I love Seward, Alaska! I used to live an hour from here so have spent lots of time here, both on my own and taking visitors to town. This 3 day Seward itinerary is great for anybody visiting the Kenai Peninsula for the first time or if you are visiting Anchorage and need a plan to add onto your trip. Seward is set in a beautiful location and has lots to do, so you’ll love it.
If you have any questions about our Seward itinerary or need help planning a bigger Alaska trip, that’s what we’re here for. Please leave a comment or send us a note so we can assist. Being a part of others’ travel planning is so much fun and we love to share more of our own experiences and tips from Alaska.
Need to Know for Visiting Seward
Seward is located about two hours south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. It’s a fishing town set on Resurrection Bay just off the Gulf of Alaska. Seward is separated from Prince William Sound and Whittier by the edge of the Chugach Mountains before they become the Kenai Mountains. The Resurrection River flows into Seward, and of course the highlight is Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ve got Exit Glacier here, Mount Marathon and so many beautiful sights.
You most likely need a car for a visit to Seward unless you’re booking tours for all of your activities. The downtown is walkable, but most things to do in Seward are on the edge of town or a short drive north. It really depends on how much hiking you want to do or if you just want to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Kenai Peninsula.
Alaska Native Land Acknowledgement: Honoring the Peoples of the Kenai Peninsula
I think it’s very important to understand the background of any area we travel to. Sometimes that history is beautiful, sometimes it’s ugly or messy, and sometimes it’s both. Alaska was taken from several large groups of people, many of whom were forced to attend Indian Schools to be re-educated. Alaska has a history of segregation between white people and the different tribes who’ve called this land home for tens of thousands of years. This is why it’s important to acknowledge the people and make an effort to learn and travel responsibly.
We acknowledge that the lands we visit or on which we live here are the traditional lands of the Athabascan, Dena’ina, Tanana, Alutiq, Aleut, Yupik, Inupiaq, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian and other Peoples that have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We acknowledge the history and current lives of these people and aim to interact with and visit their ancestral lands respectfully and with gratitude.
When to Visit Seward, Alaska
Like most Alaska destinations Seward is best visited in the summertime. Most of town reopens for tourism in early May, and the weather in May is amazing, but since one of the highlights of visiting is seeing marine life, late May is when the whales are in full force in the Gulf of Alaska. Summer in Seward is full of fishing and outdoor adventures, including the famous run up Mount Marathon on the 4th of July.
When summer starts to wrap up, it becomes very quiet. The whales start to head south or back to Hawaii in early September and by the end of the month it’s mostly sea otters and harbor seals swimming in Resurrection Bay and the nearby waters. Fall is beautiful in Seward, but so much of the town has closed for the season that tours and services are very limited. That might be just what you’re looking for though!
Any time of year you should be aware of the weather. Our 3 day Seward itinerary has you out on the water as well as hiking and on glaciers, so even in the peak of summer you should plan to be a little cold and a bit wet. I’ve had 80 degree days in Seward and I’ve had 30 degree days (not in winter). It’s a beautiful mixed bag of weather.
Getting to Seward from Anchorage
I love driving the Seward Highway from Anchorage. It’s an easy drive along the Turnagain Arm and then through the Kenai Mountains down to Resurrection Bay. The drive takes about two hours, but there are lots of stops you can make along the way. Our 7 day Alaska road trip plan has a great list of suggested stops. You don’t have to drive to Seward though…
During tourist season you can actually take the train between Seward and Anchorage. You can even take the train from Anchorage to Seward, get off for the day and return the same day or stay in town. This is for sure the luxe way to visit and the trip along the water and through the mountains is beautiful, but it’s not for every itinerary or budget.
Train from Seward to Anchorage here – Train from Anchorage to Seward here
3 Day Seward Itinerary – Summer Visit
Are you excited to see what we’ve got on our Seward itinerary? You should be. I love the Kenai and I think a trip to Seward showcases some of the best of Alaska. The views, the Alaska wildlife, the outdoor experiences: I love it all. Remember that if you don’t have time during your Alaska trip to dedicate three full days in Seward, you can pop down for a day trip or just do one overnight. You’ll want to return either way, so add Seward to your itinerary in a way that works for you.
