Most travelers who land in Anchorage head east to Denali National Park. While it attracts the lion’s share of tourists, there’s another option. The road trip from Anchorage to Seward and beyond offers a more secluded journey.
The coastal trip provides an opportunity to see glaciers and wildlife. Although Denali has the “Big Five” (grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, moose, and caribou),the wildlife in the coastal towns is primarily marine species.
So, if you want to see puffins, beluga whales, and Steller sea lions, we’ve got you covered with an exciting 5-day itinerary. The route to Seward with a day in Homer, is an adventure in itself.
Our itinerary balances outdoor activities with relaxation time, providing the best of both worlds. From hiking trails with stunning vistas to leisurely strolls along Seward’s waterfront, we’ve designed this trip to cater to all interests.
Planning Your Anchorage to Seward Journey
Planning a journey to Seward and Homer requires careful consideration of transportation and timing.
Choosing Your Mode Of Transportation
For those flying in, the airport closest to Seward, AK, is in Anchorage. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is larger than Fairbanks. It offers many direct flights from cities in the lower 48 states.
From there, you can use one of the following methods to reach the coast: the Alaska Railroad or the Anchorage to Seward bus. The train is a more relaxing mode of transportation, while the latter is budget friendly.
However, renting a car in Anchorage allowed us to stop at breathtaking viewpoints along the Seward Highway.
Best Time To Visit
Summer (June to August) offers the best weather for outdoor activities. The days are long, with up to 19 hours of daylight around the summer solstice.
Spring (May) and Fall (September) provide fewer crowds and lower prices. Wildlife viewing is excellent during these shoulder seasons. However, trails may not be accessible in spring due to snow, and expect a colder climate.
Winter (October to April) is ideal for aurora borealis viewing and winter sports. However, some attractions may be closed.
Day 1: Driving From Anchorage To Seward: Key Stops
Since our flight was short, we could enjoy some of Anchorage’s attractions before leaving.
The 127-mile stretch of road between Seward and Anchorage is often named among the country’s most scenic drives. It winds through the jaw-dropping Alaskan wilderness.
It delivers dramatic views of the Chugach Mountains, the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, waterfalls, lakes, and blue-tinged glaciers.
Beluga Point
Beluga Point is our first stop, just 6.5 miles south of Anchorage city limits. This scenic viewpoint provides stunning vistas of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding mountains. I thought the rugged coastline was charming.
Turnagain Arm features Alaska’s famous mud flats. The tide’s level will determine what you can see. From May to July, the white whales are visible close to the shore before and after a high tide.
Bird Point, 15 miles east, offers another place to view Turnagain Arm. Like Beluga Point, it has interpretive signs of the local wildlife and geology.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood for guaranteed encounters with moose, elk, bears, wolves, reindeer, bison, and musk ox. This sanctuary rescues orphaned, ill, or injured animals and provides a safe and natural environment for them.
Here, we observed Alaskan wildlife up close in a natural setting. We drove through the facility along the 1.5-mile loop roadway and stopped at animal closures that piqued our interest.
My favorites were the coastal brown bears, Lynx, young moose, and coyote. While we only spent an hour here, I’d recommend two to three hours, with an early start.
I visited in early June when the wood bison and muskox shedding their winter coats. It was a fantastic time to see wildlife with young.
Portage Valley
Portage Valley, our final stop before reaching Seward, offers diverse outdoor activities and stunning glacier views. The valley is home to several glaciers, including the easily accessible Portage Glacier.
We suggest visiting the Begic Boggs Visitor Center to learn about the area’s glacial history. From here, we took a boat tour to get closer to Portage Glacier. For a more active experience, you can hike the Byron Glacier Trail.
Alternatively, Portage Pass is less than 10 miles off the main route and well worth the trek (four miles round-trip) if you didn’t do the previous trail or boat cruise. This trail provides the only way to marvel at Portage Glacier on foot.
It peaks at Portage Pass and travels to the gravelly lake shoreline just across from the glacier. En route to Seward, more stunning scenery awaits.
Tern Lake
A little over an hour before Moose Pass is Tern Lake. Stop to watch for the trumpeter swans, Arctic terns, and bald eagles while enjoying a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
With some luck, the sight of feasting brown bears, foraging moose, and mountain goats scurrying around the northeast mountain slope might be possible.
Day 2: Seward
Plan to spend the second day exploring the natural wonders around Seward. Kenai Fjords National Park’s breathtaking glaciers and scenic coastlines offer bountiful adventures that are second to none.
Kenai Fjords National Park
With so much to do in Seward, plan to spend two full days here. Kenai Fjords National Park is just outside of town, home to Exit Glacier.
We found a boat tour was the best way to fully experience the park’s beauty. These tours typically last 6-8 hours and provide opportunities to see:
- Tidewater glaciers calving into the sea.
- Humpback whales, orcas, and porpoises.
- Sea otters, seals, and Steeler sea lions.
- Puffins and other seabirds.
Many tours include a stop at Fox Island, where guests can enjoy a buffet lunch with salmon and prime rib. Be sure to bring warm layers, as we found it chilly on the water.
