfast and lunch restaurant housed in an old railway car that is influenced by southern home cuisine with a Mexican flair. Breakfast should have cheesy grits, and lunch should include Cuban.
Seward Brewing Company is a brewery in Seward, Alaska. Simply searching for excellent cuisine in a relaxed setting? Craft beers and an American pub cuisine may be found at Seward Brewing Company.
12. Go on a Spring Break Adventure with the Locals
Spring break isn’t something most people associate with Alaska, but it’s one of the greatest times to visit Seward!
The wildlife awakens as the weather warms and the days lengthen, and seasonal businesses reopen in preparation for the busy summer season.
(Photo credit: Bethany L Hardt / Shutterstock) Lowell Point in Seward, Alaska
Catch the gray whale migrations along the coast during the spring season and be the first to check out fresh items from local businesses.
Visit Lowell Point Beach to view the tidepools and other wildlife that call the region home. The low tide created by the spring new moon is ideal for viewing the vast marine environment.
13. Seward has a 4th of July celebration.
You won’t only be seeing the fireworks show if you schedule your vacation around the Fourth of July. The Mount Marathon Race, a carnival, and fireworks are all part of the Seward 4th of July festivities.
Spend your days wandering around the festival booths selling local delicacies and crafts, watching the boat procession off the coast of Seward Harbor, or cheering on the 5k marathon runners.
There’s also a mini-marathon for children aged 2 to 6 years old!
On the 3rd, don’t miss the midnight fireworks show from the boat port or bay. Then, on July 4th, go downtown for the yearly parade.
14. Participate in the Silver Salmon Derby
If you’re just in Alaska for the fish, go to Seward for the city’s salmon derby at the conclusion of the summer season.
Resurrection Bay’s Silver Salmon Derby (photo credit: JT Fisherman / Shutterstock)
The silver salmon arrive in Resurrection Bay in early August, heralding the start of the annual fishing derby. Participants may earn up to $10,000 for their tagged fish in the Silver Salmon Derby, which is one of the state’s oldest and biggest fishing tournaments.
All fishermen are invited to participate in the derby, whether they are fishing from sailboats, kayaks, or from the beach.
15. Seward Music and Arts Fest is a great way to kick off the fall season.
The Seward Music and Arts Fest brings the summer season to a close and ushers in the autumn season.
Also see: IDEAL Skagway, Alaska Things to Do
This is a great event for the entire family! The event, which is a free downtown attraction, includes live music, Alaskan artisan stalls, and local food sellers. The music and arts festival is the ideal way to round off your summer in Seward.
Seward Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most efficient method to go to Seward?
There are many ways to travel, but taking the train along the Alaska Railroad is one of the most beautiful. One-way or round-trip travel from Anchorage to Seward is available. The railway ascends into the highlands, providing a vista that is not available by bus or vehicle. Plan ahead of time since the train journey from Anchorage to Seward takes around 4 hours.
Seward is also accessible by bus, automobile, or air. We’ve also got you covered if you’re already on one of our cruises.
What’s the weather like in Seward right now?
Seward is one of the towns in Alaska with warmer temperatures due to its location. Of course, the dead of winter isn’t usually the most pleasant time of year, but temperatures throughout the rest of the year range from 40 to 60 degrees.
But you’re still undecided on what to bring? Take a look at our packing list for your Alaskan cruise!
You may now enjoy the Best Things to Do in Seward, Alaska.
But there’s so much more to do in Seward, Alaska, than just 15 things to do. This tiny village delivers a huge impact and allows visitors to immerse themselves in Alaskan culture.
Seward will welcome you with wide arms and warm grins, whether it’s your first visit in Alaska or one of many on your big Alaskan adventure.
See our other guides and recommendations for exploring Alaska for additional ideas and locations for your next Alaskan cruise.
Seward, Alaska is a beautiful small town located on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. With a population of just over 2,000 people, it offers a great variety of activities to enjoy, including a lovely beach area, a number of outstanding national parks, a thriving arts community, and a rich history as well as a vibrant future. The town offers a unique blend of old and new, and it is a greeter greeter of the outdoors.. Read more about hotels in seward alaska and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seward AK known for?
Seward is a city in the state of Alaska. It was founded as a gold mining town in 1896 and now has a population of about 2,700 people.
What is there to do in downtown Seward?
There are many things to do in downtown Seward. You can visit the Alaska State Museum, go shopping at the local stores, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
Is Seward Alaska worth visiting?
Seward Alaska is a city in the state of Alaska. It has a population of around 1,800 people. The city is known for its natural beauty and its proximity to the ocean.
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