Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: Anchorage to Seward

Itinerary

1. 1
   Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Pass by

   The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is the best place on the route to see Alaska’s iconic animals up close. Rescued brown bears, black bears, moose, musk oxen, wolves, bison, and lynx live in spacious habitats surrounded by mountain views. Visitors can explore the center on a loop road, join a naturalist-led tour, or book close-encounter experiences with select animals. It’s an excellent stop to learn about wildlife conservation and Alaska’s native species.

2. 2
   Stop Pass by

   Girdwood is a lush mountain town tucked among forested slopes and glacier-fed valleys, known for its outdoor adventures and alpine scenery. From here, the Alyeska Aerial Tram rises high above the valley, revealing panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, hanging glaciers, and rugged Chugach peaks. Whether you’re stopping for food, fuel, or a ride to the top, Girdwood is one of the most rewarding mid-route stops along the Seward Highway.

3. 3
   Beluga Point 20 minutes

   Beluga Point is one of the Seward Highway’s most dramatic overlooks, where mountains plunge into the silty waters of Turnagain Arm and beluga whales often appear in midsummer. These small white whales follow the salmon runs through the powerful tides, surfacing in flashes of white or brief sprays of mist. It’s also a prime spot to look for Dall sheep on the cliffs above, making this one of Alaska’s best places to spot both marine and mountain wildlife.

4. 4
   Bird Point 20 minutes

   Bird Point offers sweeping views of Turnagain Arm and its powerful tides, framed by steep mountains and glacial valleys. This overlook features beluga sculptures, interpretive signs, and scopes for wildlife watching, along with access to the Bird-to-Gird Trail. Look closely at the bedrock, the long grooves and scratches are glacial striations left during the last ice age. It’s a beautiful, quick stop with both scenery and geology on display.

5. 5
   Stop Pass by

   Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, offering close-up views of a massive river of ice descending from the vast Harding Icefield. Short trails lead to dramatic overlooks, while the nature center provides exhibits, ranger programs, and insight into the glacier’s rapid retreat. Whether you take a quick walk or spend more time exploring, this is a rare opportunity to see a glacier from just a few steps off the road.

6. 6
   Kenai Fjords National Park Pass by

   Kenai Fjords National Park is where mountains, ocean, and ice collide in dramatic fashion. From tidewater glaciers to deep fjords carved by ancient ice, the park showcases some of Alaska’s wildest scenery. Wildlife is abundant — including sea otters, puffins, mountain goats, and humpback whales. Whether you explore by road at Exit Glacier or join a boat tour from Seward, this park is a highlight of any Alaska trip.

7. 7
   Portage Glacier 20 minutes

   Portage Valley is a classic glacier-carved landscape, where blue-tinted ice, cascading waterfalls, and sheer mountain walls create one of the most scenic side trips off the Seward Highway. Portage Glacier once filled this entire valley; today its retreat has left behind Portage Lake, where boat tours glide toward the towering wall of ice. Interpretive displays, short trails, and viewpoints reveal both the natural beauty and the dramatic history of this shifting glacial world.

8. 8
   Seward Pass by

   Seward is a charming harbor town at the end of the Seward Highway, surrounded by towering peaks and the icy waters of Resurrection Bay. It serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and offers everything from glacier cruises and kayaking to coastal trails and waterfront dining. With its lively marina, mountain backdrop, and access to Exit Glacier, Seward is one of Alaska’s most rewarding destinations.

9. 9
   Stop Pass by

   Summit Lake is a pristine, high-elevation lake surrounded by rolling tundra, rocky ridges, and alpine meadows. The still waters mirror the mountains on clear days, creating postcard-worthy views. Its quiet shoreline is perfect for stretching your legs or enjoying a peaceful break, especially in early summer when snow still lines the peaks above.

10. 10
    Stop Pass by

    Tern Lake sits at the meeting point of the Seward and Sterling Highways, a serene alpine lake ringed by steep mountains and frequented by swans, bald eagles, and the lake’s namesake Arctic terns. The reflections here on calm days are stunning, and the surrounding wetlands make this a favorite spot for bird-watching and photography. It’s one of the most photogenic crossroads in the Kenai Peninsula.

Good to know

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
• Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
• Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
• Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
• Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
• Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
• Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
• Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
• Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
• Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
• Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
• The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.