Seward, Alaska
Located in Resurrection Bay, a Fjord of the Gulf of Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula carved many years ago by retreating glaciers. Seward is 120 miles from Anchorage and supports close to 2750 people. Despite only having 2700+ residents, Seward is the 4th largest city in the Kenai Borough and is named after former US secretary of State William H. Seward who is responsible for orchestrating the purchase of Alaska in 1867. Seward is the ending point of the Alaska Railroad and is also the historic starting point of the original Iditarod Trail to the interior Alaska. Mile 0 of the trail is marked on the shoreline at the southern end of town.
Seward was important in WWII. Ft. Raymond was established in Seward along the Resurrection River as well as Walseth, AFB to protect the community – both have been closed since the end of the war.
Seward’s local economy is driven by a strong fishing industry as well as the seasonal tourist industry (so go visit!). The state run prison is also in Seward as well as a vocational school and Health Services that serve as the main medical center there. Also located in Seward is the Sea life Center – unlike anywhere else in the state and definitely worth stopping by. Access to the Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Seward.
Seward is accessible by land and sea and many people come to see wildlife, enjoy and partake of the abundant outdoor adventures, view the history/arts and culture, hike the stunning rainforest like terrain and enjoy the beauty of the mountains, glaciers and ocean.
Where to stay
Seward is visited by many tourists in the summer months and is no stranger to visitors. Therefore there are SO many options for staying somewhere in Seward. This is not an exhaustive list. Searching on Google will provide that for you though!
Hotels & Lodges
Resurrection Lodge on the Bay
13970 Beach Dr, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 318-1450
- – One of Seward’s only beach front lodging. Located 3 miles from the main town on Lowell Point, this lodge looks over Resurrection bay and the Chugach Mountains. From the deck, wildlife can be seen while you sip on your complimentary coffee or tea, served all day long. Hot Buffet breakfast comes with the stay as well as a free shuttle service, fish storage and laundry facilities.
Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
12 nautical miles southeast of Seward Fox Island / Resurrection Bay
4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(877) 777-4053
- – From the website: “A night at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox island feels like a trip to another world” Located 12 miles away from the town of Seward, sitting on an island with pebble beaches and clear waters, lies the main lodge and 8 charming waterfront cabins. Secluded and cozy, the stay includes a wildlife and glacier cruise transportation, gourmet meals, guided kayaking and other included activities.
Seward Adventure Lodge
334 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 224-4454
- – Walking distance to Sea life Center, town, shops and restaurants. Very good service and has 24 hour front desk service. Owner tries really hard to make your traveling needs met.
Van Gilder Hotel
308 Adams St, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 224-5518
- – Dating back to 1916, this hotel is a landmark and only 4 minute walk from the SeaLife Center and Boat Harbor. Victorian Style furnishings, cozy rooms and a parlor with a piano.
Best Western Plus Edgewater Hotel
202 5th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 224-2700
- – Just your everyday hotel offering complimentary breakfast, parking and wifi. Close to town and the Sealife Center.
Harbor 360 Hotel
1412 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 224-2550
- – A premier waterfront hotel in the harbor of Seward. Locally owned and offers a 360 view of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding mountains. Soak in the hot tub, or swim in Seward’s only pool. This hotel offers Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and a seasonal shuttle to the big destinations in Seward.
Inns, Cabins and B&Bs;
Breeze Inn
303 N Harbor St, Seward, AK 99664
(888) 224-5237
- – Walking distance to Seward Boat Harbor and Kenai Fjords National Park Visitors Center as well as 24 hour front desk service, restaurant, scenic views of the mountains, and a good bar to have a drink.
Harborview Inn (also Seward hotel)
804 3rd Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(855) 253-9167
- – Offering old fashioned Alaskan Hospitality. Located right in the middle of Seward, Harborview inn provides a relaxed setting with up to date amenities. Touted on the website as Seward’s best hotel overlooking resurrection bay. Family owned and operated, hotel Seward is centrally located in the heart of historic downtown Seward. Very close to the Sea life Center, harbor, shops and restaurants!
The Tides Inn
235 3rd Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 224-8975
- – And updated WWII era budget hotel rooms with full size kitchens and a shared patio with BBQ grill. Close to Seward town with owners charm as part of the package.
The Vue B&B
329 3rd Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 362-0055
- – Beautiful Views of Resurrection Bay and walking distance to the Sealife Center, nice kitchen and rooms. All the necessities and very clean. Shared kitchen space but mini fridges in the rooms.
Ocean Front B & B
14150 Beach Dr, Seward, AK 99664
(866) 541-5739
- – This property is situated on Lowell Point which has all the best views of all Seward. Offering 6 unique rental units with specular views.
Salted Roots Cabins
13690 Beach Dr, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 599-0533
- – Located at the head of resurrection bay, fancy A frame cabins to rent that are very nice.
Shearwater Cove
1406 4th Ave Box 914, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 750-8095
- – An Adventure package that includes a scenic roundtrip boat tour, oceanfront yurt lodging 10 miles from Seward and only accessible by boat. Guests can explore Fox Island and Humpy Cove with unlimited use of sea kayaks.
Camping & RVing
There are actually a surprising amount of camp grounds in Seward. A quick google search will yield you all the camp sites but I am including the top 6 best reviewed sites!
