On the road with
Gypsy Louise and Me
Exploring Seward, Alaska: My Top 5 June Adventures & RV Camping Tips
TL:DR
The best things to do in Seward, Alaska include:
- Taking a Kenai Fjords glacier and wildlife boat tour
- Visiting Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
- Walking the historic downtown and harbor
- Eating fresh Alaskan seafood along the docks
- Exploring the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
Seward, Alaska is a coastal town on the Kenai Peninsula and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s best known for glacier boat tours, wildlife viewing, Exit Glacier hikes, and RV-friendly waterfront camping.
Welcome to the Gateway of Kenai Fjords National Park
June in Seward, Alaska felt like standing on the edge of the wild. Glaciers calving into the sea, whales surfacing beside our boat, mist rolling through the harbor, and never-ending daylight—it was the kind of place that slows you down and makes you look twice.
Let’s start with where to park your RV. There are five public and private campgrounds in and around Seward that offer RV parking:
- Seward Waterfront Park: A large municipally owned and operated RV park with both Electric/water hookup and dry camping sites. It is located on the water and is a great option. Somehow it is noisy, but I didn’t have that experience. Plus the waterfront view is to die for!
- Seward KOA: A private full-service RV park with pull-through sites, a couple of miles before you reach downtown.
- Stoney Creek RV Park: Another private RV park north of town with full hookups (water, electric, sewer, 50-amp).
- Granite Creek Campgrounds: Good for a quick, simple stay.
- Nash Bayfront Campground: A private campground that also offers stunning 360° views of the bay, mountains, and harbor.
- Seward Military Resort: Primarily for military, with RV, cabin, yurt, and tent spots.
I opted for the Seward Waterfront Park, and was not disappointed. I chose a dry campsite, which was fine since I have an onboard generator, as the weather was misty and overcast the majority of my visit. The sites are pretty level, so leveling out the RV was quick and simple. This park was also the least costly of all the RV parking options near or within the city.
I spent three nights in Seward, and here are my top 5 picks of things to do while in the area for a short visit:
1. Kenai Fjords Peninsula Boat Tours
Day two in Seward was spent on a boat tour through the Kenai Fjords Peninsula, it was an experience I will never forget. There were options for everyone, whether preferring a small, intimate group tour (16 people maximum) or a larger tour with lots of fellow adventurers (100 – 200 passengers). The tours range from 6-hour excursions to full-day, 8-hour adventures. I opted for the shorter 6-hour tour on the smaller boat.
The day we set out, the weather was rainy and foggy over the mountains, creating a moody atmosphere. Early on, we saw playful otters floating along, seemingly unbothered by the rain.
As we exited the bay, the water turned choppy and rough, making me grateful for taking Dramamine that morning. Despite this, I couldn’t avoid seasickness once we reached the North Gulf Coast of Alaska, but the stunning sights made it worthwhile.
We encountered puffins darting above the waves, a mother mountain goat with her baby perched on a rocky ridge, and remarkable rock formations shaped by millennia of water and glacial movement. Wildlife was abundant, puffins, sea lions lounging on rocks, seagulls, and other birds of prey fishing in choppy waters. The highlight was an unexpected pod of porpoises swimming alongside our boat for about half an hour, a magical experience.
Passing glaciers like Holgate Glacier and Aialik Glacier was awe-inspiring. The towering ice formations were breathtaking, and the boat company’s crew shared fascinating insights about the ecosystems and geology. Spotting humpback and orca whales breaching the waters, alongside the graceful orcas gliding by, felt like an immense privilege. It was an unforgettable journey showcasing the wild, untamed beauty that defines Seward, despite the seasickness. It was truly the heart of Seward’s allure.
Alas, due to the rough waters (and seasickness) I stopped trying to get photos or video of the sites we saw and opted to just take it all in and embrace the journey we were on.
2. Walking Tour of Historic Seward District
On my final day in Seward I woke up to beautiful blue skies and amazing weather – a perfect day for exploring Seward on foot. The historic district is perfect for wanderers like me. The area was packed with charm—quaint shops, murals that told the town’s story, and buildings steeped in history. Walking through this district felt like stepping back in time while still enjoying modern touches.
