Best things to do in Seward – fjords, glaciers & Alaska coastal adventures

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Seward is one of Alaska’s most scenic coastal towns, located on Resurrection Bay about two hours south of Anchorage. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, glaciers, and marine wildlife, Seward serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

While small in size, Seward offers some of Alaska’s most spectacular fjord cruises, glacier encounters, whale watching tours, and rugged hiking experiences.

Top things to do in Seward

Seward blends coastal wilderness, marine wildlife, and glacier landscapes:

• Kenai Fjords National Park cruises – Glaciers, whales, and sea lions

• Exit Glacier – Easy-access glacier hiking trails

• Harding Icefield Trail – Challenging hike with panoramic glacier views

• Alaska SeaLife Center – Marine research and wildlife education

• Resurrection Bay kayaking – Paddle among cliffs and marine life

• Wildlife boat tours – Orcas, humpback whales, puffins

• Mount Marathon Trail – Scenic but steep hiking route

• Scenic coastal drives – Resurrection Bay viewpoints

Best time to visit Seward

• June–August: Peak season for fjord cruises and wildlife

• May & September: Fewer visitors and cooler weather

• October–April: Limited services but dramatic winter scenery

Summer provides the best access to boat tours and wildlife sightings.

How many days do you need in Seward?

• 1–2 days: Kenai Fjords cruise and Exit Glacier

• 3–4 days: Add hiking and kayaking

• 5+ days: Combine with Anchorage and Denali

Seward pairs perfectly with

Best things to do in Anchorage

and

Best things to do in Denali National Park.

Where to stay in Seward

• Waterfront hotels – Harbor views and easy boat access

• Downtown inns – Walkable and convenient

• Cabin rentals – Rustic Alaska experience

• RV parks and campgrounds – Popular in summer

Staying near the harbor is most convenient for fjord tours.

Seward vs other Alaska destinations

• Seward: Marine wildlife and glacier fjords

• Anchorage: Gateway city with varied excursions

• Denali: Mountain wilderness and wildlife

• Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic culture

Seward stands out for its dramatic coastal scenery and fjord cruises.

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Kenai Fjords cruises, wildlife tours, and glacier hikes are the most popular experiences.

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The Soul of Resurrection Bay: History & Legends

Seward is a town built on the edge of the world, where the mountains meet the sea in a dramatic collision of ice and deep blue water. Named after William H. Seward—the man responsible for the “Seward’s Folly” purchase of Alaska—this port has long been the gateway for pioneers and explorers.

• Seward’s Folly (1867): The town’s namesake, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward, negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. At the time, critics mocked it as an “Icebox,” but the discovery of gold and oil eventually proved Seward’s foresight was one of the greatest real estate deals in history.

• The Original Iditarod Trail: While the modern race starts in Anchorage, the Mile 0 marker of the historic Iditarod Trail is right here in Seward. During the gold rush, sled dog teams hauled mail and supplies from this ice-free port into the interior of Alaska.

• The Great Earthquake and Tsunami (1964): Seward was devastated by the same 9.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Anchorage. A massive tsunami wiped out the waterfront and the town’s rail yards. Today, the town is a model of coastal resilience, with a rebuilt harbor that is one of the most picturesque in the Pacific.

• Rockwell Kent and Wilderness: The famous American artist Rockwell Kent lived on Fox Island just outside Seward in 1918. His time there, documented in his book Wilderness, helped cement Seward’s reputation as a place of profound natural inspiration and solitude.

Alaskan Life: Food, Sports & Events

• The Seward Palate:

• Fresh from the Bay: Seward is a premier fishing port. You haven’t truly eaten here until you’ve had Halibut Fish and Chips or Seward Silver Salmon, often caught just hours before being served at the harbor.

• The Resurrection Coffee Culture: Alaskans take their coffee seriously. Local roasteries in Seward provide the high-octane fuel needed for early morning boat tours and mountain hikes.

• Sports:

• Mountain Running: Seward is home to one of the most grueling footraces in the world. Athletes scramble up nearly 3,000 feet of shale and rock on Mount Marathon, then hurtle back down at breakneck speeds.

• Sea Kayaking: This is the local way to explore the coastline. Navigating the quiet coves of Resurrection Bay allows for silent encounters with sea otters and harbor seals.

• Main Events:

• Mount Marathon Race (July 4th): A world-famous tradition since 1915. The town’s population triples as spectators gather to watch runners tackle the punishing mountain slopes.

• Seward Silver Salmon Derby (August): One of the oldest and largest fishing derbies in Alaska, where thousands of anglers compete for massive cash prizes and the “big one.”

• Seward Mermaid Festival (May): A whimsical community celebration marking the return of the spring season and the town’s deep connection to the ocean.

• Polar Bear Jump (January): A brave (and freezing) local tradition where participants plunge into the icy waters of Resurrection Bay to raise money for local charities.

Frequently asked questions about Seward

Is Seward worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of Alaska’s most scenic coastal destinations.

Can you see whales in Seward?

Yes, especially during summer fjord cruises.

Is Seward close to Anchorage?

Yes. About 2 to 2.5 hours by car.

Do you need a car in Seward?

Not necessarily in town, but useful for regional exploration.

The concept of AmerExperience guides

After more than 30 years in international travel, I know this for sure:

The hardest part of traveling isn’t getting there — it’s knowing what’s truly worth doing once you arrive.

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👉 Explore the best things to do in the USA:

Best things to do in the USA – Top 60 destinations

Related guides

• Best things to do in Anchorage

• Best things to do in Denali National Park

• Best things to do in Fairbanks

Warm regards,

Lassi Pensikkala

Destination expert & travel writer

Updated regularly · © Lassi Pensikkala