My most anticipated trip of 2023 was to Seward, Alaska. My family planned a fishing trip to Alaska, and we decided to add Seward onto part of our itinerary. Boy are we glad we did! On this blog post I will include where to stay in Seward, what Seward, Alaska weather is like, and things to do in Seward!
There are many ways to get to Seward, and takes some pre-planning during peak season. Before I proceed, it is important to note we booked everything for our trip 6-8 months in advance. It is important to pre-plan when visiting, especially June-August being peak season.
Where Is Seward Alaska?
After flying into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, drive south two hours to the coastal town of Seward. Surrounded by mountains and blue glacial water, it’s completely stunning in every direction. Kenai Fjords National Park is in Seward, making it a popular destination for people around the world. Keep in mind that the weather in Seward, Alaska is unpredictable prepare for it all!
Getting To Seward
There are many ways to get to Seward, which is an important part of your trip planning to consider. We opted for a rental car so we could explore easily around Seward. It’s a 2.5 hour scenic drive with beautiful places to stop along the way. Take the railroad, rent a car, or fly into Seward.
Alaska Railroad
Alaska Railroad to Seward from Mid-May to Mid-September. An early morning departure from Anchorage to Seward gets you to Seward by 11AM. Visit their website and call to book your trip.
Public Transportation
Seward is easy to navigate, with one main road connecting the marina and historic downtown. Seward City Tours operates a free shuttle service that you can take around town, so there isn’t really a need to have a car. Tour companies also offer complimentary pick-ups around the town. It’s a 5 mile route that takes about 30 minutes for stops to complete.
What Is Weather Like In Seward Alaska?
Weather in Seward, Alaska can vary when you visit. Keep in mind its a coastal town with temperate weather-in the summer weather is typically around 60 degrees during the day with wind. Rain is prevalent here, so it is important to layer up! We got lucky on our trip and had straight sunshine!
In the winter Seward is a high of 33 degrees, and many things are closed including restaurants and excursions. That is why May-September is the best time to visit Seward, Alaska!
Things To Do In Seward
Visiting Seward Alaska is popular because of the incredible sight seeing, wildlife viewing, and gorgeous mountain views. We had three full days in Seward which was enough time to see everything we wanted. Depending on who your with, from hiking to glacier tours-there’s truly something for everybody here.
Having cash as you travel about Alaska is essential, as most people working in Alaska anticipate getting tipped for their services.
Kenai Fjords Tours:
Take a glacier boat cruise to the Northwestern Fjord if you opt for the longest 8 hour cruise like we did. Tickets average $216 a person for this longer cruise. It was worth it to be close to glaciers and witness humpback whales, orcas, puffins, sea lions, and incredible mountain views!
Marathon Helicopter Ride:
I surprised my husband with a helicopter ride in Seward and we were completely blown away. Being able to fly over glaciers and get a view of Seward from above is stunning! This is $215 a person and takes about 30 minutes. There are a number of additional flights to choose from, with the least expensive being $75.
Visit Exit Glacier:
A popular destination just 15 minutes outside of Seward in Kenai Fjords National Park. Exit Glacier is accessible to see on the road in, or drive a bit further and complete the hike for a better look! There are signs on the drive and hike in showcasing how far, by date the glacier once stood.
Deep Sea Fishing:
If your a fisherman or not, experiencing fishing in Alaska is unlike anywhere else in the world. My dad and brother booked a deep sea halibut and salmon charter with Puffin Charters and had a wonderful experience. Tickets are $425 a person and it cost $500 for J. Dock to filet, process, and ship their fish home.
Shop at Forest, Tides, and Treasures:
Forget your rain jacket? Want to buy locally made art? This is the place for both. Owned by local residents, everything in this store is carefully selected, making it the perfect one-stop-shop.
Water Taxi:
Not looking to book a full glacier cruise? Take a water taxi around the bay and explore Seward by water! This is also a great way to have a smaller, more intimate experience than Kenai Fjord Tours.
Visit the Alaska Sealife Center:
This is the perfect activity for a rainy day, or for people looking to learn more about local wildlife and restoration projects. Admission is $30 a person.
Guided Kayak Excursion:
Looking to see the shores of Kenai Fjords National Park up close? Take a guided kayak tour to see wildlife, mountain views, and unique spots that only the locals know about.
Where Should I Eat In Seward?
Restaurants in Seward, Alaska surprised us! We made reservations in advance when we could because of how busy things got-and we’re glad we did. Can’t visit Seward without trying locally caught fish and oysters!
- The Cookery: An incredible farm to table restaurant with seafood and fish with a Mexican twist!
- Flamingo Lounge: Fish + chips and everything in between! Speciality cocktails in this dark-lounge are some of the best in Seward.
- Lone Chicharron: Alaska Tacos and Taqueria!
- Resurrect Art Coffee House: Coffee inside of an old church-this was walking distance from our AirBNB which made grabbing morning espresso easy.
- Ray’s Waterfront: The only restaurant in the marina in Seward-views are incredible! Great place for a burger!
Where Should I Stay In Seward?
Lodging was one of the harder things for us to find-even 6 months in advanced planning! When you book your trip to Seward it depends if you plan to rent a car as there are options outside of town. For us, we wanted to be walking distance from downtown so we rented an AirBNB.
Booking your lodging accommodations in Seward in advance is the most important piece of your travel planning if visiting in peak season. There are a range of hotels, AirBNBs and remote locations to choose from, depending on budget.
There are a number of destinations on my list for next time when I have more time and money:
- Bear Glacier Yurts: Stay in a remote yurt near the lake and lagoon of Bear Glacier. This is a once in a lifetime experience at $2,200 a night! This includes the helicopter ride to the glacier.
- Harbor 360 Hotel: If you want to stay in the boat marina, this hotel is right on the water!
- Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge: Want something more remote with chef made meals? Take a boat by hour and stay at this remote lodge inside the national park.
- Orcas Island Cabins: Looking for something remote and for the adventurous? Ocas Island Cabins is it! Have access to kayak and paddle board.
- Salted Roots Alaska: These A-frame cabins are high on my list for next time. Cabins like this aren’t abundant here so they book a year in advance in peak season!
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