It may be billed as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska,” but there are plenty of other things to do in Homer. This end-of-the-road eclectic town in Alaska is bustling with art galleries, restaurants, shops and museums.
And that’s before you consider its waterfront location surrounded by ocean and wilderness.
Yes, Homer Alaska at the end of the Sterling Highway, on stunning Kachemak Bay is a charming and welcoming town.
With the hardest part deciding how you want to spend your time here, check out these top things to do in Homer for your next trip.
- QUICK FACTS ABOUT HOMER
- BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOMER ALASKA
- 1. VISIT ISLANDS & OCEANS VISITOR CENTER
- 2. EXPLORE EXHIBITS AT THE PRATT MUSEUM & PARK
- 3. GO BEACHCOMBING ON BISHOPS BEACH
- 4. EXPLORE THE HOMER SPIT
- 5. DISCOVER THE LOCAL ARTS SCENE
- 6. LACE UP YOUR BOOTS AND GO HIKING IN HOMER ALASKA
- 7. TAKE A STROLL ALONG THE SMALL BOAT HARBOR
- 8. CHECK OUT THE ICONIC SALTY DAWG SALOON
- 9. TAKE A WATER TAXI TO KACHEMAK BAY STATE PARK
- 10. ENJOY DAY TRIPS FROM HOMER
- HOW TO GET TO HOMER ALASKA
- PLACES TO STAY IN HOMER
- BEST PLACES TO EAT IN HOMER ALASKA
- HOW MANY DAYS IN HOMER?
QUICK FACTS ABOUT HOMER
- Famed as the “end of the road” town.
- Serves as a port of call for the Alaska Marine Highway for travelers to Kodiak and Dutch Harbor.
- It’s a year-round active community of about 5,400 residents.
- Homer Spit is composed of glacial moraine and silt which is perpetually reshaped by ocean currents.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOMER ALASKA
1. VISIT ISLANDS & OCEANS VISITOR CENTER
The visitor center houses the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and showcases interpretive and interactive exhibits. One of the best things to do in Homer is learn about the history, culture and biology of Kachemak Bay.
Discover the natural history of the largest seabird refuge in the world, through intriguing daily film, interpretive and interactive exhibits. If you have time, check out ranger-led activities. You can walk from here down to beautiful Bishops Beach along the Beluga Slough trailhead.
LOCATION: 95 Sterling Highway
2. EXPLORE EXHIBITS AT THE PRATT MUSEUM & PARK
This museum is a great place to learn more about the many Native cultures of the area. Serving as a community gathering place, the extensive collections offer an interesting way to understand the areas’ ecosystems, landscapes and Kachemak Bay region.
Some of the many exhibits include art, fishing, marine ecology, quilts and homesteading.
Wander outdoors to look at the Harrington Cabin, which tells stories about the hard-working pioneers and homesteaders in the Kachemak Bay area. There is also a native plant garden and trails through the woods.
If you are wondering what to do in Homer Alaska with kids, they will love exploring this museum.
LOCATION: 3779 Bartlett Street, Homer | TIMES & RATES
Top Tip: If you are interested in seeing a 600-acre Pioneer Homestead, the Kilcher Homestead Living Museum shows the day-to-day living of a family in the early 1940’s.
3. GO BEACHCOMBING ON BISHOPS BEACH
This is a lovely beach just two blocks from Old Town at the end of Beluga Place. There is ample parking, restroom facilities, and the Beluga Slough trailhead gives easy access to the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.
The beach offers fantastic skyline mountain views of Kachemak Bay. At low tide you can scour the beach for pretty shells and check tidepools for a variety of interesting plant and animal species.
TOP TIP: Grab a homemade cake or sandwich to go from Two Sisters Bakery a 3 minute walk up the road.
4. EXPLORE THE HOMER SPIT
One of the best and free things to do in homer is to stroll along the long narrow finger of land jutting 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay. The Homer Spit, one of the most iconic sites in town, is dotted with cafes, restaurants, shops and small businesses.
Apart from the incredible mountain views and the clear waters around you, Homer Spit things to do include the following attractions:
- Seafarers Memorial (4535 Homer Spit Rd) – a nice memorial for fishermen and sailors that have been lost at sea.
