What to Do in Seward, Alaska After Your Cruise

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Seward, Alaska: The Perfect Place to Spend Your Cruise Day

After a long day of exploring the Alaskan wilderness on your cruise ship, you’re probably looking for a place to relax and unwind. Seward, Alaska, is the perfect place to do just that. With its stunning scenery, endless outdoor activities, and charming shops and restaurants, Seward has something to offer everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Seward after your cruise. We’ll cover everything from hiking and fishing to kayaking and whale watching. So whether you’re looking for a leisurely day of sightseeing or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Seward has something for you.

So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise to Seward today!

Activity Description Cost
Visit Kenai Fjords National Park Take a boat tour to see glaciers, whales, and wildlife. $100+
Go hiking in the Chugach Mountains There are many hiking trails to choose from, with varying levels of difficulty. $10-$20
Fish for salmon Fishing for salmon is a popular activity in Seward. $20-$30
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center Learn about marine life and see animals like sea otters, seals, and penguins. $25
Take a flightseeing tour See Seward and the surrounding area from the air. $150+

What to Do in Seward After Cruise?

Seward is a beautiful port town located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. It’s a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to do in Seward, both for those who love the outdoors and those who prefer to explore the city.

Outdoor Activities

Seward is surrounded by mountains, forests, and glaciers, making it a great place to go hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. Here are a few of the best outdoor activities in Seward:

  • Hiking: There are dozens of hiking trails in Seward, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular hikes include the Exit Glacier Trail, the Resurrection Trail, and the Harding Icefield Trail.
  • Fishing: Seward is home to some of the best fishing in Alaska. You can fish for salmon, halibut, trout, and more. There are plenty of charters and guides available to help you catch your limit.
  • Camping: There are several campgrounds in Seward, both in the city and in the surrounding wilderness. Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of Alaska and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Seward is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and whales. You can see these animals in the wild by taking a boat tour or hiking in the surrounding wilderness.

Cultural Activities

In addition to its natural beauty, Seward also has a rich cultural history. Here are a few of the best cultural activities in Seward:

  • Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center: The Alaska SeaLife Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to marine research and education. The center has a variety of exhibits, including a touch tank, a penguin pool, and a sea otter habitat.
  • Take a tour of the Seward Railway Museum: The Seward Railway Museum is housed in a historic train depot. The museum tells the story of the Seward Railroad, which was built in the early 1900s to transport gold from the Klondike.
  • Visit the Seward Museum: The Seward Museum is located in a historic building that was once the town’s library. The museum has exhibits on the history of Seward, as well as the natural history of the Kenai Peninsula.

Seward is a beautiful and exciting place to visit, and there are plenty of things to do for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, cultural activities, or a combination of both, Seward has something to offer you.

Shopping and Dining

After your cruise, you’ll likely want to do some shopping and dining in Seward. Here are a few of the best places to visit:

  • Seward Waterfront Farmers Market – This market is open every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, and it’s a great place to find fresh produce, seafood, flowers, and other local goods. You can also enjoy live music and food trucks.
  • Seward Souvenir Shops – There are plenty of souvenir shops in Seward where you can find everything from t-shirts and hats to Alaska-themed jewelry and gifts.
  • Seward Restaurants – Seward has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, including seafood restaurants, steakhouses, pizza places, and more. You’re sure to find something to your taste.

Here are some specific recommendations for each type of establishment:

  • For fresh seafood, try:
  • Seward Salmon Bake
  • Saltry Public House
  • The Saltry at Resurrection Bay
  • For steakhouses, try:
  • The Cookery
  • The Whale’s Tail
  • Wildwood Grill
  • For pizza, try:
  • Pizza Man
  • The Avenue
  • Seward Pizza Company
  • For other types of restaurants, try:
  • The Black Bear Saloon
  • The Fireweed Cafe
  • The Saltery Cafe

Transportation

Seward is a small town, so it’s easy to get around by foot or by car. However, there are also a few public transportation options available if you don’t have your own vehicle.

  • Seward Airport – The Seward Airport is located about 5 miles from downtown Seward. There are daily flights to and from Anchorage, operated by Alaska Airlines and PenAir.
  • Seward Bus Depot – The Seward Bus Depot is located downtown, next to the Seward Train Depot. There are daily buses to and from Anchorage, operated by Alaska Coach Lines.
  • Seward Cruise Port – The Seward Cruise Port is located downtown, next to the Seward Train Depot. There are daily cruise ships to and from Vancouver, Seattle, and other ports in Alaska.

Here are some additional tips for getting around Seward:

  • Parking – There is limited street parking in Seward, so it’s best to park in one of the public parking lots.
  • Biking – Biking is a great way to explore Seward. There are several bike trails that wind through the town and along the coast.
  • Walking – Seward is a very walkable town. Most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Seward is a beautiful town with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, or shopping and dining, you’re sure to find it in Seward.

What are the best things to do in Seward after a cruise?

  • Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center: Learn about Alaska’s marine life at this award-winning aquarium and research center.
  • Take a hike in Kenai Fjords National Park: Hike through old-growth forests and along tidewater glaciers.
  • Go kayaking in Resurrection Bay: Paddle through the calm waters of Resurrection Bay and spot whales, seals, and sea otters.
  • Take a fishing charter: Fish for salmon, halibut, or trout in the waters off Seward.
  • Visit the Seward Museum: Learn about the history of Seward and the surrounding area.
  • Take a flightseeing tour: Get a bird’s-eye view of Seward and the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and fjords.

Where can I stay in Seward after a cruise?

There are a variety of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Seward. Some of the most popular options include:

  • The Seward Waterfront Hotel: This hotel is located right on the waterfront, offering stunning views of Resurrection Bay.
  • The Seward Princess Hotel: This hotel is located close to the cruise ship terminal and offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, hot tub, and fitness center.
  • The Seward Inn: This bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Seward, close to shops, restaurants, and bars.

How do I get to Seward from the cruise ship terminal?

The cruise ship terminal is located about 2 miles from downtown Seward. There are a few ways to get to Seward from the cruise ship terminal:

  • By taxi: Taxis are available from the cruise ship terminal to downtown Seward. The fare is typically around $10.
  • By shuttle: There are several shuttle companies that offer transportation from the cruise ship terminal to downtown Seward. The fare is typically around $15.
  • By bus: The Seward Transit System offers bus service from the cruise ship terminal to downtown Seward. The fare is $2.

What are the best restaurants in Seward?

Seward has a variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from seafood to pizza to steak. Some of the most popular restaurants in Seward include:

  • The Saltry: This restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh fish, oysters, and crab.
  • The Whale’s Tail: This restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas and burgers.
  • The Deck: This restaurant offers stunning views of Resurrection Bay and serves a variety of American cuisine.

What are the best shops in Seward?

Seward has a variety of shops to choose from, including souvenir shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Some of the most popular shops in Seward include:

  • The Seward Pottery: This shop sells handmade pottery, jewelry, and other gifts.
  • The Seward Gallery: This gallery features a variety of Alaskan art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
  • The Seward Trading Company: This shop sells a variety of souvenirs, including T-shirts, hats, and mugs.

Seward is a beautiful town with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, Seward has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, you can go hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, or whale watching. There are also several national parks and forests nearby where you can explore the wilderness.

If you’re interested in cultural attractions, you can visit the Seward Museum, the Alaska Sealife Center, or the Alaska Railroad Museum. You can also learn about the history of Seward and the surrounding area at the Seward Historical Society.

If you’re just looking for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, you can take a walk along the waterfront, visit one of the many restaurants or shops, or simply sit back and enjoy the view.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Seward. So what are you waiting for? Come visit Seward today!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.