In case you haven’t already heard, Alaska starts right here in the charming coastal town of Seward. With a picturesque location at the head of Resurrection Bay on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground, this scenic spot appears as if it is straight out of a fairy tale. This small town with a population of roughly 2,500 residents is also loaded with history as it is, in fact, one of the oldest communities in the Last Frontier. Just one visit will make you fall in love, but watch out – you might never want to leave this fairy tale town in Alaska!

Welcome to Seward, Alaska; where your wildest dreams become a reality, right before your very eyes!
Flickr - Eli Duke
Seward's largest annual event is the 4th of July Mt. Marathon Race where visitors come from all around the globe to participate in (and watch) the notoriously steep mountain climb.
Flickr - Luke Jones
Once you get to the top, the views will blow your mind. But the trek is straight up hill and certainly not for the faint of heart.
We've said it before and we'll say it again, the easily accessible hike to Exit Glacier in Seward just might be the most beautiful trek in all of Alaska.
Flickr - PTorrodellas
Especially since the hike itself is on a well-maintained path and is only a few miles round-trip.
If you're feeling extra adventurous, hike up on the Harding Ice-field and spend the day soaking in the phenomenal backcountry views, sans the crowds. This area lends itself to some of the magical qualities we would expect from a fairy tale town in Alaska.
Flickr - Robbie Shade
One of the very top rated excursions in the Last Frontier is located right here in Seward. A Kenai Fjords Tour into the renowned Kenai Fjords National Park is utterly life-changing.
Flickr - Teddy Llovet
I mean... there is simply NO way to deny that this looks straight out of a fairy tale!
Flickr - Ernesto Andrade
But in Seward, Alaska - it's actually a reality! You'll probably have to pinch yourself a few times just to bring you back down to earth. This is one of the most stunning places to visit in Alaska.
Watch massive whales breaching right before your very eyes...
Flickr - Gregory Slobirdr Smith
Observe sea lions sun bathing in massive numbers on rock faces that jolt out into the ocean waters...
Flickr - Teddy Llovet
Don't forget to keep an eye out for those little creatures that look like mini-penguins. Tufted and horned puffins are famous for their bright orange peaks and vibrant, distinctive colors. They are absolutely stunning and you will not be able to stop snapping photos of them.
Oh, and a trip to Alaska wouldn't be complete without larger-than-life views of glacial land.
Flickr - Kimberly Vardeman
If you're in Seward, you're in luck! On a fishing vessel or a Kenai Fjords Tour you'll have insane opportunities to view huge glaciers while listening to the thundering sounds of the ice chunks calving in the distance.
If you're into the eco-tourism scene, Seward is an excellent place to enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding right in the middle of God's green (and blue) earth.
Flickr - Horatio3K
Resurrection Bay offers so many fun things to see and do, contributing to why Seward is definitely one of the best towns in Alaska.
Although the town of Seward is relatively compact, it is actually very well developed with shops, restaurants, lodging and the incredible Alaska Sealife Center.
Flickr - Jenni Konrad

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With great places to stay and a town full of friendly people willing to help achieve the ultimate Alaska vacation, you'll regret not staying a while and soaking in all that the town has to offer.
Courtney Stanley
Spend the day shopping for one-of-a-kind memorabilia items before dining at a charming eatery overlooking the mountainous boat harbor.
Flickr - Barbara Eckstein
After a good meal, be sure to take a walk from the harbor and enjoy the phenomenal mountain views that will greet you in the distance.
Flickr - Barbara Eckstein
With the mountains’ reflections on the breathtaking Resurrection Bay, you will be able to see for yourself with Seward is considered to be the most beautiful town in Alaska.
Don't forget to look down - you never know what kinds of adorable marine animals might pop out to say hello!
Flickr - Gregory Slobirdr Smith
Time your day to capture the sunrise or sunset and we guarantee you won't be disappointed with the fairy tale feelings that will overcome you.
Flickr - Soaring Albatross
Need more proof? Just look below. Talk about epic!
Courtney Stanley
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Mile 0 of the Historic Iditarod Trail is located in the community of Seward. The town is truly loaded with history.
Flickr - Madeleine Deaton
In the early 1900s this trail was blazed with the intention of being able to transport people and goods to and from the port of Seward to the northern interior region of Alaska.
Hiking in and around Seward is guaranteed to give you wanderlust for life.
Flickr - Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
In the prime summer months, the flamboyant pink fireweed that lines the mountain sides will give you a major dose of eye-candy along the trail.
Flickr - Dr.DeNo
The fall foliage is also an incredible spectacle to see, making a trip to Seward in late August and September totally worth the while.
Flickr - Dan Logan
The panoramic views overlooking the Kenai Lagoon will leave you awe-inspired for years to come.
Flickr - Matt L
No matter what you choose to do in Seward, we are sure that you will be spoiled with fairy tale beauty from start to finish.

Have you ever visited this fairy tale town in Alaska? What did you think? Did you find it utterly magical? Let us knowing the comments below!

While you’re in Seward, be sure to check out this old rail car train that is actually a scrumptious restaurant. After you fill up on a great meal, be sure to check out these 15 incredible hikes under 5 miles that will lead you to the most unforgettable places. For more great articles and incredible video footage from Alaska, be sure to check us out online HERE.

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More to Explore

Fairy Tale Town In Alaska

Megan McDonald | July 14, 2020

What is the best time of year to visit Seward, Alaska?

The best time to visit Seward is between the months of May and September. This is the prime visiting season for the whole state of Alaska, because the days are long, the weather is mild and sometimes downright gorgeous, and the animals are out. Seward comes alive in the summertime. There’s plenty to see and do, including hiking, whale watching, fishing, and exploring their beautiful downtown. All the restaurants are open and so are the hotels. There is something to do in Seward all year long however, so if you can’t make it in the summer, visiting in another season is still fun!

How many days should I spend in Seward?

At least two! Resurrection Bay alone deserves a day of exploration. Book a glacier boat tour, or a whale watch. Getting out on the water is amazing and gets you really up close and personal with some of the beauty this area offers. But there’s also the Alaska SeaLife Center, so many good restaurants, and lots of amazing hikes nearby. You’ll want at least two days to soak in the magic of this town!

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Seward, AK, USA