Looking for a place where you can experience the best of Alaska all in one spot? Homer should be at the top of your list!
I recently spent a few days in Homer and fell in love with this little coastal town with fantastic scenery and a very welcoming atmosphere. In this guide, I share some of the best things to do in Homer as well as insider tips for the best local spots to help you plan the perfect trip. Find out!
With its unique location at the end of the Sterling Highway and Kenai Peninsula, Homer offers the very best of Alaska in one place. Whether you are interested in wildlife, mountains, glaciers, hiking, kayaking, fishing, or local culture, art, and dining, you will find it all here.
Despite its beauty and array of tourist attractions, Homer has managed to maintain a low-key vibe. Its harbor can’t accommodate big cruise ships (let’s hope they keep it that way!), so you won’t find the crowds here that you encounter in other Alaskan destinations in the summer. Instead, you get a more authentic, laid-back experience.
Whether you’re exploring the wilderness or floating villages “across the bay”, spotting wildlife, or enjoying long walks on its rugged beaches, Homer gives you a true taste of Alaska.
Disclosure: I visited Homer on an invitation by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, and many recommendations in this article come straight from the locals! As always, all opinions and enthusiasm are my own.
To give you a better idea of how much Homer has to offer, I also asked my friends to share their Homer experiences that I wasn’t able to do myself due to lack of time. (Here’s my first tip for you – plan a longer visit!)
TIP: Mix outdoor activities, wildlife experiences, shopping and arts, and an array of dining experiences to get the most out of your visit to Homer. Just don’t forget to take some time to relax and unwind as well! Homer is a perfect destination to stay longer and embrace slow travel.
I stayed at Homer Inn & Spa and I can’t imagine a nicer place to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing in Homer! You can find more info about my experience at this beautiful boutique accommodation (with a private outdoor hot tub!) further below.
Here are some of the best things to do in Homer:
1. Ever-Changing Scenery
Homer is surrounded by some of Alaska’s most breathtaking scenery, with dramatic mountains and rugged coastlines creating a stunning natural backdrop. Its unique location “at the end of the road” means that you are rewarded with stunning views in every direction.
Kachemak Bay, to the east, is framed by glaciers and mountain peaks offering spectacular views that stretch for miles. To the west, you have Cook Inlet with several active volcanoes visible in the distance. No matter where you are in Homer, every angle looks like a real-life postcard!
Furthermore, the landscapes here are constantly changing with the light and weather, the tides are really strong, and so the same place can look totally different every time you see it.
TIP: There are so many ways to enjoy the scenery around Homer! Drive to one of the elevated viewpoints (e.g. Baycrest Overlook or Skyline Drive), take a walk on one of the many beaches, enjoy the views from the Homer Spit, take a boat tour on Kachemak Bay, or go hiking across the bay. You can find more info about these below.
2. Wildlife Viewing
Homer also offers excellent wildlife viewing, whether you are on land or water.
From moose wandering the streets to sea otters floating in the harbor, there’s always something to see. Nature is really close here, and wildlife sightings are part of daily life.
For wildlife such as moose, you are likely to simply see them while driving around or even in town. But if you want to see marine animals, such as whales, seals, etc., it’s best to take a boat tour. Homer is also a great starting point for bear tours. You’ll find more information about these below.
3. The Homer Spit
The Homer Spit is a narrow stretch of land that extends 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay. It’s lined with shops, tour companies, and restaurants, and is one of the liveliest places in Homer.
The harbor of Homer is located here and this is where boat tours and fishing trips start. If you want to take a water taxi to the other side of the bay, you will also depart here. No matter how long or short your visit is, it’s practically impossible to miss the Spit.
However, the Homer Spit has plenty to offer and is well worth a visit in its own right.
One of the most scenic spots in Homer, the Spit offers stunning views in all directions. Grab a meal at one of the restaurants, take a walk along the beach, or sit down for a drink at the Land’s End Resort (it’s also a very popular place to stay in Homer!), and watch the boats in the bay.
TIP: Don’t miss a stop at the Salty Dawg Saloon, an iconic Homer café known for its quirky interior with dollar bill-covered walls.
4. Fishing
Homer is world-famous for its halibut fishing, proudly calling itself “The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.” The waters around Homer are rich with fish, drawing fishermen from around the globe. Seasoned anglers often reel in halibut weighing hundreds of pounds, including the world record—a 469 lb (212 kg) catch right here in Homer.
But you don’t need to be an experienced fisherman to enjoy the thrill of fishing in Homer! Fishing tours cater to all skill levels, with knowledgeable captains guiding you to the best spots. In fact, most fishing charters are booked by tourists who have little to no experience. Most tours also allow kids from 7-8 years old.
