Seward is one of our favorite destinations in Alaska. Located at the head of Resurrection Bay and surrounded by mountains, this small seaside town is a great place to spend a few days exploring the Kenai Peninsula. It is also the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, making it an excellent place to experience Alaska's coastal wildlife.

With a few days in Seward, you can get out on the water, explore Exit Glacier, walk around town, and enjoy some of the area's hiking trails and other activities. We recommend allowing at least two full days if you want to experience some of Seward's highlights without feeling rushed, while an extra day gives you more time for additional activities or flexibility if the weather changes your plans.

We've spent a lot of time in Seward and have helped many of our clients plan their time here. In this guide, we'll share our favorite things to do in Seward, how many days we recommend, where we like to eat and stay, and some practical tips to help you plan your visit.

Read on to find out more:

Getting to Seward
Things to do in Seward, Alaska
How Many Days Do You Need in Seward?
How We'd Spend a Few Days in Seward
Things to Know Before Visiting Seward
Where to Eat and Stay in Seward

Getting to Seward

Seward is about 125 miles south of Anchorage and is easy to reach by car. The drive takes around 2.5 hours without stops, but we recommend allowing extra time to enjoy the scenery along the way. The Seward Highway follows Turnagain Arm and then continues through the Kenai Peninsula, with plenty of places to stop along the route. You can also reach Seward by train during the summer, with the Alaska Railroad offering seasonal service between Anchorage and Seward. For most of our clients, we recommend driving, as having your own rental car gives you much more flexibility to explore the area and make stops along the way.

Things to Do in Seward, Alaska

Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise

A wildlife cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park is one of our top recommendations for a visit to Seward. Several companies offer cruises of different lengths, but we recommend choosing one that is at least four hours long. The longer you are on the water, the farther you can travel into Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska, where you have more opportunities to see wildlife and experience the coastal landscape.

Some of the longer cruises continue farther into Kenai Fjords National Park to reach the tidewater glaciers, where you can see glaciers meeting the ocean and, depending on conditions, watch for calving ice.

Depending on the time of year and conditions, you may see sea otters, orcas, humpback and gray whales, sea lions, puffins, and other seabirds. The crews also share information about the wildlife, glaciers, and history of the area throughout the cruise.

Several companies offer wildlife cruises from Seward. We recommend choosing the cruise that best fits your interests and schedule.

We've personally used all of the companies listed below and are comfortable recommending them to our clients.

Exit Glacier

Exit Glacier is about 20 minutes from downtown Seward and is an easy addition to your time in the area. The Glacier View Loop Trail is a one-mile round-trip walk through the forest to a viewpoint overlooking Exit Glacier, with signs along the way showing where the glacier's edge reached in previous years. These markers provide a clear way to see how much the glacier has changed over time.

You can continue another 0.6 miles to the Glacier Overlook, or take on the much more challenging Harding Icefield Trail for a longer and more strenuous hike.

Explore Downtown Seward

Downtown Seward is easy to explore on foot, with small shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings along the main streets. Take some time to wander around and see some of the older buildings that reflect Seward's history as a fishing and railroad community.

From downtown, you can walk along the waterfront toward the harbor, where you can watch fishing boats coming and going and see the daily activity around the docks. The Alaska SeaLife Center is also located along the waterfront and is an easy addition if you're already exploring this part of town.

If you're interested in Seward's history, keep an eye out for the historic buildings and local landmarks throughout downtown. You can also stop into some of the small shops and galleries to find locally made artwork, gifts, and other items from Alaska.

If you enjoy browsing local shops, be sure to stop by Dreamland Books & Yarn. This locally owned shop combines a bookstore with a yarn shop, making it a fun place to browse for books, gifts, and locally inspired finds. It's one of our favorite shops in Seward and an easy stop while exploring downtown.

Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a public aquarium and marine research, education, and wildlife response facility located on the waterfront in Seward. It's a good place to learn more about Alaska's marine environment and see animals that you may encounter during your time on the Kenai Peninsula, including puffins, seals, sea otters, and a variety of fish.

The center has underwater viewing areas, informative exhibits, and a hands-on touch tank where you can get a closer look at creatures such as sea stars and sea anemones. It's also a good option for a rainy day or for families traveling with children.

