Seward is a small but extremely popular town. The stunning natural surroundings and the easy access to Kenai Fjords National Park make it an attractive destination for tourists worldwide. So, if you’re planning a trip here, the first thing you need to do is find the best places to stay in Seward, Alaska.
To help you out with the selection process, I compared all the Seward neighborhoods, and I came up with a list of the 3 top areas to stay in Seward, Alaska. Plus, I handpicked the best hotels in each area and sorted them by price – you’ll find everything from luxury hotels to budget stays!
In short, the best place is Downtown. This is where you’ll find the main attractions, the best hotels, and many tour operators. But I couldn’t let you go without adding more info for those who want something a little different.
Although Seward may look like a town that doesn’t get many visitors, trust me, this place is packed with tourists. Book your Seward accommodation in advance and avoid the high prices of last-minute bookings.
Let’s go, we’ve got lots to see!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Ready to book right now? Here’s a list of the best hotels in Seward, Alaska, all located Downtown:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown – where to stay in Seward for the first time
- 2. Seward Harbor – where to stay for marine life enthusiasts
- 3. Lowell Point – best place to stay for the outdoors
- BONUS: Best family accommodation in Seward
- BONUS 2: The top vacation rentals in Seward, Alaska
- FAQs about where to stay in Seward, Alaska
- Final words on where to stay in Seward, Alaska
Check out this map of the 3 Seward neighborhoods that I’ll be talking about in this post:
- Downtown: for first-timers
- Seward Harbor: for marine life
- Lowell Point: for outdoor lovers
1. Downtown – where to stay in Seward for the first time
This scenic port town of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula is a dream location for any avid hiker, outdoor enthusiast, and wildlife lover! If you’re visiting Seward for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Downtown, with its good selection of attractions and hotels and its charming atmosphere.
One of the main perks of staying in Downtown Seward is that most attractions, like the Alaska Sealife Center, will be within walking distance from you! Here, you can see various marine animals, including sea lions, many different seals, and even a giant octopus! I also recommend this area to people who don’t have a car and come by train from Anchorage.
Seward offers easy access to Kenai Fjords National Park (map), a beautiful place famous for its glaciers and abundant wildlife! But before you run to explore the hiking trails in Kenai Fjords National Park, take a moment to check out all the downtown shops and walk around Waterfront Park (map).
FUN FACT: Seward is the ‘mural capital of Alaska’ featuring a total of 12 murals. Even though this doesn’t sound like much, it’s quite a number for a town of this size. Most of the murals are located in Downtown Seward, so walk around and keep your eyes peeled for the impressive street art.
Near Downtown, you’ll also find the stunning Lowell Creek Waterfall (map), a great destination for a short hike. From Downtown Seward, you can also reach Mount Marathon (map) – there are plenty of hiking trails to get you to the top of the mountain.
You’ll also find plenty of great restaurants in Downtown Seward, and while you’re here, you definitely need to try seafood – it’s fresh and delicious! I’d recommend either The Cookery (map) for the most delicious oysters or the family-friendly Chattermark Seward (map), which features an extensive seafood menu.
Now, let’s take a look at the top Downtown Seward hotels!
This 4-star B&B is not exactly the height of luxury, but it’s the most upscale property in Downtown Seward. At the B&B, you’ll have access to a fitness room, and you can relax in your cozy room in front of the fireplace. And, of course, a delicious breakfast is served every morning.
Other accommodation options in Downtown
Offering mountain views and a sun terrace, this B&B offers free Wi-Fi, parking, laundry facilities, and concierge services
Each of the rooms at this motel has an en-suite bathroom and access to cable TV and free Wi-Fi
Warm up in front of the fireplace at this cozy cottage with convenient amenities like free parking
Things to do in Downtown
- Make cute new friends at the Alaska SeaLife Center
- Catch a scenic sunset in the Waterfront Park
- Admire the beautiful Lowell Creek Waterfall
- Go on a dog sled ride tour in Seward
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Cookery or the Chattermark Seward
- Explore the hiking trails near Mt. Marathon
2. Seward Harbor – where to stay for marine life enthusiasts
Can’t stay too far away from the sea and boats? We’ve all felt that at some point, but if you’re an avid fan and looking for a place to stay during your Alaska trip, then look no further than Seward Harbor, located a 20-min walk North of Downtown! This small and lively area is the ultimate spot for exploring the rich and varied marine life in the waters around Seward.
Home to a handful of shops, tour companies, and restaurants, this area is a great place to stay in Seward as it offers many hotels and rustic cabins nestled around the harbor. You’ll also find the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center (map), which offers helpful information about the park.
FUN FACT: The town of Seward was named after William H. Seward, who served as Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State and was also responsible for purchasing Alaska from Russia in 1867.
