Stretching 125.3 miles between Anchorage and the coastal town of Seward, the Seward Highway is one of Alaska’s most spectacular drives and a designated All-American Road—the highest recognition for scenic byways in the nation.

This journey delivers Alaska’s raw beauty in concentrated form. From Anchorage, the highway hugs the dramatic cliffs of Turnagain Arm, where beluga whales surface in summer and Dall sheep cling to rocky slopes. Watch for bore tides—walls of water rushing up the narrow inlet.

Continuing south, you’ll cross the Kenai Mountains through pristine wilderness. Stop at Portage Glacier for a glimpse of ancient ice, or pause at Beluga Point to scan the waters below. The highway winds past alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and dense spruce forests before descending to Resurrection Bay and Seward’s charming waterfront.

Summer offers the longest days and best wildlife viewing, while autumn brings golden birch forests and fewer crowds. Winter travelers are rewarded with snow-draped peaks and potential northern lights.

Allow a full day to savor the journey—more if you plan to hike Exit Glacier or take a wildlife cruise from Seward. This is Alaska distilled into one unforgettable drive.

Explore Nearby

• Ziegler Cove State Marine Park — State Park in Alaska
• Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site — State Park in Alaska
• Tongass National Forest — National Forest in Alaska
• Chugach National Forest — National Forest in Alaska
• Sentinel Island Light — Lighthouse in Alaska