Things to do in  Seward

Encompassing more than 1,000 square miles (2,700 square kilometers), Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park is named after its numerous glacial-carved fjords—beautiful ice valleys unlike anywhere in the Lower 48. The fjords run down the mountains into the iconic Harding Icefield, where some 30 active tidewater glaciers flow. The fabulous landscape is also a wildlife watcher's dream, thanks to its abundant marine animals, birds, and other native wildlife.

Resurrection Bay on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula—dotted with glistening glaciers, majestic fjords, and secluded coves set against a backdrop of snowy mountains and dramatic fog—is a haven for those who enjoy striking landscapes. Not only is this pristine wilderness beautiful, it’s also filled with opportunities for outdoors recreation.

Not far from the town of Seward, Alaska, dozens of glaciers comprise an icefield spanning more than 300 square miles (780 square kilometers) within Kenai Fjords National Park. The longest of these glaciers, Bear Glacier sits in a lagoon of the same name that draws adventurous campers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders (SUPs) from Alaska and beyond.

Extending from the Southcentral Alaska city of Seward to Fairbanks in Alaska’s mountainous Interior Region, the century-old Alaska Railroad provides travelers access to some of the state’s most sought-after sights. Stops along the scenic 470-mile (750-kilometer) route include Anchorage, Whittier, and Denali National Park, offering train enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike a convenient way to explore Alaska’s historic cities and natural wonders by rail.

Comprising more than 2,500 islands, islets, rocks, spires, and reefs stretching from Cape Lisburne on the Arctic Ocean to the westernmost tip of the Aleutian Islands, the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is America’s largest protected marine habitat. The refuge protects breeding habitat for millions of seabirds and offers incredible birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors.

Exit Glacier, the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that's accessible by road, is also one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Visitors can hike right up to the wall of blue ice to listen as it crackles and learn about how this and other glaciers from the Harding Icefield have reshaped the landscape over time.

Spanning 125 miles (201 kilometers) from Seward to Anchorage, the Seward Highway passes through the Kenai Peninsula and the Turnagain Arm of the Gulf of Alaska and is one of Alaska’s most scenic stretches of road. Multiple scenic viewpoints and roadside attractions including the Portage Glacier, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and Chugach State Park makes this scenic byway a destination in itself.

Located along the shores of Seward’s Resurrection Bay, the Alaska SeaLife Center is the state’s only public aquarium and marine wildlife rehabilitation center. Learn all about Alaska’s diverse marine life while getting up close and personal with harbor seals, sea lions, puffins, and much more.

Alaska’s Iditarod National Historic Trail is a network of over 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometers) of trails that once connected Alaskan Native villages. This historic trail system stretches from Seward to Nome, and was an important supply route during the Alaska Gold Rush. Today, the route is a popular outdoor recreation trail and the site of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Surrounded by toppling mountains on the northern edge of Resurrection Bay, you can feel Alaska’s hard-working spirit come to life at the Seward Boat Harbor. With sea birds scouting out the salmon from the sky, fishing boats recounting their catch, tour boats heading off for an adventure, and all walks of life visiting nearby shops and restaurants, there’s never a dull moment at the harbor.

Located off the coast of Seward in Resurrection Bay, Fox Island is a popular sea kayaking and hiking destination. The island is largely mountainous and the coastline’s rocky coves are home to puffins, sea lions, seals, and more. The secluded island is also home to two state parks, Sandspit Point State Marine Park and Sunny Cove State Marine Park, and a high-end all-inclusive resort.

Located 126 miles (203 kilometers) south of Anchorage at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and Harding Icefield. Alaska cruises often embark or disembark in Seward. Schedule extra time in Seward to explore the port city's surrounding glaciers and fjords.