Anchorage to Seward - stops along way?

Question

We land in Anchorage at 1 pm in mid June and will be renting a car to drive to Seward that day. Have an 8 and 10 year old. Looking for recommendations for fun short stops along the way to break up the trip for them after having been on a plane for 4.5 hours. We’re doing Girdwood later in the week so will cover the wildlife center then.

Looking for scenic stops, super short hikes, maybe ice cream or a special snack etc just so we’re not driving straight through, but we would like to be in Seward by 6 pm.

Thanks!

Answer

The drive from Anchorage to Seward takes about 2.5–3 hours without stops, so with kids and after a flight, adding a few short stops can make the trip more enjoyable and manageable. Since you want to arrive in Seward by 6 PM, you’ll have roughly 2–2.5 hours of driving time after accounting for airport pick-up and a few short breaks.

Here are some fun and scenic stops along the Seward Highway that are kid-friendly and don’t require long hikes:

Turnagain Arm Viewpoints: The Seward Highway has several pullouts along Turnagain Arm, offering sweeping views of the mountains and tidal flats. Quick stops at Beluga Point or Bird Point are perfect for photos and a short stretch. Beluga Point sometimes allows spotting beluga whales if the tide is right.
Portage Glacier/Visitor Center: About 45 minutes from Anchorage, this stop has a paved overlook and visitor center with glacier information. The boardwalk is short and accessible, making it great for a quick stretch and a snack. You might even grab a treat at the nearby small café or visitor center shop.
Whittier Turnoff: If time allows, a very brief stop at the Whittier turnoff provides a nice view of Passage Canal. You could let the kids stretch their legs and enjoy the scenery.
Ice Cream or Snacks: Consider a stop in Girdwood (even if you’re visiting there later) at one of the local cafés or snack stands for a quick ice cream or coffee break. The Alyeska Resort area has a few casual options and beautiful mountain scenery.
Short Nature Stops: There are small pullouts with picnic tables along the highway, perfect for a 10–15 minute break where kids can run around safely.

Tips for the drive:

Keep the stops brief (10–15 minutes each) to ensure you reach Seward by 6 PM.
Pack water and snacks in the car so you’re not dependent on limited facilities along the highway.
Plan for a flexible schedule—kids may need a quick bathroom or snack stop along the way.
Use the passenger side for the kids so they get the best views of Turnagain Arm and mountains.

In summary, you can make the Anchorage-to-Seward drive more enjoyable for your kids with quick scenic pullouts like Beluga Point, a short visit to Portage Glacier, and a stop for snacks or ice cream in Girdwood. These stops break up the drive, offer memorable views, and allow everyone to stretch without taking too much time.

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