Seward Travel Guide, Alaska

Seward is one of the most important towns in Alaska being the place where most cruises start and end.

It also has a Russian heritage and a history dating back to 1793 when Russian governor Alexander Baranof stopped here and named the bay Resurrection Bay.

The name really proved to be suitable as the place has known a real development in the good sense. Tourism took the place of fishing industry which was the mainstay of economy in the past, but unlike other Alaska towns it did not spoil the town’s beauty or realism most of the improvements being only to the benefit of the town. It is true that the number of cruises and tourists raised during the past period as the attractions are irresistible and they have all the means to get to see them. There are buses that take you to Anchorage and there are there is the railroad with trains taking you in the same direction. Both rides are equally enjoyable but the train ride offers the tourist an excellent view. Anchorage is the point where those heading towards Seward land. These facilities have attracted tourists and have brought about a touristy boom in town.

Shops have sprung up to meet the demands and now you can find quite a few making shopping in Seward a pleasure. Among the hotspots are the Resurrect Art Coffee House Gallery and The Bardarson Studio.

Most tourists come for the Resurrection Bay, the Johnson Pass Trail, the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Gulf of Alaska and other attractions in Seward. Contrary to the expectations the town remained a town of pedestrians and very few cars can be seen much to the enjoyment of the locals and tourists who can wander around town without worrying about traffic. The town is quite manageable in size and all the attractions are within walking distance. You can cover all of them is two days. Walking around town on its lovely streets lined with old wood-frame houses will give you a real feel of the town.

While walking around you will surely get to the Alaska Sea Life Center the biggest attraction in town. It is not as big as you would find in a big city but all the others are suited for the small size of the town. Be prepared to spend here more than an hour. The center is a research institution and aquarium open to the public where you can see animals to be found in the nearby waters and land. The best thing is that you can see them closely without a glass separating them from the visitors: puffins, harbor seals, sea lions, octopuses, seabirds are among the many others. Other hands on exhibits delight the visitors and especially the children. Starfish is among those they can touch. There are also exhibits on the Bering Sea and on the damages the Exxon Valdez spill has done to the wildlife. You can choose to have a simple visit of the center of sign up for one of the special programs.

For more information on Seward history and area head towards the Seward Museum hosted in a small building.

The waterfront is a good place to fish especially during salmon season. You will also be able to see the ruins that were left after a tsunami wave wiped the waterfront in the 1964 earthquake.

No wander tourists flock to this place as the town itself is an attraction and besides that there are many attractions in the area: wonderful hiking trails, ocean fishing and a national park.

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