Seward Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula should be on everyone’s bucket list! I quickly fell in love with this gorgeous coastal town full of natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure. Seward is located at the head of Resurrection Bay, which serves as the perfect base for exploring the area. Whether you are into hiking, cultural sights, national parks, food, or wildlife, there really is something for any type of visitor to enjoy. Ready to start planning your trip? This three-day itinerary will inspire you to plan your own visit to Seward and the Kenai Peninsula. Get ready to enjoy some of the best of Alaska!
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula is during the summer months, from mid-May to mid-September, when the weather is mild and the days are long. During this time, the region is bustling with activities, wildlife is abundant, and the natural scenery is at its peak. However, if you prefer a quieter experience and don’t mind cooler temperatures, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in late spring or early fall.
We visited at the beginning of August, and the weather was cool and wet for the majority of our visit. It rained one entire day we were there. It was a light rain, so we did not let it stop us from exploring. Make sure you bring warm clothes and plenty of layers. Rain jackets and long pants are essential, as are gloves and a warm hat that covers ears. The long days are perfect for exploring as you have so much more time to see the sights and participate in activities. Sunset was around 11:30 pm when we visited, which provided us with extra time to view the beautiful scenery. Here is our three-day Seward itinerary:
DAY 1
Arrival
The most common way to reach Seward and the Kenai Peninsula is by flying into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. From there, you can rent a car and drive the scenic Seward Highway, which stretches approximately 127 miles and offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and the ocean. The journey typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the number of stops you make along the way. Our choice was to rent a car in Anchorage. We wanted a car for the freedom it provided us to set our own schedule and destinations at our leisure. That option is not for everyone. Alternatively, you can take the Alaska Railroad or a coach bus for a more relaxed ride.
We found the drive to be enjoyable and incredibly scenic. The traffic can be heavy on this highway, but we managed to luck out and did not experience any issues. Our favorite stop was the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It is a wonderful sanctuary that accepts injured and orphaned wild animals and provides excellent care and a home for animals in need. The team here helps to preserve Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, and high-quality care. As a veterinarian, I scrutinized all animal care centers and was very impressed with Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They are definitely worth a stop. You can drive around the sanctuary or walk around for a self-guided tour. Stopping here is also a nice way to break up the drive from Anchorage.
Arriving In Seward
Arriving in Seward is delightful, with views of the picturesque coastal town, boat-filled marina, stunning Resurrection Bay, and snowcapped mountains. You might want to stop and walk around the town or marina. We decided to check into our accommodations, drop off our luggage, and then walk around Seward.
Seward Accommodation
We stayed in a cabin now owned by Rustic Roots. Our cabin was one of three waterfront cabins overlooking Resurrection Bay, and it was perfect for a short stay. It was tiny, so you may want something larger for a longer stay or if you are traveling with more than one other person. The views were stunning, the location was so peaceful, and it was only a five-minute drive to town. Every time we drove to and from Seward, we saw otters floating on their backs in the cool waters of Resurrection Bay. They are adorable!
If you would rather stay in town so you can walk to restaurants and shopping, there are plenty of options for you that suit every budget and preference. You can choose from cozy bed and breakfasts, charming cabins, harbor view lodges, or campgrounds for a more rustic experience. I recommend you book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak summer months. It was important for me to have a waterfront cabin, so it was booked one year in advance.
Town Exploration
The town itself is rich in history and culture, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and museums to explore. A must-visit spot is the Alaska SeaLife Center, a research facility and public aquarium that offers insights into Alaska’s marine ecosystem and wildlife. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the SeaLife Center. All tanks were extremely clean, and the animals were healthy. It was fun watching the seals, sea lions, and puffins. We were there for approximately two hours and wished we could have stayed longer. I highly recommend you visit this incredible facility. It was fun and educational.
