Seward Offers World-Class Glacier Cruises — and You Can Spot Orcas Right From the Shore
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The best things to do in Seward include cruising past towering tidewater glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park, watching humpback whales breach in Resurrection Bay, or hiking the Harding Icefield Trail for panoramic views of ancient glaciers.
This small coastal city in Alaska is worth visiting for nature and adventure. Coastal cities are some of the most charming destinations, and Seward is no exception.
This popular cruise ship destination has an annual population of just under 3,000. Once the cruises arrive, its population explodes with adventure seekers. Every year, the city receives close to 300,000 visitors, mostly from cruise ships.
We created this list using traveler reviews, local recommendations, and expert insights. Each experience and destination is beloved by locals, highly rated on Google, and loved by us.
No matter when you visit, there’s something exciting to see and do in this small Alaskan coastal city. Below are the 12 top things to see and experience in Seward, Alaska.
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Highlights at a Glance
Take a Cruise
Cruise lines come in and out of Seward, making it an amazing stop if you’re taking a cruise. Imagine pulling up into Seward and seeing its giant, glacier-covered mountains surrounding it. It’s truly one of the most stunning ports in the country.
Cruises leave from several ports, including Seattle, Vancouver, and Juneau. Most last over five days and some can take a month.
You’ll get to dock in Seward for a day or two and have the freedom to explore on your own. Once you’re done, you can return to the ship and enjoy live entertainment and many experiences.
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See Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the best places in the world to see glaciers. This stunning national park has over 40 glaciers. Each one flows from the massive Harding Icefield into the sea.
Come by boat to get close to the fjords and glaciers as they crack and move. You’ll hear the sounds of this incredible phenomenon from your vessel.
In the summer, you can reach Exit Glacier via trail and come face-to-face with the massive ice sheets and mountains. You can camp and enjoy clear stars and incredible wildlife viewing.
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Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the best experiences you can do from Seward. Tour operators take you from downtown’s port into the seas near Kenai Fjords National Park.
You can see orcas year-round swimming in pods near the coast. In spring and summer, humpback whales approach the shore, along with mink, fin, and gray whales.
The whales come here during their annual migrations before heading south to warmer waters in winter. Visit during the summer for the best weather and the best chances to see these magnificent creatures.
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Go Hiking in the Wilderness
Hiking is a popular activity for adventure seekers in Seward. You can explore hundreds of trails near town and Kenai Fjords National Park if you have good gear and boats.
Some of the best trails include Lost Lake Trailhead, Exit Glacier Trailhead, and Mt Marathon Trailhead. In town, you can hike the trail to the Lowell Creek Waterfall.
Outside of town are plenty of backpacking routes. Go with experienced guides because these treks are demanding and full of wildlife.
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Go Kayaking
In the summer, kayaking tours leave from town and explore the coves, fjords, and nearby islands. Chances are you’ll see whales and orcas as you paddle the icy waters.
Book a tour from town and set off in the morning. Continue along the coast, following your guides as they bring you to amazing vantage points.
Some tours take you deep into the fjords, where you can see glaciers. Some glaciers are more dangerous than others, so always be on guard and don’t get too close to them.
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Enjoy Fishing
Seward is an epic fishing destination where anglers of all skill levels can have fun and try their luck. From salmon to trout, tons of delicious fish are in the rivers near town.
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You can also head out on a deep-sea fishing expedition from the city. You’ll catch all kinds of Pacific fish. Or, you can spend the day floating around like me without catching anything.
If you’re lucky, you can bring your catch back to shore and grill it up over the fire. You can also snap a few photos and set it free or lie about its size to your friends. Fishing stories are never dull in Seward.
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Enjoy the Markets
Seward is full of wonderful markets with local artisans selling handmade goods and artwork. From pocket knives to scarves, you’ll end up buying souvenirs galore.
Head downtown for the biggest selection of boutiques. Walk along downtown’s 4th Avenue for the biggest selection of shops.
Bring extra space for collectibles and memorabilia from your stay. And don’t forget to sample the local preserves and jams, they’re divine!
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Sample the Local Cuisine
Seward’s food scene is all about seafood and wild game. You’ll find everything from reindeer to king crab in its restaurants and food markets.
If you love seafood, try the smoked fish and wild salmon. Almost endless varieties are cooked over coals or wood or baked in butter and locally foraged berries.
Downtown has several popular restaurants that locals love. Get a table early or sit at the bar to make new friends and learn about the town from a local.
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Explore the City’s History
Seward’s history is full of adventurous people braving the elements. From its indigenous heritage to the early European explorers, you’ll learn about these timeless tales.
Start downtown and stroll through the historical downtown. Visit the historical Founders Monument near the seawall.
Then, head to the Seward Community Library & Museum. The small museum showcases the city’s rich history in interactive exhibits and photos. It’s worth checking out if you love history and want to learn more about this beautiful community.
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Check out the Mount Marathon Race
Every July, athletes descend on the city for the Mount Marathon Race. This brutally challenging 5k hosts runners from around the world who come to climb the mountain.
Athletes scurry up a steep mountainside, barely holding on. The competitive event crowns its champions and athletes, while spectators celebrate below.
If you want to compete or just watch from safety, it’s worth checking out. Book accommodation early because the city fills up during and after the race.
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Experience Dog Sledding
Jump on a dog sledding tour where you’ll rush through the wilderness of Seward and get to meet the adventurous pups. You’ll race through the forests and snowy landscape in an experience unlike any other.
Dog sledding is an annual pastime with several dog-sledding crews based in the city. Throughout the year, the teams train for races held in Seward and other parts of Alaska.
If you love dogs, book this experience early. It gets popular, especially when the cruise ships dock.
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Take a Helicopter Tour
There’s nothing like flying in a helicopter over mountains and glaciers. The experience is thrilling, providing birdseye views of the natural surroundings.
There are several operators, including Seward Helicopter Tours. You’ll race through the air in a helicopter and have the chance to see wildlife like moose and bear.
You’ll get eagle-eye views of the natural landscape surrounding the city and land in breathtaking remote locations. Book these experiences early because they fill up, especially in the busy summer months.
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