If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Seward, Alaska, you’re in luck! Tucked away on the stunning Kenai Peninsula, Seward boasts natural beauty that’s straight out of a postcard. Just imagine being surrounded by the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park, the serene Resurrection Bay, and the majestic Chugach Mountains – it’s like stepping into a nature lover’s dream. You won’t be short on great excursion in Seward options to choose from!
Seward isn’t just beautiful – it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether you are looking for an epic fishing adventure, trekking through mountain trails, gliding across pristine waters, or simply soaking in the wildlife wonders, Seward has something for everyone and we are sure you will find something amazing!
And for those kicking off or winding down their Alaskan cruise, Seward serves as the ultimate launchpad for adventure, adding an extra sprinkle of excitement to your journey. Read on to see some of the best things you can do in Seward.
Throughout the year, Seward buzzes with activities and events, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. With so much to explore and experience, planning your perfect getaway in Seward couldn’t be easier. So, what are you waiting for? Come discover the magic of Seward and create unforgettable memories amidst Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes!
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1 | Take a Glacier and Wildlife cruise
Go for an incredible adventure in Seward aboard a glacier and wildlife cruise – it’s an absolute must for anyone visiting!
Get ready to be mesmerized by the incredible marine life awaiting you in Seward, Alaska! From majestic whales to playful dolphins, adorable sea lions, and charming puffins, there’s no shortage of wildlife wonders here. And the best part? You’ll also have the chance to get up close and personal with massive glaciers, creating unforgettable moments against Alaska’s stunning backdrop. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to dive into nature’s wonderland and create memories that’ll last a lifetime!
Our adventure with Major Marine on a 6-hour wildlife expedition was absolutely incredible, and I can’t recommend them enough! The crew members truly went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable.
While visiting Alaska, witnessing glaciers and wildlife is a must, but what sets Major Marine apart is their ability to get you up close and personal with everything. The views from their compact vessels are simply breathtaking.
One standout moment was when we approached the Aialik Glacier. Surrounded by ice and with the glacier towering before us, I mentioned to Randy how amazing it would be to see seals on the ice. To our delight, as we got closer, we spotted three seals resting on a floating piece of ice – a quintessential Alaskan scene!
But the magic didn’t stop there. Throughout the cruise, we were treated to the sights and sounds of glacier calving, a pod of Orcas, majestic bald eagles, playful sea otters, and graceful sea lions. It was truly one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip!
Advice on Handling Sea Sickness
A word of caution for those susceptible to seasickness. On the day we went, the sea was quite turbulent for approximately half an hour. The crew informed passengers beforehand and provided alternative options if they were not comfortable with the conditions. As someone who easily gets seasick, I truly appreciated their consideration. We decided to proceed with the cruise, and although it was rough in the open sea, I was prepared. I brought a warm jacket and hat, as it gets cold near the glaciers, and I was ready to spend most of the time outdoors. I took Bonine, applied Motion Eaze before the turbulent part, and kept my gaze fixed on the horizon.
Be prepared when getting on any boat in Alaska and have seasickness medication on hand, you never know when you will need it! We recommend Bonine, it worked wonders and was non drowsy!
Thanks to these precautions, I was unaffected, but there were several other individuals who disregarded the warnings and experienced seasickness and vomiting. The crew checked on everyone, tidied up as necessary, assisted people outside, and distributed ginger chews. Once again, their patience and care were truly remarkable.
2 | Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center
Another great excursion in Seward is the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center. This exceptional aquarium houses a wide variety of Alaskan marine life, including playful sea otters, charismatic puffins, and graceful beluga whales. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and captivating animal encounters, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures and their remarkable habitats.
3 | Go Hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park
or those who love hiking, Kenai Fjords National Park offers an array of captivating trails suitable for all experience levels. Some of the most beloved trails include the challenging yet rewarding Harding Icefield Trail, the mesmerizing Bear Glacier Trail, and the awe-inspiring Exit Glacier Trail. Each trail promises breathtaking views and a chance to connect with the pristine natural environment.