Walk on the Beach at Lowell Point

Just south of Seward, Lowell Point is a quiet area with access to the beach, hiking trails, and the Lowell Point State Recreation Site. We especially like coming here for a walk along Lowell Beach, where you can enjoy views across Resurrection Bay and the surrounding mountains.

The rocky beach is also a good place to look for wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may spot bald eagles, sea otters, or even whales feeding offshore.

To reach Lowell Point, you'll drive a short gravel road along the water. There is a parking fee at the recreation site, and it's a good idea to check current road conditions before heading out, as the road has experienced closures in the past.

Tonsina Creek Trail

If you're looking for a longer walk while you're in Seward, the Tonsina Creek Trail is a good option. The trailhead is located at Lowell Point State Recreation Site, just south of town. There is a parking area near the beach, with a day-use fee.

The trail follows Tonsina Creek through the forest and gradually climbs away from the shoreline. Depending on the time of year, you may see spawning salmon in the creek. The trail eventually reaches the shoreline, where you can spend some time on the beach before returning the way you came.

The trail is a good choice if you want to combine a walk through the forest with some time along Resurrection Bay.

Kayaking in Resurrection Bay

Kayaking in Resurrection Bay is a great way to experience the coastline from a different perspective. Guided kayaking trips take you along the shoreline and into quieter areas of the bay, with opportunities to see wildlife and explore the coast from the water. There are several tour options available, ranging from shorter trips for beginners to longer excursions for those who want to spend more time on the water.

We've personally worked with Sunny Cove Kayaking and are comfortable recommending them to our clients.

How Many Days Do You Need in Seward?

We recommend spending at least two full days in Seward if you want to experience some of the area's highlights without feeling rushed. This gives you enough time to take a wildlife cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, visit Exit Glacier, explore downtown, and enjoy some time along the water.

If you have three or more days, you can add activities such as kayaking, hiking, or other excursions while still having some flexibility in your schedule. An extra day can also be helpful in Seward, where weather can sometimes affect activities on the water.

For most of our clients, we find that two to three full days is a good amount of time for Seward, depending on their interests and how much they want to do while they're here.

How We'd Spend a Few Days in Seward

If we had a few days in Seward, this is how we'd plan our time. It's a fairly active couple of days, but it gives you a good mix of time on the water, wildlife, hiking, and exploring the town.

Arrive in the afternoon

We'd arrive in Seward in the late afternoon, check into our hotel, and head out for dinner. Afterward, we'd take a walk around the harbor before turning in for the night. If you're arriving after a longer drive from Anchorage or another part of the Kenai Peninsula, there's no need to pack too much into your first evening.

Start with Kenai Fjords

The next morning, we'd get up early and head out on a longer Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise. We recommend allowing about six hours for this, as the longer cruises give you more time to travel farther into the park and look for wildlife and tidewater glaciers.

After returning to Seward in the afternoon, we'd head down to Lowell Point for the Tonsina Creek Trail. After the hike, we'd spend some time walking along Lowell Beach before heading back into town for dinner.

Spend your final morning exploring

On your last morning, we'd start with breakfast at Resurrect Art Coffee House before visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center. From there, we'd drive out to Exit Glacier and walk toward the glacier before leaving Seward in the early afternoon.

If kayaking is more your style, we'd swap this plan for a guided kayaking trip in Resurrection Bay. It's a great way to spend your final morning on the water before continuing on to your next destination.

This gives you a chance to experience several of the things that make Seward special without trying to fit every possible activity into your visit. If you have more time, you could add another hike, spend more time exploring the town, or take an additional day on the water.

Things to Know Before Visiting Seward

Weather: Seward can be cool and rainy during the summer, even when the weather is sunny elsewhere on the Kenai Peninsula. Come prepared for changing conditions, especially if you're planning to spend time on the water. Don't let a rainy forecast completely change your plans, though. Many activities still operate in light rain, and some of Seward's best experiences are worth doing even when the weather isn't perfect. If possible, keep some flexibility in your schedule for water-based activities.

Wildlife: Seward and the surrounding area are home to a variety of wildlife. Keep a respectful distance from animals, never feed them, and follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring.

Driving: Seward is easy to get around by car, and having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to explore areas outside of downtown, including Lowell Point and Exit Glacier. Allow extra time when driving to and from Seward, as you'll want to make stops along the way.

Parking: Parking is generally easy to find around Seward, although it can be busier during the middle of the day in summer. Most attractions and trailheads have designated parking areas, and some require a small fee.

