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Published: September 5th 2021
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Today was my last day in Seward and it was pretty relaxing. I slept in and ate a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. The only thing on my agenda for today was a visit to the Alaska Sea Life Center.
The Sea Life Center is at the other end of town from my hotel. To get there I walked along the coastal walkway, a nice paved path that winds through campgrounds and along the coast with amazing views the entire way. There were lots of families sitting down to breakfast next to their campers or out walking their dogs. There are signs along the path with information on Seward and the nature surrounding it. Several focus on the earthquake of 1964. It was a 9.2 earthquake, the second largest ever recorded, and the quake plus resulting tsunami changed the industry of Seward. Prior it was a bustling seaport, after it became a fishing town as many of the docks and rail lines were not able to be repaired. In fact, the Sea Life Center stands where the railroad used to terminate.
I'm sure in the height of summer you could see a whale out in the bay, but all
I saw today were sea birds and the occasional salmon jumping out of the water. I spent some time sitting and watching the water before heading in to the aquarium. I pre-booked my ticket to avoid the lines (there weren't any) and walked in at 9:45. They recently began renovation of their seal and sea lion habitats so most of the mammals were off exhibit. However there were lots of fish and birds to view. Due to Covid there is a one way route through the center that begins on the 2nd level and ends on the 1st. You can walk through as many times as you want once you are inside. I really enjoyed looking at all the fish that are native to Alaska and the birds were quite enjoyable. They are in a free flight area which always makes me nervous but they mainly stayed in the water. The puffins were super cute and many were on the rocks right near where you could stand. Great for getting some close ups!
There is a fun touch pool with starfish, sea cucumbers, prawns, urchins, other things that were also cool. The water was super cold but it was
Fun Covid Sign
I love the animal themed "6 feet apart" signs at places like this. Makes it fun! neat to be able to gently touch these amazing creatures. The Stellar Sea lions can be viewed in their off exhibit habitat through some large windows on the 2nd level. You also get a peak into the rescue side of things with some viewing windows. While I was there they were weighing some birds and feeding them small fish. They recently rescued a sea otter pup but it was not visible anywhere.
I would highly recommend the Sea Life Center if in Seward. It's the only aquarium in Alaska and its full of native marine wildlife, most of which you don't get a chance to see otherwise.
I ate lunch across the street and had some delicious grilled rockfish tacos. Fortified, I walked back along the coastal path to the hotel. There were lots of people out fishing along the shore but I didn't see anyone catch anything. I ended up taking a nap and then got some cheaper fish n chips for dinner. That was a mistake! I should have gone to the nicer sit down restaurant for dinner.
Some notes on Seward. This is a great place to do hiking, fishing or boating. There isn't
much to do in the city itself but everyone is coming for the outdoors. There are lots of hiking trails around. If I had a car I probably would have gone to one this afternoon and done a short hike. There are many boat tours to choose from, guided hikes, kayaking, helicopter tours etc. Don't try to find cheap food. Just accept than you need to pay more and don't worry about the bill. The scenery is worth the price of admission!
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Mom
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Well....not the fish! HAHAHAHA