Exploring Seward
Get to know Seward
Seward Museum
0.3 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
Displays recount area history with exhibits on the Russian America era, founding of Seward in 1903 as a railroad town and the Iditarod trail. You will learn about the military buildup here during World War II, and you’ll see how the community suffered from the devastating impact of the 1964 earthquake.
http://www.cityofseward.us/libmus
Seward City Tours
Our tours are guided by knowledgeable locals with a deep love for Alaska's rich history and culture. Many tours are designed to accommodate tourists arriving via cruise ships, and guests can choose their drop off location at the conclusion of most tours. We look forward to showing you our town!
https://sewardcitytours.com/tours/
Seward Mural Society
Seward’s love of art is written on the walls! Officially designated ‘Mural Capital of Alaska’ in 2008, Seward has over 30 vibrant paintings throughout town. Each mural depicts unique historical characters, local events, and natural landscapes.
Small Boat Harbor
0.8 Miles from Compass Inn (1,690 Steps)
Historic Downtown
900 feet from Compass Inn (320 Steps)
Resurrection Bay Waterfront
0.2 Miles from Compass Inn (422 Steps)
Trails Galore
Seward Waterfront Bike Path
0.2 Miles from Compass Inn
Easy - Seward's Waterfront Bike Path is a two mile, paved road along Resurrection Bay. This popular path along the Waterfront Campground is suited for bikers, scooterists, roller-bladers, skateboarders, baby-strollers, runners and walkers alike.
Tonsina Trail
2.5 Miles South from Compass Inn (Lowell Point)
Moderate - A round trip 4.2 miles, this out and back trail will bring you across over 750 feet of elevation before landing you on a beautiful beach, a petrified forest, and a mossy wonderland under towering spruce.
Two Lakes Park Trail
0.5 Miles from Compass Inn
Easy- This one-mile trail with 100 feet of elevation gain is located right in town. The family-friendly hike will take you over small streams and past small waterfalls. Winding through temperate rainforest and around two small lakes, this path offers kids of all ages ample opportunities to marvel at various natural wonders.
Mt. Marathon Bowl Trail
0.5 Miles from Compass Inn
Strenuous - Quickly gain up to 2,750 feet of elevation on this 5-mile round trip hike. This popular trail leads to a high alpine valley known locally as the Mt. Marathon bowl. The hiker’s path (also known as the jeep trail) climbs steeply from the trailhead. Above the tree line, you’ll enjoy beautiful waterfalls along the bench trail before climbing again to the bowl, surrounded by towering peaks and sweeping views.
Glacier View Loop Trail
8.7 Miles North from Compass Inn
Easy - The Glacier View Loop Trail is a one-mile trail with minimal gain and is wheelchair accessible. It begins at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and meanders through a cottonwood forest before arriving at a panoramic vista of the glacier spilling down from the Harding Icefield. The Glacier Overlook Trail is an additional 0.6 miles of jaw-dropping views.
Harding Ice-field Trail
8.7 Miles North from Compass Inn
Strenuous - This 8.2 mile out and back trail is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Alaska, literally. It’s a 3,000-foot climb to get to the top of this trail where you’re rewarded with vistas of the vast Harding Icefield, which feeds nearly 40 different glaciers. Although the view from the top is well worth the effort, shorter hikes to Marmot Meadows or the Top of the Cliffs overlook offer incredible views of Exit Glacier and the valley.
Good Eats
Rowdy Radish
0.4 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
This cozy coffee shop/cafe deli provides a cozy place to hang out and enjoy breakfast or lunch. With gluten, dairy free and vegetarian options available there is something for everyone. There are also grab and go options to take with on your big adventures.
The Cookery
0.4 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
Chef Kevin Lane and his wife Stacey have been showcasing Alaska's bounty: fresh oysters delivered daily, locally farmed meats, produce sourced from the Kenai Peninsula, foraged finds, and fresh fish paired with wines from all over the world, and locals' favorite beers on tap. Reservations recommended!
https://www.cookeryseward.com/team
Seward Brewing Company
0.4 miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
Seward Brewing Company is a family-owned & operated brew pub located in downtown Seward, Alaska. We are passionate about high-quality craft beer , good food & hunting down the most unique ingredients we can get our hands on. Come visit us and enjoy the amazing view of Resurrection Bay & downtown Seward.
https://www.sewardbrewery.com/
Primrose Provisions
0.5 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
A unique gem located on the waterfront boasting the best view in town.
Shop for gifts, found furnishings and vintage goods. Then enjoy cheese and charcuterie at the wine bar looking out over Resurrection Bay. On sunny days you can enjoy the deck!
The Lone Chicharron
0.4 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
“The Chich” opened in 2019 bringing the flavors of Mexico to Seward's first taqueria.
https://www.thelonechicharron.com/
Wood’y Thai Kitchen
0.3 Miles from Compass Inn (Midtown)
Named after Seward’s beloved and iconic Stellar Sea-lion. They serve authentic, Bangkok-style Thai curries, soups, noodles and rice dishes along with specialties that infuse Alaskan-Pacific Northwest and Pacific Rim ingredients with traditional Thai family recipes. https://www.woodysthaikitchen.com/
The Highliner
0.3 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
Low-key, wood-hued eatery offering family-friendly comfort classics from eggs to burgers.
Ray’s Waterfront
0.8 Miles from Compass Inn (Small Boat Harbor)
Ray’s Waterfront is a welcoming restaurant and bar with spectacular views of mountains, sea life, and boat harbor activity. Opened since 1986 with tasty food made from scratch and friendly service. The menus feature local seafood, quality steaks, fresh vegetables, bold flavors, and a great selection of wine and beer. Beloved by fishermen, locals, travelers, families, and friends.
https://www.rayswaterfront.com/
The Flamingo
0.4 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
A classic steakhouse with local seafood, come enjoy sustainably sourced meals with the comfort of 1950s hospitality.
