My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State. For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates. To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and always use NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifis. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier. Getting to Granite Point and What to Expect
Granite Point is located outside of Seward, so you'll need to take about a 20 minute water taxi ride from Seward. There are a few companies that offer water taxi rides in Seward, but based on my personal experience & research Miller's Landing offered the cheapest roundtrip rides at just $65 per person + taxes. If you have your own boat, or if you're up for a 7 mile kayak, you can also head out there on your own.
During your ride you have the chance to see plenty of local marine wildlife - like otters, seals & sea lions, eagles, porpoises, and sometimes even whales! The views themselves are also stunning with the mountains surrounding Resurrection Bay.
Once you land on the beach the caretakers onsite will most likely be there to meet you, and after unloading your belongings from the boat (or helicopter) you'll have to bring them up to whichever cabin you're staying at. They have 5 different cabins available on site, but personally I recommend The Ledge cabin. This is the one my husband and I stayed in, and the views were simply unbeatable. If you're looking for a cabin that's a bit more accessible and doesn't require a hike or stairs, then I would look into the Pepper Creek Cabin.
Once you get settled, there's plenty to do onsite and around the property. From kayaking to hiking, wildlife viewing to paddle boarding - I've listed all my personal recommendations below, but to be completely honest this stay isn't just a stay, it's an entire Alaskan experience - and it is so worth it. However it's important to remember that everything you pack in for your stay, you'll also have to pack out when you leave.
My Favorite Tours Near Seward :
- Alaska Railroad Roundtrip to Seward - Full Day Kenai Fjords Cruise Best Things to Do at Granite Point
1. Kayaking
Staying at Granite Point gives you the ability to use their onsite kayaks (just sign their waivers first). Whoever is the caretaker during your visit will give you a rundown of where to go and how to use their gear, and also make sure that you have everything you need for ocean kayaking. When my husband and I went out we kayaked around the bend to Humpy Cove - where we saw eagles, sea lions, seals, otters, and plenty of starfish. Hands down one of the top kayaking experiences we've ever had. (They also have paddleboards for guest use onsite!)
2. Walk the Beach
Every morning and evening we would enjoy our time by walking the beach. Granite Point has a private beach area, so we could get up and enjoy the views with only the other guests onsite. We saw sea otters and sea lions up close, found some beautiful sea glass, and enjoyed the incredible views of the mountains across Resurrection Bay.
3. Go Hiking
Granite Point's cabins are all located on an uphill incline. Pepper Creek Cabin is the only cabin that doesn't require a flight of stairs or hike - and the cabin we stayed in (The Ledge) is the first cabin closest to the top of the stairs. If you continue upwards and follow the signs for the Alpine Trail, you'll be brought up the mountain where you can find incredible views overlooking the fjords and Resurrection Bay. When my husband Tyler did this hike, he also found grizzly tracks - so I recommend carrying bear spray with you!
4. Watch for Wildlife
During your stay at Granite Point you'll have the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife. If you go hiking, you'll have the chance to see bears - so I recommend carrying bear spray. If you feel like just relaxing at your cabin, then you could see eagles, sea lions, otters, seals, porpoises, and maybe even whales! If you head to the beach, you'll have the chance to see these animals fairly close. And if you go kayaking, then you'll might be able to see some of these animals quite closely - at least, we did when we went kayaking. If you have a zoom or telephoto lens, I highly recommend bringing it during your stay!
5. Fishing (and snorkeling?)
If you plan on visiting Granite Point, then it's worth knowing that their location is a prime spot for some fishing! Right from shore you can catch all kinds of salmon, and if you head off shore you can even find halibut and rockfish! Just make sure to bring your fishing license, poles, and bait. If you're really looking for something unique to do during your stay at Granite Point, then you could even do some snorkeling! Make sure to stay aware of the local sea lions and dress warm.
Watch my Granite Point Adventures here!
Coming Soon!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> Best Places to Eat in Seward -> Major Marines Tour in Seward -> Visiting Seward Alaska in the Summer
Pin this Seward Stay for Later!
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I'm Deborah👋🏼
In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. My Ultimate Guide to Alaska - over 230 pins on an interactive map - the ultimate tool in planning your trip to Alaska.
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