What’s there to do in Seward, Alaska with out a automobile? Lots! If you need to skip driving, whether or not you arrive by cruise ship, prepare, or car, it’s simple to achieve this coastal city’s walkable points of interest and actions. Comply with my one-day itinerary suggestions for enjoyable issues to do in Seward on foot!
This web site typically receives compensation, hosted journey, or merchandise associated to weblog posts. This text might embrace affiliate hyperlinks at no additional value to shoppers. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn cash from qualifying purchases.
1. Seward Waterfront Park
Begin your morning with a stroll alongside Seward Waterfront Park‘s shoreline path, which stretches one mile from the harbor to the Alaska SeaLife Middle. Soak up views of the gorgeous Resurrection Bay as you go. The stroll ought to take about 20 minutes or so if you happen to don’t pause alongside the best way (however it is best to pause!).
You’ll cross monuments and landmarks alongside the path, together with Mile 0 of the Historic Iditarod Path. Hold your eyes peeled for bald eagles, sea otters, dolphins, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. You may even spot humpback whales, orcas, or different whales from Could to September.
Households touring with youngsters will certainly need to cease on the lovable nautical-themed Waterfront Playground. (Higher but, plan to return right here to play within the afternoon!) Children will love the climbing buildings, slides, swings, and monkey bars. There’s a tot space for younger youngsters, too. Mother and father can soak up attractive views of Resurrection Bay whereas their offspring play.
Proper subsequent door to the playground is the Evan Casey Skate Park. Look additionally for the Branson Pavillion for picnic tables, a big grill, and public restrooms. Situated proper within the metropolis, I used to be stunned to see that Seward Waterfront Park provides inexpensive tenting areas for each tents and RVs.
2. Resurrect Artwork Espresso Home
Simply an 8-minute stroll inland from the top of the Seward Waterfront Park Path on the Alaska SeaLife Middle, get a morning pick-me-up at one of many coolest espresso retailers I’ve ever encountered: Resurrect Artwork Espresso Home. For breakfast, order a scratch-made pastry. Gluten-free objects can be found, and a bacon-egg brioche provides a bit extra sustenance.
It’s situated in a former Protestant church that was constructed in 1917. The gothic church home windows present spectacular mountain views when you sip your cuppa joe, Italian soda, tea, or their extremely tasty sizzling cocoa. There’s backyard seating exterior, too.
After consuming, take a gander at this distinctive espresso store’s artwork gallery that includes work, prints, and handmade jewellery. Look additionally for books, postcards, stickers, and different souvenirs on the market.
Should you like visiting bookstores and libraries whenever you journey, then you definitely’re in for an actual deal with in Seward. Even if you happen to’re not a bookworm, the Seward Group Library & Museum deserves a go to for a couple of causes, together with an iridescent artwork deco exterior and a reasonably outside backyard with a mural. Search for books and computer systems upstairs. Downstairs, you’ll discover free rotating exhibitions, plus the Seward Museum. It’s a 5-minute quick stroll right here from the Resurrect Artwork Espresso Store.
4. Seward Museum
Situated in the identical constructing because the Seward Group Library, you may wander by the Seward Museum for a nominal payment. Everlasting and rotating displays showcase the town’s historical past, Alaska Native tradition, and native residents.
Canine-sledding is a vital a part of Seward’s historical past because it was as soon as the southern ending level of the Iditarod Path. Search for a show about this dog-sledding path and its significance as a way of transportation in the course of the Gold Rush period.
Most notably, you may view Alaska’s first flag on the museum. It options eight gold stars, representing the Huge Dipper and Polaris. Then-14-year-old Seward native Benny Benson designed it as a part of a 1927 contest. Alaska was a territory on the time and didn’t turn into a state till 1959.
5. Alaska SeaLife Middle
After lunch at certainly one of Seward’s 30 or so eating places, return to the Alaska SeaLife Middle at one finish of the Seward Waterfront Park Path. That is the state’s solely everlasting marine wildlife rehabilitation facility, offering look after all kinds of animals. The middle goals to return injured and orphaned animals to the wild after rehabilitation at any time when attainable.
You’ll discover quite a lot of ocean animals at Alaska SeaLife Middle, together with mammals like harbor seals, sea lions, and, my favourite, sea otters. In fact, you may see fish and sea creatures, akin to octopuses, king crabs, and coho salmon. Birders can even respect displays devoted to Alaskan feathered buddies, together with puffins. Within the Rocky Coast Discovery Contact Pool, you may even pet sea stars and urchins.
Exploring the aquarium ought to take about one to a few hours. The additional upfront you buy your date and time-stamped entry ticket, the decrease the worth will likely be, so plan forward. It’s also possible to pay to enter the middle in individual on the day of your go to.
6. The Mural Capital of Alaska
After exploring Alaska SeaLife Middle, wander round city looking for murals. The truth is, there are such a lot of murals that Seward is named The Mural Capital of Alaska. A number of native artists painted a few of the 30+ items collectively, whereas others have been solo tasks. All give attention to some facet of Alaska’s pure magnificence, tradition, or historical past.
Comply with a self-guided strolling tour of the town’s murals, e-book a guided mural tour with The Painted Whale, or do as I did and enjoyment of encountering these colourful artistic endeavors as you discover Seward on foot.
7. Metropolis of Seward Undertake-A-Backyard Program
Additionally, be looking out for tiny however stunning gardens tended by locals. These darling backyard plots are a part of the Metropolis of Seward Undertake-A-Backyard Program. This non-profit undertaking beautifies the world and offers locals an opportunity to get their palms soiled whereas studying about natural gardening. It additionally makes for a enjoyable treasure hunt for guests!