I’m sure you’ll be eager to spend as much time off the land as possible, so you’ll be happy to know that many wildlife cruise tours depart from Seward Harbor. These tours are the best way to see Resurrection Bay (map)! Plus, you’ll get a glance at the dramatic fjords, glaciers, and marine life of Kenai Fjords National Park.
NOTE: Since the only way to experience the beauty of Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjord National Park is on a guided tour, you should know that most tour operators only offer their services during the summer months (between May and September). Keep this in mind when planning your trip to Seward.
If you choose to stay on land, make sure to check out the ‘Two Giant Puffins’ Mural (map) and spend some time in Benny Benson Memorial Park (map) – this quaint park features a beautiful lake and is home to a variety of birds, making it a great spot for relaxing and bird-watching.
Overall, Seward Harbor is a great location to start your Alaskan adventure! The harbor is close to Downtown, so if you want access to more shopping, you can simply walk there. Most of the cruises and fishing charters depart from here, so you don’t have to worry about getting a car or using public transport.
Even though this is a 3-star hotel, it offers many great amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, free parking, and a great complimentary breakfast. Guests will also benefit from an on-site ATM and a snack bar.
Other accommodation options in Seward Harbor
Situated directly on the waterfront and overlooking Resurrection Bay, this hotel with a pool has bright and spacious rooms
Even though slightly lower rated, this hotel is a great cheap option for staying near the harbor
The great, spacious cottage where you can cook your own food and enjoy it on the private deck
Things to do in Seward Harbor
- See cute whales on a wildlife tour of the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay
- Admire the ‘Two Giant Puffins’ Mural
- Go on a fishing trip with Seward Fishing Charters
- Go bird-watching at Benny Benson Memorial Park
- Grab a beer and a quick bite at the Tidewater Taphouse (map)
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3. Lowell Point – best place to stay for the outdoors
As I mentioned earlier, Seward is a paradise for hiking lovers and people who love spending their days exploring the wildlife! Right outside Downtown Seward (a 10-min drive South), you’ll find a small and quiet area called Lowell Point, great for those who aren’t interested in any of the ‘city activities’ and want to discover many hiking trails and unique spots!
This area is pretty chill. I mean, the whole town has a laid-back atmosphere, but Downtown is definitely a bit busier as most tourists book their hotels there. If you’re a fan of tranquility and do not have too many people around you or other travelers, I think Lowell Point will be perfect for you!
Note that you’ll probably need to head to Downtown Seward anytime you want to eat at a restaurant or go shopping, but if you find well-equipped accommodation, you can cut back on eating out. Also, you will probably need to rent a car if you want to stay here as it is a bit more remote!
TIP: If you are planning on driving from Seward to Anchorage, be sure to take the Seward Highway. This route is perfect for a scenic drive, and there are plenty of places along the way where you can stop and enjoy the views. The ride itself takes less than 2 and a half hours, but plan some extra time so you can soak up the beauty along the way.
As I mentioned, this area is ideal for anyone who enjoys hiking, and the Lowell Point State Recreation Site (map) is a popular place to do just that. Another super popular hiking spot is the Caines Head Trail (see trail map), a long beach walk that can only be achieved at low tide; don’t try to walk this trail when the tide is high – it can be dangerous!
Exit Glacier (map) is another popular place for hiking because it allows you to actually hike the ice mass. However, this is for experienced hikers only, and if you do decide to go, I recommend going with an organized group, seeing as the hike is not without risk.
There are also a few campgrounds scattered around Lowell Point; camping is quite popular among people visiting Seward during summer, and if that’s something you’re interested in, you can get some extra info through this link.
Let’s take a look at the best accommodations in Lowell Point!
A great atmosphere, Resurrection Bay views, and nature! What can be better than that? Relax after hiking in the comfy chairs on the large deck overlooking the golf course, and enjoy the location within walking distance of the beach. This cozy lodge even offers a garden and family rooms!
Other accommodation options in Lowell Point
This 2-story duplex features 2 bedrooms with private balconies and can accommodate up to 6 guests
Cozy wooden cabin with a nice design that offers beach access, laundry facilities, and free parking
Spacious duplex with 3 great rooms, a kitchen, and a little terrace that has a seating area
Things to do in Lowell Point
- Explore the Lowell Point State Park
- Hike along the Caines Head Trail
- Go ice hiking on Exit Glacier
- Take a day trip to Moose Pass (map)
👑 Luxury price: | US$250 |
💵 Mid-range: | US$200 |
🛏️ Budget: | US$150 |
📍 Best area: | Downtown |
🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Arctic Paradise B&B |
🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | The Vue B&B |
👛 Best budget hotel: | Sea Treasures Inn |
BONUS: Best family accommodation in Seward
Seward is the perfect location for a trip with family! Especially if you guys enjoy outdoor adventures and spending time in nature. Finding a place to stay with the little ones is hard, but fear not – I’m here with a collection of the best family lodges in Seward, AK, listed from most to least expensive!
