Planning a trip to Seward, Alaska? You’re in the right place! We’ve compiled an ultimate guide to the top 21 things to do in Seward, Alaska. From wildlife cruises through Kenai Fjords National Park to coffees and pastries in an old church, getting bored here is simply not an option. Stay tuned to the end of the article for tips on the best time of year to visit, where to stay, and more!
Note: We use affiliate links which provide us a little kickback each time you use one of our links and make a purchase, without any additional cost to you. We do not recommend products that we don’t already love or have heard great things about, so you can trust we’re only suggesting great products to you.
1. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park
This incredible park has had visitors flocking to Seward year after year since its inauguration in 1980! Kenai Fjords is home to nearly 40 glaciers that flow from the massive Harding Icefield, making it feel like you’ve traveled back to the ice age. This park is also home to some of Alaska’s best wildlife—moose, sea otters, humpback whales, sea lions, puffins, and more!
While most of the park is accessible by water, you can also drive to the Exit Glacier area and explore it on foot during the summer months. Below, we’ve outlined the top 3 things to do in Kenai Fjords:
- Stop by the Park’s Visitor Centers: The Kenai Fjords Visitor Center (located in downtown Seward) and Exit Glacier Nature Center (located on Exit Glacier Road, just outside of Seward) are the park’s two centers. Both are open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting.
- Take a Wildlife Cruise: Half-day and full-day wildlife cruises are one of the best ways to explore the remote coast, get close to glaciers, and spot marine life. Hop down to our Wildlife Cruises section for more info!
- Go Hiking: There are two main hikes that visitors tackle in Kenai Fjords: the relatively easy walk up to Exit Glacier or the challenging all-day hike on the Harding Icefield Trail. Hop down to our hiking in Kenai Fjords section to read about what you can expect from each.
💵 This National Park is Free! That’s right, Kenai Fjords charges no admission fee to enter. You can still financially support the land by picking up something at the bookshop or supporting local tours!
📌 Pin this post
Pin this guide to the best things to do in Seward, Alaska to make planning your upcoming trip a breeze!
2. Take a Wildlife Cruise
Going on a wildlife cruise is practically a must-do activity in Seward, Alaska. Lucky for you, your options boil down to two main tour companies—Major Marine Tours and Kenai Fjord Tours. Both offer a variety of tours depending on budget, time, and interests.
We went with Major Marine Tours, mainly because they are a local company, and opted for their full-day boat tour. This tour attracted us because it takes place on a smaller boat, with fewer people, and takes us further away from Seward (which means more wildlife sightings).
💡 Read How to Choose the Best Kenai Fjords Boat Tour for a full breakdown of all the wildlife tours offered out of Seward!
We had the time of our lives out on the water, discovering animal after animal throughout the entire day. In total, we saw about 15 different species—humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, you name it! We highly recommend bringing along a pair of binoculars to see the animals even better.
To top this experience off, we were provided with lunch on board, which was a nice touch as we were out on the water all day.
These tours are one of the best things to do in Seward, Alaska in our opinion! They 100% live up to the hype and are well worth the money. That being said, if you easily get seasick, it’s something to consider as these boats aren’t the largest, so you do still feel the waves a bit.
🧥 Pack Layers! It can get cool out on the water, so make sure to dress in layers and bring a raincoat just in case the weather changes.
3. Hike in Kenai Fjords
There are two main hikes within Kenai Fjords—Exit Glacier View Trail and Harding Icefield Trail. We highly recommend both of these stunning hikes, although if you are opposed to an all-day hike, stick to Exit Glacier. Keep in mind that the weather can be fickle, so layers and rain gear are a must. Don’t forget your bear spray either!
🐻 Rent Bear Spray! If you want to save some money, you can rent bear spray in Anchorage at a spot like Alaska Bear Spray Rental instead of buying a whole canister. Also, if you plan on flying at any point, you’ll have to dispose of your bear spray anyway.
If you arrive in Seward without a car, you can catch the Exit Glacier Shuttle from downtown to Exit Glacier Nature Center. This will leave you right at all of the trailheads of the hikes mentioned below.
🐶 No Pets on Trail! If you’re travelling with a dog like us, keep in mind that they aren’t permitted on trails, in campgrounds, in the backcountry, or in park buildings, unless a service animal.
Exit Glacier View Trail (1 to 1.5 hours)
The Exit Glacier View Trail brings you to an overlook of the largest icefield completely located in the United States. This easy-to-moderate loop trail takes between 1 and 1.5 hours to hike.
As you drive to the Exit Glacier Nature Center, you’ll see small signs along the side of the road indicating the year that Exit Glacier was there. The trail then brings you even closer to Exit Glacier, bringing you along its retreating path—a reminder of climate change.
