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
Breeze Inn
Breeze Inn
3 out of 5
303 North Harbor Drive, Seward, AK
$253 nightly
The price is $281 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$281 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"We very much enjoyed our stay here! Room was very spacious and clean. No breakfast is provided but their restaurant has delicious food at reasonable prices. Location is very convenient if you are booking a cruise which is directly across the street! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Breeze Inn
Hotel Seward
Hotel Seward
2.5 out of 5
221 5th Ave, Seward, AK
$260 nightly
The price is $289 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$289 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free cruise terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff was extremely helpful. The shuttle service was great too."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Hotel Seward
Spruce Lodge
Spruce Lodge
3.5 out of 5
31851 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK
$187 nightly
The price is $193 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$193 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (514 reviews)
"Great place to stay, wish we were there more than one night. Room was either recently built or refurbished because it was like new. Everything was clean, access to room was provided by text, so no need to take time to check-in."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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.
Howling Wolf Resort!
Howling Wolf Resort!
Seward
Stay at this cabin in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, housekeeping, and a hot tub. Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
Simplicity
"Perfect lil getaway. The scenery was amazing even on a couldy day. The salmon where running up stream, it was very cool to see. Felt one with nature, perfect stay."

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2024

Howling Wolf Resort!
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! (553 reviews)
"Such a hidden gem. Cant wait to go back years to come."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Alaska Creekside Cabins
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 Chugach Heritage Center and Kenai Fjords ...
7.6/10 Good! (88 reviews)
"We had a great stay in Seward. Our apartment was in the heart of downtown-walking distance to shops, restaurants, Sea Life Center & Waterfront Park. We had a private bathroom, futon, kitchen amenities. We had a studio apartment but it was fine for just the 2 of us."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Brown and Hawkins Historical Apartments
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 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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