Wildlife, Hiking, Fishing: 12 Best Things To Do in Seward, Alaska

The Kenai Fjords is an absolute gem of a place and one of the easiest-to-access locations in Alaska. Just 2.5 hours from Anchorage, Seward offers incredible outdoor adventures for those who enjoy hiking, water activities, wildlife, fishing, photography, and so much more! When it comes down to it, the things to do in Seward are endless, and you’ll have more than enough to do while you visit!

Inside, you’ll get my guide to visiting Seward and 12 fun activities to do while you’re in town.

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Top Adventurous Things To Do in Seward, Alaska

1. Kenai Fjords Wildlife Boat Cruise

This was hands down the most incredible activity we did and a must-see for things to do in Seward. The weather was gorgeous, which made it all the better. Over the course of our six-plus-hour cruise, we saw humpbacks, orcas, puffins, glaciers, rare birds (as we were told), stellar sea lions, seals, and a black bear.

Talk about EPIC!

Overall, the cruise gave us a fantastic glimpse of what makes the Kenai Fjords so stunning and why this area needs to be protected.

2. Kayaking Excursion – Half Day, Full Day, Multi-Day

When it comes to kayaking in and around Seward, there is an option for everyone. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to do it due to limited schedules, but we wish we had. I would love to do a multi-night trip to really get out into the Alaskan wild and get up close and personal with the landscape.

I will note that this is sea kayaking, so it’s harder than being on a lake, and weather plays a much more important role than usual. Wind normally picks up in the afternoon, so booking an early morning trip will increase your chances of a successful expedition.

Getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in Seward.

3. Go Fishing

Seward, Alaska, is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. It offers world-class fishing tours that cater to both novices and seasoned anglers. The waters around Seward are teeming with halibut, salmon, and other prized fish, making it an ideal spot for a memorable fishing adventure.

Many local tour operators provide full-day or half-day charters, equipped with all the necessary gear and guided by experienced captains who know the best fishing spots. After a successful day on the water, you can enjoy your fresh catch at one of Seward’s local restaurants, which often offer to cook your fish for you.

Whether you’re looking to reel in a trophy fish or enjoy the breathtaking scenery, a fishing tour in Seward is a must-do experience.

4. Hike to the Exit Glacier

Funny enough, most of the Kenai Fjords National Park is inaccessible to tourists. The one spot that is accessible via car is the Exit Glacier hike. There are a couple of trails here to tackle, and they’re totally worth it.

The first is the easy one. This brings you to the Exit Glacier Overlook, a 2+ mile loop trail with 300 feet of gain. While it’s not flat, it’s also not hard, and if you’re a casual hiker, you’ll be just fine hiking to it. This gives you a view of the glacier looking out and up and also has signs showing the glacier recession and where the glacier used to be at specific dates.

A much more strenuous hike is up to the Harding Icefield. This 9-mile trail with 3,100 feet of gain brings you to alpine paradise, putting you at eye level with the Exit Glacier. It’s far more challenging, but if you have time and the weather is good, it’s highly recommended. (It was still snowed in for our May trip, and we didn’t get to hike it.)

There’s no need to hire a guide, but if you want to go with a group, you can click here to check out options. You can also click here to learn about walking on the Exit Glacier with a guide.

5. Full-Day Kenai Fjords Northwestern Cruise

This is an even longer option than the Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise. It’s 8+ hours and gets you further into the untouched fjords and glaciers of the Alaska coastline. For those with more days here or those who are really into photography, this is for you!

6. Rafting on the Ressurection River

Rafting on the Resurrection River near Seward is an exhilarating way to experience Alaska’s wild beauty. This river offers a mix of serene stretches and exciting rapids, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned rafters.

As you navigate the glacial-fed waters, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife along the banks. Guided tours provide all the necessary gear and expertise, ensuring a safe and unforgettable adventure.

7. Helicopter Ride Over Kenai Fjords National Park

Depending on what you want to see, there’s a gluttony of epic helicopter flights for you while in Seward. This is hands down one of the most scenic places in the state, and getting above it will offer a vantage point view other people get to do.

The Kenai Fjords are a big place; the best way to see them is from the air. If you’re looking to get wow, this is one of the best things to do in Seward.

8. Zipline through Alaska’s Old Growth Forests

A ziplining tour near Seward, Alaska, offers a thrilling way to experience the state’s wild beauty from a whole new perspective.

Soaring above the treetops, you’ll zip through the Alaskan wilderness, viewing towering mountains, dense forests, and glistening rivers below. These tours are designed for adventure enthusiasts of all levels, with knowledgeable guides ensuring both safety and an unforgettable experience. As you glide from platform to platform, you’ll feel the rush of adrenaline mixed with the awe of Alaska’s natural splendor.

9. Pan for Gold

Panning for gold near Seward, Alaska, offers a unique glimpse into the state’s rich history and the thrill of discovering something shiny in your pan. This hands-on experience takes you back to the days of the gold rush as you sift through the gravel in the hopes of finding your own precious nuggets.

Guided tours in the area provide all the necessary tools and teach you the techniques needed to strike it lucky. Surrounded by breathtaking Alaskan scenery, panning for gold is not just about the potential treasure but also about connecting with the past and the land. It’s an activity that adds a touch of adventure and history to any visit to Seward.

10. Snowmobile Excursion (WINTER ONLY)

Far fewer people visit the area in winter, but if you do, getting out on a snowmobile is a great way to cover a lot of land and see places that might be harder to reach during the summer months. Considering this is one of the few activities in the winter, I’d argue it’s at the top of the things to do in Seward in that season.

