Seward, AK

Travel Guide
Godwin Glacier 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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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
Hotel Seward
Hotel Seward
2.5 out of 5
221 5th Ave, Seward, AK
The price is $265 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$265
includes taxes & fees
$239 per night
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Seward Community Library & Museum ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Lovely location, nice room with fairly comfortable beds, bathroom nice size and well appointed. All the staff were extremely nice and helpful except one, which we could have figured she was having a bad evening but it happened two evenings so not sure what accounted for the attitude. Maybe because ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Hotel Seward
Breeze Inn
Breeze Inn
3 out of 5
303 North Harbor Drive, Seward, AK
The price is $249 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
$249
includes taxes & fees
$224 per night
Aug 14 - Aug 15
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Seward ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Walking distance to most places"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024

Breeze Inn
Spruce Lodge
Spruce Lodge
3.5 out of 5
31851 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK
The price is $270 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$270
includes taxes & fees
$262 per night
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront ...
9/10 Wonderful! (322 reviews)
"Liked coffee hut across the parking lot. Large room. Frig & microwave. Easy access to town if you have a car."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 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.
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. Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (505 reviews)
"Highly recommend! Beautiful cabins on the creek. Fresh local ground coffee around the fire!!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024

Alaska Creekside Cabins
Cozy Waterfront Cottage. The Ultimate Getaway, Ideal for a Relaxing Retreat!
Cozy Waterfront Cottage. The Ultimate Getaway, Ideal for a Relaxing Retreat!
Seward
Stay at this cabin in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, housekeeping, and a spa tub. Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park are located ...
Cozy Waterfront Cottage. The Ultimate Getaway, Ideal for a Relaxing Retreat!
Renfro's Lakeside Retreat - Cabin's and R.V. Park
Renfro's Lakeside Retreat - Cabin's and R.V. Park
3 out of 5
27177 Seward Hwy., Seward, AK
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Seward. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Primrose Trailhead and Ptarmigan ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
"We stayed in cabin 4, aka the fun cabin. It has lake view and it was gorgeous. Really enjoyed our stay here. There is no wifi in the cabin; only in the office."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2024

Renfro's Lakeside Retreat - Cabin's and R.V. Park
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

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.

Cities near Seward