Anchorage to Seward Road Trip Itinerary: 15 Can’t-Miss Stops
Some drives are just a way to get from Point A to Point B. This is not that drive. You will definitely want to save this Anchorage to Seward Road Trip Itinerary.
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, the stretch between Anchorage and Seward needs to be on your list. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done. And even though it’s “only” about 2.5 hours on paper, good luck staying in the car that long without pulling over a dozen times. The whole thing feels like you’re driving through a screensaver. Today, I’m sharing all my favorite stops — the ones you can’t miss, and a few you might just stumble across if you’re lucky.
Overview of the Drive from Anchorage to Seward
The basics: It’s about 125 miles from Anchorage to Seward, mostly along the stunning Seward Highway (AK-1, switching to AK-9 near the end). No major turns, no complicated directions — just pure scenery the whole way.
Officially, the drive should take about 2.5 hours. Realistically? Block off a full day. You’re going to want to stop. A lot.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, you basically have infinite daylight. (Like, still-sunny-at-9pm kind of daylight.) So don’t stress if you take your sweet time — Alaska’s not in a rush, and you don’t have to be either.
Related: Anchorage to Valdez Road Trip Itinerary. 15+ Can’t Miss Stops!
Fun Stops in Anchorage
Alaska Zoo
Before you even leave Anchorage, you’ve got options.
If you’re traveling with kids — or honestly, if you’re just a sucker for seeing moose up close (guilty) — the Alaska Zoo is worth a quick visit. It’s small, super walkable, and features a lot of native Alaskan wildlife.
That said… no offense to the Alaska Zoo… but there’s an even cooler animal experience coming up about an hour south. So if you’re tight on time, you’re not missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime thing by skipping it.
How to get to Alaska Zoo: 4731 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507. About 15 minutes south of downtown, super easy hop off the Seward Highway.
Potter Marsh
Once you officially hit the road, Potter Marsh is basically your warm-up.
It’s a big, beautiful wetland with an easy boardwalk, and depending on the season, you might spot moose, bald eagles, or even salmon flopping around below.
Perfect stop for a leg stretch and a few “look where I am” photos.
How to get to Potter Marsh: 2999 E 154th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99516. Right off Seward Highway, you can’t miss it.
The Scenic Highway: Turnagain Arm
Beluga Point
Beluga Point is one of those places that’s so pretty it doesn’t even seem fair.
The cliffs, the ocean, the massive mountains? Chef’s kiss.
If the tide’s right, you might even spot beluga whales cruising along the shoreline.
How to get to Beluga Point: About Milepost 110 on the Seward Highway. There’s a big parking area right off the road.
Bird Point
Bird Point feels like the place postcards are made of.
Wide open deck, views for days — and if you time it right, you might catch the famous “bore tide” rushing in like a mini tsunami.
(Pro tip: Bring a jacket. Even in summer, the wind can sneak up on you.)
How to get to Bird Point: About Milepost 96 on Seward Highway. Large parking lot, restrooms, and easy signage.
Girdwood: Plan to Hang Out a While
I wasn’t planning to spend long in Girdwood… and then somehow two hours disappeared.
It’s that kind of town — charming, low-key, and packed with cool stuff to do.
Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram
If you want jaw-dropping, “I can see forever” views, the tram ride up Mt. Alyeska delivers.
You don’t even have to hike — just ride up, snap a hundred photos, and maybe grab lunch at the top.
How to get to Alyeska Tram: 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587. Just follow the signs into town.
Virgin Creek Falls
Tucked into a neighborhood like a secret, Virgin Creek Falls is a quick, magical little hike.
It’s about 15 minutes through lush rainforest before you hit the waterfall, and honestly? It looks like something out of a fantasy movie.
How to get to Virgin Creek Falls: End of Timberline Drive, Girdwood. Look for a tiny trailhead.
Crow Creek Mine
Ever wanted to pan for gold? Here’s your shot.
Crow Creek Mine is a hands-on, get-your-feet-wet kind of stop where you can actually find gold flecks in the stream. Bonus: the historic buildings and mountain scenery are worth the stop even if you don’t strike it rich.
How to get to Crow Creek Mine: 601 Crow Creek Mine Rd, Girdwood, AK 99587.
Grab Breakfast or Lunch at The Bake Shop
Listen, if you only stop for one meal on this trip, make it here.
The sourdough pancakes and sweet rolls are next-level. I’m still thinking about them.
They’re only open breakfast and lunch hours, so don’t roll in late!
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Hands-down one of my favorite parts of the drive.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is massive — think moose, bears, bison, and musk oxen roaming giant open spaces, all framed by snow-capped peaks.
Plan to spend an hour or two. You’ll want time to stroll, gawk, and take a million photos.
(Also, there’s a little summer snack shack. Reindeer hot dogs, anyone?)
How to get to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Mile 79 on Seward Highway, near Portage Glacier Road.
Portage Glacier Area
Portage Lake and Visitor Center
Even if you skip the boat tour, the lake and visitor center are absolutely worth the short detour.
There’s something about standing by that icy blue water that just makes you feel tiny — in the best possible way.
How to get to Portage Lake Visitor Center: Portage Glacier Road off Milepost 78.
Portage Glacier Cruise
If you’ve got an hour to spare, hop on the boat and go straight to the glacier face.
It’s easy, family-friendly, and you get ridiculously close without any hiking.
How to get to Portage Glacier Cruise: Same parking lot as the visitor center — just head to the dock.
Optional Detour: Whittier
Feel like an adventure? Take the one-lane Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel through the mountain to Whittier.
This little town feels like a movie set for “Alaska’s Secret Harbors.”
If you can spare half a day, book a 5 1/2 hour tour on the 26 Glacier Cruise. This is such a gorgeous excursion!
Then, if you have extra time before or after the cruise, grab halibut fish and chips at Swiftwater Cafe and just soak up the vibes.
How to get to Whittier: Stay on Portage Glacier Road — follow signs for the tunnel entrance.
Pro Tip: If you’re also visiting Homer or returning to Anchorage later, split this itinerary between the two drives.
On the way to Seward: Girdwood and Wildlife Center.
Return trip: Portage Glacier and Whittier.
You’ll thank yourself.
Back on the Road: Moose Pass
Trail Lake
Floatplanes taking off. Mist rising off the water. Mountains towering in the background.
Trail Lake is pure Alaska serenity — and it’s basically right off the highway.
How to get to Trail Lake: Near Moose Pass, just look for the scenic pullout.
Trail Lakes Hatchery
Salmon nerds (or just curious travelers), this one’s for you.
Swing by Trail Lakes Hatchery for a quick, free stop to learn about the incredible life cycle of salmon.
How to get to Trail Lakes Hatchery: 33653 Seward Hwy, Moose Pass, AK 99631.
Almost There: Roll Into Seward
The last few miles into Seward are some of the prettiest.
Mountains, ocean, and that feeling of “I made it.” (And maybe a little sadness because the drive is almost over.)
But don’t worry — Seward itself is packed with adventures: Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords boat tours, the SeaLife Center, and more.
Final Thoughts on the Anchorage to Seward Road Trip
If there’s one road trip you don’t rush, make it this one.
Alaska’s magic isn’t just in the big names — it’s in the random mountain view pull-offs, preening your neck to see mountain goats on the side of the highway, or the feeling you get when you realize you’ve been smiling at mountains for the last two hours straight.
Take your time. Soak it all in.
This drive will stick with you forever.
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