Seward, AK

Travel Guide

Seward featuring general coastal views, boating and sailing
Godwin Glacier showing climbing and snow as well as an individual male
Seward featuring mountains, forests and a river or creek
Seward featuring fishing
Seward showing a river or creek
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 ₩199,291 per night from May 1 to May 2
₩199,291
₩221,212 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
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 comfy beds ...
"b"

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

Hotel Seward
Breeze Inn
Breeze Inn
3 out of 5
303 North Harbor Drive, Seward, AK
The price is ₩227,966 per night from May 9 to May 10
₩227,966
₩284,871 total
includes taxes & fees
May 9 - May 10
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Conveniently located near the harbor"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

Breeze Inn
Spruce Lodge
Spruce Lodge
3.5 out of 5
31851 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK
The price is ₩199,751 per night from May 13 to May 14
₩199,751
₩205,744 total
includes taxes & fees
May 13 - May 14
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (440 reviews)
"Great service, great property. There were a few things under construction but it didn’t take away from the ambience and overall feel of the place! Owner was very nice and helpful. Would recommend"

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2025

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 helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Seward ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (542 reviews)
"Great little cabin, clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

Alaska Creekside Cabins
Bear Necessities Cottages
Bear Necessities Cottages
3 out of 5
12375 Camelot Dr, Seward, AK
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park ...
7.6/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable. Close to airport and prefect for our needs."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

Bear Necessities Cottages
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 ...
Renovated, cozy cabin in the woods
"We stayed the beginning of Sept. The cabin we rented was " Premium Cabin, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchen, Mountainside". It was recently renovated, cozy and clean. The cabin has a mini frig, Keurig maker & variety of coffees, hot cocoa, etc. Good quality pans for cooking. The cabin had a charcoal grill and ..."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2024

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 59%
4 - Good
107
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Ruth

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

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

Our boat trip to Kenai Fjords Nat Park was outstanding!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

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

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.

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