Sunny Cove State Marine Park

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertMay 8, 2026 · Updated May 17, 2026

🏆🏆🏆 Resurrection Bay Cove — Sheltered cove in Resurrection Bay near Seward with sea otters and tidewater views

Sunny Cove State Marine Park protects a sheltered cove on the east side of Resurrection Bay near Seward. True to its name, the cove faces south and catches more sunlight than the cloud-shrouded mountains surrounding it. The park is popular for kayak day trips from Seward, with a sandy beach, excellent tide pools, and sea otters floating in the kelp beds offshore. The cove provides views across Resurrection Bay to the peaks of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I kayak there from Seward?

Yes — the 4-mile paddle from Seward is manageable for intermediate kayakers in calm conditions. Water taxis from Seward offer drop-off and pick-up for those who prefer not to paddle the open bay crossing.

Are sea otters common?

Yes — sea otters recovered dramatically after near-extinction from the fur trade (hunted to 2,000 individuals by 1911). Today, Alaska’s sea otter population exceeds 90,000. They eat 25% of their body weight daily in shellfish.

Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lowell Point State Recreation Site (a short drive away) or Thumb Cove State Marine Park (a short drive away).

Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.

About Sunny Cove

Sunny Cove State Marine Park near Seward provides a sheltered cove in Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. The park is a popular destination for sea kayakers paddling out of Seward toward Kenai Fjords National Park. Despite its name, the cove receives about 60 inches of rain annually — sunny days are treasured here.

Things to Do

Sea kayaking, beach camping, wildlife viewing (sea otters, harbor seals, orcas), fishing, and staging for kayak trips into Kenai Fjords. Access by water taxi or kayak from Seward.

Insider Tips

Resurrection Bay paddling: Sunny Cove offers protected camping on the eastern shore of Resurrection Bay near Seward. Pro tip: Water taxis from Seward drop paddlers at Sunny Cove — paddle north back to town over 1-3 days. Sea otters: Rafts of otters float in the cove — mothers carry pups on their bellies while floating on their backs.

Best Time to Visit

June-August: Warmest and calmest conditions. July: Sea otter pup season. May: Fewer visitors, early wildflowers. September: Silver salmon runs in nearby streams.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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