- Pier One Theatre (3858 Homer Spit Rd) – a wonderful community theatre showcasing local resident acting talent performing classics on the Spit every weekend.
- The Fishing Hole – Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon is stocked each year with King and Silver Salmon. It’s one of the best places to fish from shore during the summer.
- Local Quaint Shops – shop for homeware, gifts and souvenirs.
- Take a “Creatures of the Dock Tour” – a great way to explore the amazing intertidal life right under your feet at Homer Harbor docks. This eco-tour, led by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, is offered from June to August. For just $10, kids will love it!
The Spit ends at Land’s End where many businesses have booths where you can sign up for activities such as kayaking, taking a ferry across the Bay, bear viewing and fishing or air charters.
5. DISCOVER THE LOCAL ARTS SCENE
Homer offers visitors a heavy dose of art and is home to several very good art galleries. A main drag can be located along the stretch of Pioneer Avenue between Main Street and Lake Street.
Many fine artists call Kachemak Bay home. Here are some to check out:
- Bunnell Street Arts Gallery: Located in Homer’s largest historic building (c. 1937), showcases local talent from over 50 artists. Address – 106 W. Bunnell St., Suite A
- Ptarmigan Arts: This cooperative gallery features a great selection of paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and batiks. Address – 471 E. Pioneer Ave
- Fireweed Gallery: Located in a building with soaring ceilings and eight-foot glass doors, this is a great place to view work of Alaskan artists and craftsmen. Address – 475 E. Pioneer Ave
6. LACE UP YOUR BOOTS AND GO HIKING IN HOMER ALASKA
For those looking for hikes in Homer Alaska you have several options, both on the Homer side and across the bay in Kachemak Bay State Park. From trails ranging from easy strolls to more difficult trails you are spoilt for choice.
TRAILS ON HOMER SIDE:
- Beluga Slough Trail – You can access this easy 0.4-mile trail from outside Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
- Homer Spit Trail – This flat 4-mile paved path starts from the base of Homer Spit finishing at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon.
TRAILS IN KACHEMAK BAY STATE PARK:
- Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail – Probably the most popular hike in the Park as the trail is easy and on a well-maintained path. The 3-mile hike ends in unbeatable views of the glacier at the lake.
- Grace Ridge Trail North Access – This 8.2 mile trail rewards you with views of Eldred Passage, Sadie Peak, and Cook Inlet Volcanoes.
Trail details and maps can be found at the visitor center.
7. TAKE A STROLL ALONG THE SMALL BOAT HARBOR
This scenic harbor with the many sailboats and small boats make up the heart of the maritime community. Take a stroll along the docks, located on the edge of Kachemak Bay, home to tour boat operators, fishing charters and sight-seeing tours.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as sea otters, bald eagles and sea lions.
LOCATION: 4350 Homer Spit Road
8. CHECK OUT THE ICONIC SALTY DAWG SALOON
This well known local landmark has featured on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, and has to be seen to appreciate its attraction. It is a loveable dive with history, great atmosphere and service.
It is customary to pin a dollar note to the walls, a practice started years ago when a customer pinned one to the wall, to pay for a friend’s drink.
If you like cheap drinks, an eclectic atmosphere, friendly staff and great shots, put this log cabin on your itinerary.
LOCATION: 4380 Homer Spit Road
9. TAKE A WATER TAXI TO KACHEMAK BAY STATE PARK
Custom water taxis are available from the Homer Spit to destinations across the bay, giving you access to great hiking, camping, biking, and kayaking.
With more than 80 miles of trails, Kachemak bay State Park is a hikers paradise. Whether you want to hike to glaciers, uninhabited beaches or mountain lakes, there’s a trail to fit the bill. Here are some ideas for your trip across the bay:
- Halibut Cove: A remote hamlet of boardwalks and homes that perch on stilts make this community a quiet place to wander. Looking for romantic things to do in Homer? Bring a picnic or have a meal at The Saltry. Take Mako’s Water Taxi to Halibut Cove Lagoon.
