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Stellar Sea Lions in Resurrection Bay. Photo courtesy of Frank Kovalchek.
While ideally it’s best to allot at least a few days to exploring this interesting Alaskan city, it’s not impossible to have a worthwhile trip in Seward when short on time. To help you plan your trip and make the most of your one day in Seward, here is a suggested itinerary:
Tip: Rent a car, as many of these attractions you can get to along the scenic Seward Highway, a designated All-American Road (essentially a destination in itself). You might also want to take your time driving along it and truly enjoy the offerings.
Morning
Start your morning in Seward with breakfast at Ms. Genes Place (221 5th Avenue), known for its casual fine food fare. Some menu highlights include their signature crab omelette with fresh Dungeness Crab, three eggs and house-made Burre Blanc Sauce; the juicy reindeer sausage; and a big Belgian waffle topped with butter and gooey maple syrup.
Once you’re full, head to the Alaska SeaLife Center, the only aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center open to the public in Alaska. Here, staff work to rehabilitate animals to be sent back into the wild, as well as to educate the public about local wildlife. Some experiences you may have at the center include shaking hands with an octopus, touring a puffin aviary, petting small sea creatures and much more.
Afternoon
Hungry? A great spot for lunch is Chinooks Waterfront Restaurant (1404 4th Avenue), where their afternoon menu offers dishes like Alaskan seafood chowder, Alaskan Jakalof Bay oysters, Alaskan spot shrimp, Alaskan king crab melt and an Alaskan Salmon sandwich. Since you’re already on the waterfront, walk around and talk some photos of the scenic boat harbor filled with wildlife.
Afterward, head to Seward Museum to learn about the destination’s heritage through exhibits, artifacts and a historic film on the 1964 earthquake. The Benny Benson Memorial Park is another option, home to a beach path, lagoon boardwalk and memorial to Benny Benson, the Aleut boy who designed the state flag.
If you’re not interested in history, another option is to visit Exit Glacier, an approximate 30-minute drive. It’s the only glacier accessible by road in the Kenai Fjords National Park, and offers tranquil beauty as well as the chance to walk on the glacier and hike around it.
Alternative Morning/Afternoon Idea
Another option that will take up your morning and part of your afternoon (or your afternoon and part of your morning, depending which departure time you choose) is a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward. The Kenai Fjords are spectacular, and something you must experience when visiting Alaska. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like birds, sea lions, sea otters, porpoises and whales, and make sure to bring a camera to capture the majestic views of mixed glacier, water and mountain landscape. Lunch is included in this experience. Departures are 8am and 11:30am, and the excursion is about 6 hours.
Evening
Opt for a Seward Cruise with Dinner on Fox Island (departs 5pm). Cruise along the scenic Resurrection Bay, where you may spot otters, sea lions, whales and bird-life, along with rainforest, beach and rugged cliff scenery. Along with the views, the meal itself immerses you in Alaskan culture, with a buffet of dishes like Alaskan Salmon and prime rib (as well as king crab if you decide to upgrade).
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