Alaska is massive. As Texans, we know big. But Alaksa is on another level. Spanning over 665,000 square miles, it is more than double the size of the Lone Star State. Trying to explore it all in just two days is impossible. However, what you do manage to see will redefine the concept of "rugged beauty." Our visit consisted of two nights (36 hours upon arrival) in Seward Alaska, located in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Where’s Seward?
Located 125 miles south of Anchorage, along Alaska-1/State Highway 9, this small town with 2,700 residents sits on Resurrection Bay's northwest coast. The scenic drive through
Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest, along the Gulf of Alaska, takes a little over 2 hours from the airport. But it is worth it! The route is picturesque, leading to Kenai Fjords National Park. Surrounded by wilderness, the town of Seward offers numerous outdoor activities, making it a perfect base for adventure.
What to pack (in)
You made it. Now let’s play! During our only full day in town, we opted to reserve a spot on one of the few remaining wildlife cruises of the late season. Visiting in mid-October provided a tranquil escape, as the tourist season was winding down. We chose a half-day cruise with Major Marine Tours, and it was truly worth it! Not only did we spot an abundance of wildlife but the crew was fantastic, the chili was delightful, the cocktails were spot on (don't miss the Hot Otter), and the boat (Skana) was immaculate. Our day on the water treated us to sightings of Dall’s porpoises, Orca whales (probably nearly a dozen!), sea lions, harbor seals, Bald eagles, mountain goats, and a very entertaining sea otter. With a couple of side trips to secluded inlets, it will be hard to top this experience anytime soon.
Fancy a walk?
Seward and its vicinity offer more than 30 hiking trails, catering to various skill levels and aspirations. We were advised to explore the Skyline Jeep trail, which, while not overly challenging, involves a consistent ascent until reaching the "bench". Our ascent among the golden-leaved trees, with stops at the waterfall and creek, was tranquil. We had the trail to ourselves, providing a sense of peace. It wasn't until we turned back to descend that we noticed the stunning view behind us. As the trail leveled out, we found ourselves surrounded by peaks, trees, and a clear sight of Resurrection Bay. We highly recommend taking a few moments to simply stand and absorb the beauty.
Take it downtown
If hiking is not your thing, you can explore the charming downtown area which is home to various art shops, souvenir stores, and coffee shops for a leisurely afternoon stroll. During our visit, we discovered a beautiful original art piece for our travel collection at The Ranting Raven, purchased souvenirs at Once in a Blue Moose, and enjoyed a tasty chai latte at Frontier Trading Post. The only attraction we didn't get to visit was the Alaska SeaLife Center, as it was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Visit Seward
Despite our stay being less than 48 hours, visiting Seward was definitely worth the journey. The town is incredibly scenic, especially in the Fall, offering numerous trails, wildlife cruise options, fishing, and a quaint downtown area to explore over a couple of days. What truly stands out is the exceptional hospitality of Seward; the locals and staff were warm and friendly. The team at Harbor 360 Hotel, the ideal place to stay, went out of their way to ensure our comfort and provided valuable recommendations, such as Woody’s Thai Kitchen, and even offered bear spray for our hike (fortunately, it wasn’t needed). All the shop owners and employees were eager to engage in conversation about their town. If you ever find yourself in Alaska and are unsure of where to visit, consider Seward. The locals are welcoming, and if you seek solitude, there is plenty of
serene nature to explore.
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