The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner

Population: 2,609

Seward is located on Resurrection Bay, east coast of Kenai Peninsula; 127 miles south of Anchorage by road, or 35 minutes by air.

Visitor information:
Seward Chamber of Commerce–Conference and Visitors Bureau and City of Seward.

Seward, “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park,” is a picturesque community nestled between high mountain ranges on a small rise stretching from Resurrection Bay to the foot of Mount Marathon. The town was established in 1903 by railroad surveyors as an ocean terminal and supply center. The city was named for William H. Seward, U.S. Secretary of State under president Andrew Johnson, who was instrumental in arranging the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Seward has all visitor facilities, including hotels, motels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, cafes, and restaurants (many featuring Alaskan seafood), post office, supermarkets, drugstores, a public library, travel agencies, gift shops, gas stations, bars, laundromats, churches, and theater. Overnight camping along the waterfront near the Small Boat Harbor and downtown provided by City of Seward Parks & Recreation. Miller’s Landing campground and the Silver Derby RV Park are located on Lowell Point Road. RV parks on the Seward Highway north of town are Bear Creek RV Park and Stoney Creek RV.

Seward Map

Attractions:

Seward is the “mural capital of Alaska.” Don’t miss the city’s outdoor murals, created by the Seward Mural Society, designed by Alaskan artists and painted by local volunteers.
Alaska SeaLife Center allows you to come face-to-face with Alaska’s exciting marine wildlife, explore undersea worlds and experience the wonder of nature in a one-of-a-kind marine science and visitor facility.
The Small Boat Harbor is home port to fishing boats, charter boats and sightseeing boats. The harbor is also home to sea otters—watch for them! You can fish for silvers from shore near the Small Boat Harbor.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, built in 1906, is considered the oldest Protestant church on the Kenai Peninsula.
Seward Museum features artifacts and photographs from the 1964 earthquake, WWII, the founding days of Seward and other highlights of Seward’s history.
Mount Marathon Race®, Seward’s annual Fourth of July endurance race to the top of Mount Marathon (elev. 3,022 feet) and back down is a grueling test for athletes and a popular attractions for residents and visitors alike.
View Kenai Fjords National Park scenic coastline and coastal wildlife with these cruise tour boats, small boat exploration, water taxi service: Kenai Fjords Tours, Major Marine Tours, and Kayak Adventures Worldwide and Bear Paw Lodge.
Get an up-close look at Exit Glacier, about a 12-mile drive from Seward. Exit Glacier Nature Center is open daily in summer.
Videos, exhibits and information on Kenai Fjords National Park and organized activities at the park are available at the park visitor center in the Small Boat Harbor area.
Try dog sledding in summer at Ididaride Sled Dog Tours.
Picnic on the beach at Lowell Point State Recreation Area, then hike ouot to Tonsina Point (1.5 miles) or Caines Head (4.5 miles one-way).
Go kayaking in Resurrections Bay with local outfitters like Kayak Adventures Worldwide, Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking Company and Miller's Landing.