I remember my first visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center. I thought it was so strange that there would be an aquarium in Alaska. I get it though, because Alaska has very diverse wildlife and who better to tend to injured animals than specialists in an Alaska-centric aquarium? The Alaska SeaLife Center is easy to add to your time in Seward and it the perfect end-of-the-day activity or easy visit when you’re walking the Seward waterfront path. We’ve got all the info about the aquarium so you can decide if it needs to be a part of your Alaska trip.
Highlights of the Alaska SeaLife Center
If you’re doing the Kenai Fjords Tours into the National Park, you should see puffins, both tufted and horned… but if you don’t, visit the Alaska Sealife Center to check them off your list. One of the highlights of the aquarium in Seward is the pelagic birds exhibit where you’ll find puffins, eiders and auklets. You can watch them from above AND below the surface as they dive.
Also, there is quite the marine animal hospital setup at the Alaska Sealife Center. Seals, Sea otters, birds and who knows what else are all being looked after here. While you cannot always see the animals that are in the hospital section, typically there are a few on display while they’re in recovery.
Alaska SeaLife Center with Kids
Every kid is different and some are just simply into everything they see. The Alaska SeaLife Center is great for kids who are both tactile and who just want to observe. There are lots of exhibits that focus on the intertidal zones of the Gulf of Alaska, as well as fish of the deep Fjords.
What makes this a great aquarium for kids is how relatable everything is. If they’re at an otter exhibit, chances are they can look outside or do a boat tour and see what they’ve just learned about living out in the wild. The touch tanks mimic what they’ll find if they’re on a shore walk or exploring in Resurrection Bay or Southeast Alaska. Everything is very connected and appropriate to any age and learning level.
Tips for a Fun Visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center
When you plan your time at the Alaska SeaLife Center know that it’s not huge life the Georgia Aquarium or the Aquarium of the Pacific. This is a small, very focused aquarium. To make the most of your time, check the program schedule the day before so you know what time the talks and demonstrations are happening and you can plan to be there for them. I think listening to the naturalist and animal care specialists is one of the best things about visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center, so I would intentionally make time for that.
Parking at the SeaLife Center in Seward
There is dedicated parking for the Alaska SeaLife Center one block away to the East, near the Iditarod Mile 0 sculptures. There is also plenty of street parking directly next to and all around the Alaska SeaLife Center. Pay attention to parking signs though; even though Seward is a small town they for sure enforce their parking restrictions.
Tour Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: open year-round, May through August hours 9:00 am – 7:00 pm; hours and days vary as seasons change
- Office phone number: 907-224-6300
- Company website: Alaska SeaLife Center tickets and hours
- Aquarium address: 301 Railway Ave, Seward Alaska 99664
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 to experience the Alaska SeaLife Center. Between the beautiful creatures and learning about Alaska wildlife, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Seward, the Kenai Peninsula, or plotting out your Alaska travels please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