Let’s check them out:
- Seward Windsong Lodge – this top-rated hotel is situated right along the riverfront and boasts a lobby with a fireplace and an on-site coffee shop; it also offers complimentary self-parking and a free area shuttle
- Spruce Lodge – at this property, you can rent a room, a studio, or a chalet, depending on how many family members you are traveling with; Wi-Fi and parking are provided free of charge
- Bear Lake Lodgings B&B – enjoy the mountain views from your room in this lovely B&B, relax on the sun terrace, and benefit from other perks, like free parking and a delicious complimentary breakfast
- Sauerdough Lodging – this aparthotel has comfortable and spacious apartments and studios, each with a private bathroom and a coffee machine; there’s also an on-site restaurant serving delicious American cuisine
BONUS 2: The top vacation rentals in Seward, Alaska
If the modern hotel type of accommodation isn’t your piece of cake, don’t worry, I totally get you! When visiting a place like Seward, you want a place to stay that fits the tone of the location. In this case, you may prefer a cabin or chalet that offers easy access to nature.
If that’s the case for you, then take a look below. I’ve added vacation rentals that fit that exact description and are listed in descending price order!
- Chalet of Seward – book a spacious studio in this elegant chalet in the Small Boat Harbor. It’s perfect for 2 people looking to have a relaxing holiday in Seward; during the day, you can explore the chalet grounds – it even has a small pond
- Charming Downtown Suite – if you want to stay as central as possible, this Downtown place in the small town of Seward will be the right fit. It can fit only 2 people, but it has a bathroom and a small dining area, perfect for a cozy escape
- Blueberry Haven – a 2-storey townhouse situated on the base of Mount Marathon with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, and a spacious living area with large windows that provide a lot of natural light
- Retro 50’s Charm – this charming 1-bedroom rental in a historic and renovated property has a comfortable living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a parking space right in front of the building
FAQs about where to stay in Seward, Alaska
🏔️ Is it worth staying in Seward?
Yes, Seward is an excellent place to stay in Alaska! The town offers many attractions plus easy access to one of the Kenai Fjords National Park, and by staying here, you have more time to explore the park.
🚗 Do I need a car to get around Seward, Alaska?
It’s not mandatory to have a car when visiting Seward, especially if you’re staying Downtown or in Seward Harbor, as most restaurants, shops, and tour operators are there. However, if you are staying in Lowell Point, it’s a good idea to rent a car.
⌛ How many days should you spend in Seward, Alaska?
For your visit to Seward, I recommend staying at least 2 days to get a feel of the town, hike one of the nearby trails, and take a tour of Kenai Fjords National Park.
📅 What is the best month to visit Seward, Alaska?
The best time to visit Seward is between May and September, when the weather is warmest, and you get plenty of daylight. This is also the ideal time for deep sea fishing and seeing the abundant wildlife, including whales and sea lions.
👨👩👧👧 Where to stay in Seward, Alaska, with family?
The best family-friendly lodges in Seward are the Seward Windsong Lodge and the Spruce Lodge, both offering spacious rooms or studios that can accommodate your family and boast some great amenities.
🚢 What are the best hotels in Seward, Alaska, near the cruise port?
The top hotels in Seward, Alaska, that are situated right by Seward Harbor are the Gateway Hotel and the Harbor 360 Hotel Seward.
🚆 How long is the train from Anchorage to Seward?
The train ride with the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward takes around 4 hours.
🛫 Where do you fly to get to Seward, Alaska?
Although Seward has its airport, it’s pretty tiny, so most likely, you’ll fly into Anchorage and arrive at Ted Stevens International Airport.
Final words on where to stay in Seward, Alaska
What a journey! We’ve reached the end of this extensive guide on the best places to stay in Seward, Alaska. I hope this was helpful to you and you’ve decided where you’ll be staying.
I know there are so many options in this article, so if you’re having a hard time trying to decide, here are my top 2 favorite options, both located in Downtown Seward:
- Arctic Paradise B&B – a lovely B&B offering in-room breakfast and access to a fitness room
- The Vue B&B – this B&B offers concierge services, free Wi-Fi and parking, and has a wonderful sun terrace
As I told you before, the Seward, Alaska, hotels sell out quickly, and I highly recommend booking them in advance to secure your spot and get better prices.
If you have any other questions about where to stay or the Seward, Alaska attractions, comment below, and I’ll answer them as quickly as possible!
Safe travels,
Victoria
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