For dining suggestions, those will all be located at the end of this article. Each day since we’re returning to the town of Seward, you’ll be in the same general area and there are no specific recommendations that are more central or more convenient, so go with what you’re in the mood for or who has the shortest wait times for a table for that meal time.
Day 1: Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour
We start our visit to Seward with THE thing most tourists visit the town for: the Kenai Fjords National Park boat tour. I have done this trip so many times and it never gets old. It is a full day experience though, so we recommend arriving to Seward the night before to ensure you can get into town and be to your boat on time. I think this is the most important part of the Seward itinerary, so that’s why we’re starting here.
Book a full-day boat tour (6-8 hours) to explore Kenai Fjords National Park. Many tours leave from the Seward Harbor and take you out to see stunning glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife like puffins, sea otters, sea lions, and humpback whales. I’ve never NOT seen an incredible amount of wildlife out on the water here, but remember that it’s all wild, meaning that what you see, where you see it and how many creatures are not guaranteed.
Nearly every Kenai Fjords boat tour you can book includes lunch and snacks. You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, but you don’t necessarily need to. I think coming aboard with water, some light snacks (especially if you have kids with you), and dressed in layers is great. You’re here to enjoy the sights and see some of the most iconic sights in Alaska.
Kenai Fjords Tours is my favorite tour company, but there are a few other options for getting on the water into the fjords. Here are the tours you can choose from:
- Kenai Fjords National Park Tour – 6 hours – includes lunch and some snacks, visits Aialik or Holgate Glacier OR do the same route and add dinner on Fox Island
- Northwestern Fjord Tour **MY FAVORITE** – 8 hours – includes light breakfast and lunch w/ some snacks, visits Northwestern, Northeastern, Redstone and Southwest Glacier (one fjord has them all)
- Resurrection Bay Tour w/ Fox Island – 5 hours – includes dinner on For Island at the day lodge
- Glacier Dinner Cruise – 5.5 hours – includes dinner onboard (drinks are extra), visits Holgate or Aialik Glacier.
- SPRINGTIME ONLY Resurrection Bay Tour – 4 hours, March – May – includes lunch, doesn’t visit any glaciers but is for wildlife watching
The question I get the most about doing the Kenai Fjords Tours is about seasickness. I wish I could say that every boat that goes out has seas like glass, calm with whales breaching continually, but that’s not the case. There are some days that the swell from the Gulf of Alaska is big, and crossing the Harding Passage can sometimes be rough, but in general you stay in the more sheltered areas of the fjords. If you need seasickness medicine, do what’s right for you.
This is a full day of fun, so when you’re done, find dinner and then head back to your lodging to get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s Seward itinerary.
Day 2: Kayaking and Exploring Seward
In addition to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward has some beautiful mountains and coastline to explore, and a fun downtown/waterfront. Today’s portion of our Seward itinerary is all about being immersed in the outdoors and seeing what we can see. It’s a high activity day, but not strenuous. Today’s activities are very much kid-friendly and fun in any weather (yes, kayaking can be fun in the rain).
Kayaking Adventure in Seward
Book a kayaking tour in Resurrection Bay or nearby Fox Island with Sunny Cove Kayaking. These trips are typically around 4-5 hours and allow you to get close to the rugged shoreline, scenic islands, and, depending on the route, possibly see marine life up close. I’ve been kayaking on Resurrection Bay several times and have had great encounters with sea otters and once I had orcas get closer than I wanted. It’s an amazing place to be on the water in a kayak.
Sunny Cove Kayaking does a variety of kayak tours out of Seward for different levels of experience, interests and amount of time you want to be out. And the people are great. 🙂 Here are some tour options to get out with Sunny Cove:
- Resurrection Bay Waterfall & Rainforest Adventure
- Resurrection Bay Half-Day Tours
- Caines Head Kayak & Hike Adventure – Booking Request
When you plan your kayak tour confirm if a picnic lunch is included. Often it is, and if so that’ll save you some planning and time in your afternoon. I love eating lunch in nature, and don’t worry, if you are then your guides are trained for how to deal with any wildlife concerns and they may even keep bear spray on their person just in case.
