Scenic Seward Highway Roadtrip: A Self-Guided Alaska Driving Tour
Places: 30 POIs
Distance: 136.23 mi
Duration: 2h:58m
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Tour #2520
About this English self-guided 2h:58m driving tour in Seward Highway
Welcome to your ultimate Alaskan adventure! This UCPlaces self-guided driving tour begins at the serene Potter Marsh Boardwalk and follows the breathtaking Seward Highway south to the harbor town of Seward. Get ready to experience Alaska’s raw beauty, majestic landscapes, and incredible wildlife along the way.
Start by exploring Potter Marsh, where boardwalk trails wind through wetlands filled with moose, eagles, and waterfowl. From there, enjoy panoramic vistas of Turnagain Arm at Beluga and Bird Points, where beluga whales often play in the tidal waters. Continue through the alpine charm of Girdwood, with its scenic tram rides, forest trails, and abundant wildlife.
Marvel at glaciers and waterfalls along Portage Valley and Keystone Canyon, and take an up-close hike to Exit Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. Your journey ends at Seward Harbor, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, with fjord views, marine wildlife, and a perfect finale to your scenic drive.
This route is designed to flow smoothly, minimize backtracking, and let you enjoy each stop at your own pace. From wetlands to mountains, glaciers to fjords, this tour showcases the very best of Alaska—right from your car window.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Wildlife Viewing Area (Recommended selfie spot).
2808 E 154th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk
Welcome to Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, a true jewel right on the edge of Anchorage, and your first grand introduction to Alaska's wild side along the Seward Highway. This isn't just a marsh; it's a bustling avian metropolis, especially during spring and fall migrations. The history here is quite interesting: what you see today is largely a result of the Alaska Railroad's construction in the early 1900s, which used fill material to build its tracks, inadvertently creating this incredible wetland habitat. It officially became part of the Alaska State Park system in 1968, ensuring its preservation for generations.
From our elevated, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, you'll get unparalleled views. Keep your eyes peeled for a spectacular array of wildlife. We're talking trumpeter swans, Canada geese, several species of ducks, and often, majestic bald eagles soaring overhead or perched in the snags. Arctic terns make an appearance, traveling all the way from the Antarctic to nest here – quite the commute, wouldn't you say? You might even spot a moose browsing among the willows, or salmon spawning in the clearer channels during late summer and early fall. The Chugach Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, making every bird sighting feel like it's straight out of a nature documentary. It’s a wonderful place to stretch your legs, breathe in that crisp Alaskan air, and truly appreciate the intricate dance of nature right outside the city limits. Don't forget your binoculars; you never know what rare visitor might have dropped in for a quick stopover!
From our elevated, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, you'll get unparalleled views. Keep your eyes peeled for a spectacular array of wildlife. We're talking trumpeter swans, Canada geese, several species of ducks, and often, majestic bald eagles soaring overhead or perched in the snags. Arctic terns make an appearance, traveling all the way from the Antarctic to nest here – quite the commute, wouldn't you say? You might even spot a moose browsing among the willows, or salmon spawning in the clearer channels during late summer and early fall. The Chugach Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, making every bird sighting feel like it's straight out of a nature documentary. It’s a wonderful place to stretch your legs, breathe in that crisp Alaskan air, and truly appreciate the intricate dance of nature right outside the city limits. Don't forget your binoculars; you never know what rare visitor might have dropped in for a quick stopover!
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Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 1.09mi
, Attraction : Scenic Overlook
Mile 110 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99540, USA
Potter Marsh South Viewpoint
Ahead on your left is the Potter Marsh Southern Viewpoint, a peaceful spot where you can take in the calm beauty of Alaska’s wetlands. From this vantage, the marsh stretches out before you with winding waterways, tall grasses, and forested edges that frame the scene perfectly. The slightly elevated viewpoint offers a broad perspective, letting you see patterns in the water channels and the interplay of light and shadow across the marsh.
This is an excellent place to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Look closely for birds feeding or resting along the marsh, and keep an eye out for larger animals moving quietly through the water and brush. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly rewarding, as the soft light enhances the landscape and wildlife is more active.
The viewpoint also provides a chance to pause, breathe deeply, and enjoy the serenity of this Alaskan environment. The combination of open water, marsh grasses, and distant mountains creates a sense of space and tranquility that sets the tone for the scenic drive ahead. Whether you linger to watch the wildlife or simply take in the expansive views, the southern viewpoint at Potter Marsh is a perfect introduction to Alaska’s natural beauty and a peaceful start to your journey along the Seward Highway.
This is an excellent place to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Look closely for birds feeding or resting along the marsh, and keep an eye out for larger animals moving quietly through the water and brush. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly rewarding, as the soft light enhances the landscape and wildlife is more active.
The viewpoint also provides a chance to pause, breathe deeply, and enjoy the serenity of this Alaskan environment. The combination of open water, marsh grasses, and distant mountains creates a sense of space and tranquility that sets the tone for the scenic drive ahead. Whether you linger to watch the wildlife or simply take in the expansive views, the southern viewpoint at Potter Marsh is a perfect introduction to Alaska’s natural beauty and a peaceful start to your journey along the Seward Highway.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk
Place 2
Potter Marsh South Viewpoint
Place 3
Potter Historic Site
Place 4
Chugach State Park
Place 5
Beluga Point
Place 6
Indian Valley Mine
Place 7
Bird Point
Place 8
Alyeska Resort
Place 9
Girdwood
Place 10
Alyeska Aerial Tramway
Place 11
Alaskan Wildlife Up Close
Place 12
Portage Glacier Gateway
Place 13
Kenai Peninsula
Place 14
Alaska History
Place 15
Bertha Creek Campground
Place 16
Johnson Pass Trail
Place 17
Canyon Creek
Place 18
Lower Summit Lake
Place 19
Summit Lake
Place 20
Devil's Creek Trail
Place 21
Jerome Lake
Place 22
Tern Lake
Place 23
Upper Trail Lake
Place 24
Moose Pass
Place 25
Lower Trail Lake
Place 26
Kenai Lake
Place 27
Renfro's Lakeside Retreat
Place 28
Bear Lake
Place 29
Exit Glacier
Place 30
Alaska SeaLife Center
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 30 stops, covering top attractions such as Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk, Potter Marsh South Viewpoint, Potter Historic Site, Chugach State Park, Beluga Point.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk (Address: 2808 E 154th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!