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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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
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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
Hotel Seward
Hotel Seward
2.5 out of 5
221 5th Ave, Seward, AK
The price is ¥21,653 per night from May 16 to May 17
¥21,653
per night
May 16 - May 17
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! (996 reviews)
"Clean neat and very friendly staff. They made our stay great. Shuttle service was great!!"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Hotel Seward
Breeze Inn
Breeze Inn
3 out of 5
303 North Harbor Drive, Seward, AK
The price is ¥35,674 per night from May 14 to May 15
¥35,674
per night
May 14 - May 15
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! (960 reviews)
"the cleaning crew cleaned out our room before we checked out. we left to have breakfast at 8am and came back to our room cleaned... which is good... but they threw away all of our food and drinks that we planned on taking with us."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Breeze Inn
Spruce Lodge
Spruce Lodge
3.5 out of 5
31851 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK
The price is ¥23,747 per night from May 20 to May 21
¥23,747
per night
May 20 - May 21
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! (280 reviews)
"Just excellent. The owners went way above board to see that our every need was met."

Reviewed on May 10, 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.
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
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
The Fox Den!  Beautiful Remote Ocean Front Cabin On Resurrection Bay!
The Fox Den! Beautiful Remote Ocean Front Cabin On Resurrection Bay!
seward
Stay at this cabin in Seward. Enjoy patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Thumb Cove State Marine Park and Safety Cove State Marine Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Be ready for a steep hike!
"The cabin is lovely, very clean and well maintained. All as described. However, you should be prepared for a few things! Boat drop off is a little hairy - if waves are high the water taxi will drop you very quickly (grab your stuff and run off the boat!) or may even decline to drop you on the little ..."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2023

The Fox Den! Beautiful Remote Ocean Front Cabin On Resurrection Bay!
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

Things to do

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.