4 | Go Kayaking in Resurrection Bay
To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Seward, consider embarking on a kayaking adventure in Resurrection Bay. This thrilling activity offers a unique perspective of the stunning coastline and the opportunity to observe wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Seward is home to several kayak rental companies that provide guided and self-guided tours, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
While in Seward, we had the amazing opportunity to go kayaking, which turned out to be quite an adventure! I highly suggest giving it a try, as it offers a unique perspective of the area. During our kayaking excursion, we were fortunate enough to have a sea otter floating nearby, which was truly awe-inspiring. It was the highlight of the entire experience.
However, I cannot recommend Miller’s Landing, the outfitter we chose. The entire excursion was filled with one chaotic event after another, and as a result, we didn’t even get to complete it. We chose to do an excursion that included kayaking as well as a hike to see WWII bunkers and because the kayaking portion took long due to mismanagement, we didn’t get to do the hike. There are plenty of companies to go kayaking with, I would recommend one that is located in town.
Additionally, the location is about a mile and a half outside of town, so make sure you arrange transportation both to and from there. The taxis only run when they want to in Seward and since we were there on the fourth of July, they didn’t want to come pick us up after our excursion. We ended up having to walk back, which was quite scenic but quite tiring after a morning of kayaking!
5 | Go Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts will find paradise in Seward, as it is a renowned destination for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Whether you’re after the iconic salmon, the elusive trout, the mighty halibut, or other prized species, Seward offers ample opportunities to cast your line and reel in a memorable catch. Numerous fishing charter companies in the area provide expert guidance and unforgettable fishing trips.
6 | Take a Ride on the Alaskan Railroad
When it’s time to head back home, if you’re flying out of Anchorage, I highly recommend taking the Alaskan Railroad as a means of transportation. This scenic 4-hour journey departs daily during the summer season at 6 pm and arrives at 10 pm. Since the sun sets late in the summer, the entire trip is bathed in daylight. The ride itself is absolutely stunning, offering opportunities to spot wildlife, glaciers, and if you’re lucky, even a beluga whale during the appropriate season. It’s also a great last excursion in Seward before you have to head home, making memories all the way to the airport!
There are two ticket options for the train: Gold Star and Adventure Class. Adventure Class ensures a seat on the train and the option to purchase snacks and drinks. We opted for Gold Star class, and it exceeded our expectations! This ticket grants you access to the first car, which features a glass dome for optimal views. It also includes an assigned seat and a delicious dinner in the dining car. We absolutely loved this experience and would do it again without hesitation. It was the perfect way to conclude our time in Alaska, and I highly recommend that you don’t miss out on this excursion in Seward!
If you choose to stay at the Gateway Hotel, they offer a luggage-check service for the train, allowing you to explore Seward all day without any worries about your belongings.
4th of July in Seward
An interesting fact about Seward is that they have fireworks at midnight on July 4th, followed by a big race, the Mt. Marathon Race, on the actual 4th. On the night of the 3rd, you can enjoy a boat parade and fireworks. Due to our exhausting day of activities, I watched them from the comfort of my hotel room, which was a pretty cool experience in itself! The race attracts a large number of people, so if you plan on staying in Seward during this time, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance. We managed to secure the last room at the Gateway hotel, and I made the reservation about 9 months ahead of time.
Other Ideas for an Excursion in Seward
Indulge in a leisurely walk or bike ride along the breathtaking Seward Waterfront Trail, which treats you to panoramic views of Resurrection Bay and the magnificent mountains.
Discover the bustling Seward Boat Harbor, where you can marvel at an array of fishing boats, tour boats, and charter boats, each with its own captivating story.
Browse the charming gift shops scattered throughout Seward, where you can find an array of unique souvenirs, from locally-made treasures to top-quality outdoor gear.
No matter what your interests may be, finding an excursion in Seward, Alaska will be no problem at all!
Need help choosing the best adventures in Alaska? Contact me today and we can get started on planning something amazing!
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