Itineraries for Your Trip to Seward
3 Days in Seward for First Timers
Having three days in Seward is ideal. You’ll have plenty of time to explore Kenai Fjords National Park and sample a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Here are some ideas for making the most of your 3-day trip to Seward.
The Alaska Railroad offers scenic train rides between Seward and Anchorage.
The weather can be unpredictable, so dress in warm layers and pack waterproof options.
Kick off your visit to Seward with a scenic helicopter or flight tour of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Seeing the Seward area from the air is a great way to appreciate the immensity of the area’s glaciers, fjords, and ice fields. Opt for a flight tour that includes a glacier landing or dog sledding adventure to make the most of your time.
Next, get acquainted with Seward’s history and culture at the Seward Community Library and Museum and then head to the Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about Seward’s diverse marine life where you'll see puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, and more up close. End your day with a stroll along the waterfront and see the official starting point of the Alaska Iditarod Trail.
Kenai Fjords National Park has some of Alaska’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. The park’s waters are home to humpback whales, orcas (killer whales), sea lions, otters, puffins, and more. Most of the park is only accessible by water, so boat tours are the best way to experience the park. Choose between half- or full-day cruises, and look for tours that specialize in whale watching, glacier viewing, or dinner cruises.
You also won’t want to miss a visit to Exit Glacier, the only place in the park accessible by car. The Glacier View Loop Trail is wheelchair friendly and offers up close views of the glacier. Ranger-led walks are offered daily during the summer months and adventurous visitors can opt for a Harding Icefield tour.
Spend your final day enjoying Seward’s natural beauty with an outdoor adventure or two. There are many activities to choose from, and tours are available for all ability levels. If you’re interested in water sports, you can choose between glacier kayaking trips, packrafting adventures on the Kenai River, and trout or salmon fishing expeditions.
Families will enjoy a kennel tour and dog sled ride or a ziplining adventure through the coastal rain forest. Other options include climbing Seward’s Mount Marathon, hiking to the top of Caines Head to see Fort McGilvary, the remains of a World War II fort, or taking a scenic drive along the Seward Highway.