Harding Icefield Trail (6 to 7 hours)
The Harding Icefield Trail was our absolute favorite hike we’ve ever done! Stretching 8.6 miles (13.8 km), this is the longest and hardest hike in the park, but really worth it if you have it in you.
The top of the hike rewards you with views of the vast Icefield with mountains peaking out from it, which is super humbling to see. The views are incredible throughout the entirety of this 6 to 7-hour hike as well—we couldn’t stop pointing and taking photos!
With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!
4. Go Kayaking on Resurrection Bay
Kayaking is a memorable way to get up close and personal with Seward, Alaska’s natural beauty. We decided to go kayaking with Sunny Cove Kayaking on their 1/2 Day Resurrection Bay Tour, and we can’t recommend it enough! Their staff was super friendly and helpful in getting us the proper gear and refreshing our kayaking skills.
We launched our sea kayaks from Miller’s Landing and enjoyed 2-2.5 hours out on the water. Beyond enjoying the time away from shore, expect to experience some wildlife encounters—everything from sea otters to puffins to whales call these waters home. This ended up being one of our favorite experiences in all of Alaska!
If you’re interested in seeing the glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park, we recommend their Glacier Kayak and Wildlife Cruise Combo! This trip, visitors typically kayak to Holgate Glacier, one of the three glaciers in Aialik Bay. We didn’t get to kayak a glacier during this most recent trip to Alaska, but we hope to when we return in the future.
5. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center
The Alaska SeaLife Center, located in downtown Seward, is a public aquarium and research center specializing in Alaska’s marine life. They are the only entity in Alaska to conduct marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, so funds raised from entry tickets go to a much-needed cause!
Since we had gone on the Kenai Fjords boat tour, we had already seen most of the Alaskan marine life that was featured in the facility. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our time there and thought it would be great for families with kids, as they have a touch tank and interactive exhibits. It’s also a great Plan B if your boat tour gets canceled due to weather or if you don’t plan on going on a boat tour in general.
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance! If you purchase your tickets online here, you can save a few dollars on your ticket (General Admission usually $35).
6. Go Hiking Outside of Kenai Fjords
If you’re a big hiking fan, you don’t have to limit yourself to the national park. We tackled two hikes in Seward outside of Kenai Fjords, both of which we highly recommend—Tonsina Creek Trail and Mount Marathon.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails! Both of the hiking trails listed here, and most of the ones outside of Kenai Fjords itself, are dog-friendly. Ollie was very happy to be able to join us on these trails.
Tonsina Creek Trail (1.5 to 2 hours)
Tonsina Creek Trail is a 3-mile (4.8-km) moderate trail stretching from Caines Head Trailhead to Tonsina Creek. This trail is relatively flat and will take you anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Parking at the trailhead is $5, and the lot is relatively small, so we don’t recommend it if you’re traveling in a large vehicle.
Along the trail, there were tons of salmon berries that we picked as we walked. Although the trail ends at Tonsina Creek, you have the option to continue your hike all the way to Caines Head, adding another 11.4 miles (18.4 km) round-trip to your hike. If you decide to continue, you must time your hike based on the tide schedule since some of the trail is inaccessible during high tide.
Mount Marathon (1 to 1.5 hours)
If you’re up for a challenge, consider hiking the steep slope up to Mount Marathon. Every July 4th since 1915, racers from all over have participated in a famous footrace up to the boulder at Race Point and back, creating one of Alaska’s oldest traditions.
The race is known to be extremely challenging for its elevation gain, and the fact that hikers are climbing up scree (loose rock). That being said, feel free to hike at your own pace, like Elliot and Ollie did, taking breaks when needed and enjoying the views overlooking Resurrection Bay.
🗺️ Out-and-Back Option: If you’re following the AllTrails map below, you can hike Mount Marathon as an out-and-back trail. Turning back at Race Point instead of doing the loop keeps this trail to 1 to 1.5 hours.
With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!
7. Stop by the Seward Community Library and Museum
The Seward Community Library and Museum is a gorgeous public library and community center that also houses a museum full of Alaskan artifacts downstairs. We loved learning about Benny Benson, a Native Alaskan who designed Alaska’s flag.
Fees for the museum are $5/person (12 and under are free), plus an additional $5 if you watch one of their 2:00 PM movie showings—Waves Over Seward: The 1964 Earthquake or Iditarod National Historic Trail.
🪙 Gold Panning Experience! We had to mention this 4-hour Exit Glacier Hike & Gold Panning Experience that we found. Learn about Alaska’s history and geology while you are led on this hike!
