Anchorage to Seward: 15 Best Stops For Your Bucket List

Are you planning an Anchorage to Seward Road Trip? Confused about where to stop? Well, then you have come to the right place!

I love Alaska and have road-tripped there several times which is why I have prepared this article listing the best stops for your Anchorage to Seward drive.

Now, the first question you might ask is how far is Seward Alaska from Anchorage Alaska?

The answer is 125 miles.

Both Anchorage and Seward are amazing places to visit in Alaska which is why I recommend you add them to your Alaska Itinerary.

The next question that might come to your mind is how to get from Anchorage to Seward.

If you are short on time, you can take the Anchorage to Seward train to reach early. Another option is to take Anchorage to Seward bus which operates twice a day.

The Seward Highway which you will be traversing for this route has garnered many awards for its stunning beauty.

So get ready for some of the most stunning scenery that you will never forget. From mountains and their glaciers, through forests, and alongside glacially silted Alaskan waters, you will be in awe the entire time.

Are you confused about where to stop when driving from Anchorage to Seward? Then read our list of the 15 Best Stops on Anchorage to Seward Drive for your Bucket List!

Anchorage to Seward: 15 Best Stops For Your Bucket List

Anchorage City Begins Your Anchorage To Seward Road Trip

If you are taking a long international flight to Alaska, then you will probably land in Anchorage.

This is Alaska’s most populated city and features lots of popular “big box” stores.

So, if you are planning to undertake the Anchorage to Seward drive, then this is a good location to stock up.

I would also recommend you spend some time here as there are lots of amazing things to do in Anchorage, Alaska.

From fine dining restaurants to biking trails, you can find all kinds of attractions and activities to indulge in here.

We also see mooses strolling through town and it is a great place for bird watching as well.

If you are a nature lover like me, then you will love the eleven-mile bike/running/walking trail called the Tony Knowles Coast Trail with exquisite views.

Look Here: Anchorage: 1-Hour Trolley Tour

Look here: Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket

Potter Marsh is a Haven for Birdwatchers

If you are planning to take the Anchorage to Seward bus ride, then do visit the Potter Marsh which is near Anchorage.

As a nature lover, I loved walking on this half-mile-long boardwalk. Moreover, it is a great place for birdwatching and you can see moose, muskrats, eagles, and more here.

Since this attraction is close to Anchorage, it is the best way to start your Anchorage to Seward Alaska road trip.

Turnagain Arm Has Dramatic Shorelines

One of the first major stops on your Anchorage Alaska to Seward Alaska will be the Turnagain Arm area of Seward Highway.

I do not think anyone can dispute these first few miles are among the most beautiful and jaw-dropping you may ever see!

The Seward Highway hugs Cook Inlet on your right and the Chugach State Park is nestled right next to the road on your left.

It is quite the scene: the mountains beside the sea. Breathtaking.

This is why I would advise you to take advantage of one of the many pullouts to park and get out of your vehicle.

You can snap breathtaking pictures of the Chugach and Kenai mountains. Another thing you can do here is head to the beach for some photography and shell collection.

One thing to keep in mind is do NOT venture out onto the mudflats of Turnagain Arm. PEOPLE HAVE DIED! The coastal silt acts like quicksand and the rushing water drowns them. So, please be careful!

Check Out The Turnagain Arm Bore Tide

Another popular thing to do when driving from Anchorage to Seward is checking out the Turnagain arm bore tide.

What the heck is a bore tide, you ask?

It is a wave of water that rushes down Turnagain Arm. Essentially, it is water forced to flow into the narrow channel.

The effect can be quite dramatic with twenty miles per hour winds and a six-foot bore tide wave. Some of the largest bore tides in the world are found in Turnagain Arm.

You will be able to see the bore tide along the road on the Seward Highway just south of Anchorage.

My family and I plotted and planned and waited for the Turnagain Arm bore tide to rush by us, only to be a bit disappointed because it was modest at best. Still, it was a unique experience.

Another perk that comes with a bore tide is wildlife viewing.

You can see sea lions or otters surfing the bore. How cool is that?

Stop At Beluga Point When Driving from Anchorage to Seward

There are many amazing stops along the drive from Anchorage to Seward, but one of my favorites is Beluga Poing Lookout. 

It is located about 16 miles south of Anchorage on the Sterling Highway. 

Here you will be able to see an almost 180-degree view of Turnagain Arm.

Beluga Point Lookout is a popular spot to watch for wildlife, and there are many interpretive signs explaining the area.

