Seward neighborhood
A remote Alaskan gem offering stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife, and the wild beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for wildlife
Seward neighborhood
Best Time
Best light for wildlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote Alaskan gem offering stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife, and the wild beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park.
"Seward is magical & you can see so much wildlife!! Add this small town to your bucket list.
"Book boat tours early
Popular Kenai Fjords tours fill up fast, especially in peak season. Book ahead to secure your spot! :ticket:
Pack for all weather
Alaska's weather is unpredictable. Layers are key! Bring rain gear, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour
Departs from Seward Harbor
Witness glaciers calving and spot whales, orcas, and sea otters in their natural habitat. An unforgettable marine adventure.

Exit Glacier Hike
Kenai Fjords National Park
Hike to the face of a retreating glacier and learn about its impact. Accessible trails offer stunning views for all fitness levels.

Seward's Waterfront & Harbor
Downtown Seward
Stroll along the harbor, watch fishing boats, and enjoy fresh seafood. The heart of Seward's maritime charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Small-Town Charm
Wildlife Encounters are Common
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book boat tours early
Popular Kenai Fjords tours fill up fast, especially in peak season. Book ahead to secure your spot! :ticket:
Pack for all weather
Alaska's weather is unpredictable. Layers are key! Bring rain gear, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Respect wildlife
Keep a safe distance from all animals. Never feed them. Enjoy the sightings from afar. :camerawithflash:
Embrace the quiet
Seward is a small town. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and the chance to disconnect. :iphone:
How are things in Seward lately?
Tips
from all over the internet
Book boat tours early
Popular Kenai Fjords tours fill up fast, especially in peak season. Book ahead to secure your spot! :ticket:
Pack for all weather
Alaska's weather is unpredictable. Layers are key! Bring rain gear, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Respect wildlife
Keep a safe distance from all animals. Never feed them. Enjoy the sightings from afar. :camerawithflash:
Embrace the quiet
Seward is a small town. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and the chance to disconnect. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Seward is lauded for its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and the unforgettable experience of Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors appreciate the small-town charm and the opportunity to disconnect. However, some find the remote location isolating and the weather unpredictable, while tour prices can be a significant expense.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seward is accessible primarily by car via the scenic Seward Highway from Anchorage (about a 2.5-hour drive). You can also take the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train for a picturesque journey. There are also shuttle services available from Anchorage.
The main town area of Seward is quite walkable, especially the waterfront and downtown. However, to access trailheads like Exit Glacier, you'll need a car or local shuttle.
Having a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding national park and attractions. However, within the town itself, walking is feasible, and local taxis or tour operators can assist with transportation to specific sites.
Public transport is limited in Seward. While there are local taxi services and tour buses, relying on them for extensive exploration might be challenging. Renting a car or joining guided tours is often recommended.
The drive along the Seward Highway is incredibly scenic, offering stunning views of mountains, Turnagain Arm, and potential wildlife sightings. It's a journey in itself!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry into Kenai Fjords National Park itself is free. However, you will need to purchase tickets for boat tours, kayaking excursions, or any guided activities within the park.
Prices vary depending on the tour length and operator, but expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300+ per person for a half-day to full-day boat tour. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Exit Glacier is part of Kenai Fjords National Park and does not have a separate entrance fee. Access to the visitor center and trails is free.
While some attractions might have availability on arrival, it's strongly advised to book popular tours, especially boat trips, well in advance, particularly during the summer season, to avoid disappointment.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or military personnel on certain tours. Check with individual tour operators. National Park passes do not typically cover private boat tour costs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The top attractions include boat tours of Kenai Fjords National Park, hiking at Exit Glacier, visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center, and exploring the charming downtown harbor area.
You have a great chance of spotting humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, puffins, eagles, and harbor seals on boat tours. On land, keep an eye out for mountain goats and bears (from a safe distance!).
Yes, Seward offers fantastic hiking opportunities. Exit Glacier has various trails, from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. The Harding Icefield Trail is a strenuous but rewarding option.
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a public aquarium and research facility dedicated to marine wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education. It's a great place to see local marine animals up close.
The harbor, the views from the Harding Icefield Trail, and any point along a Kenai Fjords boat tour offer incredible photographic opportunities. Don't forget the scenic Seward Highway drive!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Seafood, especially salmon and halibut, is a local specialty. You'll find plenty of restaurants offering fresh catches, along with classic American fare.
Yes, the waterfront area has several popular restaurants and pubs offering great views and delicious food, particularly seafood.
While seafood is dominant, many restaurants offer salads, pasta dishes, and other options that can be adapted for vegetarians. Vegan options might be more limited but are increasingly available.
Yes, Seward has grocery stores where you can stock up on snacks and supplies if you're staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities.
Dining prices can be moderate to high, reflecting the remote location and tourism focus. Expect to pay around $20-40 for a main course at a sit-down restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late evenings offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues. These times also tend to be less crowded.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm), a wide-angle lens for landscapes, and a telephoto lens for wildlife are recommended. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low light and long exposures. Don't forget waterproof protection!
Some tour operators offer specialized photography tours that focus on the best locations and times for capturing wildlife and landscapes. Inquire with local tour companies.
The harbor with its colorful boats, the dramatic landscapes of Kenai Fjords, the textures of Exit Glacier, and the abundant wildlife are all incredibly photogenic.
Always maintain a safe distance. Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Never approach or feed wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exit Glacier offers accessible trails suitable for families, allowing kids to get up close to a glacier. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The town itself is small and safe, making it easy to explore on foot. Consider accommodations with kitchenettes to save on dining costs and prepare simple meals for picky eaters.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Beyond hiking, consider kayaking tours in Kenai Fjords for an intimate wildlife viewing experience. The waters are rich with marine life, and paddling through the fjords offers a unique perspective. Always go with a guided tour for safety and to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park
Visitors can expect to see humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds like puffins and kittiwakes. The sheer scale of the glaciers, like Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier, is awe-inspiring. For the more adventurous, kayaking tours offer an intimate way to explore the fjords, getting you closer to the water and the wildlife. Remember to book these tours in advance, as they are highly sought after, especially during the summer months.
Beyond the boat tours, the park's land-based access is primarily through the Harding Icefield Trail near Exit Glacier. This challenging hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Harding Icefield, the largest icefield in North America. Even if you don't tackle the full hike, the trails around Exit Glacier offer accessible ways to experience the glacial environment and learn about its retreat.
Seward's Unique Charm and Community
The downtown area is compact and easily navigable, featuring colorful buildings, local shops, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants. The harbor is the bustling heart of the town, where you can watch fishing vessels come and go and enjoy fresh seafood. Despite its remote location, Seward has a surprising number of amenities to cater to visitors, including hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds.
For those considering a longer stay or even a move, living in Seward means embracing a lifestyle deeply connected to nature. It's a place where you might find yourself sharing the road with wildlife and where the seasons dictate the rhythm of life. The sense of community is strong, and while it can feel isolating at first, many find profound beauty and peace in its remote setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit