How to Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days in Homer, Alaska
Nestled at the end of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is a seaside town in Alaska that boasts an irresistible charm. Located at the end of the Kenai Peninsula on the picturesque Kachemak Bay - surrounded by ocean, glaciers, volcanoes, and high peaks. Homer is the perfect destination for travelers looking to soak up the beauty of Alaska. Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer stay, this quaint town, with its population of just over 5,500, offers a plethora of sights and activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Homer was named after a gold prospector - Homer Pennock - who explored the area in the late 1800s. This town has been a fishing hub for decades, but it has now emerged as a popular travel destination. Homer is renowned as the Halibut Capital of the World and has earned its nickname as the Town at the End of the Road. Homer is easily accessible for visitors - driving non-stop from Anchorage to Homer is about 5 hours on an entirely paved road dotted with scenic stops.
Is Homer, Alaska worth visiting?
Homer is definitely worth visiting on your trip to Alaska, and we highly recommend staying more than one night. This inviting town boasts friendly locals, incredible views, and delicious cuisine that you can't afford to miss.
We are fortunate enough to visit Homer every year, both in summer and winter, and have curated a list of our favorite activities, restaurants, and accommodations that will make your stay in this seaside community unforgettable. Continue reading to discover our recommendations for Homer, Alaska.
What to Do in Homer - Day 1
Visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Who doesn't appreciate a well-designed visitor center? We certainly do, and Homer boasts one of Alaska's finest.
After you enter the town of Homer, be on the lookout for a sign that reads "Islands and Ocean Visitor Center." This contemporary facility offers an excellent overview of the Kachemak Bay marine wildlife. It is packed with informative and interactive exhibits that allow you to read, listen, watch, and even smell, thereby enhancing your knowledge of the fascinating local ecosystem. Plan on spending approximately an hour at the center.
Walk on the Beautiful Bishop’s Beach
Bishop’s Beach, located in Homer, is a well-liked local destination. Unlike the crowded Homer Spit, this rocky beach offers a wide and seemingly endless space for everyone to enjoy. Along the beach's tide pools, you'll find a variety of interesting shells, small jellyfish, and little crabs. Visitors can either walk to Bishop’s Beach from the Visitor Center or park beside it. The parking area is equipped with toilets, tables, and several walking trails, including the 1.2-mile Beluga Slough Trail loop.
Bishop’s Beach in Homer, Alaska
Visit the Homer Spit
Welcome to the renowned Homer Spit! If you're unfamiliar with the term “spit,” it refers to a coastal landform made of beach material connected to the mainland at one end. This 4.5-mile piece of land is a bustling hub that stretches out into the depths of Kachemak Bay. It's one of the longest roads in the world that leads to ocean waters, and it can take up to 15 minutes to drive from one end to the other.
The Spit is home to the local boat harbor and a cluster of campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and shops. You can easily spend a good part of the day here exploring the various attractions. However, the Spit can get quite busy during the summer, with full parking lots and long lines at cafes and restaurants. But it's all worth it when you reach the end of the Spit and spot the many bald eagles that often frequent the beach.
End of the Homer Spit seen from Kachemak Bay
There are numerous small businesses situated on the Homer Spit, but the Salty Dawg Saloon stands out from the rest and is a famous spot amongst the locals. This bar enjoys a rich history, having been one of the first cabins in Homer. It boasts a unique interior design that features thousands of one-dollar bills adorning its walls. If you're looking for a local souvenir, you can't go wrong with their t-shirts or hoodies. Everyone loves them!
What to Do in Homer - Day 2
Bear Viewing in Alaska National Parks
Did you know that Homer is an excellent starting point for those interested in seeing brown bears in Alaska?
Many tours start from the Homer Airport, where you will receive a safety briefing before boarding a small plane for a scenic 60-90 minute flight to Brooks Falls or Katmai National Park. The flight itself is worth the price, and the experience you have once you arrive is priceless. On most tours, you will spend approximately three hours observing brown bears with an experienced guide. The complete tour lasts about eight hours and starts at roughly $1000. Though it may seem like an expensive activity, we assure you that it is worth every penny.
Brown Bear in Katmai National Park. Photo: L. Jakuczun
Bear viewing season lasts from late May to mid-September. If you're planning a visit to Brooks Falls, the best time to go is in July or September, when the bears are most active in the area, attracted by the salmon run. Keep in mind that departure times are subject to change due to low tides and weather conditions, which are crucial for your safety. Often, tours may get canceled at the last minute due to inclement weather. Therefore, before booking your trip, make sure you fully understand all the potential risks and discuss them with the tour operator.
Read more about visiting Brooks Falls.
Alternatives to Bear Viewing: Halibut Fishing or Kayaking in Halibut Cove
If you are not up for flying on a small plane, consider taking a boat for halibut fishing (North Country Halibut Charters is a family-owned, high-rated company) or taking a water taxi to Halibut Cove and renting some kayaks. You can do both with True North Kayak Adventures.
