When I first arrived in Homer, I felt like I’d landed at the edge of the world—in the best way possible. Perched at the southern tip of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, this quirky little town felt rugged and wild, yet unexpectedly cozy. Between the snow-capped peaks, art-filled streets, and halibut boats lining the harbor, I quickly realized: there’s a lot more to Homer than just its famous Spit.
Whether you’re planning a summer road trip through the Kenai or flying in just to experience this coastal gem, here’s everything I loved doing in Homer, Alaska—and what I think you shouldn’t miss.
Walk the Homer Spit
The Homer Spit is a narrow, 4.5-mile strip of land stretching into Kachemak Bay, and it’s where I spent my very first afternoon. Walking along the boardwalk, I browsed art galleries tucked into weather-worn buildings, picked up smoked salmon snacks, and watched sea otters float in the harbor.
At the very tip, I found the Salty Dawg Saloon, a local institution that felt like a mash-up of a shipwreck and a dive bar—definitely worth popping in, even if it’s just for the atmosphere.
Visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center
On my second day, I wandered into the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, and ended up staying longer than planned. It’s part museum, part nature trail, and a great intro to the ecology of the surrounding bays and wildlife refuges. The walk behind the center leads you to Bishop’s Beach, where I spotted eagles soaring and families tide-pooling.
If you’re traveling with kids or just curious about Alaska’s wild side, this stop is a must.
Take a Water Taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park
One of the most unforgettable things I did was hop on a water taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park. It felt like an adventure from the start—just getting there requires crossing the bay by boat, often with whales and porpoises keeping you company.
Once ashore, I hiked the Grewingk Glacier Trail, which winds through spruce forest and ends at a quiet lake with a backdrop of ice-blue glacier views. It’s not a hard hike, and the reward is massive. Just bring bear spray and layers—the weather flips quickly here.
Go Halibut Fishing or Join a Wildlife Cruise
Homer is Alaska’s halibut fishing capital, and it shows. Charters head out daily from the Spit, and while I didn’t try it myself, everyone I met raved about it. Instead, I opted for a wildlife cruise and spent an afternoon spotting puffins, seals, and humpback whales from the deck.
If you’ve never been out on the open water in Alaska, trust me—it’s a perspective worth seeing.
Explore Old Town Homer
A lot of visitors miss Old Town, but it turned out to be one of my favorite spots. This historic part of Homer is quieter and a little more artsy, with galleries, cozy cafes, and a beachside trail that feels almost secret.
I grabbed coffee at a spot where locals chatted about salmon runs and then wandered the Bunnell Street Arts Center, which showcases work by Alaskan artists. It felt like the soul of the town lived here.
Hike to Diamond Creek
If you’re up for a more rugged hike, the trail to Diamond Creek offers cliffs, forests, and a remote beach. I went in the early evening and had the place almost to myself. The descent is steep in parts, and muddy if it’s been raining, but the views at the bottom—driftwood-covered beaches and crashing surf—are worth every step.
Eat Fresh, Local Seafood
From fish tacos to chowder, Homer does seafood right. My favorite meal was at Captain Pattie’s, right on the water. I had halibut that had probably been caught that morning, and the view over the bay as the sun dipped behind the mountains? Pure magic.
Other great spots include Fat Olives (a bit more upscale) and The Little Mermaid (charming and creative).
Visit the Pratt Museum
For a deeper look at Homer’s cultural roots, I stopped by the Pratt Museum. It’s small but thoughtfully curated, with exhibits on homesteading, indigenous Alutiiq culture, and the marine life that defines this region. I especially loved the video diaries from local fishermen.
It’s a great way to understand the people behind the town’s rugged charm.
Watch the Sunset from Skyline Drive
If you have a car, don’t leave without driving up to Skyline Drive. The views from up there are sweeping—mountains, glaciers, and the entire Homer Spit unfurling below. I went up one evening with a thermos of tea and watched the sky melt into gold and lavender.
It’s quiet, peaceful, and one of the best ways to end a day in Homer.
FAQs
What is Homer, Alaska known for?
Homer is best known for the Homer Spit, halibut fishing, stunning views of Kachemak Bay, and its vibrant arts scene.
When is the best time to visit Homer?
Summer (June to August) is ideal for hiking, boating, and fishing. Shoulder seasons like May and September are quieter and still beautiful.
Can you see wildlife in Homer?
Absolutely! Bald eagles, sea otters, whales, puffins, and bears are commonly spotted around the area.
Is the Homer Spit walkable?
Yes, the Spit is pedestrian-friendly with a mix of boardwalk, gravel paths, and shops along the way.
Do I need a car in Homer?
While you can walk around parts of town and the Spit, having a car helps you explore hikes and scenic drives like Skyline Drive.
Final Thoughts
Homer surprised me in the best way. It’s a place where you can kayak next to otters in the morning, browse art galleries in the afternoon, and eat halibut straight from the sea by dinner. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a whole week, Homer, Alaska delivers a mix of wild adventure and small-town charm that’s hard to forget.