View from Campground towards marina
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Seward Waterfront Trail Seward

4.5
·805 reviews·Seward, United States

A scenic paved trail along Resurrection Bay, offering stunning mountain views, harbor activity, and wildlife sightings in Seward, Alaska.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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View from Campground towards marina

Seward Waterfront Trail Seward

Best Time

Summer mornings

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic paved trail along Resurrection Bay, offering stunning mountain views, harbor activity, and wildlife sightings in Seward, Alaska.

4.5
(805 reviews)

"Absolutely beautiful vistas and walking distance to downtown! We would stay here again for sure!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll with a View

The paved trail offers stunning mountain and bay views. Perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride. :athletic_shoe:

🌅 Catch the Sunrise/Sunset

Witness magical colors over Resurrection Bay. Early mornings and late evenings are spectacular. :sunrise:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Resurrection Bay Vistas

Resurrection Bay Vistas

Waterfront Promenade

Gaze across the majestic Resurrection Bay, framed by towering mountains. A truly breathtaking Alaskan panorama.

Boats and Marine Life

Boats and Marine Life

Harbor Area

Watch fishing boats and cruise ships dock. Keep an eye out for seals, otters, and seabirds in the bay.

Paved Walking Trails

Paved Walking Trails

Along the Waterfront

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride on well-maintained paths with constant scenic beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Alaskan Elements

Seward's waterfront is stunning but can be unpredictable. Pack layers for sun, rain, and wind, even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the paved trails and enjoying the views. Be prepared for potential wildlife sightings – keep a safe distance!

Timing is Key for Views & Crowds

While beautiful year-round, the waterfront truly shines during the summer months. For fewer crowds and softer light, aim for early mornings or late evenings. Check local event schedules, especially around holidays like the 4th of July, for potential fireworks and festivities.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Golden light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Alaskan twilight magic
Crowd
Medium
When
July 4th
Why
Fireworks over the bay
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

a love letter to seward, alaska - a small town, 14,904km away from my home city, that i’ve never heard of but somehow ended up in this summer the first night i came here i cried myself to sleep because of how isolating it felt, it took some time to adjust but i learned to appreciate being here because i know i’ll look back one day and miss this time of my life it has been almost two months and the...
@cheesusus
105.2K likes • 659K views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll with a View

The paved trail offers stunning mountain and bay views. Perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride. :athletic_shoe:

🌅 Catch the Sunrise/Sunset

Witness magical colors over Resurrection Bay. Early mornings and late evenings are spectacular. :sunrise:

Seward park Seattle WA 😍 #seattle #seattletiktok #ocean #fy #fyp #foryoupage #hawaii #sewardpark
@joniloroy
14.4K likes • 211.7K views
E que comece a aventura! 🐻🌲🗻 . Realizando um sonho de viajar num motorhome! . Saímos de Anchorage com destino à Seward, na península de Kenai, sul do Alaska. . E a diversão é estar completamente imersos na natureza, no conforto de um lar que se move conosco, permitindo o simples em lugares absolutamente únicos! . Minha essência é isso aqui! Porque se for para lavar louça, que seja nas águas gela...
lucianabphaddad
2.6K likes • 0 views

🐾 Pet-Friendly Paths

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the trails, but keep them leashed. :dog:

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

During peak season, parking can be challenging. Arrive early or consider walking from downtown. :car:

Under the Alaskan twilight… Between mountains 💙 . . #seward #alaska #mountainloving #twilight #travelgram #travelphotography #alaskadiaries #sarinadventures #lookup #journeyon #beautifulnight #betweenmountains #betweenmountainsmovie
vineesha
442 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll with a View

The paved trail offers stunning mountain and bay views. Perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride. :athletic_shoe:

🌅 Catch the Sunrise/Sunset

Witness magical colors over Resurrection Bay. Early mornings and late evenings are spectacular. :sunrise:

🐾 Pet-Friendly Paths

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the trails, but keep them leashed. :dog:

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

During peak season, parking can be challenging. Arrive early or consider walking from downtown. :car:

🎣 Watch the Fishermen

The harbor is active with fishing boats. A great spot to observe local maritime life. :fishing_pole:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(805 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of the Seward Waterfront Trail, highlighting the breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay and surrounding mountains. The accessible paved path is perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying the harbor activity. While some campers note issues with parking and basic amenities, the overall consensus is that the location and scenery are exceptional.

"Very nice boardwalk! Well maintained & accessible. Saw some sea lions.
Nice and relaxing."

VN

"Great place for kids and dogs. Walk along the west shore of the Resurrection Bay all the way down to the Sea Life Aquarium."

Sloop B

"Stunning view and lots of tv and camping spots which available with online reservations"

Amarjit Dhadwar

What People Like

Stunning bay and mountain views
Accessible paved trail
Harbor activity and wildlife

What People Dislike

Parking challenges
Basic campground amenities
Slow data signal

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Seward Waterfront Trail is easily accessible from downtown Seward. If you're driving, there's parking available near the RV campgrounds and along the waterfront, though it can fill up quickly during peak season. Many visitors also walk from their accommodations in town. :car: :walking:

Yes, you can reach Seward via the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage, which offers scenic views. Once in Seward, the waterfront is a short distance from the train depot. :train:

Seward does not have a commercial airport. The nearest major airport is in Anchorage (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport - ANC), from which you can rent a car or take the Alaska Railroad. :airplane:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Seward Waterfront Trail is a public access area and is free to enter and explore. Enjoy the beautiful scenery without any admission fees! :ticket:

