3 Days in Kenai Fjords National Park: Ultimate Itinerary
Plan the perfect 3-day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park! Glacier hikes, wildlife cruises, kayaking & more—ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers.
If you are planning an Alaska vacation, one of the best places to visit is Kenai Fjords National Park on the Kenai Peninsula. This park might not get the same hype as Denali or Glacier Bay, but trust me—it’s a total showstopper. Think tidewater glaciers, whales breaching right next to your boat, and hikes where the only traffic jam is a group of mountain goats.
I’ve been to Seward once (ok, three times now), and while I’m not a local, I did obsessively plan my trip and pack in everything I could. This 3-day itinerary hits all the big highlights, and it’s totally doable whether you’re a family with kids, a couple seeking adventure, or retirees checking off that bucket list.
Let’s break it down day by day.
Related: Spend 3 days in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Ultimate Guide!
Day 1 – Explore Exit Glacier and the Nature Center
Drive to Exit Glacier Area
Exit Glacier is only about 15 minutes from downtown Seward, and this is hands-down the easiest way to get up close to a glacier without needing crampons or a helicopter. Exit Glacier is part of the only road-accessible section of Kenai Fjords National Park. The trail itself is mostly flat and wide.
Apart from the bugs (yes, there are tons of mosquitos in the summer. You have been warned), it’s a very pleasant walk that almost anyone can enjoy.
Before you head out, stop at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. It’s small but informative, with ranger-led talks and exhibits. If you’ve got kids in tow, grab a Junior Ranger booklet. (Bonus: even adults will learn something new here—like how fast the glacier has retreated in the past few decades. Spoiler: a lot.)
Hike to the Glacier Overlook
This is the perfect “we’re in Alaska and we need a glacier selfie” trail. It’s about a 1-mile round trip, super manageable, and ends with a killer view of the glacier’s terminus. Along the way, there are signs marking where the glacier used to be, which is sobering but also makes the hike feel like you’re walking through time.
Optional: Harding Icefield Trail
Feeling ambitious? The Harding Icefield Trail is a bucket-list hike that climbs up to a super impressive view of—you guessed it—the Harding Icefield. This is an 8.2 miles round trip hike with a solid 3,000 feet of elevation gain, so not for the faint of heart. But even hiking partway up gives you sweeping views. If you’ve got older kids or are up for a challenge, this one’s unforgettable. We did not do this hike because I am a pudgy middle-aged Mom. But other, more adventurous travelers, have completed the hike and rave about it!
Dinner in Seward
You’ve earned it. Some tried-and-true dinner spots:
- The Cookery – Elevated but unpretentious Alaskan fare
- Seward Brewing Company – Laid-back vibes and pub-style food
- Resurrection Roadhouse – Another elevated spot with phenomenal food and great views from the big windows in the dining room.
- Exit Glacier Salmon Bake – my personal favorite. The vibe is so Alaska and the salmon is on point. Don’t skip out on the chocolate cake!
- Zudy’s Café – Great sandwiches and harbor views (more casual)
Day 2 – Wildlife & Glacier Boat Cruise
Take a Half- or Full-Day Cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park
This is the big activity most people come to Seward for. And if you do only one thing in Seward, I highly recommend a wildlife and glacier cruise. These boat tours take you deep into the fjords where you’ll cruise past tidewater glaciers, spot all kinds of wildlife, and maybe even witness a glacier calve with a thunderous crash.
- Half-day cruises (4–5 hours) are ideal if you’re traveling with younger kids or want a shorter day.
- Full-day cruises (6–8 hours) go further into the park (hello, Aialik Glacier!) and give you the best chance of seeing whales, puffins, and sea otters.
I have done both the half-day and full-day cruises. Both are phenomenal. But if you have time, the full-day cruise option is pretty spectacular.
Related: Check out my in-depth guide to Kenai Fjords Tours Wildlife and Glacier Cruises!
Two great operators to look into:
Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine Tours – both are solid, professional, and know how to navigate the waters without making guests feel like sardines.
What You Might See:
- Humpback and orca whales
- Sea lions lounging on rocky outcrops
- Seals, puffins, bald eagles, mountain goats, Dall’s porpoises
- Tidewater glaciers actively calving
Cruise Tips for First-Timers:
- Sit near the back of the boat for better air circulation (and less motion sickness).
- Dress in layers—it gets cold on the water, even in summer.
- Bring motion sickness meds or bands, even if you think you won’t need them. Better safe than queasy.
- Binoculars and a camera? Absolutely.
Sweet Treats Afterward
Nothing like rewarding yourself after a full day on the water. Head to Sweet Darlings in downtown Seward for homemade gelato or a slab of sea salt fudge. Trust me—you earned it. Another option closer to the small boat harbor is the Harbor Street Creamery. Their ice cream is delicious!
Day 3 – Coastal Exploration or Adventure Time
You’ve got options today depending on your energy levels and travel style. Here’s how to wrap up your time in Seward with something memorable:
Option A: Chill Day at Lowell Point Beach
Just a few minutes south of Seward, Lowell Point is a peaceful stretch of beach where you can wander, beachcomb, and explore tidepools—especially great at low tide. This is a great way to explore the coastline without worrying about keeping to a schedule. Also, if you have never experienced tidepooling before, it’s one of the most fun experiences you can do, with or without kids!
Option B: Sea Kayaking in Resurrection Bay
Ready to be on the water again, but this time under your own power? Book a 3–4 hour family-friendly kayaking tour with a company like Kayak Adventures Worldwide. You’ll paddle alongside dramatic cliffs, glide past seabirds, and maybe even spot sea lions or harbor seals.
This is a great option for older kids (8 years+) but is also great for adults who want a little adventure, but are not up for the elevation climb of the Harding Icefield hike.
Option C: Splurge on a Helicopter or Flightseeing Tour
As with many places in Alaska, you can always opt for the super splurge option. You can book a flightseeing tour over Kenai Fjords and the Harding Icefield. Some of the tour operators offer glacier landings as well.
Final Meal in Seward
Wrap up your visit with a harbor-view meal. A few ideas:
- Ray’s Waterfront – Classic seafood spot right on the harbor
- Chinooks – Upscale but welcoming, with a view that makes everything taste better
What to Pack for Your 3-Day Kenai Fjords Adventure
Let’s keep it real—Alaska weather is all over the place. You’ll want to come prepared so you can enjoy everything without freezing or soaking.
- Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Camera and binoculars
- Motion sickness remedies
- Refillable water bottle and snacks
- Daypack for hikes and excursions
Related: Check out this great 3-day itinerary for Valdez, Alaska!
Final Thoughts
Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-do stop on your Alaska vacation regardless if you are traveling with kids, on an adult-only trip, or even traveling solo! It has just the right mix of chill and adventure. This is a great way to spend 2-3 days in Alaska!
And if it’s your first time? Even better. This itinerary is designed for you.
Got questions or want tips on where to stay or what to book ahead? Drop a comment—I love helping fellow travelers get the most out of their Alaska trips.
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