Seward

Scenic views of Seward, Alaska, a historic port on the Kenai Peninsula.

Explore Alaska's coastal gem

Discover spectacular glaciers, coastal wildlife, and unforgettable adventures on the Kenai Peninsula.

Last Updated: October 2026 | Reviewed by: Avril Smith, Staff Writer

Seward, Alaska, a scenic cruise port on the Kenai Peninsula.

Seward is a charming historic port city nestled on Alaska's scenic Kenai Peninsula. As the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, it offers unforgettable adventures, from wildlife watching and sportfishing to breathtaking flightseeing tours and thrilling dog sledding experiences.

With its stunning coastal landscapes and abundant outdoor activities, Seward is a memorable destination on an Alaska cruise. Whether you have a few hours in port or several days to explore, you'll find plenty of ways to experience the natural beauty of the Last Frontier.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Seward?

Looking for the best things to do in Seward, Alaska, during your cruise stop? Explore scenic waterways on a boat tour, discover nearby glaciers, visit local attractions, or spend time in the waterfront downtown area. Choose activities based on your available time and interests.

  • Take a Glacier and Wildlife Cruise Enjoy a boat trip to see glaciers, whales, sea otters, sea lions, and seabirds.
  • Explore Exit Glacier Walk along scenic trails and admire one of Alaska's most impressive glaciers.
  • Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center Discover marine animals, including seals, sea lions, puffins, and sea otters.
  • Go Sea Kayaking Paddle through beautiful coastal waters while enjoying views of mountains and glaciers.
  • Hike the Harding Icefield Trail Experience a challenging hike with incredible views of the vast icefield and surrounding mountains.
  • Explore Downtown Seward Visit local shops, admire colorful murals, and try delicious Alaskan food.
  • Walk Around Seward Harbor Enjoy waterfront scenery, watch fishing boats, and take beautiful photographs.
  • Go Fishing Join a fishing excursion and experience Alaska's rich marine environment.
  • Take a Scenic Flight Admire glaciers, rugged mountains, and remote wilderness from the air.

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Seward, Alaska, and a major attraction for visitors to the city. It is famous for spectacular glaciers, rugged mountains, deep fjords, and abundant wildlife.

Visitors can take boat cruises from Seward Harbor to explore the park's coastal areas, admire massive glaciers, and look for whales, sea otters, sea lions, and seabirds. These excursions offer an unforgettable opportunity to experience Alaska's natural beauty and discover its remarkable marine environment.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park?

Explore Exit Glacier

Hike scenic trails and enjoy impressive views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. Check current trail conditions and seasonal access before your visit.

Take a Glacier Cruise

Discover stunning fjords, admire tidewater glaciers, and look for whales, sea lions, and sea otters along the coast.

Go Hiking

Enjoy outdoor trails surrounded by forests, mountains, and breathtaking natural scenery. Choose a route suited to your experience and the conditions.

Watch Wildlife

Look for puffins, bald eagles, seals, sea otters, and whales in their natural habitats. Sightings vary with the season and conditions.

Take Photographs

Capture beautiful landscapes, icy waters, spectacular mountain views, and the distinctive scenery of Alaska's coastal wilderness.

Enjoy Nature

Experience Alaska's wilderness and appreciate the beauty of one of the state's most remarkable national parks.

Optional Shore Excursions in Seward, Alaska

Make the most of your time in Seward with an excursion that matches your interests. Options may include glacier walks, wildlife cruises, scenic rail transfers, and fishing adventures. Availability, schedules, and inclusions depend on your travel dates and operator.

Exit Glacier Walking Tour

Visit Exit Glacier, an accessible area of Kenai Fjords National Park. At the Exit Glacier Visitor Center, begin a guided walk while learning about the effects of glaciers on the surrounding landscape. Discover the vegetation and natural habitats of a glacial environment before returning along one of the area's walking trails. Route access and the distance you can walk toward the glacier depend on current conditions.

