Seward is one of Alaska's most popular towns for scenery, wildlife and fishing.
Seward services
Click on a link to receive a directory of businesses that can help you make the most of your stay in the Seward area.
Lodging
Charters and tours
Transportation
Out-of-state visitors and Alaskans alike enjoy this Kenai Peninsula town's port ambiance, and it's a short 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage on one of the country's most beautiful highways.
In summer, Seward is busy with visitors delivered by cruise ships and the Alaska Railroad.
Location: On Resurrection Bay on the southeastern side of the Kenai Peninsula. Seward is 127 road miles south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway.
Population: 2,794 (2002 state estimate)
Notable: Settlers first arrived in the 1890s. The settlement, incorporated in 1912, became the supply base of Alaska Railroad construction 1915-23. Tsunamis created by the 9.2 earthquake in March 1964 destroyed part of town and killed several people. The city relies on tourism, commercial fishing, shipping and a state prison. More than 300,000 cruise-ship passengers visit town each summer. Seward is named for William H. Seward, the secretary of state who advocated the purchase of Alaska in 1867.
Popular attractions: Kenai Fjords National Park; Alaska SeaLife Center; museums; marine wildlife such as humpback whales, killer whales (orcas), sea lions, sea otters, seals, bald eagles and puffins.
Weather
Temperatures are moderated by the Gulf of Alaska. Afternoon high temperatures in summer average 52 degrees in May, 58 in June, 62 in July and 52 in August and 55 in September. It's a maritime climate, so be prepared for rain. Check Seward's temperature and precipitation and read more about Southcentral Alaska's climate.
Activities
Day cruises to see wildlife and scenery, sea kayaking, hiking, shopping and harborside dining.
Fishing
Seward fishing boasts 250-pound halibut, plus rockfish, sharks, and king, silver and pink salmon.
Transportation
Get around town by foot, in taxis or in the town's trolley car. To get to Seward, ride the Alaska Railroad, take a cruise liner, ride a bus or drive. Rental cars are available.
Restaurants and hotels
This town of 2,700 has a nice selection of restaurants and lodging. Accommodations range from hostels to comfortable hotel rooms. Dining ranges from fast-food hamburgers to fish and chips and fine meals at water's edge. Read more about Kenai Peninsula accommodations.
Nearby points of interest
- Moose Pass, 29 highway miles
- Cooper Landing, 45 highway miles
- Hope, 72 highway miles
- Portage Glacier, 84 miles
- Whittier, 90 highway miles
- Girdwood, 90 highway miles
- Kenai/Soldotna, 93 highway miles
- Ninilchik, 136 highway miles
- Homer, 171 highway miles
- Anchorage, 127 highway miles
- Denali National Park, 364 highway miles
