Things to Do in Seward: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Seward, on Resurrection Bay, is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where tidewater glaciers meet the sea and whales, sea otters and puffins are common. The Alaska Railroad and the Seward Highway make it an easy trip from Anchorage.
This guide covers the best things to do in Seward, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Exit Glacier, Whittier and the Kenai Peninsula, plus food and where to stay.
Top things to see in Seward
Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier and wildlife cruises.
Exit Glacier
Accessible glacier with trails.
Harding Icefield Trail
Strenuous hike to a vast icefield.
Alaska SeaLife Center
Aquarium and marine rescue center.
Mount Marathon
Famous steep race route.
Waterfront Park
Bay views and walking path.
Caines Head State Recreation Area
WWII fort and coastal hike.
Seward Harbor
Boats and fishing charters.
Seward in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Town and SeaLife
Walk the waterfront, read the murals that earned Seward the title "Mural Capital of Alaska" and visit the Alaska SeaLife Center. Lunch at the harbor. In the afternoon, stroll the small boat harbor. Dinner on halibut.
2Day 2 · Kenai Fjords
Take a full-day Kenai Fjords cruise to see tidewater glaciers, humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and puffins. Lunch on board. In the afternoon, watch glaciers calve. Return in the evening.
3Day 3 · Exit Glacier
Drive to Exit Glacier and walk the trails to the glacier's edge, or hike the Harding Icefield Trail. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon, return to town. Evening at a brewery.
Seward in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Caines Head
Hike or water-taxi to Caines Head State Recreation Area to see Fort McGilvray. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon, return along the beach at low tide. Dinner downtown.
5Day 5 · Dog sledding
Visit a sled dog kennel for a summer cart ride or a glacier dog-sledding flight. Lunch in town. In the afternoon, kayak Resurrection Bay. Dinner by the water.
Seward in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Fishing
Join a halibut or salmon fishing charter. Lunch on board. In the afternoon, process your catch. Evening at the harbor.
7Day 7 · Last day
Ride the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic back to Anchorage through mountains and glaciers, a scenic four-hour trip.
What to do in Seward on a weekend
For a weekend in Seward, combine a Kenai Fjords cruise, Exit Glacier and the SeaLife Center.
Anchorage is about 2.5 hours by car.
What to do in Seward in the evening
Evenings in Seward are long in summer; enjoy seafood and harbor walks.
The Fourth of July Mount Marathon race is a big event.
Seward for couples
Couples can take a glacier cruise, kayak the bay and stay in a waterfront cabin.
Seward with kids
With kids, the SeaLife Center, Exit Glacier's easy trails and wildlife cruises are favorites.
What to eat in Seward
Halibut
Fresh and grilled.
Salmon
King, sockeye and silver.
Reindeer sausage
Alaskan classic.
Fish tacos
Harbor favorite.
Alaskan beer
Local brews.
Where to stay in Seward: best areas
Downtown
Walk to the SeaLife Center.
Harbor
Near cruises.
Exit Glacier Road
Cabins.
Lowell Point
Quiet.
What to do in Seward when it rains
On rainy days, visit the SeaLife Center, the Seward Community Library & Museum and galleries.
How much does a trip to Seward cost?
Expect $200 to $350 per night, $20 to $40 for meals and $200 to $250 for a full-day fjords cruise.
Practical tips for Seward
Best time to visit
May to September.
Getting around
A car or the Alaska Railroad; shuttles in town.
Our practical tips
- Book cruises early.
- Bring rain gear.
- Take seasickness tablets.
- Pack layers.
- Watch for bears.
- Reserve the train.
Mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating weather.
- Skipping a cruise.
- Hiking without bear spray.
- Visiting in winter expecting tours.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Seward?
Kenai Fjords cruises, Exit Glacier and the SeaLife Center.
How far is Anchorage?
About 2.5 hours.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer.
Can you see whales?
Yes, often on fjord cruises.