Afternoon at Alaska SeaLife Center and Downtown
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about Alaska’s marine ecosystems and the rehabilitation work they do for injured wildlife. This is a great opportunity to see puffins, octopuses, and other marine life up close. My kids love learning spaces and the Alaska SeaLife Center does a great job making the science and ecology of the Alaska coast relatable for all ages. This activity should take about 90 minutes depending on your timing and if you’re there for feedings and presentations.
After the Alaska SeaLife Center just explore Seward’s murals and public art, which depict the town’s history, local legends, and natural beauty. You can walk the waterfront from Iditarod Mile 0 or just go through the grid of downtown. Consider a stop at the Seward Community Library & Museum, where you can learn about the 1964 earthquake and Seward’s early history. Seward is pretty small, but between the window shopping and art, you’ll have a mellow afternoon.
If you would rather go hiking or have plenty of energy still, remember that visiting Alaska in the summer means LOTS OF DAYLIGHT. Drive to the Exit Glacier Visitor Center in the land portion of Kenai Fjords National Park. The trails are easy and it’s great to be in the forest. Do the overlook hike to see Exit Glacier and watch for wildlife along the way!
Day 3: Moose Pass, Cooper Landing and Scenic Stops
Our final day of our Seward itinerary includes visiting a few small towns on the Kenai Peninsula. Today is a great day to spot wildlife on land, eat some good food and decide whether or not you could see yourself living here… Kidding, but you may fall in love with the Seward area after you explore a bit more.
Moose Pass and Birdwatching
Start your day with a scenic drive to Moose Pass (30-minute drive from Seward). Moose Pass, a small community nestled in the Chugach Mountains between Seward and the Sterling Highway could be missed if you blink. Stop into Moose Drop-In Trading Post. This is a cute, quaint store for local handicrafts, gifts, and snacks. It’s a great place to pick up Alaskan souvenirs and chat with the friendly locals. Feel free to ask for tips about seeing wildlife recently, as sometimes people will let you know where they’ve seen moose and bear lately.
Check out the Moose Pass Historical Society & Water Wheel. This is an old-fashioned water wheel on the edge of town with a small exhibit to learn about the area’s history. The water wheel is part of Moose Pass’s charm and a fun photo stop, but it’s not a huge chunk of time. After this, head out for a short hike to Carter Lake if you want to have a bit of a beautiful challenge. The trail is around 3.5 miles round-trip and takes you through beautiful alpine scenery to a serene lake here in the Kenai Mountains. It’s a bit of an elevation gain, but worth it. Another option is to head a bit further towards Cooper Landing and Kenai Lake.
Head north from here stopping at the different roadside lakes and streams to watch for wildlife (lots of trumpeter swans in summer), and then ultimately head to Tern Lake. At Tern Lake, you can do a bit of walking or just enjoy birdwatching from the parking area. This is a fantastic place to watch the Arctic Terns, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, and if you’re walking through the surrounding wooded area, owls. I’ve also seen moose and Alaskan brown bears here at Tern Lake, so keep your eyes peeled!
Cooper Landing and Russian River Falls
For Lunch stop into Trail Lake Lodge where you can savor comfort food with a view of the lake and surrounding mountains, or you can head onto the Sterling Highway for lunch in Cooper Landing. If you’re heading to Cooper Landing and Kenai Lake you can get lunch at Cooper Landing Brewing Co, the Roadhouse or Gwin’s Lodge. I really love the giant burgers at Cooper Landing Brewing Co… but then the pie at Gwin’s is amazing…
Once you’ve had some lunch, drive down Quartz Creek Road to the shore of Kenai Lake to take in the scenery and skip rocks (sorry, I’ve got two kids who love skipping rocks and it’s a required itinerary item). I love the view across the lake and each time I am here I miss when I lived and worked up the road (I was a horseman here).
