What’s there to do in Seward, Alaska with out a automotive? Lots! If you need to skip driving, whether or not you arrive by cruise ship, practice, or vehicle, it’s simple to succeed in this coastal city’s walkable points of interest and actions. Comply with my one-day itinerary ideas for enjoyable issues to do in Seward on foot!
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1. Seward Waterfront Park
Begin your morning with a stroll alongside Seward Waterfront Park‘s shoreline path, which stretches one mile from the harbor to the Alaska SeaLife Middle. Soak up views of the gorgeous Resurrection Bay as you go. The stroll ought to take about 20 minutes or so if you happen to don’t pause alongside the way in which (however it’s best to pause!).
You’ll move monuments and landmarks alongside the path, together with Mile 0 of the Historic Iditarod Path. Preserve your eyes peeled for bald eagles, sea otters, dolphins, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. You may even spot humpback whales, orcas, or different whales from Might to September.
Households touring with kids will certainly need to cease on the lovable nautical-themed Waterfront Playground. (Higher but, plan to return right here to play within the afternoon!) Children will love the climbing buildings, slides, swings, and monkey bars. There’s a tot space for younger kids, too. Mother and father can soak up beautiful views of Resurrection Bay whereas their offspring play.
Proper subsequent door to the playground is the Evan Casey Skate Park. Look additionally for the Branson Pavillion for picnic tables, a big grill, and public restrooms. Situated proper within the metropolis, I used to be shocked to see that Seward Waterfront Park presents reasonably priced tenting areas for each tents and RVs.
2. Resurrect Artwork Espresso Home
Simply an 8-minute stroll inland from the top of the Seward Waterfront Park Path on the Alaska SeaLife Middle, get a morning pick-me-up at one of many coolest espresso retailers I’ve ever encountered: Resurrect Artwork Espresso Home. For breakfast, order a scratch-made pastry. Gluten-free gadgets can be found, and a bacon-egg brioche presents a bit extra sustenance.
It’s situated in a former Protestant church that was constructed in 1917. The gothic church home windows present spectacular mountain views whilst you sip your cuppa joe, Italian soda, tea, or their extremely tasty scorching cocoa. There’s backyard seating exterior, too.
After consuming, take a gander at this distinctive espresso store’s artwork gallery that includes work, prints, and handmade jewellery. Look additionally for books, postcards, stickers, and different souvenirs on the market.
For those who like visiting bookstores and libraries once you journey, you then’re in for an actual deal with in Seward. Even if you happen to’re not a bookworm, the Seward Neighborhood Library & Museum deserves a go to for just a few causes, together with an iridescent artwork deco exterior and a fairly out of doors backyard with a mural. Search for books and computer systems upstairs. Downstairs, you’ll discover free rotating exhibitions, plus the Seward Museum. It’s a 5-minute brief stroll right here from the Resurrect Artwork Espresso Store.
4. Seward Museum
Situated in the identical constructing because the Seward Neighborhood Library, you’ll be able to wander by the Seward Museum for a nominal price. Everlasting and rotating displays showcase town’s historical past, Alaska Native tradition, and native residents.
Canine-sledding is a crucial a part of Seward’s historical past because it was as soon as the southern ending level of the Iditarod Path. Search for a show about this dog-sledding path and its significance as a way of transportation in the course of the Gold Rush period.
Most notably, you’ll be able to view Alaska’s first flag on the museum. It options eight gold stars, representing the Large Dipper and Polaris. Then-14-year-old Seward native Benny Benson designed it as a part of a 1927 contest. Alaska was a territory on the time and didn’t turn into a state till 1959.
5. Alaska SeaLife Middle
After lunch at one in every of Seward’s 30 or so eating places, return to the Alaska SeaLife Middle at one finish of the Seward Waterfront Park Path. That is the state’s solely everlasting marine wildlife rehabilitation facility, offering look after all types of animals. The middle goals to return injured and orphaned animals to the wild after rehabilitation each time doable.
You’ll discover a wide range of ocean animals at Alaska SeaLife Middle, together with mammals like harbor seals, sea lions, and, my favourite, sea otters. In fact, you’ll be able to see fish and sea creatures, equivalent to octopuses, king crabs, and coho salmon. Birders may also admire displays devoted to Alaskan feathered associates, together with puffins. Within the Rocky Coast Discovery Contact Pool, you’ll be able to even pet sea stars and urchins.
Exploring the aquarium ought to take about one to 3 hours. The additional upfront you buy your date and time-stamped entry ticket, the decrease the value can be, so plan forward. You may also pay to enter the middle in individual on the day of your go to.
6. The Mural Capital of Alaska
After exploring Alaska SeaLife Middle, wander round city in quest of murals. The truth is, there are such a lot of murals that Seward is named The Mural Capital of Alaska. A number of native artists painted a few of the 30+ items collectively, whereas others have been solo tasks. All give attention to some side of Alaska’s pure magnificence, tradition, or historical past.
Comply with a self-guided strolling tour of town’s murals, guide a guided mural tour with The Painted Whale, or do as I did and enjoyment of encountering these colourful artworks as you discover Seward on foot.
