Things to do & places to visit in Seward, Alaska, United States

Situated on the Kenai Peninsula at the head of Resurrection Bay, Seward boasts a scenic town and unparalleled natural beauty. Also known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park," Seward is a historic town with a lively harbor. Take a day boat tour from Seward to the National Park, where you can see abundant wildlife, spectacular fjords and tidewater glaciers.

Seward city in Alaska, United States. Timezone: America/Anchorage, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 22:23.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Major Marine Tours - Kenai Fjords Cruise (7.186 reviews)
- Our favorite one day adventure!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Major Marine Tours delivered a memorable experience for our family of four. Captain Laura, Katrina, and the rest of the crew were informative, engaging, and enthusiastic. This team shared the history of the Fjords and shared in the excitement when we spotted Orcas, otters, sea Lions, humpback whales, puffins, eagles, etc. I highly recommend splurging for this day long tour since it may very well be the most memorable one of your trip. See more..
5.0 Kenai Fjords National Park (1.766 reviews)
- A must to do experience!
National Parks

We took an 8 hrs tour with Alaska Tour & Travel from Anchorage. We moved by bus, train and boat. The excursion was well organized, we saw plenty of wildlife (sea lions, seals, birds) nature (forests, lakes) and glaciers. Better go by bus and return by Alaska Express, across the hole peninsula! The boat was moved very close to the –ice covered- land, so we could a lot of pictures. Got close up with several of large glaciers and we experienced to watch -live- an ice melting (sounds like earthquake)! Amazing experience, do not miss it! Make sure that you will wear warm clothes and have a raincoat! See more..
5.0 Resurrection Bay (945 reviews)
- Gorgeous
Bodies of Water

This area provides birders with views of fulmars, petrels, puffins, murres, kittiwakes and auklets. See more..
5.0 Alaska Railroad (311 reviews)
- Love it, love it, love it!!!!!
Rail Services • Public Transportation Systems

The Alaska Railroad is an amazing experience! I travelled from Seward to Anchorage. The railroad travels through beautifull scenery with a lot of things to do. In addition, and the staff narrate the trip and point out various sites along the way, therefore the train uses low speed. The seats are very comfortable. You don;nt need to pay extra ticket to ride the expensive train with the glass dome. In every train there is a 1st floor, but there is an "unofficial agreemen" that every passenger should spend abt 15-30 min in order to be able to enjoy the view all the passenger. A very special moment: when the alaska express approached cars, people etc, they all smilled and salute us! The best way to travel among the cities! Bring something to eat and enjoy it!! Especially during midnight sun!!! See more..
5.0 Holgate Glacier (271 reviews)
- Long Ride but Spectacular
Geologic Formations

It was a long ride out to Holgate glacier but worth the trip. We were dropped off for kayaking and it was a fabulous day. The views are spectacular. We saw harbor seals in the vicinity along with all the birds. The glacier thunders and eventually calved while we were there. Nice place to get out and stretch. Surprise glacier is next door and also beautiful. See more..
5.0 Bear Glacier (104 reviews)
- Other Wordly Expereince
Geologic Formations

Don't miss the opportunity to kayak through a field of icebergs with a fantastic Liquid Adventures Guide. We had Kristin who was not only experienced and knowledgeable, but also a lot of fun. Spencer our captain who shuttled us back and forth to the location was also knowledgeable and interesting. See more..
5.0 Chugach Heritage Center (8 reviews)
- History Buffs
History Museums

Covers the history of the Chugach people and displays Alaskan native art. See more..
5.0 Weather Permitting (1 review)
- Safe and scenic ride
Ferries

