Seward

Travel Guide

Seward showing boating, general coastal views and a marina
Seward
Seward showing mountains, forest scenes and a river or creek
Seward showing fishing
Seward featuring 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

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
The price is P17,391 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P17,391
P19,304 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Great restaurants around the hotel and the beautiful town of Seward was very walkable. Clean room, beautiful lobby and very nice staff!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Breeze Inn
Hotel Seward

Hotel Seward

2.5 out of 5
221 5th Ave, Seward, AK
The price is P16,809 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P16,809
P18,658 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Clean, convenient to town"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hotel Seward
Seward Windsong Lodge

Seward Windsong Lodge

3 out of 5
31772 Herman Leirer Road, Seward, AK
The price is P17,304 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P17,304
P18,961 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (422 reviews)
"Lovely hotel away from town. There is a free shuttle that goes into town from the hotel, but we didn’t use it. We upgraded to a suite, which had lots of space, jet tub, microwave, dining table and pull out sofa. Perfect for a stay with 2 teens who do not like sleep together. Would stay again"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Seward Windsong 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.
Box Canyon Cabins

Box Canyon Cabins

3 out of 5
31515 Lois Way, Seward, AK
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (111 reviews)
"The cabin was great, bigger than expected, we had plenty of room for 6 to eat together. The whole experience exceeded our expectations, the grounds were beautiful and well kept, we will be back soon!"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Box Canyon Cabins
Bear Necessities Cottages

Bear Necessities Cottages

3 out of 5
12375 Camelot Dr, Seward, AK
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at the Pinecone Palace. It was a great location, close to many hiking trails and lakes as well as to the local restaurants in Seward. Host communicated well and made everything easy."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Bear Necessities Cottages
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! (106 reviews)
"This place was the perfect place for solitude and family connection. The little cabin was efficient and perfectly appointed. It felt secluded, but it was just a short drive to Seward, which is fun and vibrant. I almost cried when we left and I vow to return one day. Side note: there was mention in ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

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.

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