RoadAtlas
Seward Highway — United States — Scenic
North America

Seward Highway

United States

Point-to-point
Anchorage Seward

In short: Seward Highway is a 202 km scenic road trip in United States, typically driven over 1 long day; 2 with Seward, best in May-September. Highlights: Anchorage, Beluga Point, McHugh Creek Day Use Area.

Distance
202 km
Duration
1 long day; 2 with Seward
Best Season
May-September
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

This classic Alaska drive runs from downtown Anchorage south to Seward, following Turnagain Arm past tidal mudflats, glacier-capped peaks, and roadside viewpoints. It’s a straightforward paved route, but the scenery demands frequent stops for hikes, wildlife viewing, and overlooks along Kenai Peninsula’s dramatic coast.

Practical notes
Treat the highway as a 10–12 hour transfer when scenic stops are included, then add a separate Seward day for Kenai Fjords. Check Alaska 511 and NPS current conditions, never step onto Turnagain Arm mudflats, stay out of ice caves and avalanche or falling-ice terrain at Byron Glacier, and confirm seasonal access to Exit Glacier before departure.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Anchorage to Seward via Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley

Turnagain Arm Viewpoints · Byron Glacier Trail · Middle Way Cafe

Day 2Seward and Kenai Fjords

Kenai Fjords National Park boat tour · Exit Glacier conditional alternative · The Cookery

Stops along the route

Anchorage — Departure — Seward Highway — United States
Departure
Anchorage
Leave downtown Anchorage and head south with the Chugach Mountains rising beside the road. The route quickly trades city streets for big Alaska views.
Hotels
Seward — Arrival — Seward Highway — United States
Arrival
Seward
Arrive in Seward at the edge of Resurrection Bay. The harbor, mountains, and glacier access make it a fitting route finish.
Hotels

Things to Do

Beluga Point — Landmark — Seward Highway — United States
Landmark
Beluga Point
A classic Turnagain Arm pullout with sweeping tidal flats and mountain views. It is one of the best places to scan for beluga whales.
McHugh Creek Day Use Area — Nature — Seward Highway — United States
Nature
McHugh Creek Day Use Area
A roadside stop with creek access, short trails, and a forested setting. It is a good place to stretch legs before the more open coast.
Portage Valley — Nature — Seward Highway — United States
Nature
Portage Valley
Glacier-carved valley scenery with marshes, mountains, and frequent wildlife sightings. The road opens up here to some of the route's wildest views.
Byron Glacier Trail — Nature — Seward Highway — United States
Nature
Byron Glacier Trail
An easy walk toward a hanging glacier and blue ice views. Expect waterfalls, rocky streambeds, and dramatic peaks all around.
Bird Point — Landmark — Seward Highway — United States
Landmark
Bird Point
A famous overlook above Turnagain Arm with huge tide movements and wide coastal panoramas. It is a reliable photo stop on clear days.
Kenai Lake Overlook — Landmark — Seward Highway — United States
Landmark
Kenai Lake Overlook
A scenic pullout above bright blue Kenai Lake near the road into the Kenai Peninsula. The water and mountains make a strong final stretch view.
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Exit Glacier Nature Center — Nature — Seward Highway — United States
Nature
Exit Glacier Nature Center
The gateway to Exit Glacier trails and ranger information near Seward. It is the best stop for a close-up glacier experience.
Turnagain Arm Viewpoints — Scenic viewpoint — Seward Highway — United States
Scenic viewpoint
Turnagain Arm Viewpoints
Pull over to watch tides race across the mudflats with mountains towering above. On the right day, you may spot beluga whales offshore.
Byron Glacier Trail — Hike — Seward Highway — United States
Hike
Byron Glacier Trail
Walk an easy trail into Portage Valley for close glacier views and mountain scenery. It is one of the most accessible hikes on the route.
Portage Glacier Cruise — Boat tour — Seward Highway — United States
Boat tour
Portage Glacier Cruise
Take a boat trip for a water-level look at the glacier and surrounding icefields. It adds a memorable side experience to the drive.
Exit Glacier Trail — Glacier walk — Seward Highway — United States
Glacier walk
Exit Glacier Trail
Visit the trails near Exit Glacier for a close look at ice, moraine, and alpine scenery. It is one of Seward's signature outdoor stops.

Where to Eat

Middle Way Cafe — Cafe — Seward Highway — United States
Cafe
Middle Way Cafe
A popular Anchorage stop for breakfast, bowls, and coffee before heading south. It is an easy choice for a fresh start.
Rustic Goat — American — Seward Highway — United States
American
Rustic Goat
A relaxed Anchorage restaurant with hearty Alaska-friendly plates and local seafood options. Good for an early lunch before the highway views begin.
Girdwood Brewing Company — Brewery pub — Seward Highway — United States
Brewery pub
Girdwood Brewing Company
A casual stop near the Turnagain Arm corridor with beer and pub food. It works well as a mid-route break if you detour toward Girdwood.
The Cookery — Seafood — Seward Highway — United States
Seafood
The Cookery
A Seward favorite for Alaska seafood and a more polished dinner after the drive. The harbor setting fits the end of the route.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Seward Highway drive?

The Seward Highway covers 202 km from start to finish.

How long does the Seward Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 long day; 2 with Seward on the Seward Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Seward Highway?

The recommended season for the Seward Highway is May-September.

Where does the Seward Highway start and end?

The Seward Highway runs from Anchorage to Seward.

What are the main stops on the Seward Highway?

The Seward Highway passes through Anchorage, Beluga Point, McHugh Creek Day Use Area.

How difficult is the Seward Highway to drive?

The Seward Highway is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Seward Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Seward Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Seward Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Seward Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Seward Highway safe to drive?

Treat the highway as a 10–12 hour transfer when scenic stops are included, then add a separate Seward day for Kenai Fjords. Check Alaska 511 and NPS current conditions, never step onto Turnagain Arm mudflats, stay out of ice caves and avalanche or falling-ice terrain at Byron Glacier, and confirm seasonal access to Exit Glacier before departure.

What scenic tier is the Seward Highway?

The Seward Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.