Seward, AK

Travel Guide
Alaska showing climbing and snow as well as an individual male
Explore the dynamic harbor in this historic town that is the Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and its snow-capped mountains and lakes.

Seward is a city in southern Alaska surrounded by mesmerizing glaciers, fjords and forests. The region is a base for hikers and nature lovers. Wrap up warm for your adventure into the snowy wilderness in this serene and picturesque region.

Wander around the harbor to get a sense of local life among one of the United States’ most lucrative fishery industries. Capture photos of your favorite boats with a backdrop of snowy peaks and the water.

To the south of the harbor is Alaska SeaLife Center, containing tanks of vibrant marine life. Go to the seabird section for its puffins and murres. A few blocks east is Seward Museum, which holds exhibits about the lives of early settlers.

Many vacationers visit Seward as a base for exploration of the Alaskan outback. Ride a boat to the Kenai Fjords National Park. Spot a great range of wildlife, with mountain goats, seabirds and orca pods. See the rugged coastline and white peaks on a cruise with one of the operators in the town. Hike through the park to encounter streams of salmon, waterfalls and glaciers.

Take the boat into Resurrection Bay to see Bear Glacier for its icebergs and rugged coastline. Move into Aialik Bay to marvel at the wall of blue ice of Holgate Glacier. See extraordinary wildlife, such as seals, eagles, sea lions and whales. On the eastern side of the park is Godwin Glacier, where you can take dog sled tours.

The weather in this region is fairly wet and cold year-round. Expect temperatures far below freezing with high levels of snow in winter. Summers are mild to cool, ideal for a brisk hike.

The town is the Mile 0 of the iconic Iditarod Trail that crosses several mountain ranges and played a role in the gold rush of the early 1900s.

Seward is on the Kenai Peninsula Borough in the southern section of Alaska. From Anchorage, it’s a 2- to 3-hour drive south through Moose Pass and Primrose.

With glaciers, waterfalls and diverse wildlife, Seward is an icy wonderland in the corner of the world.

Where to stay in Seward

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Questa Woods

Though Questa Woods might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park.

Questa Woods
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Old Mill

5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Old Mill, you might make a stop by sights like Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park.

Old Mill
Hotel Seward
Hotel Seward
2.5 out of 5
221 5th Ave, Seward, AK
The price is ₩243,118 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
₩243,118
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice place"

Reviewed on May 26, 2024

Hotel Seward
Breeze Inn
Breeze Inn
3 out of 5
303 North Harbor Drive, Seward, AK
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩311,028 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
₩311,028
per night
May 31 - Jun 1
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (992 reviews)
"They were very accommodating. Let us leave our luggage while we waited for our train. Also provided shuttle service when we needed it."

Reviewed on May 26, 2024

Breeze Inn
Spruce Lodge
Spruce Lodge
3.5 out of 5
31851 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK
The price is ₩255,954 per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
₩255,954
per night
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (288 reviews)
"We stayed in the Forget Me Not chalet, a small private building a short distance from the main Lodge. Great accommodation for a couple or single traveler in Seward. Comfortable King size bed, sitting area with TV and kitchenette. Very short drive to marina and downtown Seward. We would definitely ..."

Reviewed on May 26, 2024

Spruce Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Alaska Creekside Cabins
Alaska Creekside Cabins
2 out of 5
11886 Old Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, AK
Stay at this cabin in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Seward ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (470 reviews)
"Clean and very nice"

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2023

Alaska Creekside Cabins
Brown and Hawkins Historical Apartments
Brown and Hawkins Historical Apartments
3 out of 5
209 Fourth Avenue, Seward, AK
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Chugach Heritage Center ...
7.8/10 Good! (68 reviews)
"It was so clean and quaint!! Like a step back in history.... we will absolutely stay again."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2023

Brown and Hawkins Historical Apartments
Renfro's Lakeside Retreat - Cabin's and R.V. Park
Renfro's Lakeside Retreat - Cabin's and R.V. Park
3 out of 5
27177 Seward Hwy., Seward, AK
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Seward. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Primrose Trailhead and Ptarmigan ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
"Beautiful place away from it all. Gary was a helpful host. We enjoyed every minute we were there."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2023

Renfro's Lakeside Retreat - Cabin's and R.V. Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Seward

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
178
" "5 - Excellent 58.745874587458744%
4 - Good
107
" "4 - Good 35.31353135313531%
3 - Okay
17
" "3 - Okay 5.6105610561056105%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.33003300330033003%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 5, 2019

Love Seward, super busy in the Seward and quiet in the winter.

5/5 - Excellent

Ruth
Oct 7, 2019

I will be back to visit Seward at some point in the future. I enjoyed it very much. I had a lot of fun.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 15, 2019

Did Harding Icefield hike. All the way to the emergency shelter. There are no words to express the experience other than doing it in person.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 11, 2019

Our boat trip to Kenai Fjords Nat Park was outstanding!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Sep 4, 2019

Left the town a day early of our two day trip, because of the horrific lodging. Lucky we found a safe, clean place down the road.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 3, 2019

The Seavey family (of Iditerod fame) run what I believe is the best sled dog tour in all of Alaska. Our young guide was very nice and knew all about the process of training and racing world-class dog/athletes.

Cities near Seward