Seward

Travel Guide
Alaska showing snow and climbing 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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Old Mill

While visiting Old Mill, you might make a stop by sights like Seward Boat Harbor and Seward Waterfront Park.

Old Mill
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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
Hotel Seward
Hotel Seward
2.5 out of 5
221 5th Ave, Seward, AK
The price is P7,349 per night from 27 May to 28 May
P7,349
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (996 reviews)
"Clean neat and very friendly staff. They made our stay great. Shuttle service was great!!"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Hotel Seward
Breeze Inn
Breeze Inn
3 out of 5
303 North Harbor Drive, Seward, AK
The price is P13,148 per night from 14 May to 15 May
P13,148
per night
14 May - 15 May
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (964 reviews)
"It's an older hotel with basic amenities. The room was clean, and bed was comfortable enough. For the price, it's pretty good especially its strategic location with the free shuttle stops nearby. The nicest person who greeted us warmly and very helpful was Christopher. You could tell that he really ..."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Breeze Inn
Spruce Lodge
Spruce Lodge
3.5 out of 5
31851 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK
The price is P9,949 per night from 16 May to 17 May
P9,949
per night
16 May - 17 May
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (279 reviews)
Gorgeous retreat just minutes from town
"Stayed in the gorgeous, brand new Fireweed Chalet that truly did not skip on the finer features of living while set in beautiful rustic Seward. This is under 10min from downtown Seward but still far enough away to feel like a sweet woodsy retreat. The chalet is two stories and features a beautifully ..."

Reviewed on May 10, 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.
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 Seward Boat Harbor and Chugach Heritage Center ...
7.8/10 Good! (68 reviews)
"It was so clean and quaint!! Like a step back in history.... we will absolutely stay again."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2023

Brown and Hawkins Historical Apartments
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 clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Seward ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (470 reviews)
"Clean and very nice"

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2023

Alaska Creekside Cabins
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! (88 reviews)
"Beautiful place away from it all. Gary was a helpful host. We enjoyed every minute we were there."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2023

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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