Seward, Alaska - Stay, Explore, Fish

Seward, Alaska with Mt. Marathon in the background

Seward, Alaska is where travelers come to stay, explore, and fish. There are endless sights to see: you may spot a bald eagle soaring over a majestic glacier or an adorable sea otter eating lunch on his back while cruising the boat harbor. Many people travel to Seward for numerous reasons from sight seeing to sport fishing and everything in between. The year round population of the greater Seward area is approximately 2,750 residents.

Getting to Seward

After flying into Anchorage, from your local airport, getting to Seward is very easy. The two most common options are rental car or a ride aboard the Alaska Railroad. Seward is a small coastal community. To drive to Seward from Anchorage, you will travel south along the Seward Highway for approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. During the drive, many visitors will stop and enjoy many of the spectacular views located along Turnagin Arm and while traveling through the Chugach National Forrest.

The Alaska Railroad is a great experience and one of the best ways to get to Seward

Where to Stay in Seward?

Seward offers many options for lodging in town or out of town. When I mention town just remember Seward does not have one single traffic light. Seward has a fair number of hotels and motels in town and numerous B&B's scattered around town and outside of town. Depending on what your style, I am certain you can find a hotel, motel, B&B or even an Alaskan style lodge to help you enjoy your stay. Last, but not least, there are plenty of places for tents and RV's as well. During the peak of summer travel, the town of Seward can swell to about 10,000 people or even to approximately 20,000 people over the 4th of July weekend when the world famous Mt. Marathon race is run.

View Seward Hotels on TripAdvisor

View Seward Bed and Breakfasts on TripAdvisor

Your Seward Fishing Adventure

If your travels take you to Seward for fishing, then get ready to yell, FISH ON! Fishing is my favorite part of Seward. Out on the ocean, there are plenty of halibut, salmon, sea bass and cod to fill your cooler or just enjoy catch and release. While on a fishing charter, not only will you catch fish, you will also get a free sightseeing trip encountering many fjords, glaciers, whales and sea life. On an average day of fishing, each person typically will have the opportunity to go home with about 15-20lbs of fish fillets.

There are many fishing charters in Seward so finding a charter boat to go fishing on is not hard. Keep in mind, like any business, charter companies all offer different levels of service, tackle and boats. The earlier you book your seat or private boat the more options will be available. If you prefer to wait until the last minute, then plan on taking whatever you can get. If you are new to Alaska fishing charters this is a great article with tips and advice to keep in mind when choosing an Alaska fishing charter.

Take Time to Explore Seward

Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward, Alaska

If fishing is not your cup of tea, climb aboard one of the many tour boats in Seward. The tours will transport you into Kenai Fjord National Park while a Park Ranger narrates your trip. Whale watching trips and fjord trips can be various lengths and travel to different locations, so there is bound to be an option fit to your liking. If the ocean or any amount of time on the water makes your stomach roll, then stroll on down the street to the Alaska Sea Life Center where you can take a walk around and view all the Alaskan sea life and sea birds. The large aquariums filled with fish, birds, octopus and sea lions will always make one wonder in amazement as you view these birds, mammals or fish gliding effortlessly through the water.

After the trip around town, you can drive 15 minutes out to Exit Glacier and stroll up to the land locked glacier. Other great activities around the Seward area could include hiking Mt. Marathon or one of the many trails around Seward, kayaking, ice climbing, or visiting one of the dog mushing kennels for a tour and informative presentation on the life of dog musher.

No matter where you travel in Alaska, the beauty will be great and your trip will be filled with a lifetime of memories. We all appreciate your interest in visiting Alaska, and I would like to say THANKS for possibly spending your hard earned money in our great state.

Exit Glacier