This Scenic Highway In Alaska Boasts Pristine Nature Views Of Stunning Wildlife & Glaciers

Designated a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, the Seward Highway begins in Anchorage and stretches 127 miles south to the coastal town of Seward. It's a 2.5-hour drive, though plan on several hours when you factor in photo opportunities and detours. To get there, travelers typically arrive via plane to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. From there, you can either rent a car or catch a motorcoach. The Alaska Railroad's scenic Coastal Classic train also passes alongside the highway, and one-way tickets for this train from Anchorage to Seward will cost $133 for the most basic fare.

From Anchorage, the highway winds alongside Potter Marsh and the dramatic Turnagain Arm, passing shallow wetlands where eagles soar, salmon spawn, and moose may wander out of the forest. Boardwalks here offer up-close encounters with Alaska's wild side. This stretch of road is the scenic opening act to an Alaskan adventure where you can see salt-licking Dall sheep on cliff faces, tidal-bore waves that race inland at Bird Point, and Beluga whales surfacing in the inlet.

Midway down the highway, turn off at Mile 79 for a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This nonprofit sanctuary spans over 200 acres and cares for orphaned and injured local wildlife, including elk, reindeer, bears, muskox, lynx, moose, bison, porcupines and more. Visitor admission includes access to walking trails, where anyone  hoping to see Alaska's iconic species safely up close will have a chance to do so.

Continuing on, you'll pass the haunting remnants of Portage Valley, where an earthquake struck in 1964. In Girdwood, just off the highway at around mile 90, a ride on the Alyeska Aerial Tram is a must for panoramic views of glaciers hanging above Chugach peaks. Enjoy bottomless sourdough pancakes, hearty breakfasts, and oversized cinnamon rolls at The Bake Shop before continuing on your journey. Pro tip: be sure to check tide charts ahead of time if you're hoping to catch the famed bore tide at Bird Point. Timing your visit about 2.5 hours after low tide gives you the best chance to witness this rare natural wave.

The highway culminates in Seward, a charming maritime town with a population of about 2,800. Nestled at the head of Resurrection Bay, the town serves as the entry point to Kenai Fjords National Park. Make sure to stop by the Alaska SeaLife Center, a hands-on aquarium and research facility where visitors can meet puffins, sea lions, octopuses, and other marine residents. From Seward, head out to Exit Glacier inside the must-see Kenai Fjords National Park. The trail system and visitor center provide access to the glacier itself, and hiking the Harding Icefield Trail is a rewarding challenge for adventurous travelers who want to stand on the ice field's edge.

If planning an overnight stay, you can choose from several lodging options: Sauerdough Lodging with its vintage charm; the practical Holiday Inn Express Seward Harbor; or the Best Western Edgewater with harbor views. Expect nightly stays to be in the ballpark of around $150 to $200, depending on season and availability. Best time to visit? Summer offers long daylight hours, accessible wildlife viewing, and glacier cruises. Winter means snow-shoe trips and the Alyeska ski area — but always check road conditions before setting out due to the risks of heavy snow or avalanches. Whether you're chasing bore tides, standing on the edge of a glacier, or simply soaking in the views from your car window, the Seward Highway delivers a journey that feels less like a road trip and more like jumping head-first into Alaska's wild soul.