8. Stroll the Sea Otter Trail
The Seward Waterfront Shore Path (also known as the Sea Otter Trail) is an easy, family-friendly 1.9-mile (3.1-km) walk in downtown Seward that’s a great alternative to one of the longer trails listed above. There’s plenty of parking available and you have a good chance to see sea lions, sea otters, seals, and, if you’re lucky, the occasional whale!
9. Explore Seward’s Mural Trail
Seward was designated the “Mural Capital of Alaska” in 2008, as it has tons of murals painted by local artists. This made for a really enjoyable experience when walking around on foot. We really enjoyed seeing the creativity and colorful designs throughout town! Here’s a map with pins of all the murals in town that you can reference while you walk.
🎨 First Friday Art Walks! Free art walks are held on the first Friday of each month in the summer. From 6 to 8 PM, you can enter various local businesses that are showcasing artists’ work.
10. Go on a Dog Sled Ride
Besides the wildlife cruises we mentioned above, there are tons of specialty tours offered by local companies. This Dog Sled Ride and Seavey Estate Tour caught our eye in particular. You get a chance to meet real working sled dogs, learn about the history of the Iditarod Race, and enjoy a ride on a beautiful trail in the summer with this 1.5-hour tour!
11. Explore What to Eat in Seward
A trip isn’t complete without a good meal, and Seward honestly surprised us with its food scene! Here are some of the top restaurants in downtown Seward for when your stomach starts to rumble:
- The Cookery—Modern eatery and oyster bar with seafood plates, craft beer, and wine. They serve a plant-based beet burger as well as a few vegan sides for those who don’t eat seafood. Open 5 to 8:30 PM Wednesday to Saturday.
- Firebrand BBQ—Local barbecue joint serving up hearty portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open 7 days a week 7 AM to 8 PM from May 15th to September 15th.
- Miller’s Landing Café—Waterfront café serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We got their fish and chips for lunch one day and they were amazing!
🍽️ Check out this article for more info on where to eat in Seward, Alaska: Our 5 Favorite Spots to Eat in Seward, Alaska!
12. Catch Some Live Music
During the summer months, Seward has a surprisingly lively local music scene, with events happening almost nightly! You can usually find live concerts, along with fun things like trivia, karaoke, and dance parties, scattered throughout town. Your best bets for catching some action are the Yukon Bar and the Seward Alehouse, both of which almost always have something going on.
13. Ride the Alaska Railroad Scenic Train
The Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic Train is probably one of the most scenic rail journeys in all of North America, connecting Anchorage directly to Seward via the Turnagain Arm. As the train chugs along Alaska’s rugged coastline, you’ll take in jaw-dropping views of mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, and more.
With the trip taking about four hours each way, you can book either a one-way ticket or a full round-trip, one-day journey. Although we didn’t get to ride the Alaska Railroad this trip, it’s high on our list for next time!
14. Go Camping in Seward, Alaska
Especially if you’re visiting in the height of summer, camping is a cozy, memorable way to spend your time in Seward. Swap the standard hotel room for a night or two in the Alaskan wilderness with any of these camping options:
- Camping in Kenai Fjords National Park—Kenai Fjords has one free first-come, first-served campground with 12 tent-only sites at Exit Glacier. Your other options include backcountry camping (allowed throughout the park), as well as two public-use cabins that can be reserved here for $75 per night.
- Camping in Downtown Seward—All along the shoreline of Seward, you’ll find loads of campgrounds facing Resurrection Bay, such as Resurrection Campground, Williams Campground, Marathon Campground, and more. You can call 907-224-4055 or go to this page for more information.
- Camping near Seward, Alaska—Just 10 minutes away from Seward are a handful of affordable campgrounds and RV Parks such as Howling Wolf Resort, Nash Bayfront Campground, and RipTide RV Resort. They are a great alternative when downtown Seward is full, you prefer to escape the crowds, or if you’re looking for more amenities than a shorefront spot.
- BLM Camping—You can also check for BLM Land via iOverlander, which we always refer to when looking for public land to stay on for free.
15. Stop by Seward’s Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday in the summer from 10 AM to 2 PM, a farmer’s market is held in downtown Seward next to the Ranting Raven on 4th Avenue. We missed this market as we weren’t in town on a Saturday, but we recommend you check it out if you’re in Seward on a Saturday morning! More information on this page.
16. Go Tidepooling
Both Lowell Point and Miller’s Landing are great spots for tidepooling, where you can observe the delicate ecosystems in action. See tiny sea creatures like sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, barnacles, and limpets. Check the tide charts and try to visit during low tide, usually early morning or late afternoon.
💚 Be Mindful of Ecosystems! While exploring these areas, make sure not to disturb the marine life in any way.