Book activities ahead: We recommend booking popular activities, especially Kenai Fjords cruises, kayaking trips, and other guided excursions, well in advance during the summer. Availability can become limited during the busiest months.

What to bring: Layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a small daypack are useful for almost any day in Seward. If you're heading out on the water, bring an extra layer—you may find it much cooler on the boat than it is in town.

Allow enough time: We recommend spending at least two full days in Seward, with three days giving you more flexibility to add hiking, kayaking, or another activity. If you're driving from Anchorage, remember that the journey itself is part of the experience, so allow time for stops along the way.

Where to Eat in Seward

The Cookery

The Cookery is a locally owned restaurant in downtown Seward known for its fresh seafood, oysters, and seasonal dishes. They use locally sourced ingredients when available, and the menu changes throughout the year. We recommend it for a nice dinner in Seward.

The Lone Chicharrón Taqueria

The Lone Chicharron Taqueria is a small, casual spot in Seward serving tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. It's a good option for a quick and relaxed lunch or dinner, especially if you're looking for something different from the seafood restaurants around town.

Flamingo Lounge

Flamingo Lounge is a renovated speakeasy-style restaurant and bar in downtown Seward. They serve cocktails, fresh fish, steaks, burgers, and other casual fare. It's a relaxed spot for dinner or drinks after a day of exploring.

Resurrect Art Coffee House

Resurrect Art Coffee House is located in a renovated historic church in downtown Seward. They serve coffee, tea, breakfast, sandwiches, and baked goods, and the café also features locally made art and a small thrift section. It's a fun place to stop for breakfast or coffee while exploring downtown.

Zudy’s Cafe

Zudy's Cafe is a casual, locally owned restaurant in downtown Seward serving breakfast and lunch. The menu includes classic breakfast dishes, sandwiches, burgers, and other comfort food. It's a good option for a relaxed breakfast before heading out for a day of exploring.

Le Barn Appétit Inn & Crêperie

Le Barn Appétit is a small creperie located on the way to Exit Glacier. They serve large Belgian-style crepes with both savory and sweet options, along with waffles and gluten-free choices. It's a good place to stop for breakfast or lunch.

Where to Stay in Seward

Salted Roots

Salted Roots offers cozy cabins in Lowell Point, about a five-minute drive from Seward. The cabins are surrounded by forest and close to the beach, making this a good option if you prefer a quieter setting outside of town while still being close to Seward's restaurants, activities, and harbor.

Harbor 360 Hotel

Harbor 360 is a larger hotel located right on the Seward Harbor. It's a convenient option if you want to be close to the boats and within walking distance of the harbor area. The hotel offers modern rooms, harbor views, and a complimentary hot breakfast.

Cabins at Miller’s Landing

Miller's Landing offers several cabins in Lowell Point, just south of Seward. Some are located right along the beach, making this a good option if you'd like a quieter setting and easy access to the water. They offer a range of cabin options, so it's worth looking through the different choices to find one that fits your trip.

Exit Glacier Lodge

Exit Glacier Lodge is a small property with cabins set among the trees along the road toward Exit Glacier. It's a good option if you prefer a quieter setting outside of downtown while still being close to Seward and the glacier.

Camping in Seward

When we visit Seward, we often choose to camp, and one of our favorite places to stay is Miller's Landing. This privately operated campground is located right on the beach at Lowell Point and offers tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and other lodging options. There is a bathhouse, small shop, and café on the property, and they also offer activities such as guided kayaking and water taxi services.

We especially like the location. Being right on the beach makes it easy to walk along the shore in the evening and look for wildlife such as sea otters and eagles.

There are also several campgrounds closer to downtown Seward, many of which are located near the harbor and within easy reach of restaurants and shops. For current information about campground locations, fees, and reservations, visit the City of Seward’s campground information.

Planning Your Trip to Seward

Seward is one of those places where a little planning can make a big difference. Whether you want to spend your days on the water, explore the trails, or just take your time enjoying the town and surrounding area, there are plenty of ways to experience Seward. If you'd like help planning your time in Seward and the rest of your Alaska trip, visit our Design Your Trip page and tell us a little about what you’re looking for. We'll help you create a personalized itinerary based on your interests, travel style, and the kind of Alaska experience you want.

Things to Do in Seward, Alaska: A Local Guide to Planning Your Trip

Getting to Seward