Local Breweries
After a beautiful day spent in the wilderness, it’s time to sit back and relax. Homer has some great local breweries that are worth the visit. We enjoy Grace Ridge Brewing, run by the Stead Family, but locals also love Homer Brewing Company.
What to Do in Homer - Day 3
Kachemak Bay Wildlife Tour and Visit Seldovia
Hazy view of Kachemak Bay.
Another day and another adventure! This time we suggest you take a ferry to the historic community of Seldovia. Although no road system connects the town to other communities, visitors can get there by boat or airplane from Homer. We suggest taking a boat, which gives you three options:
Use a ferry for direct travel to Seldovia. During Summer 2024, a roundtrip ticket per person is around $100 + tax.
Go on a Wildlife Tour with Rainbow Tours. During Summer 2024, the price for a tour is $90 + tax per person.
Book a private water taxi in Homer and plan your adventure!
We recently had a great experience with Rainbow Tours and would highly recommend them! Their tour starts from the boat harbor on the Homer Spit and takes you through some islands where you can spot seabirds and sea otters while also enjoying the picturesque views of Kachemak Bay. The narrated tour lasts for 7.5 hours roundtrip and takes you to Seldovia around 1:00 pm, where you can spend three hours exploring the town, visiting shops, trying out local restaurants, and even stopping by the town museum. You will return to Homer around 5:30 pm.
Recommended Restaurants in Homer
There are many good bars, bistros, cafes, and restaurants in Homer. Here are a few of our favorites!
AK Fish Fryers
This unassuming small restaurant serves the best fish and chips we have ever had. Seriously. I am picky about fish and chips, which can often be over-oily, but this was perfection. The restaurant is located in a small blue building. You order at the window and wait for them to call your name. You may need to wait a bit for your food as everything is made from scratch, but we promise it is worth it. Also, if you have spent the day fishing, you can bring in some of your fish, and they will cook it up for you! They don’t have a website, but you can check out Google for their opening hours.
This cafe is an excellent choice in the Homer Old Town district! They specialize in crepes and coffee; their menu is creative and fun. You will find many local ingredients and Alaskan flavors in their dishes. It is a perfect place for vegetarians or families with kids.
This small pizza joint is located on the Homer Spit. It serves the best pizza in Homer and incorporates many Alaskan ingredients. The restaurant also has an upstairs enclosed eating area called the Solarium, which offers beautiful sunset views over Kachemak Bay.
Looking for the best ice cream in Homer? This is it. Carmen’s Gelato is located on the Homer Spit and has the tastiest gelato in town. The gelato is made by Carmen Ricciardi, who studied in Italy and worked alongside Gelato Grand Masters! There are tons of flavors to choose from. Our favorite is salted caramel with Alaskan sea salt. YUM!
Near the Historic Old Town and close to Bishop’s Beach, you will find one of Alaska's best bakeries. It is a great place to indulge in sweet treats,, drink good coffee, or try the fresh soup of the day. Check their website ahead of time, as their opening hours are limited.
Recommended Campgrounds & RV Parks in Homer
RV Parks in Homer fill up quickly in the summer, so make sure to secure your spot in advance. Most campgrounds are located on the Homer Spit, but other camping areas in town have beautiful views, beach access, and plenty of space. Here are a couple of our recommended camping spots in Homer.
The Homer Spit Campground is situated at the southernmost tip of the Homer Spit, offering a desirable location with easy access to the beach and all the attractions on the Spit. Whether you have an RV or a tent, the campground provides ample space to accommodate your needs. Additionally, the facilities include bathrooms, showers, laundry, water fill stations, dump stations, and Wi-Fi, making it a convenient and comfortable place to stay during your visit.
This RV Park near Homer Old Town boasts ocean views and beach access without the crowds of the more popular Homer Spit locations. This hidden gem offers a more peaceful and intimate stay. The staff is incredibly friendly and always ready to assist you with any needs. Take advantage of the full and partial hook-ups, dry camping, and laundry and shower facilities.
This campground on the Homer Spit is away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Managed by the City of Homer, this campground offers unparalleled beach access. However, please note that the campground has limited amenities, with only an outhouse toilet available. Also, please keep in mind that the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only and cannot be reserved ahead of time.
An empty Mariner Park in Summer 2020 - Homer, Alaska
Recommended Accommodation in Homer
Homer is full of quality, locally run accommodations that will exceed your expectations. As the summer months are pretty busy, you will need to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are looking for something unique.
Land's End Resort is ideally situated at the southernmost point of Homer Spit, offering a range of comfortable accommodations, including beachfront homes, lofts, and two-bedroom suites. With year-round availability and a myriad of amenities, such as a fitness center, pool, hot tubs, and sauna, this resort is perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. Plus, the panoramic view from the resort is unbeatable.
Aspen Hotels has multiple locations around Alaska, including one in Homer. Situated in the heart of the town, the hotel offers easy access to grocery stores, shops, and restaurants. The rooms are spacious and come equipped with a kitchenette, allowing guests to prepare their own meals with ease.
We hope this information will help you plan your trip to Homer. If you want to start planning your trip to Alaska, contact us!