Grandview Train Transfer

Experience the journey between Seward and Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad's scenic train service. Enjoy mountain scenery, forests, and opportunities to spot wildlife along the route. Dining and lounge services may be available for an additional charge. Confirm the train service, departure point, and connection arrangements for your sailing before booking.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Board a dayboat in Seward for a glacier and wildlife cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Look for whales, sea lions, and sea otters while admiring a massive tidewater glacier and the park's dramatic, glacier-carved cliffs. Some excursion packages also include a motorcoach transfer to Anchorage.

Portage Lake and Glacier Cruise

Enhance a transfer between Seward and Anchorage with a visit to Portage Lake. Depending on the tour and operating conditions, you may take a scenic cruise aboard the MV Ptarmigan for views of Portage Glacier and the surrounding landscape. Check the current itinerary and glacier viewing conditions when booking.

Seward Fishing Excursion

Fish the rich waters of Resurrection Bay on a half-day excursion from Seward. After obtaining the required fishing license, board a charter boat equipped with fishing gear, navigation equipment, and safety supplies. Boats and amenities vary by operator. Your captain will determine the target species based on the season, local conditions, and availability.

Interested in additional shore excursions?

Contact AlaskaCruises.com at 1-800-201-6937 for information about available excursions and reservations. Confirm current availability, pricing, and itinerary details before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seward, Alaska

Planning a visit to Seward? Find helpful information about local attractions, wildlife, cruise excursions, and the best time to explore this scenic Alaskan destination.

What Are the Top Things to Do in Seward, Alaska?

Top activities include visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, taking a glacier and wildlife cruise through Resurrection Bay, exploring the Alaska SeaLife Center, and enjoying outdoor adventures such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

Is Seward a Good Destination for Alaska Cruises?

Yes. Seward is a popular cruise port and a gateway to some of Alaska's most scenic regions. It offers access to glaciers, wildlife, and outdoor adventures, making it an important stop or starting point for many Alaska cruise itineraries.

What Wildlife Can You See in Seward, Alaska?

Visitors may see whales, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, puffins, bald eagles, and orcas. Wildlife cruises and guided tours offer opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitats, although sightings are never guaranteed.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Seward, Alaska?

June through August is generally a popular time to visit, with milder temperatures, long daylight hours, and a wide selection of sightseeing cruises and outdoor tours. Spring and early fall may offer quieter experiences, although some activities operate on limited schedules. Check local weather and excursion availability before traveling.

How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Seward?

Two to three days is a good amount of time to explore Seward and enjoy its main attractions. You could spend one day on a Kenai Fjords glacier cruise, another visiting Exit Glacier and the Alaska SeaLife Center, and an additional day exploring downtown, kayaking, or enjoying other outdoor activities. If you're visiting on a cruise, plan around your ship's departure time and excursion schedule.

Can You Visit Kenai Fjords National Park From Seward?

Yes. Seward is one of the main gateways to Kenai Fjords National Park. Boat cruises from Seward Harbor explore the coastal fjords and offer opportunities to view glaciers and marine wildlife. Visitors can also drive to the Exit Glacier area to access hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, subject to seasonal road and trail conditions.

Is Seward a Family-Friendly Destination?

Yes. Seward offers family-friendly outdoor activities, educational attractions, and opportunities to discover Alaska's wildlife and natural beauty. Families can consider wildlife cruises, visits to the Alaska SeaLife Center, and suitable walking trails. Check age restrictions, tour duration, accessibility, and safety requirements before booking activities with children.

Experience the Natural Beauty of Seward

From the towering glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park to the wildlife-filled waters of Resurrection Bay, Seward offers an unforgettable introduction to Alaska's spectacular wilderness. Explore the harbor, discover local attractions, or venture into the mountains and fjords on a guided excursion.

Whether you're visiting on a cruise or planning a longer stay on the Kenai Peninsula, discover the experiences that make Seward a memorable part of an Alaska vacation.

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