We walked along the pier and were mesmerized with the snowy mountains as a backdrop against the boats in the harbor. It was fun to observe the boats and look for marine life along the pier. Our walk ended at the waterfront park. There are benches here to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Resurrection Bay.
Resurrection Bay
Resurrection Bay is the pristine body of water adjacent to Seward and is considered part of Kenai Fjords National Park. The Bay is a fjord formed by glacial movements. Surrounded by steep, snow-capped mountains and lush forests, the bay’s striking blue waters offer stark contrasts and spectacular views. There is so much wildlife here. We observed sea otters, seals, and a variety of seabirds, such as puffins and eagles. Humpback whales and orcas are frequently seen in its waters, especially during the summer months. Sadly, we did not see any whales in the bay.
Dinner At The Cookery
The Cookery was highly recommended to us. Perhaps we visited on an off night. It was good, but it was just not as amazing as we were told. They feature mostly seafood. Reservations are essential.
Seward restaurants range from casual eateries serving freshly caught fish to fine dining restaurants offering gourmet dishes. Be sure to try local specialties such as Alaskan king crab, wild salmon, and halibut. Rest assured, there are plenty of other options, too, if you are not into seafood.
Day 2
Kenai Fjords National Park
No visit to Seward is complete without exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Exploring this park was high on my Alaska bucket list, and it was amazing. The park is home to some of Alaska’s most stunning landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and an abundance of marine wildlife. One of the best ways to experience the park is by taking a boat tour, which will give you the opportunity to see glaciers up close, as well as whales, seals, sea lions, and a variety of bird species.
We chose to explore Kenai Fjords National Park with Northern Latitude Adventures. Specifically, we signed up for their Kenai Fjords Glacier Odyssey tour. It was 7.5 hours long, and at first, I was worried this would be too long for me. It turned out to be perfect. We were on a small boat with just a few other guests, so we had plenty of room to spread out and move around and observe the animals and glaciers. A shorter tour would have meant seeing fewer animals and no glaciers. The glacier and animals are what made this tour so spectacular.
We witnessed mountain goats, puffins, otters, sea lions, seals, humpback whales, and calving glaciers. It was an epic day on the water despite being rained on for half of it. Thankfully, it was a light rain. It was cold outside, so having the heated cabin to retreat in and warm up was wonderful. Venturing out on deck provides the best view despite the chilliness. Our boat traveled to Aialik Glacier, the largest glacier in Aialik Bay, so we could witness its beauty. The glacier was a mesmerizing blue hue. We heard loud crashes when the glacier was calving. Seeing the multiple icebergs floating in Aialik Bay was spectacular, too. After spending time around the glacier, we searched for humpback whales and managed to find a pod for them. We watched them for a while and then headed back to Seward. I was amazed at the animal variety we saw and the impressive nature we experienced on this boat tour. This tour was one of the highlights of our Alaskan adventure. I highly recommend a boat tour for you and recommend Northern Latitude Adventures.
Gear Tip- Bring a warm, windproof jacket and gloves or mittens, especially if you are touring glaciers. Air temperatures are cool, and icy blasts of wind pierce when standing outside on a boat.
We took our boat captain’s restaurant recommendation and went to Flamingo Lounge for dinner and a fun cocktail. The atmosphere was fun and lively. The food was hearty and tasty. I recommend ordering the halibut. It was delicious!
Day 3
Bear Glacier Lagoon Iceberg Kayaking
Bear Glacier is located in Kenai Fjords National Park and is known for its adjacent lagoon. The lagoon is full of large icebergs that have calved from Bear Glacier. The only way to reach this lagoon is through an organized tour. We chose to kayak around Bear Glacier Lagoon with Liquid Adventures.
This was by far one of the most unique and fascinating adventures I have had in my life. This experience immerses you fully into nature and the true beauty of Alaska. The journey starts from Seward with a jet boat ride (about 45 minutes) out to Bear Glacier Lagoon. The jet boat ride is a tour in itself as the scenery is breathtaking and the wildlife amazing. We saw sea otters, puffins, and starfish.
