Seward, Alaska
Seward is one of the most stunningly gorgeous places I’ve ever seen. Patrick and I liked Seward so much that it’s one of the few places we plan to visit again when we return to Alaska. We both agreed we could live here (for the warmer months, at least). It’s a great mix of gorgeous hikes and parks, fantastic kayaking, and a good bar / nightlife scene when you need a break from physical activity. The water is so blue, and the flora / fauna so vibrant that it gives off a tropical vibe.
Kenai Fjords National Park is just outside the town, and it provides an endless amount of hiking and kayaking options – ranging from beginner in the Exit Glacier area, to advanced backcountry in the rest of the park. I believe you can kayak or hike to tidal glaciers in the park as well. You can boondock for free on the road leading out of the park. Cell service is great there. There’s an area called Miller’s Landing on one side of the town. It’s gorgeous (most photos below are from this area). You can pay to shower and do laundry there even if you don’t camp. You also can kayak or walk around from there for free.
There are a number of cool bars and breweries in Seward. Some of my favorites were: Seward Brewing – Breathtaking views from floor-to-ceiling second floor windows, and the brewery is covered in vintage snowboards. Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed by the beer, but the ambiance was amazing (see below). Yukon Bar – This was an awesome spot with great local music on certain nights; Mexican food stand outside the brewery – This opens up after 9pm and has pretty incredible Mexican food. Definitely grab a late night bite here.