7. Metropolis of Seward Undertake-A-Backyard Program
Additionally, be looking out for tiny however lovely gardens tended by locals. These darling backyard plots are a part of the Metropolis of Seward Undertake-A-Backyard Program. This non-profit challenge beautifies the realm and offers locals an opportunity to get their palms soiled whereas studying about natural gardening. It additionally makes for a enjoyable treasure hunt for guests!
8. Contemporary Alaskan Seafood
With its location on Resurrection Bay, seafood is plentiful and delicious in Seward. Practically all of Seward’s eating places supply some form of fish on the menu. Simply to call just a few Alaskan specialties, search for halibut, king crab legs, and seafood chowder. I guess you discover higher seafood at extra reasonably priced costs in Seward than wherever within the Decrease 48!
At lunchtime, I happy my longing for crab truffles and clam chowder at The Highliner Restaurant, identified for its consolation meals and informal nautical décor. For a memorable dinner, my group was impressed by Flamingo Lounge‘s salmon served with lemon, dill, butter, and capers, in addition to the Bucket of Butts (deep-friend halibut chunks served with housemade tartar sauce).
9. Nightlife in Seward
High off your night in Seward with drinks and socializing at a neighborhood bar. Choices differ in vibe from swanky cocktail lounge to informal neighborhood joint. Remember that it’s difficult to get a taxi or Uber in Seward, particularly late at evening, so plan to stroll again to your lodging.
Flamingo Lounge
I admit I used to be shocked to search out the “Martin Scorsese-esque” Flamingo Lounge with its soft seating and glamorous speakeasy vibe in such a small metropolis in Alaska. Along with serving scrumptious steakhouse and seafood delicacies as talked about above, this institution stays open later (till 11 pm or so) for patrons looking for customized cocktails.
Yukon Bar
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, Yukon Bar is precisely what I anticipated to search out in Seward! The ceiling at this native watering gap is roofed with greenback payments from previous patrons. Partyseekers can be happy to know this bar stays open as late as 2 am. Pay attention up for reside music performances by native and touring bands. Test their Fb web page to study extra.
Seward Alehouse
One other enjoyable nighttime possibility is Seward Alehouse, providing a big selection of craft beers, a full bar, and a comfortable cabin really feel. A pool desk offers leisure. Situated just some doorways down from Yukon Bar, patrons can keep at this pub as late as 2 am.
10. Seward Excursions
You may discover the Seward space with out a automotive however go additional afield than your two ft can take you by reserving a neighborhood wildlife tour or different distinctive expertise with a information.
Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Boat Tour
The preferred tour from Seward is crusing by Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park to view the Harding Ice Fields and doubtlessly plentiful wildlife like whales and dolphins. I skipped my group’s 6-hour catamaran journey since I’m vulnerable to seasickness, and the waves have been tough on the finish of the season in mid-September. Plus, I had been fortunate sufficient to expertise the Kenai Fjords throughout an Alaskan cruise with my household years prior. (For those who determine to go, be sure you pack Bonine or Dramamine for the journey and browse my ideas for avoiding movement illness.)
Fortunately, although, my journey mate Melvin Böcher, CEO of TravelDudes.com, participated on this tour with Main Marine Excursions organized by Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions and he skilled no ailing results. Melvin mentioned, “Crusing from Seward, the gorgeous fjords beckon with towering cliffs and shimmering waters.” He continued, “The spotlight of the voyage is undoubtedly the huge glaciers that dramatically calve into the ocean, making a mesmerizing show of nature’s energy.” Learn extra about his day cruise at Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park.
Day Excursions from Seward with GetYourGuide
Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions
A women-owned and operated Alaskan firm, Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions presents day journeys, cruise ship transfers, and multi-day packages of the forty ninth state all 12 months lengthy. Most of their excursions depart from Anchorage. I used to be in Seward as a part of a unbelievable multi-day group journey exploring south of Alaska’s largest metropolis with Salmon Berry, which included:
Learn the way Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions may also help you propose your Alaska trip!
The place to Keep in Seward
For those who plan to remain in a single day, there are a number of inns in Seward located alongside the bay. I stayed at Harbor 360 Resort, the closest lodging choice to Seward Harbor. This clear, nice resort is inside strolling distance of the Alaska Railroad Depot (about 10 to fifteen minutes away on foot) and downtown Seward (a 20-minute stroll). Conveniently, Main Marine Excursions to Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, glacier cruises, and wildlife viewing boat excursions embark from right here, too.
A easy continental breakfast of baked items, fruits, and yogurts is included. Additionally, there’s an indoor pool and scorching tub. The actual purpose to guide a keep at Harbor 360 Resort, although, is the superb views of Resurrection Bay and the encompassing Kenai Mountains!
Be taught Extra About Alaska
As with many locations in Alaska, hours can differ vastly from excessive season in summer season months (Might to September) and off-season, with some institutions closing down solely in winter. Be sure you test with particular person companies when planning your journey.
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Save These Issues to Do in Seward
In your future Alaska trip, maintain this checklist of what to do in Seward with out a automotive. Merely pin the picture above or under to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with me on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
A Notice from Colleen: I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this weblog publish. Go to Anchorage and Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions hosted parts of my journey to Seward. Click on their hyperlinks to study extra about what to do in Alaska. As all the time, my opinions and proposals are my very own.
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