Seward Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Seward with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Seward
- List of Places to Visit in Seward
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Seward
- Best Things to Do in Seward: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Seward
- Food and Drink Scene of Seward
- Where to Stay in Seward: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Seward: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Seward
- Best Time to Visit Seward
- Do’s and Don’ts of Seward
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Seward: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Seward
- Where to Go Next from Seward: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Seward
Seward, a scenic city located in the Kenai Peninsula, is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. It is known for its picturesque harbor, awe-inspiring glaciers, and world-class outdoor adventures. Seward provides a unique combination of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, an adventurer, or a nature lover, there is something here for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Seward
There are so many things to see and do in Seward. Here is a list of some of the top places to visit:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Alaska SeaLife Center
- Seward Community Library & Museum
- Mount Marathon
- Exit Glacier
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Alaska Railroad Depot
Natural Attractions of Seward: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Bear Glacier
- Caines Head State Recreation Area
- Resurrection Bay
- Kenai Lake
- Harding Icefield
- Iditarod National Historic Trail
Hiking/Biking Routes of Seward
Seward offers several hiking trails and biking opportunities for visitors. Some of the best routes include:
- Mount Marathon Trail
- Lost Lake Trail
- Tonsina Point Trail
- Caines Head Trail
- Exit Glacier Mountaineering Route
Best Things to Do in Seward: Activities and Tours
Seward provides a variety of activities and tours for visitors. Some of them are:
- Wildlife Cruises
- Helicopter Tours
- Dog Sledding and Mushing Tours
- Salmon and Halibut Fishing Trips
- Kayaking Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Seward
Here is our recommended itinerary for a week-long visit to Seward:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska SeaLife Center and Seward Community Library & Museum |
| 2 | Bear Glacier kayaking tour and Caines Head Trail |
| 3 | Helicopter Glacier Landing Tour and Iditarod National Historic Trail |
| 4 | Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise and Tonsina Point Trail |
| 5 | Salmon and Halibut Fishing Trip and Harding Icefield Trail |
| 6 | Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise and Exit Glacier Mountaineering Route |
| 7 | Day Trip to Homer, Alaska |
Food and Drink Scene of Seward
Seward offers a diverse food and drink scene with lots of delicious options to choose from. Here are some must-try dishes that you can find in Seward:
Must-Try Dishes
- Grilled Salmon
- Halibut and Chips
- Reindeer Sausage
- King Crab Legs
- Seafood Chowder
Local Beverages
- Alaskan beers and microbrews
- Glacier Melt Cocktail
- Blueberry Cordial
Where to Stay in Seward: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Seward offers a range of accommodation options for visitors. Here are some of the best:
- Hotel Seward
- Harbor 360 Hotel
- Seward Windsong Lodge
- Stoney Creek RV Park
- Seward International Hostel and Guest House
What to Buy in Seward: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Seward is known for its unique shops and boutiques, offering a wide variety of souvenirs and local products. Some of the best places to buy souvenirs are:
- Alaska Shop
- Rusty Harpoon
- Fireweed Gallery
- Ray’s Waterfront
Local Culture and Customs of Seward
Seward is home to a diverse population, including the indigenous communities and descendants of miners and fishermen. The locals take pride in their history, heritage, and environment.
Best Time to Visit Seward
The best time to visit Seward is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities are plenty.
Do’s and Don’ts of Seward
Do:
- Dress in layers
- Respect the wildlife
- Carry bear spray
- Book tours and activities in advance
- Explore the local sea-life center and museum
Don’t:
- Approach wild animals
- Litter or pollute the environment
- Overlook the importance of proper gear and clothing
- Be reckless in any outdoor activity
Safety and Health
Safety in Seward
Seward is generally considered a safe place, but visitors should still take some precautions. Be aware of the wildlife and its surroundings. Carry bear spray and practice safe trail etiquette while hiking.
Health in Seward
Hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical facilities are available in Seward, and it is recommended to get proper medical insurance before your visit.
Getting to Seward: Transportation Options and Logistics
Seward can be reached by land, air, or sea. The town is located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Here are some transportation options:
Airports Near Seward
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
- Seward Airport
Bus Stations Near Seward
- Alaska Railroad Depot
Other Options
- Rental Cars
- Bike Rentals
- Water Taxis
- Private Transfers
How to Get Around in Seward
The best way to get around Seward is by car, bike, or on foot.
Where to Go Next from Seward: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Seward include:
- Homer, Alaska
- Russian River and Kenai River
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Girdwood, Alaska
Conclusion
Seward, with its history, culture, natural beauty, and fascinating adventures, is a perfect destination and offers something for every traveler. So, start planning your trip to Seward today and let the unspoiled wilderness soothe your soul.
