The Incredible Drive From Anchorage to Seward

Most visitors to Seward, Alaska travel south along the Seward Highway starting in Anchorage. What most people don’t realize is that this drive is a destination unto itself! Whether you plan to take a day trip or spend a few days along this stunning stretch of roadway, this is sure to be a highlight of your Alaskan adventure.

When you arrive in Seward, we will be here to welcome you to one of the 3 downtown hotels that we own and operate. And when you get to Seward there is more exploring to be done. You may just want to extend your stay with us to a 3, 4, or 5 nights in order to see all this area has to offer! Book your stay at one of our unique and comfortable hotels today!

10 Ways to Enjoy the Drive from Anchorage to Seward

If you happen to be on your way from Anchorage to Seward get ready to brace yourself for one of the world’s most epic drives. Allowing ample time for stopping along the way to stretch your legs and go on a hike or to stop and just take in the awe-inspiring views, will be the best way to see this unique part of the world. If you didn’t arrive in your own transportation consider renting a car specifically for this drive. The list of things to see and do along the 125 mile Seward Highway is extensive, but these are our top 10 ways to enjoy this drive from Anchorage to Seward.

1. Exploring the town of Anchorage, where the Seward Highway begins, is a good way to enjoy big-city amenities and stocking up for the drive. Anchorage is located in a gorgeous spot surrounded by mountainous backdrops. Wilderness is never too far away in this Alaskan cityscape as moose have been known to stroll through town.
2. Not far from Anchorage you’ll begin to see the dramatic shoreline of an area known as Turnagain Arm. Here, the highway hugs the Cook Inlet. On one side of the road, you’ll see alpine tundra and on the side you can see amazing views across the Turnagain Arm and the sea.
3. There will be many pullouts from Anchorage to Seward to get out and snap a picture or 10, and a stop at Chugach State Park is a great place to go for an awesome hike in Alaska’s wilderness. There is also biking, boating, camping, and the chance to rent a public use cabin here.
4. As you continue the drive south keep your eyes peeled for Beluga whales in the water and Dall Sheep in the mountains. Something else to be on the lookout for is a phenomenon called the Bore Tide. This is a wave of water that rushes down the Turnagain Arm and is forced into the narrow channel here. The water can rise up to 6 feet! Be sure to check the local bore tide charts for times. There are many viewing locations along the highway.
5. A noteworthy stop is Beluga Point Lookout. 16 miles south of Anchorage and you’ll get a 180-degree view of the Turnagain Arm as well as being able to spot Alaskan wildlife from here.
6. The town of Girdwood is a picturesque place where you’ll see lots of glaciers amongst lush, forested mountains. Girdwood is home to the Alyeska Ski Resort. In the summer months many people hike up Alyeska mountain at the resort and ride the gondola back down.
7. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is not to be missed as it provides the space in which visitors get to know Alaskan wildlife up close while being educated about the animals and their habitats. Most of the animals here are orphaned, ill, or injured. Tours and educational programs are available.
8. The Portage Glacier , which is nearby the the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, is down the Portage glacier access road. This massive glacier can be accessed by boat. 1 hour tours run multiple times daily in the summer months. Stop by the Begich Boggs Visitor Center for interesting and interactive exhibits.
9. Visit the town of Whittier and learn about its interesting World War II history and drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. There are spectacular day cruises from here in the pristine waters of Prince William Sound as well as fun little shops to browse. Worth a stop on the drive from Anchorage to Seward!
10. When you’ve almost made it from Anchorage to Seward make sure to visit the Exit Glacier, a must see as it is a very accessible way to explore a glacier up close. Mile marker 123 is Exit Glacier Road that will lead you to the parking lot and the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Here there are many hikes to choose from and rangers are on hand to answer any questions as this is part of the Kenai Fjords National Park. 

The impressive drive from Anchorage to Seward has much more to see and do so it’s best to do your homework and figure out what will work for you. You never know though, along a drive like this, unexpected gems can be discovered around the next bend!

Stay at one of our comfortable Seward Hotels

When you arrive in town after the drive from Anchorage to Seward, you’ll want to rest and relax at a comfortable and reliable hotel. That’s where we come in! At Seward Hospitality Group you can choose from one of 3 unique downtown Seward hotels that we both own and operate.

It’s possible to see something along this epic drive that you may want to return to or take another day trip to, and have Seward be your home base for exploration. For this reason alone, a 3, 4, or 5 night stay with us would be best. We also own and operate 6 restaurants in the area as well as a small, quiet RV park just outside of town. The town of Seward has much to see and do and is worth a trip unto itself! Start your Alaskan adventure today!