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 car, it’s straightforward to succeed in this coastal city’s walkable sights 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 Heart. Absorb views of the attractive Resurrection Bay as you go. The stroll ought to take about 20 minutes or so for those who don’t pause alongside the best way (however you need to pause!).
You’ll move 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 wish 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 buildings, slides, swings, and monkey bars. There’s a tot space for younger kids, 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. Positioned proper within the metropolis, I used to be shocked to see that Seward Waterfront Park affords inexpensive tenting areas for each tents and RVs.
2. Resurrect Artwork Espresso Home
Simply an 8-minute stroll inland from the tip of the Seward Waterfront Park Path on the Alaska SeaLife Heart, 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 affords 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 when you sip your cuppa joe, Italian soda, tea, or their extremely tasty sizzling 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 while you journey, then you definitely’re in for an actual deal with in Seward. Even for those who’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
Positioned in the identical constructing because the Seward Neighborhood Library, you possibly can wander by way of the Seward Museum for a nominal price. Everlasting and rotating reveals 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 method 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 develop into a state till 1959.
5. Alaska SeaLife Heart
After lunch at one in all 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 kinds of animals. The middle goals to return injured and orphaned animals to the wild after rehabilitation every time potential.
You’ll discover a wide range 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, reminiscent of octopuses, king crabs, and coho salmon. Birders may also respect reveals devoted to Alaskan feathered associates, together with puffins. Within the Rocky Coast Discovery Contact Pool, you possibly can 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 worth might be, so plan forward. You may as well 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 in quest of 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 a number of the 30+ items collectively, whereas others had been solo initiatives. All concentrate on some side of Alaska’s pure magnificence, tradition, or historical past.
Comply with a self-guided strolling tour of town’s murals, e book 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 venture 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. Contemporary 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 yearning for crab truffles 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
High off your night in Seward with drinks and socializing at an area bar. Choices differ 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 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 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 might be happy to know this bar stays open as late as 2 am. Hear up for dwell music performances by native and touring bands. Examine their Fb web page to be taught extra.
Seward Alehouse
One other enjoyable nighttime possibility is Seward Alehouse, providing a wide selection of craft beers, a full bar, and a comfy cabin really feel. A pool desk gives leisure. Positioned 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 an area wildlife tour or different distinctive expertise with a information.
Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park Boat Tour
The most well-liked tour from Seward is crusing by way of Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park to view the Harding Ice Fields and probably considerable wildlife like whales and dolphins. I skipped my group’s 6-hour catamaran journey since I’m liable 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. (When you determine to go, remember 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 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 affords 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 incredible multi-day group journey exploring south of Alaska’s largest metropolis with Salmon Berry, which included:
Learn the way Salmon Berry Journey & Excursions might help you intend your Alaska trip!
The place to Keep in Seward
When you plan to remain in a single day, there are a number of accommodations in Seward located alongside the bay. I stayed at Harbor 360 Lodge, 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 may be an indoor pool and sizzling tub. The actual purpose to e book a keep at Harbor 360 Lodge, although, is the wonderful views of Resurrection Bay and the encircling Kenai Mountains!
Be taught Extra About Alaska
As with many locations in Alaska, hours can differ vastly from excessive season in summer season months (Could to September) and off-season, with some institutions closing down totally in winter. You’ll want 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, preserve 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 when you’re at it!
A Observe 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 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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