Seward, Alaska
Where mountains meet the sea in a landscape like no other
Nestled between the towering Kenai Mountains and the deep blue waters of Resurrection Bay, Seward is one of Alaska’s most scenic coastal towns.
Just a 2.5-hour drive south of Anchorage, this vibrant seaside community welcomes visitors with dramatic landscapes, a bustling small boat harbor, and easy access to outdoor adventures.
Glaciers, Fjords, and Forests
Surrounded by national parks, pristine forests, and glacial fjords, Seward offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and small-town charm.
Whether you’re stepping off the Alaska Railroad, cruising into port, or driving along the famed Seward Highway, the journey here is just the beginning. With its thriving harbor, local shops and galleries, and endless options for exploration, Seward is an ideal base for discovering the wild beauty of coastal Alaska.
Seward History
Seward’s history stretches back to 1792, when Russian explorer Alexander Baranof first sailed into Resurrection Bay and later built the Phoenix, one of the first ships constructed on the West Coast.
In the 1890s, Captain Frank Lowell and his family became the earliest American settlers, and by 1903, the town was officially founded with the arrival of railroad builders. Named after U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward, who orchestrated the 1867 purchase of Alaska, the town quickly grew into a vital transportation hub.
Iditarod & The Alaska Railway
Seward marks Mile 0 of the historic Iditarod Trail.
Originally blazed in 1908 as a route to interior gold fields and later used to deliver life-saving serum to Nome during the 1925 diphtheria outbreak.
In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson selected Seward as the starting point for the Alaska Railroad, solidifying its role as a gateway to the interior.