13 Awesome Things To Do In Seward, Alaska

This coastal town, framed by towering peaks and icy waters, delivers a perfect mix of wild beauty and real adventure. You might spot sea otters before breakfast, hike past glaciers by midday, and wind down with fresh seafood as the sun sets.

Seward blends small-town charm with big Alaskan experiences—think wildlife cruises, glacier hikes, and peaceful moments by the harbor. With stunning scenery around every corner and plenty to explore, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

1. Explore Kenai Fjords National Park

Towering glaciers calve into the sea with thunderous cracks while otters float lazily nearby. The park spans over 600,000 acres of pristine wilderness.

Kenai Fjords National Park offers boat tours ranging from 3-9 hours, with half-day trips being ideal for families. Summer visits provide the best weather and wildlife viewing opportunities.

2. Take A Glacier And Wildlife Cruise

Gliding through icy waters reveals a world where nature reigns supreme. Passengers often gasp in delight as humpbacks breach and sea lions bask on rocky outcrops.

Seward offers cruises ranging from 3-8 hours, with Major Marine Tours and Kenai Fjords Tours being popular options. Bring binoculars, warm layers, and seasickness medication just in case.

3. Visit The Alaska SeaLife Center

Behind glass walls, giant Pacific octopuses demonstrate remarkable intelligence while playful puffins dart through water like feathered torpedoes. The center rehabilitates injured marine animals.

The Alaska SeaLife Center combines entertainment with important conservation work. Interactive touch pools let visitors connect with sea stars and anemones while learning about marine ecosystems from knowledgeable staff.

4. Hike The Harding Icefield Trail

Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers as the path steadily climbs above treeline. The payoff awaits at the summit – a seemingly endless expanse of ice stretching to the horizon.

This challenging 8.2-mile round-trip hike requires sturdy boots and layers for changing weather. Harding Icefield Trail takes 6-8 hours to complete, so start early and bring plenty of water.

5. Stroll The Seward Waterfront Park And Path

Gentle waves lap against the shore as snow-capped mountains create a postcard-perfect backdrop. Locals fish from the rocky beach while eagles soar overhead.

The waterfront path stretches for miles along Resurrection Bay. This flat, paved trail welcomes visitors of all abilities and offers convenient benches, picnic areas, and informational signs about Seward’s maritime history.

6. Tour Exit Glacier

Markers along the path show the glacier’s dramatic retreat over decades – a sobering reminder of climate change. The air grows noticeably cooler as you approach.

Exit Glacier offers Alaska’s most accessible glacier experience. Several short trails accommodate different abilities, from the easy 1-mile Glacier View Loop to the more moderate Edge of the Glacier Trail, which brings you remarkably close to the ice.

7. Go Kayaking In Resurrection Bay

Paddle strokes break the glassy surface as curious seals pop their heads up nearby. Morning excursions often enjoy mirror-like conditions perfect for spotting marine life.

Resurrection Bay’s protected waters make it ideal for kayakers of all experience levels. Guided tours provide equipment and safety instruction, while experienced paddlers can rent kayaks for self-guided adventures along this spectacular coastline.

8. Ride The Scenic Alaska Railroad To Seward

Massive glass-domed cars offer panoramic views as the train winds through wilderness inaccessible by road. Passengers often spot bears, moose, and eagles from their comfortable seats.

The Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic route connects Anchorage to Seward in just over four hours. This journey showcases glaciers, waterfalls, and pristine forests while onboard guides share fascinating stories about the region’s history.

9. Visit The Seward Museum

Weathered fishing gear and vintage photographs transport visitors back to frontier days. The devastating 1964 earthquake exhibit features firsthand accounts of how the town rebuilt.

The Seward Museum preserves the area’s rich history in a charming historic building. Displays highlight indigenous cultures, Russian influence, gold rush fever, and the railroad’s importance to this resilient coastal community.

10. Enjoy Fresh Seafood At The Harbor

Steam rises from bowls of buttery king crab as diners watch fishing boats unload the day’s catch just yards away. Nothing compares to seafood this fresh.

Harbor restaurants serve halibut, salmon, and rockfish caught that same day. Ray’s Waterfront and Chinooks offer upscale dining, while The Cookery features innovative local cuisine. For casual meals, try the food trucks near the harbor during summer.

11. Take A Dog Sledding Tour

Eager huskies bound forward with surprising strength as their musher calls commands. Even in summer, specially designed wheeled sleds provide authentic experiences on snow-free trails.

Seward offers year-round dog sledding adventures. Winter tours traverse snowy landscapes, while summer options include helicopter trips to glaciers or forest trails. Meeting the athletic, friendly sled dogs is often visitors’ favorite part.

12. Browse Local Shops And Art Galleries

Handcrafted jewelry featuring local materials catches the light in storefront windows. Artists draw inspiration from Alaska’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Downtown Seward’s compact shopping district makes exploration easy on foot. Galleries showcase indigenous artwork alongside contemporary pieces by local artists. Unique gifts include ulu knives, scrimshaw, qiviut (musk ox wool) items, and hand-painted ornaments.

13. Camp Or Stay Overnight At Lowell Point

Waves provide a soothing soundtrack as campfires dot the shoreline at dusk. Morning reveals otters playing in kelp beds just offshore.

Lowell Point sits just two miles south of Seward via a scenic coastal road. Miller’s Landing offers cabins, campsites, and RV hookups with beach access. The peaceful setting provides a perfect base for kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing away from town.