Anchorage to Seward Drive: 9x Spectacular Stops You Can’t Miss
Filled with forestry, wildlife and spectacular views of mountains, the drive was awarded as a National Forest Scenic Byway. You can’t miss the scenic drive from Anchorage to Seward.
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Ashley Metcalfe
June 19, 2024
Visiting Alaska? Well…you can’t miss the scenic drive from Anchorage to Seward.
Filled with forestry, wildlife and spectacular views of mountains, the drive was awarded as a National Forest Scenic Byway and All-American Road, or as my brother likes to call it, ‘the best drive in the USA’.
We have done the drive from Anchorage to Seward a handful of times and let me tell you – it never gets old. While the drive itself is a beautiful sight, there are stops along the way that really capture the heart and beauty that is Alaska.
And if it’s your first time in Alaska, you are in for a treat! There are 9 impressive stops to make along the way that will leave you speechless.
Anchorage to Seward Drive – Overview
When you drive from Anchorage to Seward, the distance you will travel is 127 miles (204 km), which is only 2 hours and 30 minutes non-stop. But trust us, you are going to want to stop! It’s so worth making the most of this drive to take pictures, bask in nature and just have a fun Alaskan road trip!
Tourist in Alaska? The best way to get around is by booking a car or download the Turo app to rent a car for the drive from Anchorage to Seward – it’s worth the booking just for the drive. Seriously.
Why?
You will be met with glaciers, mountain views, lake views, ocean views, forestry – need I say more? And if you’re lucky, you might even see some wildlife like moose, bears, birds and more.
Here are the 9 spectacular stops you have to make while driving from Anchorage to Seward.
1. Flattop Mountain Trail
On the AllTrails app, this hike is rated ‘Easy’, but we’re living proof to say it’s anything but easy! Granted we are amateur hikers.
This is a popular hike that most tourists do when they’re in Anchorage. If you make it to the top, you are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains and you might even spot Denali. Some days you’ll also get to see paragliders take off from the top.
When you’re doing your drive from Anchorage to Seward, you might not want to hike for 1 hour and 30 minutes up a mountain but…
…there are some alternative options! You could take the small trails which are shorter and easier and still have stunning views. There is a viewpoint that only takes about 15 minutes to walk up and it’s worth it! You might even get to spot some moose (like we did)!
Flattop Mountain is the first stop on your drive from Anchorage to Seward, only a couple miles from downtown Anchorage.
2. Turnagain Arm – Beluga Point
Beluga Point is one of the most spectacular stops you’ll make on this drive from Anchorage to Seward. It’s so impressive, you’ll just know when you’re getting close to Turnagain Arm.
You can almost see a 180-degree view of Turnagain Arm and possibly view the bore tide. Beluga Point Lookout is filled with scenic views of mountains, water and wildlife – a stop that can’t be missed on the drive from Anchorage to Seward.
This can be a quick stop – probably 10 minutes or so depending on how many photos you want to take.
3. Alyeska Tram Ride
A fun Alaska road trip favorite is the Alyeska Aerial Tram ride. Located in the quaint town of Girdwood is the world-famous Alyeska Resort known for impressive skiing and a scenic tram ride.
Once you turn into Girdwood and enter the Alyeska Resort, you can take the tram ride up the mountain at an elevation of 2,300 feet. At the top, you can enjoy views of Turnagain Arm and they also have a restaurant where you can dine with panoramic views to relax and recharge.
The ticket price for the Alyeska Tram is:
- Adult: $48 (19-69 years old)
- Military/Youth: $38
- Super Senior: $30
- Child: $10 (5 and under)
This is a worthwhile detour from Anchorage to Seward for any traveler – solo, couples or families!
4. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
This is one of the best conservation centers ever! I might be a little biased, but go and find out for yourself. Matthew and I spent a whole afternoon here at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and it was so much fun!
We got up close and personal with a brown bear (with a fence between us of course), watched bisons be bisons and attended a wolf workshop.
The ticket price for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is:
- General Admission: $25 per person (ages 13 and up)
- Youth: $20 per person (ages 4 to 12)
- Child: Free (3 and under)
- Military: $22 per person (active US military with ID)
- Alaska: $22 per person (Valid Alaska ID required)
- Alaska Youth: $18 per person (ages 4 to 12. Valid Alaska ID required)
Opening hours vary each month so check their website before visiting.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great place to see and get close to the amazing animals in the great land of Alaska.
5. Portage Glacier
Between Girdwood and the road to Whittier, you have the chance to stop and see Portage Glacier. You can choose to detour here and take a hike to see the glacier or you can take a ferry.
The entire hike could take the average hiker around 2-2.5 hours and it’s free to do.
The glacier cruise is a 1-hour tour and you can bask in the beautiful landscape and watch as chunks of ice break off the glacier.
The cruise costs $49 for adults and $29 for a child departing at:
- 10:30am
- 12:00pm
- 1:30pm
- 3:00pm
- 4:30pm
For more info, visit the website here.