Exit Glacier
It’s a 10- to 15-minute drive to Exit Glacier from Seward. This accessible glacier within Kenai Fjords National Park offers breathtaking views of glacial landscapes.
As one of the most visited glaciers in the region, Exit Glacier didn’t disappoint with its towering ice formations and striking blue hues.
This is one of the few active glaciers where visitors can reach the toe. The Edge of the Glacier Trail is a moderate 1-mile round trip hike that brought us close to the glacier’s face.
For a more challenging experience, the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile round-trip hike, provides stunning views of the icefield.
Day 3: Seward
Seward offers stunning natural beauty and exciting marine adventures. We’ll explore the breathtaking Resurrection Bay and visit the educational Alaska SeaLife Center.
Resurrection Bay
Resurrection Bay’s pristine waters and dramatic scenery make it a must-visit destination. Begin your day with a relaxing walk by the water, enjoying the sight of mountains topped with snow and glaciers.
Combine this experience with a kayak tour in Resurrection Bay, named one of the country’s top 10 places to kayak. The calm waters are perfect for beginners.
Imagine paddling through dramatic scenery and discovering secluded coves along the shoreline. Kayakers often share the experience with all sorts of wildlife, from whales and porpoises to seals, sea otters, puffins, and bald eagles.
If kayaking isn’t your thing, try fishing in Resurrection Bay instead. Halibut and salmon are plentiful, and local charters can provide all the necessary equipment and expertise.
Alaska SeaLife Center
If time allows, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center along the shores of the bay. It rehabilitates animals injured by the Exxon Valdez oil spill and allows visitors to view cold-water fish, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions.
Highlights include:
- Touch tanks where visitors can interact with sea stars and anemones.
- Puffin habitat with both horned and tufted puffins.
- Exhibits on Alaska’s unique marine ecosystems.
Behind-the-scenes tours are available along with a gift shop.
Day 4: Seward To Homer
Homer is an easy and scenic 3- to 3.5-hour drive from Seward. Our adventure includes exploring Cooper Landing, participating in thrilling halibut fishing, and visiting the historic Kilcher Homestead.
Cooper Landing
About an hour in is Cooper Landing. It’s an ideal stop to learn about Alaska’s culture and unique history at the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Art National Heritage Area, including some characters from the gold rush.
Cooper Landing is nestled at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers. This stop offers a short detour to admire Kenai Lake, surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains.
Copper Landing also has a historic post office and Estes Grocery, an old roadhouse with photos from the past.
Continuing, you’ll reach the town of Soldotna in less than an hour. Soldotna Creek Park is an excellent stop for a picnic lunch.
Another option is the Inlet View Lodge, 40 miles further in the tiny town of Ninilchik. Not only can you enjoy some of the best clam chowders around, but nearby there’s a beautiful historic Russian Orthodox churchoverlooking the ocean that makes for a fabulous photo-op.
Once in Homer, you’ll find multiple accommodation options (best booked well in advance for a summer stay). However, Land’s End Resort is the only hotel on the famous Homer Spit.
Kilcher Homestead
A visit to the Kilcher Homestead is a must for anyone interested in Alaskan history or familiar with the Discovery Channel show “Alaska: The Last Frontier.”
The Kilcher family has lived off the land on their 600-acre homestead for decades. They began their Alaska homestead in the 1940s when Yule and Ruth Kilcher arrived from Switzerland.
After participating in butter churning, wool spinning, and candle making, we realized that traditional skills required a lot of work. The homestead also features beautiful hiking trails with panoramic views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding mountains.
Before leaving, consider purchasing a copy of Yule Kilcher’s book detailing his family’s Alaskan adventures.
Halibut Fishing
Homer, frequently referred to as the “World’s Halibut Fishing Capital,” offers chartered fishing expeditions in Kachemak Bay. At prime fishing spots, anglers have a chance to catch these massive flatfish.
These bottom-dwellers can weigh over 300 pounds, providing a lively challenge for anglers of all skill levels. After a successful day on the water, many local processors provide a clean and packaged service. Some restaurants in Homer even offer a “cook your catch.”
Day 5: Leisure And Return Trip
The final day of our Anchorage to Seward adventure allows for a quick drive along Homer Spit Road if you aren’t staying at the Land’s End Resort.
Plan to stop by the Salty Dawg, as it’s not an ordinary saloon. It provides an experience set within one of the first cabins built here in 1897, soon after the townsite was established.
Popular with visitors and locals, thousands of well-worn dollar bills cover the walls and ceiling. It appeared on the Discovery Channel in an episode of “Deadliest Catch.”
Homer To Anchorage
The downside to a shorter Alaska road trip itinerary is that you’ll be left wanting more. I remember that feeling all too well after my first trip to Alaska. Now, I return every year.
The key to this 5-day Alaska itinerary is ensuring that your flight back home leaves later in the day. Anchorage International Airport is about 4.5 hours away. Rise early to take advantage of missed photo-ops on the drive to Seward.
Alternatively, this 5-day road trip can be combined with a cruise out of the port of Seward. By cruising, this itinerary then becomes a one-way road trip.
Cruise guests starting in Seward can go from Anchorage to Homer and then Seward. Those finishing in Seward would do the reverse itinerary.