Do not miss out on glorious picture-taking opportunities. The forested mountains right next to the water make for a feast for your eyes!

Look for Dall Sheep

If you love wildlife sightseeing, then one of the best things to do when traveling to Alaska is to look for Dall Sheeps.

The best place to see them is at Windy Point but you cannot stop here. That doesn’t mean you cannot admire them while being careful on the road.

Keep a look out at the cliffs between Bird Point and Beluga Point.

Since Dall sheep is one of the 5 top animals in Alaska, catching sight of them would be a memorable experience for you.

When Driving From Anchorage To Seward There Are Plenty Of Hiking Spots

The drive from Anchorage to Seward along the Seward Highway means countless opportunities for hiking, running, or even walking.

You will notice many access points as you drive along, all branching off Seward Highway.

All you need to do is pull into a day-use parking lot along the roadside and begin your adventure.

My family and I loved walking along a meandering forest stream and ascending a forested trail.

If you are a hiking enthusiast like me, you will find varied landscapes here to explore!

Girdwood Is An Alaskan Resort Town Along The Anchorage To Seward Highway

Another great stop to add to your Seward Alaska to Anchorage Alaska road trip is the resort town of Girdwood.

It is a picturesque Alaskan town in a green lush forest surrounded by the Chugach Mountains. You can also see several glaciers spilling out from the snow-capped mountains.

Girdwood is home to the internationally known Alyeska Ski Resort.

One summer my family and I hiked up Aleyaka Mountain at the resort and rode the ski gondola back down to the ground. The views at the top were unforgettable.

Due to its lovely collection of restaurants and shops, it is a great choice to shop for souvenirs or refreshments.

Tickets Here: Girdwood: Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Tour

Tickets Here: Girdwood: Helicopter Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Tour

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Is A Must-Visit

For nature lovers, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a mandatory stop when driving from Anchorage to Seward.

This non-profit organization provides a home for orphaned, ill, or injured wild animals who are unable to care for themselves.

There is an admission fee onto the grounds after which you will be able to drive or walk their 1.5-mile viewing loop to safely view their wild animals.

When my family and I visited, we watched the afternoon feeding of black bears. Some of the other animals we saw included moose, owls, wolves, and porcupines.

Tickets Here: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Admission Ticket

Portage Glacier Is Worth The Side Trip

One of the best glaciers in Alaska, the Portage Glacier is a short detour from the Anchorage to Seward Highway but completely worth it.

Unfortunately, Portage Glacier is retreating (melting)  and is no longer visible from the telescopes at the visitor center.

However, there are interesting and interpretive exhibits that let you touch an iceberg and walk through an ice cave.

Portage Glacier remains one of Alaska’s more popular roadside attractions.

So, if you want to view the glacier up close, you can take a one-hour boat cruise from the visitor center.

On the other hand, if you are adventurous, you can hike to the glacier as well.

Whittier Alaska Has Unspoiled Wilderness

Located 11 miles off the Seward Highway, Whittier is a tiny town with an interesting history.

This port town is located on Prince William Sound and is a great place to stop on your Alaskan adventure.

My favorite memory of Whittier is driving through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.

Whittier was a secret military installation during World War II. So, to provide access to the Seward Highway, a tunnel was blasted through solid granite for a train supply tunnel.

In 2000 the tunnel was overhauled to include auto traffic as well.

Now both trains and vehicular traffic travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel BUT not at the same time.

There are schedules available if you are short on time. When we visited, we happily sat in line and waited our turn as the train traveled first. Such a unique story and an amazing experience!

From the Whittier harbor, you can admire the view of the mountain meets the sea.

You will find various kinds of boat charters are available, as well as kayaking and even scuba diving.

Tickets Here: From Whittier: Glacier Quest Cruise with Onboard Lunch

Tickets Here: From Whittier/Anchorage: Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise

Tern Lake Is A Mecca For Wildlife

Another one of my favorite stops is the Tern Lake at mile marker 90 at the junction of the Seward Highway and the Sterling Highway.

The Sterling Highway leads you west to the sister cities of Soldotna and Kenai, and then south to Homer. If you have time, do spend some time exploring the attractions in Homer as well.

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Tern Lake is home to a vast array of birds, fish, and wildlife.

This includes Bald eagles, black bears, Dall sheep, and so on. At dusk, you may see a beaver or muskrat as well.

