This Stunning Port City In Alaska Is Brimming With Spectacular Nature Sights & Recreation

Alaska is an incredibly unique part of the United States. Although it features some much lesser charted territory, such as the least visited national park in the entire US, there are some more easily accessible places throughout the Last Frontier. When visiting some of these destinations, you can combine amazing nature with cozy accommodations. A place which does that well is Seward. This Alaskan port city gets you close to some next-level nature excursions, while offering all types of lodging so you can kick back after a day on the trails.

Those who prefer camping should check out Waterfront Park, which runs along Seward's coastline. Aside from gorgeous ocean and mountain views, you can camp right by the water at this park from the middle of April through the end of September. Many of the campgrounds like Boulder and Resurrection, offer dry and partial hookup RV sites or tent sites. However, not all of the campgrounds at Waterfront Park have each option. Use the City of Seward website to book far in advance and find the perfect site for your preferred mode of camping. Check to see if the campsites will have running water before you arrive too, as cold weather might make this amenity unavailable.

Plenty of Seward's hotels come with gorgeous views. The locally-owned Alaska's Point of View has multiple cabin rentals in Seward. Pick from studio suites to two-bedroom suites. The Baywatch suites are especially lovely offerings from Alaska's Point of View, thanks to their ocean views and wooden exteriors that make you feel immersed in Alaskan culture. 

Hikers should check out Trailhead Lodging. As the name suggests, this hotel is close to some of Seward's beloved hiking opportunities. Two Lakes Trail begins at Two Lakes Park, less than one mile from Trailhead Lodging. Two Lakes is just ¾ of a mile in length, making it perfect for families or those who want nature without too much exertion. The forest of hemlocks and evergreens make you feel as though you're much further into the wilderness than just a few minutes walk. You might also spot some salmon in First Lake. For something a bit more challenging, the Mount Marathon hiking trail is also less than one mile from Trailhead Lodging, but is a more substantial four miles in length. Staff at Trailhead Lodging can also help you learn more about hiking trails and other things to do in this pocket of the Last Frontier.

Seward is the perfect home base for an adventure through Kenai Fjords National Park. Boat tour companies for Kenai Fjords depart from Seward's harbor. Kenai Fjords Tours have trips lasting from five hours to over eight hours. For similar trip durations on a privately chartered boat, book an excursion with Closer to the Wild. Regardless of tour company, cruising around these fjords is a must as this type of terrain is found in few other places around the world. Kenai Fjords National Park is also a great destination for ocean and wildlife discovery, so keep your eyes out for humpback whales, seals, sea lions, bears, puffins, and much more.

Many visitors choose to reach Seward by taking an Alaskan cruise. Seward's cruise ship terminal is conveniently located at the same boat harbor as the Kenai Fjords tour companies. Another interesting way to get to Seward is by railroad. The Alaska Railroad runs from Fairbanks to Seward, making stops at other major cities like Denali and Anchorage. Seward has a small airport for charter flights, but most travelers fly into the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, about a 2½-hour drive from Seward. Whether you arrive in Seward by land, sea, or air, Alaska's incredible scenery makes getting there half the fun.