Sailed with Weather Permitting to and from Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Very efficient and friendly staff. Focused on safety, not just water safety but appropriate Covid precautions. Per regulations use of masks were required when inside the cabin. Reviewed on-water emergency procedures including use of life-vests, life raft and response to man overboard accident. In case of the latter never take your eye off the person, keep pointing at him/her, all the while yelling “man overboard!” while crew turn boat around. Also throw safety ring as close to the person as possible. The skies were mostly clear and it was sunny but winds were blowing hard and there was a heavy chop. It was still preferable to be on the rear deck and watch the views even if it meant being occasionally doused with sea spray. The captain requested we not stand on the foredeck when in motion, only when stopped for wildlife and scenery viewing. The classic views of the Kenai Fjords were in full display. The iconic sea stacks topped with a tree or two, steep-sided fjord walls, snow fields up high. Of course there were the glaciers of the Harding Icefield that poured of the Kenai Peninsula to the sea (tidewater glaciers): Bear (the largest, seen only from a distance), Holgate (up close), Surprise Glacier (hanging glacier, no longer makes it to the water or another glacier), and Aialik (seen at a middle distance). Wildlife spotted: horned puffins, cormorants, gulls galore, Steller’s sea lion, harbor seals, and a few late-departing humpback whales including a mother and calf. The staff were always available to answer questions, and were clearly very knowledgeable. The ride back took place under more threatening conditions though the water was more calm. We stopped only twice to watch the humpbacks, but it seemed seals and seabirds had hunkered down for the approaching storm. A good ride, safe and scenic. See more..
5.0 Sunny Cove State Marine Park (1 review)
- A nice paddle out!
State Parks • Bodies of Water
John gave us a pleasant experience on the bay this morning - perfect weather helped. Morning was recommended and this proved right! Didn’t see any wildlife apart from some birds but fun nevertheless. John had some interesting info to add along the way. To be recommended in Seward. See more..
4.5 Alaska SeaLife Center (3.429 reviews)
- A Great Aquarium
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums

An education and research-focused aquarium offering underwater views of Alaskan marine animals. See more..
4.5 Miller's Landing (690 reviews)
- 4 days and 3 nights of the coolest exploring we’ve ever done
Friday: 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Piers & Boardwalks

Millers Landing is a lodging and activity center right outside of Seward Alaska. We have fishing charters, water taxi, kayaking excursions, all types of lodging, hosting weddings, elopements, and much much more! We also act as a local booking center for just about anything you can do in our area, at no cost to you. At Millers Landing we strive to take the stress out of trip planning for you and your friends and family. Fourth generation homesteaders to the area, we have all the local insights and tips you need to maximize your stay in our area, and more! Located 2.5 miles out of town, Millers Landing offers a unique platform for its activities, separating itself from the hustle of the "tourist town". Family run, on the homestead, and still very strongly participating in a subsistence lifestyle, Millers Landing offers true lifelong Alaskan hospitality. Come enjoy our free coffee from our porch and watch the boats and kayaks take off and return. Where the road ends, adventure begins! See more..
4.5 Seward Boat Harbor (611 reviews)
- Spend time to check it oht
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water

Definitely recommend hanging out and checking out the docks. You may see a sea otter or harbor seals poking their heads out. There’s coffee shops that you can grab a drink and sit/walk. Watch the fisherman bring in fish and fillet it by either ends of the dock. J-Docks is a great store to get local fish. See more..
4.5 Bardy's Trail Rides - Day Tour (309 reviews)
- It was good except when the dogs scared the eagles
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

We had a good time and this ride does take you back into where the Eagles are. It was fun watching the operator’s dogs go along too and chase the salmon in the river. However, once the dogs got to the Eagles, the dog ran at them and scared them up into the air. If you’re trying to get really close to the Eagles I would just recommend asking the owner if the dogs can stay back during the ride. If you don’t mind watching the Eagles fly up in the air, the dogs will help do just that. See more..
4.5 Waterfront Park (215 reviews)
- Very nice
Parks

We had a beautiful evening walking along the waterfront, all the way from the Iditarod zero mile marker to the small boat harbor. There are tent and RV sites along the way, and since we visited during COVID, it wasn't crowded. There are also interesting little things to see, such as a Japanese pavilion, Iditarod statues, and a flower garden. See more..
4.5 Mt. Marathon (132 reviews)
- Great Local Tradition!
Mountains • Monuments & Statues

We were in town the week before the Mt. Marathon Race and visited friends at Brownell Inn at the base of the mountain. During the week we met several people who were there training for the race by running the trail. It is said to be the toughest 5k on the planet. Seward celebrates the race every year when people from all over the world come to compete and enjoy being in such a glorious place and time. We walked part way up and got a real feel for what race day must be like. In it's own way it is a wonder of the world! See more..
4.5 Exit Glacier Shuttle (110 reviews)
- Nice Little Hike
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Taxis & Shuttles

We offer a cheap $10 round trip ride out to Exit Glacier National Park, where visitors can check out the face of an ancient frozen river. Our shuttle runs every hour on the half hour. Check out our website for details. See more..
4.5 Seward Community Library & Museum (108 reviews)
- Excellent little museum
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries • History Museums

