honeymoon in Alaska - part 1

Together with my wife, we decided to go for our honeymoon to Alaska. We got married in July so there was no better time to go there. We did not take a cruise but instead we decided to go to one town and spend a few days tere. We flew in to Anchorage, spent a night there and in morning we went to Seward.

From Anchorage to Seward

We decided to take a bus from Anchorage to Seward. After that we have been told that trip by train is much more scenic and one may spot an animal much easier. However, the bus trip is just fine. Although, one is on a highway, it leads between the ocean and mountains for almost the whole way. Bus ride takes about 3 hours. Highway from Anchorage to Seward is considered as one of the most scenic highways in the US. Part of the road goes through a dead forest, remnants of the forest killed by a salt water brought by a tsunami after a great earthquake in 1964. If you happen to drive the Seward highway, you will have many opportunities for birds and beluga whales watching.

Alaska dead forest. Residue of a
forest killed and preserved in this
form by the salty water brought to
land by a tsunami wave.

Alaska railroad, train operating
between Anchorage and Seward. Alaska railroad.

View from a bird watching point
in the Seward highway.

Seward, Alaska

Seward is a town with population around 3000 people but during the summer number of residents grows to more that 10000. Main street leds from the Seward highway through a small boat harbor to downtown area. The bus and train arrive to Seward and depart from the neighborhood of the harbor. Most of the town life is concentrated around the harbor. There grocery store is hard to find and is located at the north of the town (about 15 min walk north from the harbor). Most of the attractions and turist companies are located in the harbor. Following the main street will lead to the southern part of the Seward, where downtown is located (about 15 min walk south from the harbor).

Sculpture on the main street of Seward.

Alaska flag designer, Benny Benson
memorial stone.

Main street of Seward.

Kenai Fjords

Kenai Fjords National Park and Kenai Fjords Tours organize boat tours on the fjords. This is one of the biggest attractions. The tour takes whole day, starts in the Resurrection Bay and follows in the neighboring fjords. You will certainly spot many animals like orca whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, sea otters and various birds. Most of the tours will take you to glaciers and best spots for marine wildlife and scenery. Tours end on the Fox island where you will be served a steak and salmon "all you can eat" buffet.

Orca whale

Sea lions

Glacier

Puffin

Sea otter

View from Fox Island

See also:

Honeymoon in Alaska - part 2

Honeymoon in Alaska - part 3