Seward’s most enjoyable attraction, the SeaLife Center (907/224-6300 or 800/224-2525, www.alaskasealife.org, Mon.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Fri.–Sun. 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. May–mid- Sept., daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. mid-Sept.– May, $20 adults, $15 ages 12–17, $10 ages 4–11, younger children free) sits on the south edge of town facing Resurrection Bay.

This impressive facility provides visitors with a wonderful way to learn about marine wildlife up close. There are exhibits, aquariums filled with crabs and octopuses, tide-pool touch tanks, and a gift shop.

The main attractions are three gigantic tanks, each with two-story windows where visitors can watch puffins and other seabirds, seals, and sea lions swimming. The playful 1,500-pound Steller sea lions come up to check out children next to their windows.

For visitors, the SeaLife Center is a place to learn about the marine environment, but this is also an important center for marine research and the rehabilitation of wildlife, including pigeon guillemots and Steller sea lions.

Behind-the-scenes tours ($15) provide an excellent hour-long look at the center’s facilities. It you want a hands-on experience, take a personalized one-hour tour for $79; a maximum of four people can join this one.