The Seward Community Library & Museum, a nonprofit department of the City of Seward, is a unique combined public library, local history museum, archives and community center. We offer free 24/7 WiFi, public access computers, many public services, meeting rooms, and spaces for people to read, play and learn. Winter Library Hours: Tues-Sat, 11am-8pm. Winter Museum Hours: Fri-Sat, Noon-5pm, free winter admission. Summer Hours: Mid-May to mid-Sept. Summer Library Hours: Opens at 10am. Summer Museum Hours: Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm with $4 admission for ages 13 . Summer Movie@2 Program: Iditarod National Historic Trail: A History and Waves Over Seward, Tues-Sat, 2-3pm, $4 suggested donation. Lost photo IDs, keys, cell phones, computers and devices will be turned into the Seward Police Dispatch after closing. See more..
4.5 Bear Creek Weir (64 reviews)
- Worth a look, good stop on the way to Bear Lake.
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

We stopped by early on a Sunday morning, so the weir was not open. Nonetheless we enjoyed walking around the weir and watching the salmon in the creek. The weir is easy to find, and there is plenty of parking on both sides of the road. After stopping at the weir, we drove a half mile further to Bear Lake where we saw spawning salmon right by the bank. See more..
4.5 Bear Lake (45 reviews)
- Nature at its best
Bodies of Water

So peaceful, saw American Bald Eagles, Bears, and Salmon. What can I say but that you must see this place to appreciate it. See more..
4.5 Two Lakes Park (43 reviews)
- Hidden gem, beautiful mile-long loop hike in center of Seward
Bodies of Water • Parks • Hiking Trails

This was such a nice surprise during our visit to Seward. The Two Lakes hike is a loop trail which goes around 2 lakes and offers views of 2 waterfalls. The trail is well defined, but has many tree roots and rocks to navigate. The elevation change is minimal and easily managed by my 61-year-old knees. The trail winds through a lush forest which is strewn with occasional intriguing artifacts - perhaps from the 1964 tsunami? There are 2 parking areas; one at the north end and one at the south end, each with picnic tables overlooking the lake (but with no restrooms). This is a great activity for families or adults with a bit of time to enjoy being outdoors in Seward. Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Tonsina Creek Trail (33 reviews)
- Breathtaking
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails

This place is breathtaking. We went in the early morning and felt we were the only humans around. Bald eagles flew overhead. Our boys skipped rocks and broke their own record due to the smoothness and shallowness of the water. This was definitely my favorite location in the Seward area. The trail was moderate. Not too challenging, and definitely worth the time. See more..
4.5 PJS Taxi & Tours (24 reviews)
- Phenomenal !
Spent 2-3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

Customized taxi transportation. Cruise ship transfers. Wildlife viewing. Exit Glacier, Anchorage, Whittier See more..
4.5 Resurrection Lutheran Church (7 reviews)
- Resurrection Lutheran Church
Churches & Cathedrals

we are of this faith, it is nice to be able to attend when in town. inside is clean, quiet, inspirational, with stained glass windows. See more..
4.5 Resurrection Bay Galerie (3 reviews)
- Great Galerie
Art Galleries
This beautiful art gallery carries fine art from around the world as well as vintage treasures. Located in the heart of Seward's Historic District it is within walking distance of downtown and the boat harbor. Hours are from 11AM to 6PM or by appointment. See more..
4.0 Benny Benson Memorial (15 reviews)
- Cute Little Park
Monuments & Statues

This is a very small park, and will only take a few minutes of your time, but a nice place to stop and take photos. See more..
3.5 Lowell Creek Waterfall (33 reviews)
- Good Place To Breathe And Stare
Waterfalls

It may not be a super hot attraction, but if you're in Seward for longer than a week, plan to spend at least a few minutes down here at the falls. Beautiful, loud, refreshingly cold, stunning. In the summer I love to come down here and just stare at the water and spray. See more..
Safety Cove State Marine Park (0 review)
State Parks • Bodies of Water
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Driftwood Bay State Marine Park (0 review)
State Parks • Bodies of Water
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Sandspit Point State Marine Park (0 review)
State Parks • Bodies of Water
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Thumb Cove State Marine Park (0 review)
State Parks • Bodies of Water

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