Whether you choose to hike or go on the cruise – you will be rewarded with stunning views of a magnificent glacier.
6. Whittier
Whittier is one of the most unique towns you may ever come across. There is only one way in and out – through a single tunnel…which closes at night. The 200 residents in Whittier? Most stay under one single building in the entire town. How’s that for community?
While the town itself is fascinating, you are also close to Prince William Sound. Another town called Valdez is the largest port in town – a popular tourist spot.
Whittier is a unique and memorable stop to learn about a small town with a rich history. A must-see if you have more time on your drive from Anchorage to Seward.
7. Moose Pass
Welcome to the Kenai Peninsula! Moose Pass will welcome you with gorgeous lake views and quaint, small-town vibes.
This is a great place to take some photos, walk around and enjoy nature. Only a quick stop on your journey from Anchorage to Seward but a worthwhile one.
8. Crown Point
Another beautiful viewpoint on the drive from Anchorage to Seward is Crown Point. Similar to Moose Pass, it is just a quick pitstop to take some photos and enjoy the stunning views.
Have I said stunning views enough?!
We were able to take some cute photos on the train tracks and spent 15 minutes just walking around and watching others kayak or paddleboard across the water.
9. Kenai National Park – Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier is your last stop on your drive from Anchorage to Seward. Located only 20 minutes away from Seward, you will find a trail that leads to a stunning glacier.
If you want to get up close and personal with a glacier – Exit glacier is your chance! Only a 20-25-minute (and not too hard) hike to the viewpoint and you’ll be able to marvel at the huge glacier.
You can also hike further to get closer to the glacier and even touch it – as we did! Be careful though – it’s all at your own risk.
You’ve Made It From Anchorage to Seward!
And that’s it! You’ve made it to Seward from Anchorage, with some incredible stops along the way. Seward has to be one of the most beautiful small towns we’ve ever seen. Whenever we go to Alaska, visiting Seward is at the top of the list. You get 360-degree panoramic views of mountains, water and rich nature.
While you’re in Seward, you’ll enjoy the small-town vibes and you can leave your car at your hotel because it can be very walkable.
Here are some of the best things to do while you’re in Seward, Alaska:
- Kenai Fjords Cruise
- Whale Watching
- Fjord Viewing
- Helicopter Tours
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Alaska SeaLife Center
One other popular thing to do in Seward is taking a cruise out on Resurrection Bay to hopefully spot whales, puffins, and otters. You can also visit the Alaska SeaLife Center where you can experience animals like sea lions up close.
Here are some of our recommendations for cafes and restaurants in Seward, Alaska:
- 🍽️ Nice night out: The Cookery
- ☕️ Cute coffee shop: Resurrect Art Coffee House
- 🍗 Barbecue lunch: Firebrand BBQ
- 🌮 Mexican food: Lone Chicharron Taqueria
- 🍺 Having a beer: Seward Alehouse
- 📚 Coffee & Bookshop: 13 Ravens Coffee & Books
Most people spend a weekend in Seward and comfortably fit most activities into 2-3 days. Plan everything accordingly because Seward is a very small town and things get booked up quickly.
Driving from Anchorage to Seward could be the drive of a lifetime if you can pack everything in there. Otherwise, you’ll just have to come back to Alaska!
Just remember:
The journey is also what makes a trip. Remember to stop and simply enjoy the scenery that Alaska has to offer. You won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Anchorage to Seward?
The drive from Anchorage to Seward takes approximately 2.5 hours by car if you don’t make any stops. But trust us, it’s worth a few stops to enjoy all the sights and scenery along the way! We recommend leaving in the morning and planning to spend a day making stops along the way – you won’t regret it!
Is it better to drive or take the train from Anchorage to Seward?
We definitely reccomend driving because you can do it at your own pace and enjoy all the stops along the way – which is all part of the journey!
But if you really prefer not to drive, you can catch the scenic Alaska Railroad Train from Anchorage to Seward. The train travels along Turnagain Arm and follows a scenic route to Seward. While you won’t get all the stops and experiences, you will still get some impressive views. The train costs $124 one-way for adults and departs Anchorage at 6.45am, arriving in Seward at 11.20am.
Is the drive from Anchorage to Seward dangerous?
We’ve driven this several times and we find it very safe. Just keep your eyes on the road and stop on the side if you want to see the views.
Do I need a car to get around Seward?
Seward is very walkable so you can leave your car at your hotel and enjoy exploring the town at a slower pace.
Is Seward worth visiting?
A thousand times, YES! We definitely reccommend visiting this Alaskan town where the mountains meet the sea and experiecing for yourself the 360-degree panoramic views of the Alaskan landscape.
What else should I do in Alaska?
There’s so much to do and see in Alaska, it can be hard to know where to start. Check out our 10-Day Alaska Itinerary for a full breakdown of the best Alaska has to offer!
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We want to hear from you…
Has Alaska been on your bucket list for a while? Which stop are you most looking forward to on this Alaska road trip?
Curious about traveling around Alaska? Check out our guide on the best way to see Alaksa.
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