What’s there to do in Seward, Alaska with out a automotive? Loads! If you want 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. Observe 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 attractive Resurrection Bay as you go. The stroll ought to take about 20 minutes or so should you don’t pause alongside the best way (however you must pause!).
You’ll cross monuments and landmarks alongside the path, together with Mile 0 of the Historic Iditarod Path. Hold your eyes peeled for bald eagles, sea otters, dolphins, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. You would possibly even spot humpback whales, orcas, or different whales from Could to September.
Households touring with kids will certainly need to cease on the cute nautical-themed Waterfront Playground. (Higher but, plan to return right here to play within the afternoon!) Youngsters will love the climbing constructions, 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 stunned 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 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 objects 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 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.
In the event you like visiting bookstores and libraries while you journey, then you definitely’re in for an actual deal with in Seward. Even should you’re not a bookworm, the Seward Group Library & Museum deserves a go to for a couple of 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 quick stroll right here from the Resurrect Artwork Espresso Store.
4. Seward Museum
Situated in the identical constructing because the Seward Group Library, you’ll be able to wander by means of the Seward Museum for a nominal payment. Everlasting and rotating displays showcase town’s historical past, Alaska Native tradition, and native residents.
Canine-sledding is a vital 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 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 Middle
After lunch at one among 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 every time attainable.
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. After all, you’ll be able to see fish and sea creatures, reminiscent of octopuses, king crabs, and coho salmon. Birders may also respect displays devoted to Alaskan feathered buddies, 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 prematurely you buy your date and time-stamped entry ticket, the decrease the value will probably 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 Middle, wander round city seeking 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 had been solo tasks. All concentrate on some side of Alaska’s pure magnificence, tradition, or historical past.
Observe 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 artistic endeavors 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 realm and provides locals an opportunity to get their palms 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. Almost all of Seward’s eating places supply some form of fish on the menu. Simply to call a couple of Alaskan specialties, search for halibut, king crab legs, and seafood chowder. I guess you discover higher seafood at extra inexpensive costs in Seward than anyplace within the Decrease 48!
At lunchtime, I happy my yearning for crab desserts 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
Prime off your night in Seward with drinks and socializing at a neighborhood bar. Choices range in vibe from swanky cocktail lounge to informal neighborhood joint. Needless to say 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 stunned to seek out the “Martin Scorsese-esque” Flamingo Lounge with its comfortable 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 strictly what I anticipated to seek out in Seward! The ceiling at this native watering gap is roofed with greenback payments from previous patrons. Partyseekers will probably be happy to know this bar stays open as late as 2 am. Hear up for stay music performances by native and touring bands. Examine their Fb web page to study extra.
Seward Alehouse
One other enjoyable nighttime possibility 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 may discover the Seward space with out a automotive however go additional afield than your two toes 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 means of Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park to view the Harding Ice Fields and doubtlessly ample wildlife like whales and dolphins. I skipped my group’s 6-hour catamaran journey since I’m susceptible to seasickness, and the waves had 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. (In the event you resolve to go, make sure to pack Bonine or Dramamine for the journey and skim 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 beautiful fjords beckon with towering cliffs and shimmering waters.” He continued, “The spotlight of the voyage is undoubtedly the large 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 gives 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 incredible multi-day group journey exploring south of Alaska’s largest metropolis with Salmon Berry, which included:
Learn the way Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions will help you propose your Alaska trip!
The place to Keep in Seward
In the event you plan to remain in a single day, there are a number of lodges 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 true purpose to guide 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 range tremendously from excessive season in summer season months (Could to September) and off-season, with some institutions closing down completely in winter. Make sure to verify with particular person companies when planning your journey.
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Save These Issues to Do in Seward
To your future Alaska trip, hold 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 observe me on Pinterest when you’re at it!
A Be aware from Colleen: I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this weblog submit. 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 suggestions are my very own.
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