Seward Highway is an awe-inspiring route in Alaska

Get ready for the Seward Highway in Alaska—it's pure eye candy! Seriously, every single direction is just breathtaking.

This 127-mile stretch of paved road is the only way to cruise between Anchorage and Seward. It’s known as Alaska Route 9 near Seward, switching to AK-1 as you head towards Anchorage. This highway is a big deal, racking up awards as a USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway, Alaska Scenic Byway, and an All-American Road!

The highest point is Turnagain Pass, clocking in at 984 feet. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for snow closures—Alaska weather can be wild!

This road is all about the journey, not the destination. Picture winding curves and panoramic views that demand you take it slow and savor every moment. All in all, it's about a five-hour drive, but why rush? A lot of folks stretch it into a multi-day adventure to really soak it all in. You'll pass fishing villages, old mining towns, and lush national forests. Pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine? Yes, please! In one hour, you'll climb 1,000 feet into the mountains and descend back to sea level, then wind through the raw Alaskan wilderness, snaking from Anchorage down the Kenai Peninsula to Seward on Resurrection Bay.

Word on the street is it's one of Alaska’s trickier roads, especially the Anchorage to Portage Glacier part. It opened back in '51 and cuts through the Kenai Peninsula, Chugach National Forest, Turnagain Arm, and Kenai Mountains.

Summer’s the prime time to visit—hello, daylight! Keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls, glaciers, Dall sheep, eagles, moose, and even beluga whales.