Population: 2,740

Seward is located on Resurrection Bay, east coast of Kenai Peninsula; 127 miles south of Anchorage by road, or 35 minutes by air.

Visitor Information:
Seward Chamber of Commerce–Conference and Visitors Bureau.

Seward, “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park,” is a picturesque community nestled between high mountain ranges on a small rise stretching from Resurrection Bay to the foot of Mount Marathon. The town was established in 1903 by railroad surveyors as an ocean terminal and supply center. The city was named for William H. Seward, U.S. Secretary of State under president Andrew Johnson, who was instrumental in arranging the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Seward has all visitor facilities, including hotels, like the Harbor 360 Hotel;  hostels, post office, supermarkets, drugstores, the Seward Community Library Museum, gift shops like Forests, Tides & Treasures throughout downtown as well as Irvin Pottery  (7 miles north of town), gas stations like the 24-hour Essential One phone (907) 224-8041, auto repair, bars, and laundromats. Overnight camping at Forest Acres, along the waterfront near the Small Boat Harbor and downtown provided by City of Seward Parks & Recreation. Stoney Creek RV and Seward RV Park are just north of town.

Attractions:

  • Seward is the “mural capital of Alaska.” Don’t miss the city’s outdoor murals, created by the Seward Mural Society, designed by Alaskan artists and painted by local volunteers.
  • Alaska SeaLife Center allows you to come face-to-face with Alaska’s exciting marine wildlife, explore undersea worlds and experience the wonder of nature in a one-of-a-kind marine science and visitor facility.
  • The Small Boat Harbor is home port to fishing boats, charter boats and sightseeing boats. The harbor is also home to sea otters—watch for them! You can fish for silvers from shore near the Small Boat Harbor.
  • St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, built in 1906, is considered the oldest Protestant church on the Kenai Peninsula.
  • Seward Museum features artifacts and photographs from the 1964 earthquake, WWII, the founding days of Seward and other highlights of Seward’s history.
  • Mount Marathon Race®, Seward’s annual Fourth of July endurance race to the top of Mount Marathon (elev. 3,022 feet) and back down is a grueling test for athletes and a popular attractions for residents and visitors alike.
  • View Kenai Fjords National Park scenic coastline and coastal wildlife with a cruise tour boat such as  Major Marine Tours. Or take to the sky with Marathon Helicopters.
  • Take a charter boat and go fishing.
  • Get an up-close look at Exit Glacier, about a 12-mile drive from downtown Seward. Exit Glacier Nature Center is open daily in summer.
  • Videos, exhibits and information on Kenai Fjords National Park and organized activities at the park are available at the park visitor center in the Small Boat Harbor area.
  • Try dog sledding in summer at Ididaride Sled Dog Tours via a cart-ride and view the extensive collection of Iditarod racing memorabilia.
  • Picnic on the beach at Lowell Point State Recreation Area, then hike out to Tonsina Point (1.5 miles) or Caines Head (4.5 miles one-way).
  • Go kayaking in Resurrections Bay with local outfitters like Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking Company.