Alaska's Ultimate Adventure: The Scenic Journey from Anchorage to Seward

When I first tackled this iconic Alaskan route three summers ago, I made the rookie mistake of rushing through in two days. Learn from my blunder—this journey deserves at least a full week to truly savor its offerings.

Anchorage makes the perfect launchpad with its international airport and robust rental options. I recommend securing your vehicle well in advance, especially if visiting between June-August when demand skyrockets. While standard cars can handle the Seward Highway just fine in summer, I opted for a small SUV for the extra storage space and slight clearance advantage for some of the more adventurous side roads.

Before hitting the road, stock up on supplies at one of Anchorage's many outfitters. My go-to preparation ritual includes a stop at REI for any last-minute gear and Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking for local expertise. Don't forget to pack a solid water filter for those backcountry hikes—Alaska's streams look pristine but can harbor giardia just like anywhere else.

Just 20 minutes out of Anchorage, the highway curves alongside Turnagain Arm, delivering what I consider to be the world's most scenic commute. This stretch reminds me of cycling through Norwegian fjords, except here you're likely to spot Dall sheep perched impossibly on cliff faces and beluga whales surfacing in the slate-blue waters during salmon runs.

Make Beluga Point your first stop—I've spent hours here with my spotting scope watching for the distinctive white backs of belugas during high tide. The dramatic tidal shifts here are among the largest in North America, creating a constantly changing landscape.

Further down the highway, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers guaranteed wildlife viewing, particularly valuable for families with younger children who might not have the patience for wilderness wildlife watching. The center's rehabilitation work with injured animals provides both education and incredible photo opportunities of bears, musk oxen, and wood bison against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.

Turning off the main highway onto Portage Glacier Road opens up what I call Alaska's "glacier playground." This detour is absolutely worth a full day of exploration, starting with the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center where interactive exhibits explain the fascinating and rapidly changing glacial landscape.

The real highlight here is the boat tour to Portage Glacier, which retreated out of view from the road years ago but remains spectacular by water. For families with older kids and decent fitness levels, I highly recommend the hike to Byron Glacier instead—it's about 3 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain and delivers you right to a glacier toe where you can touch actual glacial ice.

The journey through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to reach Whittier feels like entering another world. This single-lane tunnel shared by cars and trains operates on a strict schedule, so check the timetable before planning your visit. Once in Whittier, join a day cruise into Prince William Sound—I recommend the waterproof dry bag to protect cameras and phones as you'll likely encounter spray when approaching tidewater glaciers that actively calve into the ocean. The sound of glacial ice cracking and thundering into the water is something your family will never forget.

Arriving in Seward feels like reaching the edge of civilization, with the small harbor town serving as gateway to the magnificent Kenai Fjords National Park. Having visited national parks across North America, I can confidently say this ranks among the most spectacular for family adventures.

Start with the accessible hike to Exit Glacier, where clearly marked trails lead to viewpoints of varying distances. The Glacier Overlook Trail is manageable for most kids and offers impressive views. For a more challenging experience, the Harding Icefield Trail climbs 3,000 feet over 4 miles (one-way), rewarding hikers with views of the vast 700-square-mile icefield that feeds 40 glaciers. This hike is strenuous but doable for families with teens and good fitness levels.

The marine wildlife viewing here is unparalleled. I've taken the 6-hour glacier and wildlife cruise three separate times and each experience was unique. Orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, puffins, and sea lions make regular appearances against a backdrop of towering glacial walls. For families prone to seasickness, I swear by motion sickness bands paired with ginger candies—this combination has saved many trips for my more sensitive travel companions.

For families with older children looking for an adrenaline boost, kayaking among the glaciers offers an intimate perspective you simply can't get from larger vessels. Local outfitters provide all necessary equipment and instruction, making this activity accessible even for beginners.

Don't rush back to Anchorage once you've reached Seward—this charming harbor town deserves at least two full days of exploration. The Alaska SeaLife Center downtown offers an excellent rainy-day activity (and trust me, you'll likely encounter at least one rainy day in this coastal climate). Their rehabilitation work with marine mammals and seabirds provides an educational complement to your wilderness experiences.

For active families, the Mount Marathon trail offers stunning views of Resurrection Bay, though the full route is quite challenging. The jeep trail portion is more accessible for families with younger children. Speaking of Resurrection Bay, I highly recommend trying your hand at salmon fishing if visiting between July and September. Several outfitters offer half-day family fishing charters that are perfect introductions to Alaska's legendary fishing.

During my last visit, I discovered the joy of fat tire biking along Seward's coastal trails. These specialized bikes with oversized tires handle a variety of terrain and provide a novel way to explore. I rented from a local outfitter who provided my handlebar phone mount compatible with my iPhone, allowing easy navigation and quick-draw photo capabilities without stopping.

For accommodations, Seward offers everything from campgrounds to harbor-view hotels. If traveling with family, I've found that the inflatable camping pillow makes even basic accommodations more comfortable for everyone, especially after long days of adventure.