- Seldovia: With a seaside charm, laid-back vibe and about 50 resident bald eagles plus a range of outdoor activities, this little town is worth a visit. The Seldovia Bay Ferry takes 45 minutes between Homer and Seldovia.
10. ENJOY DAY TRIPS FROM HOMER
Homer is within easy flying distance to two other national parks which also happen to be great bear viewing areas., making for an epic day tour.
- BEAR VIEWING TOURS: take a 45-75 minute flight to the coastal regions of Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park. Your experienced guide will take you to areas where bears are digging for clams and feeding. Tours Start at $625 per person with Alaska Bear Adventures.
- KAYAKING: Three Moose Kayak Adventures offer a full-day scenic boat cruise, guided hike, and kayaking with icebergs in a spectacular glacier lake.
- FISHING CHARTERS: You will find lots of options to charter a boat for halibut, salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and even shark, depending on season and weather.
HOW TO GET TO HOMER ALASKA
Downtown Homer is located at Mile 174 on the Stirling Highway. It may feel slightly out of the way, but it is worth the journey to experience one of Alaska’s best small towns.
BY CAR: The drive from Anchorage to Homer takes 4-5 hours but is a very scenic trip as you travel along the Turnagain Arm. keep an eye out for wildlife along the way and enjoy the stunning view of iconic Homer Spit, Kachemak Bay, and the surrounding mountains.
BY BUS: If you don’t want the hassle of driving you can get a regularly scheduled shuttle service from Anchorage with Alaska Bus Company. The scenic bus route takes 5 hours running between Anchorage and Homer with stops in Girdwood, Cooper Landing, and Soldotna.
BY PLANE: Flying is the quickest way to reach Homer if time is short. You can take a 45-minute flight from Anchorage with Ravn Alaska.
PLACES TO STAY IN HOMER
As a favorite getaway spot for many Alaskans, it’s not surprising that there are the town has so many places to lay your head.
HOTELS & LODGES IN HOMER
- Seafarer Suites: A 5 star property 750 yards from Bishops Beach. Check prices here
- Ocean Shores Hotel: Located on 4 acres of beach front property with panoramic views. Check prices here
- Oceanhouse: Facing the beachfront in Homer, features include a garden, private beach area and family rooms. Check prices here
- Homer Inn & Spa: Great location facing the beachfront with a terrace. Check prices here
- Bear Creek Winery & Lodging: Combine lodging with wine tasting! Check prices here
CAMPGROUNDS IN HOMER ALASKA
For those planning on camping in Homer, I would definitely choose a campground on the Homer Spit. You are close to restaurants while being able to enjoy those oceanside views.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN HOMER ALASKA
With a focus on fresh seafood in many restaurants, there are also bakery goods, pizza, bagels and more to tempt your taste buds.
- Wasabi’s
- Two Sisters Bakery: 233 East Bunnell Avenue
- Fat Olives: 276 Ohlson Lane
- Captain Patties Fish House: 4241 Homer Spit Road
- Homer Brewing Company: 1411 Lake Shore Drive – offer flagship and seasonal beers
- Farmers Market: During summer an outdoor Farmer’s Market, located on the right side of Ocean Drive on your way to the Spit, offers fresh produce and art, but also performing artists on stage
HOW MANY DAYS IN HOMER?
This really depends on what you want to do and how long is your Alaska itinerary. We spent 2 full days here but could easily have spent longer, especially if we opted for a couple of tours. As a guideline we recommend the following:
ONE DAY & NIGHT IN HOMER: You will have time to visit a museum, walk along Bishops Beach, check out Homer Spit and maybe go kayaking.
TWO DAYS & NIGHTS IN HOMER: On your second day take a water taxi across the bay to Seldovia or Halibut Cove for a hike or just to explore.
THREE OR MORE DAYS IN HOMER: You will have more time for a day trip or to go fishing. To really get away from it all, how about a stay in a wilderness lodge?
With so many Homer attractions to choose from, there really is something for everyone. If you have any questions about visiting Homer AK, please leave a comment in the box below.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through this link. This income goes towards the sites running costs and enables us to provide our readers with free content. Read our Disclosure.