Activities to Enjoy in Seward
A journey to Alaska is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Picture yourself cruising past glaciers in the morning, capturing images of wild bears in the afternoon, and savoring freshly caught salmon for dinner. The port of Seward, Alaska, offers this and so much more. Here are some highlights to ignite your adventurous spirit.
Kenai Fjords National Park
The crown jewel of Seward is undoubtedly Kenai Fjords National Park. Spanning over 580,000 acres, this park features nearly 40 glaciers flowing into the Harding Icefield, one of the largest in the U.S. Named for its many fjords shaped by the glaciers, the best way to experience the park is via boat tour, which provides access to areas unreachable by land. Get up close to witness glaciers calving into the sea, and keep your cameras ready for seals, sea lions, black bears, puffins, and both humpback and killer whales. For the truly adventurous, kayaking offers an immersive experience with nature. Bus tours take you to the popular Exit Glacier, where you can spot many of the same wildlife visible from the water. Hikers will appreciate the 8.2-mile roundtrip Harding Icefield Trail.
Alaska SeaLife Center
Established in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in 1989, the Alaska SeaLife Center focuses on research, education, and the rehabilitation of Alaska's distinctive marine ecosystem. Visitors can have intimate encounters with the marine creatures that inhabit Alaska. Highlights include interactions with steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, various exotic duck species, and the impressive giant Pacific octopus.
Mount Marathon
Mount Marathon, located nearby, has a legendary origin stemming from a dare. In 1915, patrons at a local bar bet that no one could summit the mountain in under an hour. The ascent covers less than a mile but rises 3,022 feet straight up. The first Mount Marathon champion lost the wager, finishing in 62 minutes. The race continues annually, with the current record, set in 2016, standing at 41 minutes and 26 seconds. Those who conquer the trail are rewarded with stunning views of Resurrection Bay and the town of Seward below.
Seward Lagoon and Bobby Benson Memorial Park
Birdwatchers will delight in Seward Lagoon and Bobby Benson Memorial Park. This park is named after the young boy who, at just 13 years old in 1927, designed the Alaska state flag. It features a quarter-mile elevated boardwalk along the lagoon, perfect for spotting kingfishers, bald eagles, river otters, and vibrant ducks.
Two Lakes Park
For those seeking a leisurely hike, the easy trail at Two Lakes Park is a great option. Located at the edge of Seward, where the town meets the forest, this one-mile trail circles two small lakes through lush hemlock and spruce rainforest, passing a charming waterfall along the way.
Resurrection Bay
Seward lies along the shores of Resurrection Bay, where boat tours are among the most sought-after attractions. Explore hidden coves and small islands to encounter whales, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, puffins, mountain goats, and bears up close.
Embrace the adventure.
1
2
3
4
5
Evaluation :
5/5