What is there to do in Seward, Alaska without a car? Plenty! If you would like to skip driving, whether you arrive by cruise ship, train, or automobile, it’s easy to reach this coastal town’s walkable attractions and activities. Follow my one-day itinerary tips for fun things to do in Seward on foot!
This story is based on my personal experiences in Seward. Visit Anchorage and Salmon Berry Travel & Tours hosted portions of my visit.
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1. Seward Waterfront Park
Start your morning with a stroll along Seward Waterfront Park‘s shoreline trail, which stretches one mile from the harbor to the Alaska SeaLife Center, taking in views of the stunning Resurrection Bay. The walk should take about 20 minutes or so if you don’t pause along the way.
You’ll pass monuments and landmarks along the trail, including Mile 0 of the Historic Iditarod Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, sea otters, dolphins, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. You might even spot humpback whales, orcas, or other whales from May to September!
Families traveling with children will definitely want to stop at the adorable nautical-themed Waterfront Playground. (Better yet, plan to return here to play in the afternoon!) Kids will love the climbing structures, slides, swings, and monkey bars. There’s a tot area for young children, too. Parents can take in gorgeous views of Resurrection Bay while their offspring play.
Right next door to the playground is the Evan Casey Skate Park. Look also for the Branson Pavillion for picnic tables, a large grill, and public restrooms. Located right in the city, I was surprised to see that Seward Waterfront Park offers affordable camping areas for both tents and RVs.
2. Resurrect Art Coffee House
Just an 8-minute walk inland from the end of the Seward Waterfront Park Trail and the Alaska SeaLife Center, get a morning pick-me-up at one of the coolest coffee shops I’ve ever encountered: Resurrect Art. Coffee House. For breakfast, order a scratch-made pastry. Gluten-free items are available, and a bacon-egg brioche offers a bit more sustenance.
It’s located in a former Protestant church that was constructed in 1917. The gothic church windows provide spectacular mountain views while you sip your cuppa joe, Italian soda, tea, or their incredibly tasty hot cocoa. There’s garden seating outside, too.
After eating, take a gander at this unique coffee shop’s art gallery featuring paintings, prints, and handmade jewelry. Look also for books, postcards, stickers, and other souvenirs for sale.
If you like visiting bookstores and libraries when you travel, then you’re in for a real treat in Seward. Even if you’re not a bookworm, the Seward Community Library & Museum deserves a visit for a few reasons, including an iridescent art deco exterior and a pretty outdoor garden with a mural. Look for books and computers upstairs. Downstairs, you’ll find free rotating exhibitions, plus the Seward Museum. It’s a 5-minute short walk here from the Resurrect Art Coffee Shop.
4. Seward Museum
Located in the same building as the Seward Community Library, you can wander through the Seward Museum for a nominal fee. Permanent and rotating exhibits showcase the city’s history, Alaska Native culture, and local residents.
Dog-sledding is an important part of Seward’s history as it was once the southern ending point of the Iditarod Trail. Look for a display about this dog-sledding path and its importance as a means of transportation during the Gold Rush era.
Most notably, you can view Alaska’s first flag at the museum. It features eight gold stars, representing the Big Dipper and Polaris. Then-14-year-old Seward native Benny Benson designed it as part of a 1927 contest. Alaska was a territory at the time and did not become a state until 1959.
5. Alaska SeaLife Center
After lunch at one of Seward’s 30 or so restaurants, return to the Alaska SeaLife Center at one end of the Seward Waterfront Park Trail. This is the state’s only permanent marine wildlife rehabilitation facility, providing care for all sorts of animals. The center aims to return injured and orphaned animals to the wild after rehabilitation whenever possible.
You’ll find a variety of ocean animals at Alaska SeaLife Center, including mammals like harbor seals, sea lions, and, my favorite, sea otters. Of course, you can see fish and sea creatures, such as octopuses, king crabs, and coho salmon. Birders will also appreciate exhibits dedicated to Alaskan feathered friends, including puffins. In the Rocky Coast Discovery Touch Pool, you can even pet sea creatures like sea stars and urchins.
Exploring the aquarium should take about one to three hours. The further in advance you purchase your date and time-stamped entry ticket, the lower the price will be, so plan ahead. You can also pay to enter the center in person on the day of your visit.
6. The Mural Capital of Alaska
After exploring Alaska SeaLife Center, wander around town in search of murals. In fact, there are so many murals that Seward is known as The Mural Capital of Alaska. Multiple local artists painted some of the 30+ pieces together, while others were solo projects. All focus on some aspect of Alaska’s natural beauty, culture, or history.