Seward is considered the railroad’s gateway to Alaska, and the location where the Turnagain railroad starts its way north to Anchorage and beyond.
You can join one of the guided tours offered in town, it’s easy to do it on your own (like I did). From the stories of early settlers to the legacy of the railroad that shaped Seward, every corner had a tale to tell. The local guides were passionate and knowledgeable, making it a delightful way to learn about Seward’s rich heritage. Did you know Seward is the original “mile 0” start of the Iditarod trail?
3. Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
Located conveniently in Seward’s harbor area, the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center was a must-visit for anyone venturing into the park. I loved how it set the stage for my adventures in the area. Inside, I found informative exhibits about the park’s glaciers, wildlife, and ecosystems.
I was sure to take in the short film they showed, it was captivating and really gave me a sense of the scale and beauty of the fjords and glaciers. The rangers there were incredibly helpful, answering all my questions and offering trail maps and tips for exploring the park. It was a great way to immerse myself in the natural wonders of Seward.
4. Exit Glacier Area
One of my personal highlights was visiting the Exit Glacier area of Kenai Fjords National Park. The glacier was accessible by road from Seward proper, about a 15-minute drive.
While having the jeep made my first visit to this area a breeze, I discovered that the parking area near the Exit Glacier visitor center is large enough to handle the larges of RVs, even while towing vehicles behind them. Check out my blog post about my visit to the Exit Glacier district of Kenai Fjords National Park.
5. Walking Tour of the Dock Area and Seafood Delights
Back in town, the dock area at Seward’s harbor was bustling with life, and as a seafood lover, it was heaven. I strolled along the docks, watched fishing boats return with their catches, and chatted with locals. The air smelled like salt and adventure.
Stopping for seafood was non-negotiable. I visited Ray’s Waterfront restaurant, right on the dock, and indulged in their fresh halibut and salmon dishes. The food was divine—the seafood practically melted in my mouth, paired with gorgeous views of the harbor as I dined. If Ray’s isn’t your style, there are plenty of other cozy spots to grab a bite. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Bonus: The Cutest Coffee Stop in Seward
Coffee is essential, especially on chilly Alaska mornings. My favorite find was Seward’s Cup, a locally owned, drive-thru-only coffee stand just south of town. The building itself is shaped like a coffee cup, and the lot is large enough to easily maneuver a big RV, even with a tow vehicle.
Great coffee, friendly owners, and RV-friendly access? Sold.
Final Thoughts
Seward in June felt like nature’s paradise. Each experience, whether it was the thrill of spotting orcas on the fjords, tracing the history of its streets, or savoring the taste of freshly caught Alaskan seafood, left me in awe. If you’re planning a trip, I hope my adventures inspire you to dive deep into this coastal gem. Seward was a place I fell in love with, and I know you would too.
The weather in late May and early June added its own layer of charm to my visit. The Kenai Peninsula, being part of a coastal rainforest, is no stranger to misty mornings and drizzles that weave a mystical aura over the landscape.
Rain can arrive unannounced, painting the fjords and mountains in shimmering hues of silver and green. But when the clouds part and the sun graces the land, it feels nothing short of magical. The light dances on the surface of the water, and the snow-capped peaks glow with an almost ethereal brilliance.
What Surprised Me Most About Seward
The Weather. While I expected the temperatures to be chilly, I didn’t realize Kenai Fjords area is a rainforest and the weather can be moody and unpredictable.
The Wildlife. Seeing the whales and sea life during the boat tour really blew me away, I felt like a kid again, seeing the whales breach the water, and the sealions nestled on the rocks during the choppy weather
Getting seasickness, I have been on many boats and ships before. I truly expected the medications to keep me from getting sick. I also should have known to move to the back of the boat the moment the water started to get rough. That is the place that gets the least amount of heave when hitting the waves.
Such moments of sunshine are a true blessing, a gift that makes you pause and savor the beauty of this wild, untamed paradise. I couldn't help but feel grateful each time the sun peeked through, as though nature itself was smiling upon my journey.