With professional gear and expert advice, even beginners are likely to pull in a sizable catch. The thrill of reeling in a big fish is something you won’t forget!
My friends Victor & MJ went fishing for just a few hours, and their pictures below say it all! This was their first time fishing and they said it was easy, fun, and the most special experience in Homer. They even took a box full of fresh fish home with them. (You can have it sent home too – they package it in such a way that it can easily travel for a few days).
Good to know: The best season for halibut fishing in Homer is between May and October. But there are also plenty of other fish, so some fishing tours run year-round. See here and here for some of the best fishing charters in Homer that you can easily book online.
Most tours take a full day, but this company also has a 4-6-hour fishing tour which is perfect for beginners or if you have less time. We did another boat tour with them and it was great.
TIP: Book your fishing tour in advance! Not only do they arrange your fishing license, but tours also sell out quickly, especially in the summer.
5. Grewingk Glacier Lake Hike
Homer is a great base for hiking. Kachemak Bay State Park, just across the water, offers a big variety of trails that lead through forests, up mountains, and to the edge of glaciers. There are hiking trails for all levels, from casual walks to more challenging climbs.
If you only have time for one hike, I recommend the Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail. It’s one of the most scenic and accessible hikes in Homer. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest and to a glacier lake where you can see floating icebergs and enjoy stunning views of the glacier from a distance. If you have more time, you could walk closer to the glacier as well.
Depending on the tide, you can start/end at the same location or make a loop. Either way, the hike to the lake is about 3.2 miles round-trip, with little elevation gain, and is really not difficult. I recommend planning at least 3 hours for this hike – an hour to get to the lake at a relaxed pace, an hour at the lake, and an hour to get back. But if you have time, definitely stay longer!
Many locals we talked to recommended this hike and said that it’s their favorite day trip with the family. Some people even bring packrafts or inflatable SUP boards and go paddling on the glacier lake. I’m not sure though if you rent packrafts in Homer. I found this heli-packrafting tour when doing my research for this trip, but that’s yet another-level adventure.
Good to know: You will need to take a water taxi in order to get to the trailhead and back. We took Mako’s Water Taxi. They dropped us off at the beach in the morning and came back to pick us up at the agreed time a few hours later. Also, this is bear country, so bring bear spray with you when hiking in Homer (or anywhere in Alaska for that matter).
TIP: Bring drinking water and a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the lake!
6. Bear Viewing
Bear viewing trips are among the most popular things to do in Homer in the summer. In fact, Homer is somewhat of a bear-viewing capital too. This has nothing to do with the town itself, but with its proximity to the best bear-viewing places in Alaska – Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park – which are known for unparalleled bear sightings.
The only way to get to these places is by floatplane and Homer’s unique location makes it an excellent best base for bear-viewing day trips.
Float-plane tours bring you up close to Alaska’s coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. You’ll have the chance to observe these majestic animals fishing for salmon or roaming the wild landscapes, all while staying at a safe distance. It’s such an unforgettable experience!
Good to know: The most popular place to watch bears in Alaska is Brook Falls in Katmai National Park, about 1.5 hours flight time from Homer. If you’ve ever seen photos of bears fishing for salmon at the waterfalls, they have been taken here.
The best time to see bears at Brooks Falls is in July. But bear viewing near Homer is possible pretty much the whole summer. Local companies know the best spots for each season, so you can find a great bear-viewing experience throughout the summer, and even in early fall.
My experience: I visited Alaska in the second half of September and went on a bear-viewing trip to Lake Clark National Park on September 27. I was worried that it was too late in the season, but that’s not the case at all. We saw at least a dozen bears fishing and hanging around the lakeshores and they didn’t look like they were getting ready for their winter sleep yet. In fact, bear tours usually stop in September because there aren’t enough tourists and not for the lack of bears.
TIP: Bear viewing trips are extremely popular and always sell out, so book early! Here are two local companies with some of the best bear-viewing excursions from Homer: Emerald Air and Adventure Airways. Floatplanes depart from Beluga Lake in Homer town center.
7. Kachemak Bay Boat Tours
If you are looking to experience the best of Homer, be sure to book a boat tour on Kachemak Bay. There is a wide variety of tours to choose from, ranging from just a few hours to full-day tours. It’s a fantastic way to explore the local marine life and breathtaking scenery!
Most of these tours focus on wildlife, offering fantastic opportunities to see sea otters, seals, whales, and all kinds of birds. Longer tours cover bigger distances and sometimes also visit one of the remote villages across the bay (more about these below). No matter what you choose, boat tours are well worth it and give you yet another perspective on Homer’s coastal beauty.
Good to know: Keep in mind that sightseeing tours can’t be compared to fishing tours. You may get to see wildlife and similar scenery on both, but fishing tours have a totally different focus and won’t go out of their way to look for sea otters or whales, for example.