Follow a self-guided walking tour of the city’s murals, book a guided mural tour with The Painted Whale, or do as I did and delight in encountering these colorful works of art as you explore Seward on foot.
7. City of Seward Adopt-A-Garden Program
Also, be on the lookout for tiny but beautiful gardens tended by locals. These darling garden plots are part of the City of Seward Adopt-A-Garden Program. This non-profit project beautifies the area and gives locals a chance to get their hands dirty while learning about organic gardening. It also makes for a fun treasure hunt for visitors!
8. Fresh Alaskan Seafood
With its location on Resurrection Bay, seafood is plentiful and scrumptious in Seward. Nearly all of Seward’s restaurants offer some sort of fish on the menu. Just to name a few Alaskan specialties, look for halibut, king crab legs, and seafood chowder. I bet you find better seafood at more affordable prices in Seward than anywhere in the Lower 48!
At lunchtime, I satisfied my craving for crab cakes and clam chowder at The Highliner Restaurant, known for its comfort food and casual nautical décor. For a memorable dinner, my group was impressed by Flamingo Lounge‘s salmon served with lemon, dill, butter, and capers, as well as the Bucket of Butts (deep-friend halibut chunks served with housemade tartar sauce).
9. Nightlife in Seward
Top off your evening in Seward with drinks and socializing at a local bar. Options vary in vibe from swanky cocktail lounge to casual neighborhood joint. Keep in mind that it’s challenging to get a taxi or Uber in Seward, especially late at night, so plan to walk back to your accommodations.
Flamingo Lounge
I admit I was surprised to find the “Martin Scorsese-esque” Flamingo Lounge with its cushy seating and glamorous speakeasy vibe in such a small city in Alaska. In addition to serving delicious steakhouse and seafood cuisine, as mentioned above, this establishment stays open later (until 11 pm or so) for patrons seeking custom cocktails.
Yukon Bar
On the other end of the spectrum, Yukon Bar is exactly what I expected to find in Seward! The ceiling at this local watering hole is covered with dollar bills from past patrons. Partyseekers will be pleased to know this bar stays open as late as 2 am. Listen up for live music performances by local and touring bands. Check their Facebook page to learn more.
Seward Alehouse
A fun option is Seward Alehouse, offering a wide array of craft beers, a full bar, and a cozy cabin feel. A pool table provides entertainment. Located just a few doors down from Yukon Bar, patrons can stay at this pub as late as 2 am.
10. Seward Tours
You can explore the Seward area without a car but go further afield than your two feet can take you by booking a local wildlife tour or other guided unique experience.
Day Tours with GetYourGuide
Salmon Berry Travel & Tours
A women-owned and operated Alaskan company, Salmon Berry Travel & Tours offers day trips, cruise ship transfers, and multi-day packages of the 49th state all year long. Most of their tours depart from Anchorage. I was in Seward as part of a fantastic multi-day group trip exploring south of Alaska’s largest city with Salmon Berry, which included:
Take a look at how Salmon Berry Travel & Tours can help you plan your Alaskan vacation!
Where to Stay in Seward
If you plan to stay overnight, there are several hotels in Seward situated along the harborfront. I stayed at Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward, which is the closest accommodation option to Seward Harbor. This clean, pleasant hotel is within walking distance of the Alaska Railroad Depot (about 10 to 15 minutes away on foot) and downtown Seward. Major Marine Tours to Kenai Fjords National Park, glacier cruises, and wildlife viewing boat tours embark from here, too.
A continental breakfast of baked goods, fruits, and yogurts is included. Also, there is an indoor pool and hot tub. The real reason to book a stay at Harbor 360 Hotel, though, is the amazing views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding Kenai Mountains!
Learn More About Alaska
As with many destinations in Alaska, hours can vary greatly from high season in summer months (May to September) and low season, with some establishments closing down entirely in winter. Be sure to check with individual businesses before you go.
Did you know Alaska is the state farthest west in the USA? Click the link to learn more about the westernmost states.
Discover what to do in Talkeetna, Alaska, the quaint small town that acts as a gateway to Denali National Park.
Read my firsthand review of Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a nature-focused upscale hotel.
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A Note from Colleen: I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this blog post. Visit Anchorage and Salmon Berry Travel & Tours hosted portions of my trip to Seward. Click their links to learn more about what to do in Alaska. As always, my opinions and recommendations are my own.
What would you do with one day in Seward, Alaska? Let us know in the comments below!
