Local Attractions

Created in 1980 to protect some of the most incredible and impenetrable wilderness in Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park spans 601,839-acres at the foot of Seward. Snow and ice cover 60 percent of the park, and lining the edge is the vast 936-square-mile Harding Icefield.  From the massive icefield, countless tidewater glaciers pour down, carving valleys that fill with seawater to form stunning fjords and icebergs the size of small houses. Accessible mainly by boat, many tour companies operate out of the Small Boat Harbor, which is about a mile from Sauerdough Lodging. Save 10% off tours with Kenai Fjord Tours and Major Marine by having us book your tour for you! Call for more details.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is the only facility in Alaska that combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response. While primarily dedicated to marine research and education, the nonprofit Center is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the state. The Alaska SeaLife Center lies at “Mile 0” of the scenic Seward Highway on the shores of Resurrection Bay. Visitors to our “windows to the sea” have close encounters with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions, and other marine life while learning about the work our researchers conduct both in the field and in our laboratories.

A small, locally owned shop that strives to inspire guests to join in reclaiming an active stewardship of our natural world through inspiring sea kayaking tours and Alaska glacier kayaking trips. Kayaking in Seward, Alaska, and the surrounding fjords offers the opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and discover anew the natural world and all its wonders. The landscape here is teeming with abundant Alaskan wildlife and unique geographic features. Let their knowledgeable, friendly guides lead you through Resurrection Bay, or venture out to Aialik Bay for a Kenai Fjords kayak trip.

For the uber-adventurous, try surfing in Alaska! Alaska Surf Guides offers remote surfing adventures using helicopters & boats to access remote surf breaks for half-day adventures  and multi-day expeditions. 

An easy walk from our rentals will get you to either trailhead of this iconic mountain hike. The annual Mount Marathon Race is the central event of Seward’s Fourth of July celebration, and the starting point and finish line of this exciting race are right outside our front door on Fourth Avenue. Mt. Marathon’s peak is 4,600 feet high with the race trail summiting at 3,022 feet. This hike is a wonderful day hike with plenty of views, wonderful plant life and wildlife for those in good shape. The official race trail can be reached off Jefferson Street. There is an alternate route that is slightly less steep called the Sheffler Creek Waterfall trail (locally known as the Jeep Trail) and its trailhead is located at 1st and Munroe streets.  It is also strenuous and uphill, but  a little more forgiving with several bench areas and valleys on the ascent to catch your breath if needed.

With 30 vibrant paintings dotting the downtown landscape, Seward is proudly known as the “Mural Capital of Alaska.” Each painting depicts unique historical characters, local events and natural landscapes. A walking tour is a great way to spend an afternoon. 

Sauerdough Lodging is in the heart of Seward’s downtown business district, with close access to shops such as a health food store, knitting shop, sewing/quilting boutique, clothing stores, stores featuring artwork and Alaskana, a summer market where you can find organic Alaska produce, and a candy shop, where they make gelato, chocolates, fudge and saltwater taffy on site.