Day Trips & Excursions: Seward

Nearby Destinations

Anchorage, about 2.5-3 hours drive/bus/train, Alaska's largest city. It contrasts Seward's small-town charm with diverse dining, shopping, museums, cultural attractions, and flight connections. Visit the Anchorage Museum or explore its trails.

Girdwood, about 1.5-2 hours drive, home to Alyeska Resort. Summer activities include scenic tram rides up Mount Alyeska, hiking trails, and fine dining. Hope, about 1.5 hours drive, a historic gold mining town on Turnagain Arm, showing Alaska's gold rush past. Good for fishing and quiet charm. Whittier, about 1.5 hours drive plus tunnel access, an unique port town on Prince William Sound. Accessible via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (one-way, scheduled openings). It is a gateway for Prince William Sound cruises and kayaking.

Transportation Options

For Anchorage, a rental car gives maximum flexibility, allowing stops along the scenic Seward Highway.
The Alaska Railroad journey to Anchorage presents scenic views.
Private bus services like Park Connection Motorcoach and Seward Bus Line run to Anchorage.
A rental car is suggested for Girdwood and Hope for exploration freedom.

Planning Your Day Trips

Consider how you prefer to explore, whether through organized tours or independent travel.

Organized Tours

Selecting an organized tour removes the need to drive or manage complex logistics.

Advantages

Convenience without driving or parking.
Tours often include multiple stops.
Guides share local information.

Independent Travel Rental Car

Driving yourself offers freedom to explore at your chosen pace.

Freedom to Explore

Set your own pace.
Make spontaneous stops at scenic overlooks.
Explore less-traveled areas.

Time and Itinerary Suggestions

Destination Durations

Anchorage: A full day, at least 8 hours round trip including city exploration.
Girdwood: A half-day to full-day trip, depending on activities.
Hope: A relaxed half-day trip to explore and enjoy.
Whittier (Prince William Sound): A full-day trip, notably with a boat tour.

Important Considerations

Check tunnel schedules for Whittier access.
Book accommodation and popular tours in advance during peak season.
Account for potentially winding Alaskan roads.
Long summer daylight makes longer trips possible.

Essential Trip Details

Travel Time to Anchorage:2.5-3 hours
Travel Time to Girdwood:1.5-2 hours
Travel Time to Hope:1.5 hours
Travel Time to Whittier:1.5 hours (plus tunnel waits)

Whittier Tunnel Fee:Varies
Bus Fare to Anchorage:Consult operators
Train Fare to Anchorage:Consult operators
Rental Car Costs:Varies by vehicle and duration

Seamless Day Trip Bookings

Plan and book your day trips and excursions effortlessly. Experience the best of Alaska with tours on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

The areas around Seward possess immense natural beauty and many outdoor recreation opportunities.

Chugach National Forest

A vast wilderness surrounding Seward, offering extensive hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and fishing.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Located north of Seward, this refuge protects wildlife, offers fishing, and features numerous trails and canoeing.

Turnagain Arm & Portage Valley

Dramatic coastal scenery where mountains meet the sea, with glaciers, lakes, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Scenic Landscapes

Discover breathtaking natural vistas around Seward.

Noteworthy Spots

Portage Valley: Home to glaciers, lakes, and wildlife.
Summit Lake Recreation Area: A tranquil spot for fishing, picnicking, and photography.
Lost Lake Trail (near Moose Pass): A popular hiking trail leading to an alpine lake.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Witness unique natural events that transform the landscape.

Remarkable Events

Bore Tide: A rare tidal wave on Turnagain Arm, check local schedules.
Salmon Runs: From July to September, salmon return to spawn, attracting eagles and bears.
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Visible from September to April on clear, dark nights.

Outdoor Activities & Exploration

Hiking Trails for all skill levels.

Fishing Opportunities for salmon, halibut, and trout.

Wildlife Viewing Bears, eagles, moose, and marine life sightings.

Scenic Drives The Seward Highway is an All-American Road.

Kayaking Explore Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound.

Camping Numerous campgrounds available.

Wilderness Etiquette

Pack out all trash and leave no trace of your visit.
Stay on marked trails to minimize impact on delicate ecosystems.
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and never feed wild animals.
Respect natural habitats and do not take anything from protected areas.

Cultural Excursions

Discover historical sites and community life beyond Seward's immediate downtown.

Historical Sites Outside Seward

Explore places that show Alaska's past.

Sites to Visit

Crow Creek Mine (near Girdwood): Learn about the gold rush and try gold panning.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Close views of Alaskan wildlife and conservation.
Historic Buildings: Many well-preserved historic buildings in Hope.

Rural Villages & Agricultural Areas

Glimpse into a quieter Alaskan lifestyle.

Community Highlights

Moose Pass: A small, historic community on the Seward Highway, known for lakes and fishing.
Fishing opportunities: The area is popular for salmon and other fish.
Trail Lake: Enjoy picturesque views and outdoor activities near Moose Pass.

Alaskan Journeys

Extend your Alaskan adventure beyond Seward.

Logical Next Destinations

Fairbanks: For interior Alaska experiences and aurora viewing.
Talkeetna: A charming town near Denali, known for flightseeing.
Homer: "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World" with coastal charm.

Transportation Connections

Seamless travel within Alaska's vast landscapes.

Connecting Routes

Alaska Railroad: Connects Seward to Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks.
Park Connection Motorcoach: Links major Alaskan tourist destinations.
Alaska Marine Highway System: Ferry system connecting various coastal communities.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding 1-3 days to your itinerary to see more of Alaska's diverse regions.

Denali National Park

A common and highly recommended extension for unparalleled wildlife viewing and mountain views.

Homer

Known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," a charming coastal town with a distinct feel.

Valdez

A scenic port town famous for its glaciers, waterfalls, and abundant outdoor adventure opportunities.

Plan Your Extended Adventure

Consider transportation logistics for multi-day trips and account for vast Alaskan distances.

Day Trips & Excursions