Seward is located 126 miles south of Anchorage on the Scenic Seward Highway. A drive from Anchorage to Seward takes you down along Turnagain Arm past the Hope Junction, Summit Lake Lodge and the Sterling Highway Junction at Turn Lake then through the town of Moose Pass and on to Seward at the head of Resurrection Bay.

Population of Seward: Seward and vicinity has a population of approximately 4,000 residents. The average annual temperature is 56 degrees F. As Seward is situated at the head of Resurrection Bay and a light cool breeze is generally present, it is suggested that you dress in layers.

Some interesting background on Seward Alaska!

Location: Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Access is best by driving the Seward Highway “Scenic Byway”, via the Alaska Railroad, the Seward Shuttle Bus, Air, or Cruise Ships.
The town is known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park". due to it's stratigic location in the bay.

General information: The average annual temperature is 56 degrees F. As Seward is situated on Resurrection Bay and a cool light breeze is generally present it is suggested that you dress in layers.

Alaska Railroad - Train service is available daily from May through September.

Mt. Marathon Race: An annual event held on the Fourth of July. The race is a climb and descend on Mt. Marathon. It's a mile and a half up and a mile and a half down, complete with cliffs, waterfalls, and an astounding view. Official records reveal that the Mt. Marathon Race actually began as an organized run in 1915 and has since become a regular part of the Independence Day celebration in Seward.

Fourth of July Celebration: On the Fourth, Main Street is completely blocked off to traffic and the streets fill with people. Seward swells from about 2,500 people to over 30,000. Most come to run in or watch the Mount Marathon Race, while some come just to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and take part in the activities. Almost every organization is town provides a float for the parade down Main Street. There are also carnival rides and street vendors. In the evening, there is a fireworks display along the waterfront.

Things to see and do in Seward Alaska - Attractions, and Activities

Fishing: Fishing almost all year long is a definite possibility in Seward. Salmon, ling cod and halibut can be found in the bay. Use your own private boat or enjoy going out on one of the many charters available at the harbor. See our Fishing Page for more information on charters from Seward.

The Chugach National Forest - Roughly the same size as the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island combined, the Chugach is the most northern of National Forests, only 500 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Kenai Fjords National Park - The park's wildlife includes mountain goats, moose, bears, wolverines, marmots and other land mammals who have established themselves on a thin life zone between marine waters and the ice field's frozen edges. Bald eagles nest in the tops of spruce and hemlock trees. Thousands of seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and murres seasonally inhabit the steep cliffs and rocky shores. Kayakers, fishermen, and visitors on tour boats share the park's waters with stellar sea lions, harbor seals, Dall porpoises, sea otters, humpback, killer and minke whales.

Caines Head State Recreation area: This is a scenic site of an abandoned World War II fort and can be reached by boat or foot from Seward. It is about six miles south of Seward. It is a four hour hike from Tonsina Point that needs to be done during low tide.

Lowell Point State Recreation site about halfway down the Tonsina Creek trail has outhouses and campsites. The remains of Fort McGilvray at the south beach garrison are fun to explore. There is a maze of underground rooms and passages that can be traversed by flashlight.

Trail Rides: Have horse will ride. This area of Seward is only accessible by horseback. Observe bald eagles up close, see where they nest and watch them feed.

Sea Life Center - The many exhibits at the Alaska Sea Life Center fascinate visitors by letting them view Alaskan marine ecosystems and provide opportunities to watch animals in naturalistic habitats as well as research settings.

Silver Salmon Derby: The Derby is held in August. Anglers from around the world try their luck at catching silvers and winning prizes totaling over $150,000. Included are daily prizes, mystery fish drawings, tagged fish worth up to $100,000 and prizes for the 50 heaviest silvers. Fish can be caught from shore or from a boat.

Polar Bear Jump: The jump is a fundraiser for the Alaska Division of the American Cancer Society. Jumpers find sponsors to donate money for the cause. On the third weekend in January, the jumpers some in costume, ready to jump into the chilly waters of Resurrection Bay.

Holiday Train: On a Saturday early in December Seward and the Alaska Railroad offer an exciting way to get in the holiday spirit. Travel in the railroad’s new dome cars and enjoy caroling, story telling and a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus bearing gifts for the children. Once in Seward you are free to take the free shuttle and enjoy shopping, dining, a cruise on the bay and the holiday festival. For information on pricing and reservations, contact the Alaska Railroad reservation line at 800-544-0552

Glacier viewing: You can drive or take a tour to nearby Exit Glacier and walk a paved path to view part of the massive Harding Ice Field. This may be one of the best views of a glacier on the Peninsula.

Places to stay in Seward Alaska!

Camping: The Chugach National Forest maintains a few campgrounds along the road near Seward. For those backpackers, there are backcountry cabins available in the Seward Ranger District.

Primose Campground at mile 17 of the Seward Highway is near Kenai Lake near the start of the Primrose Trail.

Ptarmigan Creek Campground at mile 23 has 16 sites and is near the Ptarmigan Creek trailhead.

Trail River Campground at mile 24 has 63 sites. In late August you can go berry picking in this area.

Lodging: There are many hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, cabins, lodges and hostels available in the Seward and surrounding areas.

Most of the residents in the area work within the tourism industry, city, borough or state government, in the service industry, or are part of the commercial fishing industry. Those working as sportfishing guides in Resurrection Bay most often hold other jobs in the winter months or only live in the area during the summers. Seward also is home to one of the two prisons on the Peninsula and unlike other Peninsula towns, has an active cruise ship dock.

Escape the rush and noise of the city life through the charm of an Alaska Vacation on the beautiful and scenic Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. There are cabins and yurts, hotels and motels, all inclusive lodges and dedicated Alaskan fishing lodges available for • Hunting • Fishing • Biking • Canoeing • Hiking • Honeymoons • Anniversaries • Summer Homes • Winter Retreats • Cabin Rentals • Vacation Rentals • Log Cabins • Romantic Getaways • Weekend Getaways • Kenai River Cabins • Kachemak Bay Cabins • Seaside Rentals • Beach Front Rentals • Mountain Views • Fly in • Boat In • Hike In • River Front • Wildlife Photography • Resurrection Bay Lodging • Kachemak Bay Lodges • Snowmobile • Snowshoe • and more.