The lagoon is dramatic and gorgeous. Numerous icebergs were floating in the lagoon, and they were a mesmerizing bright blue hue. You get to kayak around the icebergs (you are not allowed to get too close because of safety concerns). We were the only tour group there (three double kayaks in total). The reflections of the mountains and the blue icebergs in the calm water were spectacular
The tour itself it is magical and peaceful, with only the sounds of waves crashing, glaciers calving, and water trickling through bergs of ice. The kayaking portion is not labor intensive, and the slow pace allows you to paddle around or just sit in your kayak and absorb the experience. Watch for seals swimming in the lagoon. We watched two seals playing in the frigid water, and seeing them made the experience even more special. This is such a fantastic way to experience Alaska. I highly recommend you join Liquid Adventures on this tour.
Liquid Adventures provides dry suits and paddling gloves for everyone. The dry suit is not insulated, and it is very cold in the lagoon. I wore a warm hat and an insulated jacket over another layer of clothes. However, I was still very cold while kayaking, especially my feet and hands. I think two layers of loose-fitting wool socks, a base layer or two on your legs, and warmer gloves/mittens would be cozy. We were given mugs of hot chocolate, which definitely helped warm us up.
The price of this trip pales in comparison to the experience that you take away. This is one of those things that you will remember for the rest of your life. Bucket list Alaskan experience! Sign up for sure.
Lunch: Ray’s Waterfront
Go for the spectacular mountain, harbor views, and delicious food. Get the blackened salmon tacos. They were delicious!
Caines Head Hike
Early in the morning, we departed from Caine’s Head Trailhead to the end of Tonsina Beach, which is an approximately one-way 2-mile hike. The first section is a gravel road, passing through small streams, towering fir trees, and a rainforest nature trail with thick moss cover. We followed this trail all the way downhill to an open stream where we could watch the salmon swimming upriver. This bridge is also an excellent place to enjoy magnificent views of the mountains and glaciers from the other side of the bay.
Cross the wooden bridge and follow the Tonsina Trail until you reach an ancient rainforest filled with mosses and ferns. It is lush and magical. Then, pass through deeper, denser, and more beautiful rainforests to reach the shale coastline, which is covered by the clear water of Resurrection Bay. We walked to near the end of the beach and found that there were cabins for rent in this remote place. This was our turnaround point. This is an easy hike with rewarding views and changing scenery. This adventure gets my recommendation for sure.
Dinner: Seward Brewery
Seward Brewery was recommended to us several times so we decided to have a light dinner there. The food was mediocre, so I do not have a dish to recommend. The ambiance is warm and welcoming. Overall, we both found the experience to be average.
Practical Tips:
1. Weather: Alaskan weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for varying conditions, even in summer. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, a warm hat, and sturdy hiking boots.
2. Wildlife Safety: The Kenai Peninsula is home to bears, moose, and other wildlife. Always keep a safe distance and store food properly to avoid attracting animals to your campsite or lodging.
3. Transportation: While having a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region, be prepared for potentially challenging driving conditions, especially in remote areas. Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and your phone charged (you may or may not have service).
4. Activities Booking: Popular activities like boat tours should be booked in advance, especially during July and August. We booked both of our boat tours months in advance.
Conclusion
Visiting Seward, Alaska, was one of the highlights of our Alaskan journey. This town offers an incredible opportunity to immerse oneself in the raw, untouched beauty of nature. From the majestic fjords of Kenai Fjords National Park to the bustling life in Resurrection Bay, Seward is a haven for those seeking adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Viewing the glaciers by boat, seeing a wide variety of wildlife, and hiking through gorgeous terrain were our highlights from our time in the Seward area. The unique combination of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and friendly community makes Seward a must-visit destination for you to explore the best of what Alaska has to offer. I hope you have fun exploring it.
