How to Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days in Seward, Alaska
Seward is one of our favorite destinations in Alaska. This charming community is located at the mouth of Resurrection Bay, an area teeming with wildlife and surrounded by stunning mountains. Although it can often be rainy and foggy, when the skies are clear, Seward is truly a slice of heaven.
Elizabeth and Damian in Seward
This small seaside town has a population of just over 2,500 residents. It is named after William H. Seward, the former U.S. Secretary of State who oversaw the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. The local economy is primarily driven by commercial fishing and seasonal tourism.
Most visitors to Alaska arrive in Seward by cruise ship, train, or car. Larger tour companies facilitate travel by providing shuttles from the cruise terminal to buses or trains and then to one of their many hotels. However, when planning your trip to Alaska, we highly recommend doing it on your own terms or seeking out a small, locally operated tour company that can help you create your ideal itinerary. These personalized tours offer a more intimate experience and allow you to avoid large crowds.
We have spent considerable time in Seward and are eager to share how we would spend a perfect couple of days in this charming seaside town.
Read on to find out more:
What to do in Seward - Day 1
Walk to the Edge of Exit Glacier
Summer at Exit Glacier
As you approach Seward, we recommend making your first stop at Exit Glacier, which is located approximately 20 minutes from the town. There is a trail that leads to a stunning close-up view of the glacier. Along the trail, you'll find signs indicating the years when the glacier reached certain points, providing a fascinating historical perspective. The hike takes about 30 minutes one way.
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center
The Alaska SeaLife Center is an iconic destination beloved by all Alaskans. This facility combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response. It serves as an excellent introduction to Alaska’s marine wildlife, allowing visitors to see a variety of animals, including fish, puffins, seals, sea otters, and many other sea creatures. Many tanks feature underwater viewing areas where you can watch the animals swim through the water. The center also includes numerous informative displays where guests can read, listen, watch, and learn more about the animals and their ecosystems. Additionally, there is a hands-on marine tank where visitors can touch some of the creatures, such as starfish and sea anemones. This makes it a fantastic place to visit with children!
Read more about the best things to do with kids around Anchorage.
Jellyfish on Lowell Beach
Afternoon Walk down Main Street
Seward is a charming and picturesque seaside town known for its historic buildings that line streets, making it a delightful place to explore. The main street features a variety of small shops, cafes, and restaurants. This area conveniently connects to a scenic trail along the shore, where visitors can stop to watch fishermen reeling in their catches. Additionally, there is a free city shuttle, operated by Seward City Tours, that transports passengers between downtown Seward and the harbor area, providing an opportunity to stroll around the boats.
Stroll along the Beach at Lowell Point
Whale feeding along the shore at Lowell Beach
Just past the town of Seward and down a dirt road, you will find Lowell Point. This area is home to the Miller’s Landing Campground, the Lowell Point State Recreation Site, and plenty of hiking trails. and numerous hiking trails. Our favorite spot in this area is Lowell Beach. To access it, you must park at the Lowell Point State Recreation Site. Here, you'll discover a beautiful rocky beach where, on sunny days, you can enjoy views of the surrounding peaks, and often see people swimming and kayaking in the ocean.
It's also possible to spot whales feeding close to the shore. To reach Lowell Point, you'll need to drive a short gravel road alongside the ocean and keep in mind that there is a parking fee. In May 2022, a significant landslide closed this road, and during the summer of that year, it was occasionally closed for repairs. Although the road is usually open, it’s wise to check its status beforehand.
What to do in Seward - Day 2
Kenai Fjords Wildlife Tour
It's time to explore the seas with a Kenai Fjords wildlife tour! These boat tours are among our top recommendations for visitors to Alaska. You can choose from various tours, depending on how much time you have. We suggest opting for at least a 3-hour tour, as you'll need to venture out of the main bay to witness some truly amazing sights.
Orca whales hunting sea lions
On these boat tours, you will have the chance to see a variety of marine wildlife, including sea otters, orca whales, gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, and various bird species. The boat crew does an excellent job of sharing information about the wildlife and the region.
Several companies offer wildlife boat cruises in Kenai Fjords.
Tonsina Creek Trail Hike
Hiking with friends at Caine’s Head in Seward
There’s no better way to regain your land legs after spending a few hours at sea than by taking a beautiful hike! Lowell Point State Recreation Site is located just down the beach from the Miller’s Landing campground. You can reach it by driving along the dirt road to access the parking area. (Please note that if you park at the recreation site, there is a $5 day-use fee.) Once you arrive, you can access the trailhead for the Tonsina Creek Trail, which begins just above the beach and the parking area.
This trail features a gradual climb and is well-maintained, guiding you through lush green forests until you reach Tonsina Creek. Depending on the time of year, you may spot spawning salmon along the creek. As the trail continues, it takes you deeper into a verdant forest that feels enchanting, like stepping into a fairytale rainforest. After passing through this magical section, you’ll finally reach the shoreline, where you can relax and enjoy some time on the beach before heading back.
