People come from all over the world to see Alaska’s stunning beauty, but if you live here, it’s easy to take the jaw-dropping scenery for granted. One way to renew your appreciation for this beautiful place is by taking a scenic drive. Here’s one that’s easily accessible year-round: my favorite scenic byway in Alaska!

How long is the Seward Highway? The Seward Highway stretches 125 miles from Seward to Anchorage. Life Magazine named this stretch of road one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world.
Federal Highway Administration/Wikimedia
It's also known as Alaska Route 9 and Alaska Route 1.
The highway starts at Seward, and is just two lanes wide. The road is located in the center of this photo, and you can see that it's just a few hundred feet from the Gulf of Alaska.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Wikimedia
The highway passes through Seward and then travels north to the Chugach National Forest.
You'll enter the Chugach National Forest about five miles into your scenic drive.
Kate Mereand/Wikimedia
This gorgeous national forest encompasses 6,908,540 acres, and of course you'll only see a small part of it, but it's incredibly picturesque.
The road follows alongside tracks for the Alaska Railroad, and the tracks cross back and forth along the way, so you'll go across several bridges.
lifetravelandmore/flickr
The road skirts Kenai Lake for about five miles before traveling over Moose Pass.
DCSL/flickr
Moose Pass sits at an elevation of 472 feet. During winter months it can be a little icy.
DCSL/flickr
There's a tiny town here, with around 300 residents.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr

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Tern Lake is another of the many beautiful sights you'll see during the 72-mile journey through this forest.
Peter Rintels/flickr
You'll also pass pretty meadows and witness stunning mountain views.
DCSL/flickr
A little farther down the road, you'll reach Portage, and travel along the Turnagain Arm.
Meghas2/Wikimedia
There's pretty much a scenic vista around every turn along this highway.
DCSL/flickr
You'll leave the Chugach National Forest as the road turns north, toward Anchorage.
You'll start to see signs of civilization again as you reach the outskirts of Anchorage.
readlistendream/flickr
The highway continues on into the heart of Anchorage before turning east, where it becomes the Glenn Highway.
Turnagain Arm is absolutely stunning, no matter the season.
Only In Your State / Alaska
This is one of my favorite scenic drives in Alaska.
Some of the best sights on the Seward Highway are just minutes from Anchorage. If you’re a local, how easy it is to soak in the beauty!
Only In Your State / Alaska
The best sights on the Seward Highway just make you stop and stare.
Only In Your State / Alaska
It’s no surprise that it constantly tops the list of most beautiful byways in the world!

What are your favorite spots along this scenic byway in Alaska? Do you have a spot you like to go to? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to pack your road trip snacks!

If you’re ready to plan a summer road trip, take a look at this one, which will take you to several hidden beaches.

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More to Explore

Scenic Byways In Alaska

Megan McDonald | December 14, 2023

How long is the Seward Highway?

The Seward Highway in Alaska is approximately 127 miles (204 kilometers) long. It stretches from Anchorage, the state's largest city, to the scenic town of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. This highway is known for its beautiful landscapes, including coastal views, mountains, and various opportunities for wildlife viewing.

What are the best scenic byways in Alaska?

Alaska, known for its vast wilderness and stunning natural beauty, offers some of the world's most picturesque and awe-inspiring scenic byways. These routes provide an intimate look at the state's diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines and serene forests to majestic mountains and tundra expanses. Each byway has its unique charm, allowing travelers to experience Alaska's wilderness up close:

  • Seward Highway: Stretching from Anchorage to Seward, it's renowned for its stunning coastal views, Turnagain Arm, and opportunities to see wildlife and glaciers.
  • Glenn Highway: Running from Anchorage to Glennallen, it provides panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains and access to the Matanuska Glacier.
  • Sterling Highway: Connecting Tern Lake to Homer, it traverses the Kenai Peninsula, with access to fishing, hiking, and Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Dalton Highway: Extends from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, crossing the Arctic Circle and the Brooks Range, offering a glimpse into the remote Arctic landscape.
  • Richardson Highway: Links Valdez and Fairbanks, featuring Alaska Range views, Worthington Glacier, and Keystone Canyon.

Exploring these scenic byways in Alaska offers an unparalleled journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America. Each byway is a journey into the heart of Alaska's wild and pristine nature, offering unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike.

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Seward Highway, Seward Hwy, Seward, AK, USA