The next stop is Russian River Recreation Area, which you’re going to love. Russian River is known for being an amazing place for salmon fishing, both for humans and for critters. While I do love fishing here, I enjoy the wildlife watching more. As you hike along the river among the fishermen, watch bald eagles and huge fish swimming up stream. Also, this is one of the best places to watch Alaskan brown bears fishing outside of Katmai or Lake Clark National Parks. Keep your distance, but if you see a bear across the river, enjoy the amazingness!
Alternate Day 3 Seward Itinerary: Rafting and Hiking or Helicopter
You can add this extra day to your Seward itinerary or swap it for one of the other daily plans. I’ll keep this simple, because adding these activities as suggested is all through guided tours. Yes, you can always do more hiking on your own, but the Seward hiking suggestions here are for some epic adventures.
Hiking on the Harding Ice Field
A part of Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Ice Field is a huge and beautiful piece of frozen Alaska. If you have the opportunity to add it to your Seward itinerary, do it. While you can hike to the edge of it yourself from the Exit Glacier visitor center, to actually traverse the ice field safely, you’ll need the appropriate gear and probably a guide. I like to error on the side of safety, so go with a guide unless you’re well versed in this sort of ice hiking. This is very different from hiking on the Matanuska Glacier up in Palmer, so approach with caution (and excitement!)
Rafting the Resurrection River
The Resurrection River flows from the Kenai Mountains into Resurrection Bay on the north side of Seward. I love rafting and the whole experience of being on the water in the mountains. If you have the time with all of the other fun on your Seward itinerary, book a day of rafting on the Resurrection River. There are a few options for the length of rafting and other activities you can add to it, but ultimately getting on the river is the goal.
Book rafting on the Resurrection River here!
Helicopter Flightseeing and Dogsledding
This is the super luxe option to add to your time in Seward. Taking off from the airstrip and heading up into the mountains, helicopter flightseeing out of Seward is really cool and beautiful. The way you just float up the face of the mountains and glaciers is incredible. If you want, you can even add dogsledding on Godwin Glacier to a helicopter flight. It is pretty cool and a wonderfully unique Alaskan adventure.
Book helicopter w/ dogsled here! Book helicopter over Bear Glacier here!
More Things to Do in Seward
Seward is a fun, beautiful small town. Located on Resurrection Bay on the southeast side of the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll find a very walkable downtown area with shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. Here are a few additional things you can add to your time in Seward to make the most of your visit:
- Alaska Sea Life Center – aquarium and education center with puffins, seals and more
- Iditarod Mile 0 – original starting point of the Iditarod dogsled race
- Seward Waterfront walking path – a great way to take in the town and Resurrection Bay
- Visit Exit Glacier – this is the only drive-to part of Kenai Fjords National Park
- Deep sea fishing trip – try your hand at catching halibut or ling cod from Seward
- Kayaking tour or rentals – there are lots of great paddling spots in Seward and the rest of the Kenai
Dining in Seward
I’ll be honest, Seward is not my favorite town for cuisine in Alaska. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but its options are limited. I always like to set realistic expectations for anyone visiting a place for the first time. Having said that, here are our top picks for dining in Seward:
- Porthole Cafe – in the marina, food truck
- Resurrection Roadhouse – located at the Seward Windsong Lodge
- Red’s Burgers – walk up dining
- Highliner Restaurant – great food, well established
- Lone Chicharron – solid choice for Mexican food
- Seasalt Alaskan Grill & Bar – pricey but very good
- Seward Brewing Co – brewery with pub fare, right by the Alaska SeaLife Center
Where to Stay in Seward
Find a great place to stay in or near Seward. This part of the Kenai Peninsula has lots of cabins, vacation rentals and beautiful lodges, both deep in the wood or in remote areas. We’ve really enjoyed staying at the Seward Windsong Lodge in the past, but there are more options to fit whatever budget you have. You’ll enjoy it!
More ideas for your visit to Seward:
I hope you’re excited for your trip and to incorporate our Seward itinerary into your plans. It’s a beautiful area and you’ll fall in love with the mountains, water and wildlife. If you have any questions about Seward, planning a trip to the Kenai Peninsula or Alaska in general, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and be of help with planning an Alaska trip!