BONUS DAY 3
If you have the opportunity to spend an extra day in Seward, we highly recommend hiking in Caines Head State Recreation Area and staying overnight in one of the state-run cabins. A few summers ago, we had friends visit us from Poland, and we took a water taxi from Miller's Landing to reach the Derby Cove Cabin. After dropping off our gear, we hiked to Fort McGilvray, which features abandoned WWII ruins. The following day, we hiked back to Seward along the beach. Read on to learn more about planning a trip to Caines Head State Recreation Area.
Derby Cove Cabin in Caines Head
Book A Cabin in Seward
You can book one of the three cabins at Caines Head through the Reserve America website. We stayed in the Derby Cove Cabin, which was clean and comfortable and could accommodate up to eight people. There is also a compostable outdoor toilet available. The area surrounding the cabin was lush and forested, with easy access to the beach.
Book a Water Taxi in Seward
Miller’s Landing does an excellent job of operating water taxis around Resurrection Bay. We were able to schedule a water taxi for the same day. They took us from the main building at Miller’s Landing to the boat launch at Lowell Point State Recreation Site. From this location, you can board the boat, and they will take you exactly where you need to go. If you prefer not to hike back, you can also arrange a time for a water taxi pick-up upon your departure. Here is a list of State of Alaska authorized water taxi carriers for the Caines Head area.
Eagle at Miller’s Landing
Hike to Fort McGilvray
From the cabin, you can hike to Fort McGilvray, which features the ruins of abandoned World War II remote defense facilities. During the war, this area housed 2,000 troops over a span of two years. The hike from Derby Cover Cabin to Fort McGilvray is approximately 2.5 miles one way along a marked trail. If you're up for more, you can continue hiking to South Beach, which is an additional 1.5 miles away.
Hiking Out
Before hiking in or to Caine’s Head, check the local tide table. The Seward Visitor’s Center is an excellent resource for tide information. You should leave at least two hours before low tide to avoid getting stranded. Be sure to plan accordingly!
Hiking out with the low tide at Caines Head
Travel Tips
Make sure to carry bear spray and follow bear safety precautions, as both black and brown bears are commonly found in this area.
If you plan to hike along the beach, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring trekking poles. Some of the rocks you will encounter may be wet and covered in algae, making them very slippery.
Be sure to check the tide table before your beach hike to avoid getting stranded!
Damian at Miller’s Landing
Best Restaurants in Seward
The Cookery
A locally owned restaurant specializing in elegant meals made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and regional wild edibles when available. It is a fantastic place to experience authentic Alaskan flavors. A great spot for dinner.
Resurrect Art Coffee House
This café is located in a renovated historic church, featuring coffee, baked goods, locally made art, and even action! small thrift section.
Le Barn Appetite Inn and Crepery
This creperie, located on the way to Exit Glacier, serves enormous gourmet Belgian-style crepes. They offer both savory and sweet crepes, as well as waffles and gluten-free options.
Zudy’s Cafe
A cozy spot near the Sealife Center offering hearty sandwiches, soups, salads, cakes, and more, making it a great choice for lunch.
Flamingo Lounge
A renovated speakeasy-style restaurant that serves delicious cocktails, fresh fish, and steak.
Best Places to Stay in Seward
Salted Roots
These beautiful new cabins are situated in Lowell Point, just a 5-minute drive from Seward. Surrounded by forests, they offer easy access to the beach. The cabins are cozy, secluded, and set back from the hustle and bustle, while still providing plenty of natural light.
Harbor 360
This is a large hotel situated in the Seward harbor area. This modern hotel offers stunning harbor views and a warm breakfast.
Cabins at Miller’s Landing
Miller’s Landing manages several beachfront cabins located in Lowell Point. Explore their offerings to find the one that suits your needs.
Exit Glacier Lodge
A small lodge with cabins situated in a serene and picturesque wooded environment.
Camping in Seward
Camping at Miller’s Landing
When we visit Seward, we typically choose to camp, and our favorite camping spot is Miller’s Landing. If you have camping equipment or a camper, Miller’s Landing is an excellent place to stay overnight. This large, privately operated beachfront campground offers everything you need and more. It features a spacious bathhouse and a main building with a small shop and café. They can also arrange various activities like guided kayaking trips and water taxis. Since this campground is on the beach, you can easily take evening strolls and observe local wildlife, including jellyfish, sea otters, eagles, and more.
Additionally, there are many camping options in the town of Seward. Most of these areas have a parking lot-style setup, but they offer incredible views and are conveniently located near the harbor, restaurants, and shops. For more information about camping in Seward, be sure to check online resources
Humpback whale seen just off the beach at Lowell Point
If you have any questions about planning your trip to Seward, visit the Design Your Trip page.