Three-Day Seward, Alaska Itinerary (Perfect for a Short Stay)
If you only have a few days in Seward, this three-day Seward Alaska itinerary hits the highlights without feeling rushed—especially if you’re traveling by RV. NOTE: you should be flexible with your itinerary, should the weather be uncooperative and the seas choppy.
Day 1: Arrival + Waterfront Exploring
Arrive in Seward and get settled at your campground. If you’re staying at Seward Waterfront Park, take advantage of the walkable location.
- Walk along Resurrection Bay and the harbor
- Visit the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
- Explore the historic downtown district on foot
- Dinner at Ray’s Waterfront or another harbor-side restaurant
This is a lighter day that lets you ease into Seward’s slower pace.
Day 2: Kenai Fjords Boat Tour
Dedicate most of the day to a Kenai Fjords Peninsula boat tour.
- Choose a 6–8 hour glacier and wildlife cruise
- Look for puffins, sea lions, whales, porpoises, and tidewater glaciers
- Dress in layers and plan for variable weather
After the tour, enjoy a casual evening back in town or simply relax at your campsite—it’s a full day on the water.
Day 3: Exit Glacier + Coffee Stop
Before leaving Seward:
- Drive to the Exit Glacier area of Kenai Fjords National Park
- Walk one or more of the hiking trails near Exit Glacier
- Stop at Seward’s Cup for coffee on your way out of town
This day works well even if you’re continuing onward along the Kenai Peninsula.
Quick Tips for RVers Visiting Seward, Alaska
RV travel tips for Seward, Alaska:
- Arrive early during summer months
- Book boat tours in advance
- Dry camping is common and manageable
- Exit Glacier parking can handle large RVs
- Waterfront camping offers walkable access to town
✔ Arrive Early in Peak Season
June through August is busy. Arriving earlier in the day makes parking and campground check-in much smoother.
✔ Waterfront Park Is RV-Friendly
Sites are level, spacious, and can accommodate large RVs—even for dry camping.
✔ Generator-Friendly Location
Dry camping is common here, and generators are widely used, especially in misty, cool weather.
✔ Boat Tours Require Advance Booking
Kenai Fjords tours sell out quickly in summer—book ahead if possible.
✔ Exit Glacier Parking Can Handle RVs
Even with a towed vehicle, the parking area near the visitor center is manageable.
Why visit Seward, Alaska?
- Access to Kenai Fjords National Park
- Glacier and whale-watching boat tours
- Walkable historic downtown
- Easy RV access and camping options
How Many Days Do You Need in Seward, Alaska?
Most visitors need 2–3 days in Seward, Alaska.
- 2 days: Boat tour + Exit Glacier
- 3 days: Boat tour, Exit Glacier, downtown exploring
- 4+ days: Add hiking, kayaking, or weather buffer days
Three days is ideal for a first visit and works perfectly for a Seward Alaska itinerary during RV travel in Alaska.
Is Seward RV-friendly?
Yes, Seward is very RV-friendly.
- Multiple RV parks and campgrounds
- Level sites suitable for large rigs
- Generator-friendly dry camping options
- Walkable access to town from waterfront camping
Seward Waterfront Park is one of the most popular RV camping options due to its location, affordability, and bay views.
What is the best time of year to visit Seward?
The best time to visit Seward, Alaska is late May through early September.
- June–July: Long daylight hours, peak wildlife activity
- August: Slightly fewer crowds, continued boat tours
- May & September: Cooler temps, fewer tourists, limited services
June is especially popular due to extended daylight and active marine wildlife.
Can you visit Kenai Fjords National Park without a boat?
Yes. The Exit Glacier area is accessible by road and offers some of the best hiking trails in Kenai Fjords National Park. However, most of the park is only reachable by boat.
Are boat tours in Seward rough?
They can be. Once boats reach the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, conditions may become choppy. Motion sickness medication is highly recommended.
Do you need hookups in Seward?
Not necessarily. Many RV travelers dry camp successfully, especially at Seward Waterfront Park, thanks to level sites and generator-friendly conditions.
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