My experience: We didn’t have much time for everything we wanted to do in Homer, so we did a 2.5-hour tour with Tutka Tours. Because we were alone on the boat, the captain customized the itinerary a bit based on the sea conditions and what we wanted to see. We even made a short stop at Halibut Cave. It was great!
TIP: The captain recommended longer tours, of at least 5-6 hour tours. On longer tours, you can cover bigger distances which not only means that you get to see a lot more, but you also have higher chances to see all kinds of wildlife, in the sea as well as along the shores. In fact, if you can spare a day for this, book a tour that also includes a visit to Seldovia – see below!
8. Seldovia
Just 15 miles (24 kms) from Homer across the Kachemak Bay is the small quaint town of Seldovia that feels worlds away. Locally known as the “city of secluded charm”, Seldovia is surrounded by water and offers a unique feel of peacefulness and tranquility.
With stunning lake, bay, glacier, and mountain views all around, it’s one of the most remarkable places to visit near Homer!
Although it used to be an important shipping center back in the early 1900s, Seldovia is now home to just 300 residents. Despite being such a small coastal community, there are many things to do here. You can simply wander through the many artisanal shops and take in the views, but if you have more time, you can also go hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, berry picking, fishing, kayaking, etc.
TIP: You can visit Seldovia by boat or plane in a day from Homer. Check out this wonderful full-day tour exploring Seldovia Bay. It’s run by the same company we did the boat tour with, and is basically an extended version of shorter Kachemak Bay boat trips. Not only do you get to see wildlife and stunning scenery, but also have time to explore Seldovia and Seldovia Bay.
If you have some extra time in Homer, you may even consider staying there. My friends from MyTanFeet travel blog visited Seldovia for a few hours from the nearby Treehouse Cove Lodge, but there are quite a few nice cabins and lodges in Seldovia town as well. It’s a very interesting place to stay for a night or two for a truly Alaskan experience!
9. Halibut Cove
Halibut Cove is a tiny peaceful community across Kachemak Bay, only accessible by boat. It’s just a short boat ride from Homer, but a world apart!
The village has just a couple of houses, a post office, a cafe, a restaurant, and a post office. It’s a great base for nature enthusiasts, giving you access to some of the best outdoor activities in the Homer area.
In Halibut Cove itself, you can explore the village via a series of boardwalks, bike, hike on the Halibut Cove Lagoon Trail, or visit an art gallery.
Most visitors come here to dine at the Saltry Restaurant (be sure to reserve and keep in mind that it’s only open in the summer!). Otherwise, you can simply visit the village by water taxi or as part of a boat tour, as we did.
Good to know: There are also a couple of very nice (and very expensive) lodges at Halibut Cove, which are perfect for those looking to get away from it all and experience Alaska in a very unique way. You can find some more information about several remote lodges in Homer further below.
10. Art Galleries
Homer is well-known in Alaska for its vibrant art community, with numerous galleries showcasing local talent. From stunning paintings and ceramics to handmade jewelry, Christmas ornaments, greeting cards and stickers, it’s a great place to find some unique artwork or souvenirs to bring home.
I counted more than a dozen galleries and art studios in town alone. Many of them are located in the town center and also on the Homer Spit. I highly recommend that you visit at least a few galleries since each has completely different and exclusive offerings!
TIP: I especially enjoyed a visit to Bunnell Street Arts Center, with its quirky exterior and cool offerings. It’s much more than an art shop; it also hosts small exhibitions, workshops, performances, etc. Furthermore, it’s located close to beautiful Bishop’s Beach, which is worth a visit as well.
If you are more interested in souvenirs and small pieces of art, check out the Art Shop Gallery on Pioneer Avenue.
11. Dining
No guide to Homer would be complete without mentioning its dining scene. There are so many amazing restaurants in Homer, focused on fresh, local ingredients, and especially seafood.
No matter your taste or budget, there is a wide range of options from casual spots to more refined dining, all offering that signature Alaskan flavor.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Homer:
- The Kannery. From craft cocktails to fresh seafood and a variety of meat dishes, everything we had here was absolutely delicious. If you are looking for a somewhat more refined dining experience in Homer, I can’t recommend it highly enough!
- Land’s End Restaurant at the end of the Spit offers fine dining and stunning bay views. We came here for cocktails, but couldn’t resist some shareable plates too.
- Fat Olives Restaurant has some of the best sandwiches, salads, soups, and wood-fired pizza in Homer, but they also serve local seafood. It’s a great place for a light lunch or a family dinner with kids!