The waterfront is open 24/7, as it's a public outdoor space. However, amenities like restrooms and visitor centers may have specific hours. :clock:

Parking can be a bit of a free-for-all with no specific sites, and while some areas are free, there might be fees associated with specific parking lots or RV campgrounds adjacent to the trail. It's best to check signage upon arrival. :parking:

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy scenic walks, cycling, photography, wildlife viewing (seals, otters, birds), watching boats in the harbor, and simply relaxing by Resurrection Bay. It's a great starting point for exploring Seward's coastal beauty. :camerawithflash: :binoculars:

Yes, the trail is paved and generally flat, making it accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility challenges. :wheelchair:

Public restrooms are available along the waterfront. Some reviews mention they were clean during visits, though one noted a lack of doors on shower facilities in the campground area. :toilet:

Drone usage is generally permitted in public areas, but it's always wise to check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Some have been seen flying drones here. :drone:

Keep an eye out for harbor seals, sea otters, various seabirds, and potentially even whales in Resurrection Bay. :seal: :whale:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the waterfront is within walking distance of downtown Seward, which offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and seafood spots. You can also find picnic areas along the trail. :forkandknife:

There are picnic areas available, and some reviews mention fire pits right on the boardwalk sites for camping. Be sure to check for any fire restrictions. :picnic_table: :fire:

📸 📸 Photography

Everywhere! The entire trail offers stunning views of Resurrection Bay, mountains, and the harbor. Sunrise and sunset provide particularly magical light. :camerawithflash:

Early mornings and late evenings offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors. The Alaskan twilight is also a unique photographic opportunity. :sunrise: :city_sunset:

The boats in the harbor, the dramatic mountain backdrops, and the expansive views of Resurrection Bay are all iconic photo subjects. :mountain: :ocean:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Seward Waterfront Trail is a fantastic, accessible option for families. The paved, flat path is perfect for strollers and little legs that might get tired. Kids will love watching the boats in the harbor and keeping an eye out for marine life like seals and seabirds. Reddit It's a safe and engaging environment where children can experience the beauty of Alaska without strenuous activity. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as picnic areas are available. The proximity to downtown Seward also means easy access to family-friendly dining options. Reddit

🚗 RV Campers & Road Trippers

Seward's waterfront offers a unique camping experience for RVs, with some sites boasting fire pits right on the boardwalk for incredible views. Reddit While parking can be a bit of a free-for-all and amenities might be basic (like shared washrooms), the location is unbeatable for waking up to the sights and sounds of Resurrection Bay. Reddit Be prepared for potentially slow data signals if you plan to book or pay online. The proximity to downtown Seward is a major plus for accessing supplies and dining after a day of exploring. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

This is your paradise! The Seward Waterfront Trail offers endless photographic opportunities, from dramatic mountain backdrops to the dynamic marine activity in Resurrection Bay. Instagram+1 Early mornings and late evenings provide the best light for capturing the stunning Alaskan landscapes, with the twilight hours being particularly magical. Instagram+1 Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings – seals, otters, and diverse bird species are common. The trail itself is scenic, making it a joy to explore with your lens. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Seward's Coastal Charm

The Seward Waterfront Trail is more than just a path; it's an immersive experience into the heart of this Alaskan coastal town. Stretching along Resurrection Bay, the trail offers continuous, breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, the bustling harbor, and the vast expanse of the ocean. It's a place where the raw beauty of Alaska meets the charm of a small, vibrant community. Many visitors find themselves captivated by the sheer scale of the landscape, a sentiment echoed in social media posts that express awe at the natural surroundings. Instagram+1

This accessible, paved trail is perfect for all visitors, whether you're looking for a gentle stroll, a brisk bike ride, or a place to simply sit and soak in the scenery. You'll see a variety of boats, from small fishing vessels to larger cruise ships, a testament to Seward's importance as a port. Wildlife is also a common sight; keep an eye out for playful seals, sea otters, and a multitude of seabirds that call Resurrection Bay home. The trail connects key points of interest, including the RV campgrounds and the Alaskan SeaLife Center, making it a convenient way to navigate the town's attractions. Reddit

For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the waterfront is a dream. The ever-changing light, especially during the magical Alaskan twilight, creates dramatic and unforgettable scenes. Whether you're capturing the vibrant colors of a sunrise Instagram or the serene beauty of the bay at dawn,Instagram the Seward Waterfront provides endless opportunities for stunning shots. The combination of mountains, water, and marine activity makes it a dynamic and rewarding location for any visitor.

Camping and Amenities: What to Expect

Seward offers unique camping opportunities right on the waterfront, with some sites featuring fire pits directly on the boardwalk. This provides an unparalleled experience of waking up to ocean views and the sounds of the bay. Reddit However, it's important to be aware of the amenities and potential drawbacks. While flush toilets and showers are available, some reviews note that the washrooms, including showers, may lack doors, impacting privacy. Reddit

Parking for campers can be a 'free-for-all' with no designated sites, leading to close proximity between vehicles and potential issues with picnic table availability. Reddit Data signal can also be slow, making online booking or payment a challenge. Reddit Despite these minor inconveniences, many visitors find the stunning vistas and the convenience of being steps from the water make it a worthwhile stay. The proximity to downtown Seward also means restaurants and shops are easily accessible on foot. Reddit

For those seeking a more structured camping experience, it's advisable to research specific campgrounds in the area or be prepared for a more rustic, self-sufficient approach to waterfront camping. Always check for any posted rules or regulations regarding campfires and waste disposal to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Reddit

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