Driving Alaska’s Seward Highway Feels Like Another World

The Seward Highway, spanning 127 miles between Anchorage and Seward, serves as both a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. It seamlessly connects Alaska’s largest city to the Kenai Peninsula, weaving through an array of natural environments, from coastal tidal inlets to imposing mountain valleys and glacier-fed lakes. Travelers experience a concentrated glimpse of Alaska’s renowned landscapes without needing to leave the comfort of their vehicle.

Ten notable stops along the route offer a glimpse into the varied topography and rich culture of south-central Alaska. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day journey, these highlights are selected to help you navigate the Seward Highway with insight and ease.

1. Anchorage Starting Point

Every journey has a launchpad, and Anchorage delivers with scope and practicality. Here, travelers can find reputable rental car agencies, well-stocked supermarkets, and a range of hotels to match every preference. Anchorage’s setting, with snow-capped Chugach peaks visible from downtown streets, offers an immediate sense of Alaska’s scale.

Once on the Seward Highway, the rapid transition from urban bustle to untamed wilderness is striking. Within minutes, city streets give way to panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and distant ridgelines. The highway’s initial stretch is accessible and well-maintained, helping drivers acclimate before venturing further.

Anchorage also serves as a final checkpoint for essentials. Locals often recommend double-checking fuel, snacks, and weather updates, since service options thin out after you leave the city limits.

2. Turnagain Arm

Few stretches of highway hug their environment as intimately as Turnagain Arm. This tidal inlet, bordered by towering mountains, shifts character with every hour, mud flats exposed at low tide transform into silver water corridors at high tide. The interplay between land and water creates rare viewing opportunities for travelers and photographers alike.

Turnagain Arm is known for its dramatic bore tides, where surges of water roll upstream, occasionally attracting adventurous surfers. During late summer, beluga whales can sometimes be spotted from roadside pullouts, especially around dusk.

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but persistent observation is often rewarded. For many, this section becomes a highlight, showcasing the ever-changing moods of Alaska’s southern coast.

3. Beluga Point

At Beluga Point, every stop seems to invite a moment of quiet reflection. Situated alongside the early part of the Seward Highway, this pullout is favored for its panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and its readiness for spontaneous wildlife encounters. Binoculars are often in use here, as visitors scan the horizon for birds, beluga whales, and even the occasional Dall sheep clinging to the cliffs above.

The area’s rocky shoreline adds texture to both photographs and picnic stops. Interpretive signs provide geological context, helping visitors appreciate the natural forces that shaped the landscape.

Not simply a spot for hurried snapshots, Beluga Point encourages travelers to linger. Early mornings or late evenings are especially peaceful, with shifting light adding subtle drama to the scene.

4. Girdwood

Girdwood’s character is shaped by its dual identity as both a ski town and a summer adventure base. Nestled about 40 miles from Anchorage, it features the Alyeska Resort, where visitors ride aerial trams for broad mountain views or venture onto local hiking trails like Winner Creek. Outside the resort, the town itself is dotted with cafes, local art galleries, and small bakeries.

For those interested in breaking up the drive, Girdwood provides a selection of lodges and vacation rentals. The presence of year-round residents gives the town a sense of community not always found in seasonal destinations.

In summer, forests surrounding Girdwood become vibrant with wildflowers and berry bushes. This stop balances recreation with relaxation, offering both activity and downtime for travelers.

5. Portage Valley

Portage Valley invites a spirit of exploration, branching off the main highway into a corridor of glaciers and turquoise lakes. Visitors can embark on short hikes to glacial viewpoints or join boat tours crossing Portage Lake for close-up perspectives of Portage Glacier. Interpretive trails offer educational signage about local flora, fauna, and glacial history.

The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center serves as an informative hub, offering exhibits on regional geology and current climate research. Families often pause here to learn before venturing outdoors.

Facilities such as campgrounds and picnic areas make Portage Valley a practical stop for extended visits. The landscape’s accessibility ensures that both casual sightseers and committed adventurers find something memorable.

6. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

There’s a sense of stewardship at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where injured and orphaned animals are rehabilitated in spacious enclosures. Located at a highway junction, the center provides an educational encounter with native Alaska species, from brown bears and moose to musk ox and bison. Walking paths and viewing platforms bring visitors closer to wildlife in a safe, respectful manner.

Staff and signage share recovery stories and biological facts, broadening understanding of the region’s natural challenges. For many families, this stop introduces Alaska’s fauna in a manner both accessible and responsible.

Admission fees support ongoing rescue work and habitat maintenance. The center’s setting, framed by mountains and open sky, underscores the connection between people and the land’s inhabitants.

7. Summit Lake

Summit Lake offers a tranquil interlude amid alpine scenery. The stillness of the lake, especially on calm mornings, invites anglers hoping for bites and picnickers seeking a restful pause. Wildflowers often dot the meadows, adding color beneath the surrounding peaks.

Picnic facilities make it easy to linger, and the area is known for its clear mountain air. Local lodges sometimes host visitors overnight, providing opportunities for sunrise photography or an early start on nearby hiking trails.

Because Summit Lake is at higher elevation, weather can shift rapidly, with occasional fog or sudden sunshine transforming the atmosphere. The lake’s accessibility off the highway makes it a convenient and memorable waypoint for travelers covering the full route.

8. Moose Pass

Moose Pass is often described as a window into rural Alaska, with its small cluster of cabins and a general store that has served residents and travelers for generations. The town’s proximity to Trail Lake provides a backdrop for paddling, fishing, and quiet contemplation. Many visitors pause for photos beside the historic waterwheel, a local landmark.

Short hiking trails branch out from Moose Pass, leading into forests and lakes that are rarely crowded. The community’s scale and pace contrast distinctly with busier stops along the highway.

Services here are limited, but friendly conversations and a sense of continuity make Moose Pass memorable. The experience is unhurried, inviting travelers to slow down and appreciate everyday life in Alaska’s interior.

9. Whittier Detour

Taking the detour to Whittier requires passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America. Whittier’s compact community sits on the edge of Prince William Sound, where glacier views and fishing opportunities await. Boat tours depart for glacier excursions, often showcasing floating ice and marine wildlife.

The town’s history is shaped by its strategic military role during World War II, and visitors can spot relics of this era. Whittier’s quirky architecture and single-road access contribute to its distinctive atmosphere.

While not on the main Seward Highway, the Whittier detour is a common addition for travelers with extra time. Its combination of natural beauty and human stories adds further depth to the drive.

10. Seward and Resurrection Bay

Seward marks the southern end of the highway, fronting Resurrection Bay with a bustle that contrasts with quieter inland stops. The town is a launch point for boat tours venturing into Kenai Fjords National Park, where tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife are regularly observed. Visitors often explore the Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about the bay’s ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Downtown Seward is walkable, with seafood restaurants, art galleries, and gift shops catering to both residents and travelers. The town’s working harbor reflects its roots in fishing and marine research.

Seward’s calendar includes events like the Mount Marathon Race and summer festivals. The area’s accessibility and range of activities make it a fitting culmination for the scenic journey south.