You can reserve your campsite in Seward here
Waterfront Park/ Marathon Campground/ Resurrection Campground and RV park
420 Ballaine Blvd, Seward, AK 99664
- – Close to the water and town. A place for tents and RVs
- – Tent camp spots, yurt camping and a nice place to camp
Miller’s Landing
13880 Beach Dr, Seward, AK 99664
(866) 541-5739
Lowell Point State Recreation Site
14150 Pinnacle View Rd, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 269-8400
- – Beautiful trails, boardwalks and a public use cabin on the beach. Time your trip with the tides
Seward KOA Journey
31702 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK 99664
(800) 562-9105
- – Game room, showers, dog area, man trails around the area – camping and RV sites available.
Harborside Campground
1118 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 224-4055
- – A great place for showers, beautiful scenery with the birds and water so close, near restaurants and the boat harbor.
- – Good RV place with all the hookups
Bear Creek RV Park
33508 Lincoln Ave, Seward, AK 99664
(907) 224-5725
What to See and Do
Seward is a combination of mountains, ocean, and Fjords. You can do anything outdoors, on the water or on a reserve here. There are multiple opportunities to see wildlife on land and in water. Here is a list of some things available to you while in Seward and I will link to a few places so you can check it out yourself!
In the summer, there are all kinds of things to do outdoors and on the water but don’t be discouraged if you visit in the winter. There are plenty of winter activities as well such as snowmachine tours, Glacier tours and simple things like checking out the sea life aquarium.
Summer Months:
- Check out a day/half day cruise into the Kenai Fjords National Park – you will see glaciers, wildlife and majestic waters!
https://www.alaskafjordcharters.com/ (one of many charter services)
- Check out resurrection bay – Sea Kayak, day cruise, hike around the bay, great for families but not many glaciers
https://resurrectionbaysailingcharters.com/
- Go on a day trip from anchorage and check out some things the city, go fishing, dogsledding, eat at some of the great restaurants there.
- Visit Glaciers:
- o Exit Glacier – 10 minute drive from Seward and one of the state’s most accessible roadside glaciers.
- o Bear Glacier – take a kayak trip to see Bear Glacier, one of the largest in the area.
- o Multiple Glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park – book a tour to go in and see them and more!
- around Seward:
- o Check out Lowell Creek Waterfall
- o Visit any of the parks in seward: Kawabe park, Whale tail Park, Waterfront Park, Third Avenue Pak and Two Lakes Park
- o Go hiking
- o Go on any of the trails and watch for wildlife
- o Get on the ocean and look for wildlife
What to Eat
The Highliner Restaurant
303 Adams St, Seward, AK 99664
907-224-3950
All types of food, fish, steak, diner foods. Has the best reviews in town – a little spendy though
Mermaid Grotto Café and Boutique
412 Port Ave, Seward, AK 99664
907-224-3838
All types of food, a great mermaid themed atmosphere, wonderful cocktails and a great place to sit and relax while getting food.
The Porthole
1400 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
907-422-7335
Great Diner food, great service and good prices for portions.
Primrose Provisions
501 Railway Ave Suite B, Seward, AK 99664
No number listed
A unique shop located on the waterfront with meats, cheeses and wine along with a cute shop to peek around at while you’re there.
Zudy’s Café
501 Railway Ave, Seward, AK 99664
907-224-4710
An internet café with cakes, soups, sandwiches coffee and a great view. Friendly staff and good service.
Exit Glacier Salmon Bake
31832 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK 99664
907-224-2204
Local seafood, burgers and American classics with beer and wine
Alaska Seafood Grill
1321 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
907-422-0458
Seafood including Fish n chips. Prices match portions and quality and great flavors!
Apollo Restaurant
229 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
907-224-3092
Mediterranean food with seafood specialties as well as Greek favorites like Gyros and Greek salads.
Ms. Gene’s Place
221 5th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
Great breakfast, service and atmosphere in this small charming restaurant and bar attached to a historic hotel in Seward.
Lone Chicharron Taqueria
215B 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
907-422-0400
Carne Asada, Corn, Fish and chicken tacos! Friendly staff and service, great restaurant
Breeze Inn Restaurant & Lounge
1313 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
888-224-5237
A year round restaurant featuring American style family cusine. Great service, Great taste!
Woody’s Thai Kitchen
800 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
907-422-0338
Traditional dishes, local beer and fun art in this restaurant. Open year round and great taste for dishes!
Where to Hike/Camp
Camping
I included millers landing and Lowell point state park to the places to stay area above as well. These are a few websites found around the Seward area.
Lowell Point State Recreation Site
Hiking
Caines Head Trailhead – one of the many scenic abandoned areas from WWII. Caines head rock became vantage points for soldiers during the war. It is important to time your hike around the tides as a portion of this trail is only accessible during low tide.
Harding Icefield Trail – 8.2 Miles
You will see ice, snow, differing trees, meadows and finally to above the tree line for a view of the ice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Mt. Marathon via Skyline & Mount Marathon Loop – 4.1 Miles
a steep climb but the views are worth it. Can see wildlife and lovely views.
Alice Mountain Lookout – 5 Miles
the trail is a little steep but really nice. Gets you above the treeline and gets you some really great views. The hike is wonderful and be prepared to see wildflowers and plants.
There are tons more hikes in Seward, and I encourage you to check out alltrails.com to see a more extensive list. However, these are the big ones right next to/in Seward.
Overall, I would check out Seward if you had the time to do so. Its a simple and cute little town and not as many people there as some of the other cities in Alaska.