Seward

Travel Notes

This was our last few days in Alaska. It was a short drive for the day, but it was scenic all the way. We also stopped at a hotel to have the option to take a teleferic to the top of the mountain. I opted to go for a short hike while Sylvia and Sharon took the cable to the top.

When we got to Seward, there were festivities going on — a street market — in preparation for the July 4th celebration.

Seward, Alaska is a picturesque coastal town nestled between the mountains and the sea on the Kenai Peninsula, about 125 miles south of Anchorage. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward offers a mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife, and small-town charm.

🏞️ Highlights of Seward

🌊 Kenai Fjords National Park

• One of Seward’s biggest draws, this national park is famous for:

  • Exit Glacier – the only glacier accessible by road.

  • Harding Icefield Trail – a challenging but rewarding hike.

  • Boat tours through the fjords to see tidewater glaciers, sea otters, puffins, whales, and orcas.

🚢 Alaska Marine Life

• Resurrection Bay offers some of the most accessible and scenic kayaking and marine wildlife viewing in the state.

• Seward Harbor is a major departure point for wildlife cruises, fishing charters, and kayaking tours.

🐟 Alaska SeaLife Center

• A marine research and rehabilitation facility that's open to the public. Great for seeing puffins, sea lions, seals, and learning about the local ecosystem.

🚶‍♀️ Historic Downtown

• Stroll along Fourth Avenue, lined with local shops, galleries, restaurants, and murals that depict the town’s history and Native heritage.

• Don’t miss the waterfront trail — a scenic walk or bike ride with views of the bay and mountains.

🌄 Outdoor Adventures

• Hiking: Tons of trails with stunning views. Try Mount Marathon, site of the famous July 4th race.

• Fishing: Seward is renowned for halibut and salmon fishing.

• Camping: From seaside campgrounds to remote spots in the surrounding wilderness.

🛳️ Port of Call

• Seward is one of the main cruise ports for ships entering or leaving Southcentral Alaska.

• Many visitors start or end their Alaska journeys here via the Alaska Railroad or by scenic highway drive.

🧭 Local Culture & Events

• Mount Marathon Race (July 4th): One of the oldest and most extreme mountain races in the U.S.

• Silver Salmon Derby (August): A major fishing competition and community celebration.

• First Friday Art Walks and local music bring the town to life in summer.

🧊 Best Time to Visit

• May to September is ideal — long daylight, abundant wildlife, and most tour operators in full swing.

• Winter is quieter and offers a chance to see the Northern Lights, though many services are closed.

🛌 Where to Stay

• Lodges, waterfront cabins, campgrounds, and cozy B&Bs.

• For a unique experience, try remote lodges accessible only by boat or plane near the fjords.