How to Spend a Few Hours in Seward, Alaska
Seward, Alaska is a charming town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. If you find yourself with a few hours to spare before or after your cruise, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time in Seward. You can utilize Seward’s free shuttle to get yourself around town. Here are some ideas:
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center: The Alaska SeaLife Center is a world-class aquarium and research facility that is home to a variety of marine animals, including sea lions, octopuses, and puffins. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits and learning about Alaska's marine life. Look into their behind-the-scenes “animal encounter” tours, each offering a special experience such as feeding the octopus! Numbers are limited, so I recommend that you book any special tours in advance
Enjoy a walking tour. There are a variety of was to tour around Seward with maps available at the Seward Chamber of Commerce, including the mural tour map. But we feel confident that our audio tour is the easiest way to explore. Starting and ending at the SeaLife Center, The “MyAlaskaGuide App,” Seward Walking Tour, guides you through the town using your phone. It features GPS-activated audio narration. Dive into the town's rich history, quirky architecture, and pioneer culture as you stroll past historic buildings and landmarks. It's a great way to get in those steps AND when you are done, there is a coupon on the APP for a discount on entry to the SeaLife Center.
Explore the town's shops and galleries: Seward is home to a variety of locally-owned shops and galleries that offer a unique selection of gifts, souvenirs, and artwork. Take some time to browse the shops and pick up a special memento of your visit to Seward. The shops on 4th Avenue near the SeaLife Center have a lot to offer, as well as a few across from the marina. Also, not to be missed, is the Resurrect Art Coffee House and Gallery. There is also a darling teeny-tiny pottery shop at 217 6th Ave (Nakao Ceramics)!
Seward Community Library and Museum: The museum is free to visit in the winter and just $5 to visit in the summer! This little town has a big story, so we recommend that you explore it’s past to have a better understanding of the people that live there today.
Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant: Seward has a vibrant culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants serving up fresh, locally-sourced seafood and other delicious dishes. Treat yourself to a meal at one of the town's eateries and savor the flavors of Alaska. We love The Cookery for a contemporary meal, The Flamingo Lounge for a “bucket of ‘butt” (GF fried Halibut chunks & fries) and an eyeful (you have to go there to see what I mean), and Zudy’s Cafe for old school sweetness. The Cookery and The Flamingo Lounge are for dinner only, while Zudy’s is for lunch only.
Hike the Mount Marathon Trail: If you're feeling adventurous, there are a lot of great hiking trails in and around Seward. Consider doing all or part of the Mount Marathon Trail. This steep and challenging trail offers incredible views of Seward and Resurrection Bay and is a popular destination for hikers and trail runners.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Seward, you're sure to be enchanted by the town's natural beauty, rich history, and friendly locals. Enjoy your visit!