8. Recent Alaskan Seafood
With its location on Resurrection Bay, seafood is plentiful and delicious in Seward. Practically all of Seward’s eating places supply some type of fish on the menu. Simply to call a couple of Alaskan specialties, search for halibut, king crab legs, and seafood chowder. I guess you discover higher seafood at extra inexpensive costs in Seward than wherever within the Decrease 48!
At lunchtime, I happy my longing for crab muffins and clam chowder at The Highliner Restaurant, identified for its consolation meals and informal nautical décor. For a memorable dinner, my group was impressed by Flamingo Lounge‘s salmon served with lemon, dill, butter, and capers, in addition to the Bucket of Butts (deep-friend halibut chunks served with housemade tartar sauce).
9. Nightlife in Seward
High off your night in Seward with drinks and socializing at an area bar. Choices fluctuate in vibe from swanky cocktail lounge to informal neighborhood joint. Needless to say it’s difficult to get a taxi or Uber in Seward, particularly late at night time, so plan to stroll again to your lodging.
Flamingo Lounge
I admit I used to be stunned to search out the “Martin Scorsese-esque” Flamingo Lounge with its comfortable seating and glamorous speakeasy vibe in such a small metropolis in Alaska. Along with serving scrumptious steakhouse and seafood delicacies as talked about above, this institution stays open later (till 11 pm or so) for patrons looking for customized cocktails.
Yukon Bar
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, Yukon Bar is precisely what I anticipated to search out in Seward! The ceiling at this native watering gap is roofed with greenback payments from previous patrons. Partyseekers will likely be happy to know this bar stays open as late as 2 am. Hear up for reside music performances by native and touring bands. Verify their Fb web page to study extra.
Seward Alehouse
One other enjoyable nighttime possibility is Seward Alehouse, providing a big selection of craft beers, a full bar, and a comfy cabin really feel. A pool desk offers leisure. Situated just some doorways down from Yukon Bar, patrons can keep at this pub as late as 2 am.
10. Seward Excursions
You’ll be able to discover the Seward space with out a automobile however go additional afield than your two toes can take you by reserving an area wildlife tour or different guided distinctive expertise.
Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Boat Tour
The most well-liked tour from Seward is crusing by Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park to view the Harding Ice Fields and probably plentiful wildlife like whales and dolphins. I skipped my group’s 6-hour catamaran journey since I’m liable to seasickness, and the waves have been tough on the finish of the season in mid-September. Plus, I had been fortunate sufficient to expertise the Kenai Fjords throughout an Alaskan cruise with my household years prior. (Should you determine to go, remember to pack Bonine or Dramamine for the journey and browse my suggestions for avoiding movement illness.)
Fortunately, although, my journey mate Melvin Böcher, CEO of TravelDudes.com, participated on this tour with Main Marine Excursions organized by Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions and skilled no unwell results. He mentioned, “Crusing from Seward, the gorgeous fjords beckon with towering cliffs and shimmering waters.” He continued, “The spotlight of the voyage is undoubtedly the huge glaciers that dramatically calve into the ocean, making a mesmerizing show of nature’s energy.” Learn extra about his day cruise at Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park.
Day Excursions from Seward with GetYourGuide
Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions
A women-owned and operated Alaskan firm, Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions provides day journeys, cruise ship transfers, and multi-day packages of the forty ninth state all yr lengthy. Most of their excursions depart from Anchorage. I used to be in Seward as a part of a improbable multi-day group journey exploring south of Alaska’s largest metropolis with Salmon Berry, which included:
Find out how Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions may also help you intend your Alaska trip!
The place to Keep in Seward
Should you plan to remain in a single day, there are a number of inns in Seward located alongside the harborfront. I stayed at Harbor 360 Lodge, the closest lodging choice to Seward Harbor. This clear, nice resort is inside strolling distance of the Alaska Railroad Depot (about 10 to fifteen minutes away on foot) and downtown Seward (a 20-minute stroll). Conveniently, Main Marine Excursions to Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, glacier cruises, and wildlife viewing boat excursions embark from right here, too.
A easy continental breakfast of baked items, fruits, and yogurts is included. Additionally, there may be an indoor pool and sizzling tub. The actual cause to e-book a keep at Harbor 360 Lodge, although, is the superb views of Resurrection Bay and the encircling Kenai Mountains!
Study Extra About Alaska
As with many locations in Alaska, hours can fluctuate tremendously from excessive season in summer time months (Could to September) and off-season, with some institutions closing down completely in winter. Remember to test with particular person companies when planning your journey.
Do you know Alaska is the state farthest west within the USA? Click on the hyperlink to study extra concerning the westernmost states.
Uncover what to do in Talkeetna, Alaska, the quaint small city that acts as a gateway to Denali Nationwide Park.
Learn my firsthand evaluate of Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a nature-focused upscale resort.
Save These Issues to Do in Seward
To your future Alaska trip, hold this checklist of what to do in Seward with out a automobile. Merely pin the picture above or beneath to Pinterest. I hope you’ll observe me on Pinterest when you’re at it!
A Be aware from Colleen: I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this weblog publish. Go to Anchorage and Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions hosted parts of my journey to Seward. Click on their hyperlinks to study extra about what to do in Alaska. As all the time, my opinions and suggestions are my very own.
What would you do with someday in Seward, Alaska? Tell us within the feedback beneath!