Seward, Alaska
Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and Alaska's Wild Beauty
Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and Alaska's Wild Beauty
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Overview
Seward, a picturesque town at the head of Resurrection Bay, is a pivotal cruise port in Alaska, serving as a popular embarkation and disembarkation point for many voyages. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park," Seward offers a dramatic welcome with its backdrop of towering mountains, glistening glaciers, and the tranquil waters of the bay. The town itself, with its rich history as the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad and a key supply point for the gold rush, combines rugged frontier spirit with a vibrant, artistic community.
A cruise stop in Seward is an opportunity to explore a charming, walkable town and access some of Alaska's most breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can delve into its maritime history, get up close with marine wildlife, or venture out to see magnificent glaciers. Seward provides an essential and memorable glimpse into the heart of Alaska's wild, untamed beauty.
The single most popular activity from Seward is a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. These tours venture into the heart of the national park, offering unparalleled views of tidewater glaciers, glacier-carved fjords, and a plethora of marine wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, seals, and puffins.
Tip: Book your tour in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out, especially on a cruise day. Opt for a longer tour to get deeper into the fjords.
Just a short walk from the cruise dock is the Alaska SeaLife Center, a world-class public aquarium and marine research facility. Get up close with puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, and an impressive octopus. The center provides a crucial link to the Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement, as a portion of the funds were used to build this research and rehabilitation center.
Tip: The SeaLife Center is a great option for all ages and a perfect activity for a rainy or misty day in Seward.
Experience one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers with a short hike from the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Walk the paved trail to get an incredible view of the glacier's face and learn about its dramatic recession. For a more challenging hike, the trail to the Harding Icefield offers stunning panoramic views.
Tip: The trail to the glacier is relatively easy, but wear sturdy shoes. Check with the Nature Center for current trail conditions.
Seward's downtown is both historic and charming, with a vibrant, artsy feel. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, taking in the views of Resurrection Bay and the fishing boats. Then, explore the downtown area's art galleries, unique gift shops, and inviting restaurants.
Tip: Look for the "Welcome to Seward" mural and other public art, which showcases the town's artistic community.
Learn about the town's fascinating past at the Seward Museum. The exhibits cover a range of topics, from its founding as a railroad terminus and its role in the gold rush to the devastating 1964 earthquake and tsunami that reshaped the town.
Tip: The museum is small but packed with interesting artifacts and information that provides great context to the town's history.
Given its location as a major fishing port, Seward is the perfect place to indulge in fresh Alaskan seafood. Look for restaurants serving local halibut, salmon, and crab, prepared simply to highlight the fresh flavors.
Tip: Ask a local for their favorite spot to get the catch of the day, or check out the restaurants around the Small Boat Harbor for a great selection.
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