For raw beauty and the sheer abundance of wildlife, Tern Lake is a great stop on your drive from Anchorage to Seward.

Moose Pass Is A Peaceful Little Town

On my last trip to Alaska, I stayed in Moose Pass with my family.

It is a tiny little burg along the Seward Highway at mile marker 98 and only 30 miles outside of Seward to the south.

I will always remember the view of the mountains outside of our windows.

Located on the shores of Upper Trail Lake and surrounded by the Chugach National Forest, Moose Pass has gorgeous views in all directions.

Although it is a tiny peaceful town, Moose Pass makes a good base for hiking, kayaking, and all things outdoors.

Look Here: Moose Pass: Kayak Rental on Glacial Trail Lake

Visit Exit Glacier To See It Up Close And Personal

Located 20 minutes by car from Seward, Exit Glacier is one of the top places to visit on your Anchorage to Seward road trip.

Exit Glacier is located inside Kenai Fjords National Park and is quite popular because it is so easily accessible.

Sadly, Exit Glacier is a stark and visible indicator of glacial recession likely due to global warming.

There are markers all along the walkways indicating where the glacier was in the progression of years.

You will find bathrooms, running water, and picnic tables for lunch or snacks if you so desire at Exit Glacier.

If you love hiking, then you can check out different trails here as well and get information from the rangers in the Nature Center.

However, most begin with the Glacier Overlook walk. It is stroller and wheelchair accessible and will take you about 90 minutes round trip. A must when visiting Exit Glacier Alaska

There are many other hikes to choose from with various degrees of difficulty.

It would be best to consult the rangers at the Nature Center so that you can choose which hike is the best for you and your family.

Look Here: Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward

Look Here: From Seward: Harding Icefield Trail Hiking Tour

This picture shows my daughter Victoria’s displeasure at the receding of Exit Glacier since she last visited in 2005.

Seward Is The Gateway City

Seweard is the terminus of your Anchorage to Seward drive.

Since this Alaskan town serves as the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the best national parks in Alaska, it is quite popular among tourists.

Due to its location, Seward has rather temperate and mild temperatures all year long.

Besides visiting Exit Glacier, one of my favorite things to do in Seward is taking a wildlife and glacier cruise right out of the Seward harbor. 

Trust me, you will NEVER forget seeing and hearing a glacier calving. Or seeing whales, puffins, and otters in their natural habitats in Resurrection Bay.

If it helps, I took a four-hour cruise once, and a 7.5-hour cruise another time I visited. Both were awesome. It depends on your budget and how much time you have.

From Seward, you can take a flight back home. If it is a long flight, take precautions to avoid getting sick on your flight.

Tickets here: Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise

Tickets here: From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch

Where to Stay in Anchorage

The Hotel Captain Cook – If you are looking for a luxury stay in Anchorage, then I would suggest the Hotel Captain Cook. It is a 10-minute from most Anchorage attractions and offers guests many facilities, including a massage service, an indoor pool, gyms, and more.

Check Price Here

Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage – Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage is a budget-friendly hotel that offers you most of the amenities of a luxury hotel but at an affordable price. The hotel is 1 mile from New Seward Highway, making it the perfect stay for your Alaska Itinerary.

Check Price Here

Where to Stay in Seward

Harbor 360 Hotel Seward – Harbor 360 Hotel Seward with its amazing views of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Mountains is a top choice. Since it is a luxury waterfront property, you can enjoy facilities like an indoor pool, and a hot tub here too.

Check Price Here

The Vue B&B – For a more homely stay, I would recommend booking the Vue B&B. You can book different categories of suites here, a few of which offer you sea or mountain views.

Guests can prepare their meals in the shared kitchen and indulge in outdoor activities like cycling, horse riding, etc. here.

Check Price Here

Packing Tips For Your Trip From Anchorage to Seward

I think that using these useful packing tips on how to pack lightly will enhance your trip from Anchorage to Seward and help you remain organized while there.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.

These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use. I

Travel Locks are an important consideration. For me, traveling with locks for my luggage is essential. I lock my luggage in my hotel room or Air BnB if there is no room safe for me to use.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

The Bobble replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.

This collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would not take up much space in your suitcase at all.

You will want to bring a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

And let us not forget the beach shoes for Alaska’s pebbly beaches. These quick dry slip on aqua shoes are a great selection. They come in a ton of bright colors for men, women, and children. 

I have several pairs of these exact Vionic sandals in several colors that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip flops. 

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time. T

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

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