SamSeward, Alaska is home to the Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the hidden gems of the U.S. National Parks. If you are on a trip exploring all of Alaska, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Seward to get the full experience of the town and the National Park.
This is the perfect itinerary for a 3-day experience in Seward to ensure you see all the gems the area has to offer.
Important Notes
The weather in Seward is not the best. while you should definitely have activities planned out for your stay, try to remain a little flexible incase changes need to be made do to weather.
Day 1: Boat Trip
The best way to experience the Kenai Fjords is to jump on the water and see all of it’s true beauty up close! A majority of the National Park is only accessible by boat, so hopping on a glacier and wildlife tour of the Kenai Fjords should be at the top of your list.
Start your day bright and early by catching breakfast at the Breeze Inn, one of the best breakfast places in town.
After breakfast, head across to the harbor and hop on a glacier and wildlife tour of the National Park. There are many tour operators in the area, ranging from small groups to large vessels. I recommend going with Kenai Fjords Tours or Major Marine Tours. While there are many tours to choose from, consider what is most important for you to see on your trip! The Fjords are the summer home of so much incredible wildlife, including orcas, whales, puffins, sea otters, seals, and more. All in addition to being home to many glaciers that all connect to the Harding Icefield, the largest icefield in North America! This will undoubtably be an incredible experience that you will not be able to get any other way, as the National Park is so isolated.
Day 2: Hike
While the Kenai Fjords National Park does not have an abundance of hiking trails to explore, it does have some of the most stunning hikes.
Start your day at Le Barn Appetit and grab yourself some delicious crepes and belgian waffles.
Continue down the road to the Exit Glacier Area, enjoying the views of the beautiful drive. When you get to the entrance of the Exit Glacier Area, you should visit the nature center at the start of the trail. In terms of hiking, you have an easy option and a difficult option.
Easy Option:
For those looking for a scenic stroll, the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail is the perfect fit for you. It is about a mile round trip, and brings you up to the end of the quickly receding glacier. The views of the valley are stunning as you ascend the hillside. And the area is extra special as there are markers dictating where the glacier extended to at that point in time. It creates an immersive experience where you get to fully understand the gravity of climate change and its effects on glaciers.
Difficult Option:
For those looking for a more difficult all day hike, I encourage you to take on the challenge of the Harding Icefield Trail. It is an 8 mile round trip trail with a steady elevation of 1,000 ft/mile, making it quite the difficult journey. But fortunately the views are absolutely stunning! This trail brings you up through forests, above the tree line and through meadows, and along Exit Glacier. Once you reach the top you are greeted with a beautiful overlook of the entire Harding Icefield. All of the hard work is well paid off.
After your hike, head back into town to relax for a bit before you enjoy dinner on the harbor at Ray’s Waterfront. With beautiful views surrounding you and delicious steak and seafood options, it is the perfect stop to enjoy the night.
Day 3: Explore Downtown or Go on an Adventure
Option 1: Explore Downtown
Start your day at the Alaska Sealife Center. Enjoy the fun creatures that call Alaska their home while supporting a great wildlife rescue and conservation organization! All of the animals were rescued and cannot be released, so are now being cared for at the center.
Head to Downtown Seward to explore the local shops and restaurants. There are plenty of gift shops to grab souvenirs and fun locally made crafts.
Once you are in need of food, head to Zudy’s Cafe on the waterfront and enjoy delicious homemade sandwiches and desserts. Then continue exploring downtown for the rest of the evening, taking it easy after a busy few days in town.
Option 2: Go Adventuring
Seward is a great place to splurge a bit and go on a fun adventure. From zip lining, to kayaking, to fishing charters, there is so much worth exploring! You could even check out more of the best hikes in Seward. My favorite experience in Seward is sea kayaking, but for a full list of recommendations, check out this post!
With this itinerary, you can definitely still check out downtown during the remainder of your day. Enjoying the Alaska Sealife Center, Zudy’s Cafe, and all of the local shops!