Zudy’s Cafe
0.4 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
Located right by the water and next to the Alaska sea life center this charming Cafe serves a good variety from freshly-sourced soups and sandwiches to mouth-watering desserts. This cozy room is in the Historic Seward Train Depot.
Tidewater Taphouse
1.2 Miles North of Compass Inn (0.5 Miles past the small boat harbor)
Locally owned taphouse restaurant in Seward, Alaska, featuring tasty pub fare and delicious Alaskan seafood creations. Our Taps highlight favorites from Stoney Creek BrewHouse in Seward as well as other local Alaskan breweries. Enjoy food and drink upstairs overlooking the harbor around our Kraken Bar or gather with friends and locals on our main-level taproom or outdoor patio. Currently open for dinner.
To Do
Alaska SeaLife Center
0.5 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
The Alaska SeaLife Center lies at "Mile 0" of the scenic Seward Highway on the shores of Resurrection Bay. Visitors have close encounters with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions, and other Alaska marine life while learning about the work our researchers conduct both in the field and in our laboratories.
https://www.alaskasealife.org/
Millers Landing
Located in the small, secluded community of Lowell Point just 2½ miles south of Seward. It has a very unique Alaskan charm, and is literally at the “end of the road.” Where the road ends on Lowell Point, the Alaska State Parks and Kenai Fjords National Park systems begin. The panoramic view from our campground and storefront porch is unbeatable – ask any Sewardite! It includes Resurrection Bay, the City of Seward, Mount Alice, Caines Head, and the barrier islands that protect the region from the Gulf of Alaska: Fox Island, Hive Island, and Rugged Island.
Miller’s Landing offers:
Adventure Tours
Water Taxi
Fishing
Kayaking
Campsites
Scenic Tours
Rentals
Marathon Helicopters
1.9 Miles North from Compass Inn
Marathon Helicopters flightseeing tours cover a variety of areas on the Kenai Peninsula. On all of our tours you will view waterfalls, glaciers, Resurrection Bay, and potentially a great variety of Alaska wildlife.
https://www.marathonhelicopters.com/
Turning Head Kennels
4.3 Miles North from Compass Inn
Join our Iditarod dog sled team in Seward Alaska for an iconic Alaskan adventure. We happily invite those visiting Alaska to go dog sledding with us. Come winter mushing with us or join us in the summer to go dog sledding on Godwin Glacier or go summer mushing at our Kennel in Seward Alaska. Our dog sled tours are hands-on, highly informative, and all about the dogs!
https://turningheadskennel.com/
Major Marine Tours
0.9 Miles from Compass Inn (Small Boat Harbor)
Major Marine Tours offers world-class wildlife and glacier cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park, departing from the beautiful harbor town of Seward, Alaska. A locally-owned, family company with over 30 years of sharing authentic Alaska adventures with their guests.
Kenai Fjords Tours
0.8 Miles from Compass Inn (Small Boat Harbor)
There’s no telling what magical sights await as you journey up the coast from Seward on one of their unique ocean cruises, fully narrated by experienced captains and knowledgeable crew. One thing is for certain: the abundant wildlife and incredible landscapes — from tumbling glaciers and lush forests to towering walls of rock — you’ll see on these wildlife and glacier cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park will create memories to last a lifetime.
https://www.alaskacollection.com/day-tours/kenai-fjords-tours
Exit Glacier
8.7 Miles North from Compass Inn
The Exit Glacier area is the only part of the Kenai Fjords National park accessible by road.
Here you can explore the trails, walk very close to an active glacier, or take a ranger-led walk.
It is a place where you can witness up close how glacier re-shaped the landscape and learn how plant life reclaims the barren rocky land plant life reclaims the barren rocky land exposed by a glacier's retreat.
https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/exit-glacier-area.htm
Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures
0.7 Miles from Compass Inn (Small Boat Harbor)
You can’t beat the views from this Canopy Adventure. Featuring eight zip-lines, three suspension bridges and two rappels, this tour will surely provide you with both excitement and awe!
https://www.stoneycreekca.com/
Sunny Cove Kayaking
0.7 Miles from Compass Inn (Small Boat Harbor)
Half-Day, Full-Day & Multi-Day Adventures in Three Uniquely Alaskan Location.
Wellness
Seward Yoga
0.3 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
Seward Yoga was is a special space offering yoga, pilates, HITT, Meditation, special workshops and mindful movement. Seward Yoga is an un-intimidating studio. From the physical practice to just being human, be prepared for students and teachers to introduce themselves and accept you just as you are.
Alchemy Wellness
0.3 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
• Acupuncture
• Herbal Medicine
• Cupping + Gua Sha
• Light Therapy
• Facial Rejuvenation
Carly Locke, MSOM, L.Ac, Dipl. O.M
https://www.alchemywellnesshealing.com/
5th Avenue Fitness
0.3 Miles from Compass Inn (Downtown)
Locally owned & operated 5th Ave Fitness is dedicated to providing a space for movement & health for all! Through any stage of fitness; your weekly exercise routine, preparing for your next seasonal sport, healing from an injury, or dropping in on your vacation, you have a place right down town.
The Apex Gym/Crossfit Seward
3.4 Miles North from Compass Inn
Join a fitness community that is passionate, determined, and supportive. Whether you’re here for a day or committed to years, they’ve got exactly what you need.
Fitness Center including:
Free Weights, CrossFit, Pilates,
Yoga, HotYoga, Dance,
Gymnastics, Karate, Cycling.
Frontier Trading Post
Seward's only Health Food & Specialty Grocery. Coffee Shop, Deli, Grab & Go Sandwiches, Salads, Soup