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11. Ropes Course

A ropes course near Seward, Alaska, offers an exciting way to challenge yourself while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Suspended high among the trees, these courses are designed to test your balance, agility, and courage with a series of obstacles, zip lines, and swinging bridges.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking to step out of your comfort zone, the experience combines adventure with breathtaking views of Alaska’s rugged landscapes. Guided by experienced instructors, you can tackle the course at your own pace, making it a fun and rewarding activity for all skill levels.

Adding a ropes course adventure to your Seward itinerary promises memories that will stay with you long after your feet are back on solid ground.

12. Eat Seafood

It might be last, but it’s not least.

Don’t forget to eat seafood while you’re in Seward. It’s a ripe fishing town, and the fish is so dang good! We had salmon and halibut, and my gosh, was it delicious.

What was my itinerary around Seward?

Day 1

• We drove down from Cooper Landing and stopped A LOT along the way. It’s a gorgeous drive, and our jaws just kept dropping.
• Grabbed the campsite at Resurrection Campground
• Enjoyed dinner and sunset next to the water

Day 2

• Walked to the Kenai Fjords Boat Cruise from the campground
• 6+ hours on the water seeing the Kenai Fjords and wildlife – absolutely incredible day on the water
• Seafood dinner at Rays Waterfront

Day 3

• Breakfast at camp
• Packed up
• Headed to the Exit Glacier Trail inside Kenai Fjords National Park
• Did the lower trail to the Exit Glacier overlook as the upper trail was snowed in

How many days do you need in Seward, Alaska?

We spent three days in the Seward area, which was perfect for our crunched schedules. However, having a fourth day would allow you to hit all the main things – fishing, kayaking, hiking, and the boat cruise.

Additionally, it might be wise to add a “free” day to allow you to be flexible in case you get rough weather that cancels a trip. We ran into that at the end of our trip. We were hoping to do a kayaking day in Whittier, but the strong winds canceled it. Unfortunately, we didn’t have another day to push it back, so we didn’t get a chance to do it.

When did I visit Seward?

My now-fiancee and I visited Seward, Alaska, in mid-May 2021. While we had some gloom, it was also not terrible weather, and we actually had a clear day when we went on our boat cruise. We were so grateful for the good weather because my parents had done the same cruise years earlier and couldn’t see much of anything.

While I’d love to see it in the middle of summer with wildflowers blooming, we had it with fewer crowds, lower prices, and less stress trying to navigate crowded campsites and tours.

It was by no means warm, but it also wasn’t frigid. We wore our puffies for the boat cruise and our hike, but I think that’s normal for May in Alaska.

My favorite activity in Seward?

Hands down, my favorite activity was the Kenai Fjords boat cruise. It was our first time seeing wild Alaska, and the views nearly brought me to tears. We saw our first orca, humpback, puffin, and glacier. It was a truly mesmerizing experience.

I now tell everyone visiting Alaska that they have to take this cruise, and no one has returned disappointed! It’s easily one of the best things to do in Seward, Alaska.

When is the best time to go?

You’ll want to visit during the summer (late May to mid-August) to maximize your time and experience the best things to do in Seward. While this doesn’t prohibit rainy days, it will give you the best chance possible for blue-bird days to see the mountains, glaciers, and wildlife that make the Kenai Fjords a magical place to be!

Specifically, aim to be in the region from June through August. If you plan later in the summer, you’ll have crazy wildflowers.

Where did we stay when we went to Seward?

While in Seward, we camped along the water at Resurrection Campground in our campervan. The campground was city-run, so it wasn’t glamorous or anything, and there wasn’t much privacy, but you couldn’t have picked a more beautiful area to call home for two nights.

We enjoyed dinner with mountain views on both evenings and even saw a humpback whale in the bay.

Camping in Seward

I would 100% recommend camping in Seward. It wasn’t too expensive for a campervan with no need for hookups and even cheaper for tent camping. We were able to snag a spot a couple of weeks out for a mid-week spot, but I assume this is a hot commodity during the summer months.

That said, there are 10 Municipal Campgrounds in Seward, with seven offering tenting options.

Learn more about camping in Seward.

Hotels and other lodging in Seward

Looking for hotels? Here are some excellent options in the area. Staying local will give you more time to check off the best things to do in Seward, Alaska.

Budget Tier: Breeze Inn – Van Gilder Hotel –
Mid-Tier: Hotel Edgewater – Hotel Seward – Exit Glacier Lodge
Luxury: Seward Windsong Lodge
Luxury, located in Cooper Landing: Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

Getting to Seward

Getting to Seward, Alaska, is pretty easy and straightforward, as there are predominately only three ways to do it. And there’s only two places you’ll come from. You’ll come from the North via Achnorage on the train or in a car. The other option is arriving via a cruise ship from an Inside Passage trip.

Anchorage to Seward

Via Car: Getting to Seward from Anchorage is a stunningly beautiful drive that will take you about 2.5 hours if you never stop. But this is nearly impossible, considering the landscape will make your jaw drop, and you’ll want to get out to soak in the sights.

If you drive, I recommend you stop at Cooper Landing (slight detour) and spend a little bit of time there. It’s a beautiful area.

Via Train: There is a train that will take you from Anchorage to Seward (or vice versa). The train will take about 5.5 hours to reach Seward from Anchorage but only 4.25 hours to get back. If renting a car is too expensive for you, sit back and enjoy the views; this is an excellent way to do it!

Arriving via Cruise

I have not done this, but I believe most cruises end in Seward, making it easy for people to hop off, get on a trail, and get up to Anchorage to fly out. Hopefully, people will enjoy the area for a few days before scooting off.

Final Thoughts on the best things to do in Seward, Alaska

I hope you have the most amazing time in the Kenai Fjords and explore all the best things to do in Seward. It’s an area full of potential for all sorts of adventurers, outdoors people, and nature lovers.

I loved my time and am longing for the next chance to return and see new parts of this magical landscape.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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