What’s there to do in Seward, Alaska with out a automotive? Loads! 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 sights and actions. Observe my one-day itinerary ideas for enjoyable issues to do in Seward on foot!
This story is predicated on my private experiences in Seward. Go to Anchorage and Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions hosted parts of my go to.
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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 Heart, taking in views of the gorgeous Resurrection Bay. The stroll ought to take about 20 minutes or so when you don’t pause alongside the best way.
You’ll cross 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 Could to September!
Households touring with youngsters will certainly wish to cease on the lovely nautical-themed Waterfront Playground. (Higher but, plan to return right here to play within the afternoon!) Children will love the climbing constructions, slides, swings, and monkey bars. There’s a tot space for younger youngsters, too. Mother and father can absorb 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 gives inexpensive 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 and the Alaska SeaLife Heart, get a morning pick-me-up at one of many coolest espresso outlets 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 gives a bit extra sustenance.
It’s positioned in a former Protestant church that was constructed in 1917. The gothic church home windows present spectacular mountain views when you sip your cuppa joe, Italian soda, tea, or their extremely tasty scorching cocoa. There’s backyard seating outdoors, 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.
When you like visiting bookstores and libraries whenever you journey, then you definitely’re in for an actual deal with in Seward. Even when you’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 reasonably 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 possibly can wander via the Seward Museum for a nominal price. Everlasting and rotating displays showcase the 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 through the Gold Rush period.
Most notably, you possibly can view Alaska’s first flag on the museum. It options eight gold stars, representing the Huge 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 Heart
After lunch at considered one of Seward’s 30 or so eating places, return to the Alaska SeaLife Heart at one finish of the Seward Waterfront Park Path. That is the state’s solely everlasting marine wildlife rehabilitation facility, offering take care of all types of animals. The middle goals to return injured and orphaned animals to the wild after rehabilitation each time doable.
You’ll discover quite a lot of ocean animals at Alaska SeaLife Heart, together with mammals like harbor seals, sea lions, and, my favourite, sea otters. After all, you possibly can see fish and sea creatures, resembling octopuses, king crabs, and coho salmon. Birders may also recognize displays devoted to Alaskan feathered mates, together with puffins. Within the Rocky Coast Discovery Contact Pool, you possibly can even pet sea creatures like sea stars and urchins.
Exploring the aquarium ought to take about one to a few hours. The additional prematurely you buy your date and time-stamped entry ticket, the decrease the worth might be, so plan forward. You can even pay to enter the middle in particular person on the day of your go to.
6. The Mural Capital of Alaska
After exploring Alaska SeaLife Heart, wander round city seeking murals. In reality, there are such a lot of murals that Seward is named The Mural Capital of Alaska. A number of native artists painted among the 30+ items collectively, whereas others have been solo tasks. All concentrate on some side of Alaska’s pure magnificence, tradition, or historical past.
Observe a self-guided strolling tour of the town’s murals, ebook 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 stunning 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 world and offers locals an opportunity to get their fingers soiled whereas studying about natural gardening. It additionally makes for a enjoyable treasure hunt for guests!
8. Recent Alaskan Seafood
With its location on Resurrection Bay, seafood is plentiful and delicious in Seward. Practically all of Seward’s eating places provide some type of fish on the menu. Simply to call just a few Alaskan specialties, search for halibut, king crab legs, and seafood chowder. I wager you discover higher seafood at extra inexpensive costs in Seward than wherever within the Decrease 48!
At lunchtime, I happy my longing for crab muffins and clam chowder at The Highliner Restaurant, recognized 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
Prime off your night in Seward with drinks and socializing at an area bar. Choices fluctuate in vibe from swanky cocktail lounge to informal neighborhood joint. Remember the fact that it’s difficult to get a taxi or Uber in Seward, particularly late at night time, 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 in search of 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 might 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. Verify their Fb web page to be taught extra.
Seward Alehouse
A enjoyable choice is Seward Alehouse, providing a wide selection of craft beers, a full bar, and a comfortable cabin really feel. A pool desk supplies leisure. Situated only a few doorways down from Yukon Bar, patrons can keep at this pub as late as 2 am.
10. Seward Excursions
You possibly can discover the Seward space with out a automotive however go additional afield than your two ft can take you by reserving an area wildlife tour or different guided distinctive expertise.
Day Excursions with GetYourGuide
Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions
A women-owned and operated Alaskan firm, Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions gives day journeys, cruise ship transfers, and multi-day packages of the forty ninth state all yr lengthy. Most of their excursions depart from Anchorage. I used to be in Seward as a part of a improbable multi-day group journey exploring south of Alaska’s largest metropolis with Salmon Berry, which included:
Check out how Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions may also help you intend your Alaskan trip!
The place to Keep in Seward
When you plan to remain in a single day, there are a number of inns in Seward located alongside the harborfront. I stayed at Harbor 360 Resort in Seward, which is the closest lodging choice to Seward Harbor. This clear, nice lodge is inside strolling distance of the Alaska Railroad Depot (about 10 to fifteen minutes away on foot) and downtown Seward. Main Marine Excursions to Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, glacier cruises, and wildlife viewing boat excursions embark from right here, too.
A continental breakfast of baked items, fruits, and yogurts is included. Additionally, there may be an indoor pool and scorching tub. The true purpose to ebook a keep at Harbor 360 Resort, although, is the wonderful views of Resurrection Bay and the encircling Kenai Mountains!
Study Extra About Alaska
As with many locations in Alaska, hours can fluctuate significantly from excessive season in summer season months (Could to September) and off-season, with some institutions closing down completely in winter. Make sure you verify with particular person companies earlier than you go.
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Learn my firsthand assessment of Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a nature-focused upscale lodge.
Save These Issues to Do in Seward
In your future Alaska trip, hold this record of what to do in Seward with out a automotive. Merely pin the picture above or beneath to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with me on Pinterest when 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 be taught extra about what to do in Alaska. As all the time, my opinions and suggestions are my very own.
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