- Captain’s Coffee. This is a small restaurant/coffee shop with a somewhat quirky interior, unique ceiling, and some of the friendliest staff. Their specialty seems to be roasted coffee, but they also serve breakfast and lunch. We had a very delicious salmon here!
- Alibi Bar & Cafe is a very popular bar serving simple meals like chicken wings, fish tacos, salads, seafood burritos, etc. If you are looking for an extensive menu with great food at good prices, definitely check out this locals’ favorite!
TIP: For dinner in the summer season, be sure to reserve a table in advance!
12. Spa Experiences
I also want to mention the Homer Inn & Spa and its amazing spa as one of the best experiences in Homer! I’m sure there are many other nice places to stay in Homer, but I absolutely loved this little boutique hotel. The location, the rooms, the incredibly friendly staff – it felt like coming home!
My room was incredibly cozy, with a fireplace and a private hot tub overlooking the garden and the ocean. In the morning, they brought breakfast to the room. Sitting in a hot tub with a cup of tea in my hands, watching the sea, and just enjoying the moment remains one of my favorite memories from Homer.
I also spent half a day enjoying their saunas, hot tubs, massage, and other spa experiences. Amazing! I think you can just book these separately, also if you are not staying at the hotel.
I can’t imagine a better way to relax after a day of adventure in Homer! The lodge is beautifully located on the coast and offers a perfect combination of oceanfront views and rejuvenating treatments. It’s such a great way to recharge!
Good to know: Hotel guests can enjoy free access to hot tubs, but it depends on availability, so ask in advance! Spa amenities are not included, and it’s best to reserve in advance.
13. Remote Lodges Across the Bay
No visit to Homer would be complete without at least a short visit “across the bay”, as locals call the other side of the water, Kachemak Bay State Park.
I already mentioned Grewingk Glacier Lake, Halibut Cove, and Seldovia which are all located on the other side and can all be visited from Homer.
However, every local we talked to said that for a complete Homer experience, you should stay at one of the remote lodges on the other side of the bay for at least a night or two.
Indeed, there are quite a few remote lodges and cabins across Kachemak Bay, offering a chance to retreat from the world and truly disconnect from it all.
The only way to get there is by boat or floatplane, and once you’re across the bay, it’s just you, the wilderness, and endless opportunities to explore.
Good to know: There are so many lodges, ranging from very simple accommodations to the most luxurious all-in experiences. So be sure to do some research and choose one that suits your interests and budget. And book well ahead – most of them are only open a few months in the summer and availability is always limited.
Best Time to Visit
Just as most destinations in Alaska, the most popular time to visit Homer is in the summer season, between June and early September. That’s when all businesses are open and you can experience the widest array of outdoor activities.
Furthermore, summer in Homer means endless daylight, wildflowers, peonies, and lots of wildlife sighting opportunities. The extended daylight gives you more time to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
SUMMER TIP: Book your accommodations and activities well in advance!
Winter in Homer brings a different kind of magic – Northern Lights and a slower pace of life. Some seasonal tours are still running, but they are mostly focused on fishing and snow activities. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a day at the spa too! Most places on the other side of the bay are closed for the season.
WINTER TIP: Book accommodations with a view of the bay for a chance to see the aurora without leaving your room.
My experience: I visited Homer in the second half of September. Most seasonal businesses were already closed, but there were still enough opportunities to enjoy the best that Homer has to offer. The fall colors were incredible and you could also see stunning sunsets and the Northern Lights. We saw lots of moose as well.
Getting to Homer & Getting Around
The best way to get to Homer and get around the town is by car. Most people rent a car in Anchorage and drive down to Kenai Peninsula. However, you can also take a shuttle bus or fly to Homer. The drive from Anchorage is about 4 hours, a flight – just 45 minutes.
Having a car is definitely easier. However, you don’t really need a car for most activities in Homer since they require a boat or a floatplane. Many tours will be able to pick you up from your hotel, and otherwise, you can take a taxi. If you stay on the other side of the bay, you will have to leave your car in Homer.
So consider all these factors and your overall itinerary when deciding whether you need to rent a car (which can be very pricey in Alaska in the summer).
My experience: We didn’t have a car in Homer. We started our trip with a scenic train ride from Anchorage to Seward and then traveled to Homer (and afterward back to Anchorage) using a local shuttle company Red Eye Rides. This worked great for us and I can highly recommend them for all transfers on Kenai Peninsula.
READ ALSO: Seward Itinerary with Top Things to Do
So, this is my guide to some of the best activities and things to do in Homer. I hope that this gives you a good idea of what to expect and how much this area has to offer.
As many locals and repeat visitors will tell you, the best way to truly experience Homer and Kachemak Bay is by staying longer and spending some time on both sides of the bay. So if you can, plan a longer visit – you will appreciate Homer so much more!
Have a great trip!
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