17. Book a Helicopter Tour
For the ultimate bird’s-eye view of the Alaskan coast, consider investing in a helicopter tour! Although pricey, these tours are a great alternative if you’re prone to seasickness, as they offer spectacular coastal views without the waves. Seward’s operators offer a variety of options, from scenic flights over the fjords to once-in-a-lifetime experiences like being dropped off to explore icebergs at Bear Glacier.
18. Try an Alaskan Brew
If you’re a beer fan, don’t miss out on trying some Alaskan brews from a local bar or restaurant. Seward Alehouse is a classic local spot and the perfect place to sample a wide selection of Alaskan beers, ciders, and seltzers. It’s got a fun, relaxed vibe thanks to the pool table, dart boards, and collection of board games you can play too. Miller’s Landing is another great option with several beers on tap, really great eats, and a covered patio with waterfront views.
19. Visit Resurrect Art Coffeehouse
Head over to Resurrect Art Coffee House, a funky work-friendly café and art gallery located inside an old church in downtown Seward! This local favorite is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM and is a great place to start your day, get some work done, or relax with a book. We ordered iced coffees and some of their baked goods, and they were both delicious!
20. Explore Two Lakes Park
Located right in town near the base of Mount Marathon, Two Lakes Park offers a quick escape into the Alaskan rainforest. The easy, family-friendly loop trail is less than a mile and winds you around two beautiful lakes. If you’re in Seward for more than a few days, this is a great casual morning or picnic plan that will take you away from the busier harbor area.
21. Visit in the Winter
Even though summer is Seward’s most popular season, there are still things to do during the winter. One really cool opportunity is the Willow Public Use Cabin, a wooden cabin located in the Exit Glacier Area, which you can rent for $50 per night. We think this would make for a once-in-a-lifetime winter backcountry trip!
Wildlife tours are a bit more difficult to come by due to the rough seas during the winter, but some companies may still be offering them on calmer days. Your best bet is signing up for a guided experience on the land, such as:
ℹ️ For more information about planning a trip during the winter to Seward, Alaska, consult NPS’s winter activities page.
📅 When to Visit Seward, Alaska
The most popular time to visit Seward is during the summer season (June through August), as this is when the weather is mildest and access to Kenai Fjords National Park is open. For many visitors, timing their trip comes down to weighing crowds against access:
- Summer (June–Aug): Peak season with the warmest weather and full road access to Exit Glacier.
- Shoulder Seasons (May & Sept): Fewer crowds and mild weather, but some services may be reduced.
- Winter (Oct–Apr): Low crowds but very cold temperatures, highly reduced services, and extremely limited park access.
✈️ How to Get to Seward, Alaska
Tucked away at the head of Resurrection Bay, Seward is one of the most accessible—and scenic—coastal towns in Alaska, reachable by car, train, bus, or even air taxi. Whether you’re coming from near or far, here’s a breakdown of your options:
- Car—The Seward Highway is kept clear year-round, connecting Anchorage to Seward in just over 2 hours. If you’re interested in driving but don’t have your own vehicle, consider renting a car for the journey.
- Plane—Seward Airport is a private airport located just next to downtown Seward, servicing private air taxis for quick journeys. There are no major commercial flight services that travel to Seward at the moment.
- Public Transport—Choose between the 4-hour Coastal Classic Train connecting Anchorage to Seward, or a faster, more budget-friendly bus service.
🏨 Where to Stay in Seward, Alaska
Whether you’re looking to camp under the stars or cozy up in a log cabin, Seward, Alaska, has a variety of accommodations. Here’s a breakdown of all the stay options Seward has to offer:
- Hotels & Inns— Stay in a spacious guest house like Seward’s Guest Home, a cozy downtown inn like Sea Treasures Inn, or a cozy cabin like A Cabin on the Cliff.
- Camping—Learn about all the campgrounds in the area in our related article, Guide to Campgrounds and RV Parks in Seward, Alaska.
- BLM Camping—You can also check for BLM Land via iOverlander, which we always refer to when looking for public land to stay on for free. We stayed at this free camping spot on the Exit Glacier river bed with about 50 other rigs while we visited Seward.
Try Harvests Hosts and receive a free month on us!
Members get unlimited overnight stays at thousands of small businesses, including farms, wineries, breweries & distilleries, and attractions, that invite RVers to park for safe and convenient stays.
Use code schoandjo20 at checkout for an extra discount!
📰 Related Articles
- 9 Absolute Best Hikes in Seward, Alaska
- Our 5 Favorite Spots to Eat in Seward, Alaska
- Guide to Campgrounds and RV Parks in Seward, Alaska
- 9 Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park
- How to Choose the Best Kenai Fjords Boat Tour
- How to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park in 1, 2, or 3 Days
📺 Watch on YouTube
📌 Pin this post
Pin this guide to the best things to do in Seward, Alaska to make planning your upcoming trip a breeze!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.