Seward Highway: A Self Guided Drive of Alaska's Historic Road

Anchorage , United States

Seward Highway: A Self Guided Drive of Alaska's Historic Road

Active

3h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Seward Highway ranks among America’s most breathtaking drives. On this self-guided driving tour, you’ll go beyond landscapes that embody Alaska’s rugged character and natural beauty. You’ll follow a historic route that echoes the pioneering spirit of the Last Frontier, where each mile holds stories of those who carved a path through untamed wilderness.

The tour begins at Potter Marsh on the outskirts of Anchorage and ends in downtown Seward, next to Resurrection Bay’s shoreline. Along the way, Jan and Stan, longtime Alaska residents, will bring the highway’s history to life, sharing fascinating tales of this historic route that connects Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula.

You’ll take in breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm while learning about its dramatic bore tides and the endangered beluga whales that navigate these silty waters. Along the Seward Highway, you’ll have the chance to spot dall sheep on the cliffs, the only place in Alaska where they’re regularly seen near sea level.

Available options

Seward Highway: A Self Guided Drive of Alaska's Historic Road

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

You’ll stop at Beluga Point, a scenic roadside overlook famous for its panoramic coastal views and frequent beluga whale sightings. Please note that any costs related to parking or accessing the viewpoint are not covered in this tour.

Stop 2 Pass by

You’ll stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a remarkable sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Alaska’s native wildlife—including bears, moose, elk, and muskox. Please note that admission to the center is not included in this tour.

Stop 3 Pass by

You’ll visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska’s only combined marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and public education facility—home to seals, sea lions, puffins, and more. Please note that admission to the center is not included in this tour.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Anchorage

Anchorage is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Alaska, offering a unique blend of urban amenities and breathtaking natural beauty. Known as the 'City of Lights and Flowers,' it serves as the perfect gateway to the vast wilderness of the Last Frontier, with easy access to stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

A scenic 11-mile trail that offers stunning views of the Cook Inlet, wildlife, and the Chugach Mountains. Perfect for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

Nature 2-4 hours Free

Anchorage Museum

A premier cultural and historical museum showcasing Alaska's art, history, and indigenous cultures. Features a large collection of Alaska Native art and contemporary exhibits.

Museum 2-3 hours $20 for adults, discounts available

Chugach State Park

A vast state park offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning alpine scenery. Features over 495,000 acres of wilderness just minutes from downtown Anchorage.

Nature Half-day to full day Free

Alaska Native Heritage Center

A cultural center dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditions, history, and art of Alaska's indigenous peoples. Features live performances, cultural demonstrations, and exhibits.

Cultural 2-3 hours $25 for adults, discounts available

Flattop Mountain

A popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding mountains. A moderate hike that is accessible year-round.

Adventure 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Salmon

Fresh, wild-caught salmon is a staple of Alaskan cuisine, often grilled, smoked, or baked.

Main Dish Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

King Crab

Alaska is famous for its king crab, which is typically steamed or grilled and served with butter.

Main Dish Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Reindeer Sausage

A unique Alaskan specialty made from reindeer meat, often served as sausage or in stews.

Main Dish Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Baked Alaska

A classic dessert featuring layers of ice cream and cake, topped with meringue and torched.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Wildlife viewing Kayaking Dog sledding Spa treatments Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Anchorage, offering the warmest weather and the longest daylight hours, known as the 'Midnight Sun.' This is the best time for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and exploring the city's attractions.

10°C to 20°C 50°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Tagalog, Other indigenous languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Anchorage is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime and theft can occur, especially in tourist areas. Exercise common sense and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport • 12 km from city center

By bus

Downtown Anchorage Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The People Mover bus system is affordable and efficient, with routes covering most of the city. Buses are well-maintained and punctual.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Anchorage South Anchorage West Anchorage Midtown Anchorage

Day trips

Chugach National Forest

20 km from Anchorage • Half-day to full day

A vast national forest offering stunning alpine scenery, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Girdwood and Alyeska Resort

40 km from Anchorage • Full day

A scenic mountain town and ski resort offering year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and the famous Alyeska Tram.

Whittier

80 km from Anchorage • Full day

A small town accessible by tunnel, offering stunning coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, and the start of the famous Prince William Sound cruise.

Festivals

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous • February Midnight Sun Festival • June Anchorage Market and Festival • May to September

Pro tips

Visit the Anchorage Museum for a comprehensive overview of Alaska's history and culture
Take a scenic flightseeing tour to fully appreciate the beauty of Alaska's landscapes
Go wildlife viewing in the early morning or late evening for the best chances of spotting animals
Pack layers of clothing, as the weather in Anchorage can be unpredictable and change rapidly
Try local Alaskan cuisine, such as fresh seafood, wild game, and reindeer sausage