Named after Homer Pennock- a gold prospector, Homer Alaska is famous for tourism and fishing. There are several amazing things to do in Homer Alaska, known as “the Halibut capital of the world,” this city is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.
Located on the shores of Kachemak Bay, Homer is highly recognized for the Homer Spit. You can enjoy the coastal climate and various entertaining activities in this city.
Homer Alaska
Homer Alaska is also known as “The end of the road,” as it is the southernmost Alaskan town on the highway. Recently, it acquired another name “The cosmic Hamlet by the Sea.”
Why don’t you witness its beauty and the reasons it acquired this name by yourself?
Being one of the most beautiful towns in Alaska, Homer will never run out of things to amuse its visitors. The list of things to do in Homer Alaska is never-ending.
The flawless scenic beauty, natural wonders, and adventure make this city an incredible tourist spot.
19 Fun Things to Do in Homer Alaska
There are many exciting things to do in Homer Alaska, like:
1. Kachemak Bay State Park
This park is the state’s legislatively designated wilderness park. Visiting Kachemak Bay requires a little off-road adventure as it cannot be accessed by road. It would help if you took a flight or a boat to get here.
Many marine mammals and birds reside here. A diverse range of land, consisting of ice fields, glaciers, beaches, and forests, makes this place amazing.
Hiking, kayaking, skiing, and boating can also be done in this 400,000 acres park. It is an important habitat area where you can find whales, sea otters, seals, dolphins, puffins, eagles, and many more species.
You can also sign up for kayaking or canoeing tours. Explore the marine life and wildlife, and you can take a guided tour or horseback riding tour of the glacier.
Learn more about Kachemak Bay.
2. Homer Spit
This natural landmark, a finger-like projection of land towards Kachemak Bay, is about 4.5 miles long. You can see the Homer Boat Harbor, The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon, the Salty Dawg Saloon, and the longest road in the ocean waters here.
Also, the area is 5.8 m above sea level and is highly vulnerable to threats like tsunamis and erosion.
You can take eco-safaris to explore the place, as it is one of the popular things to do in downtown homer. You can also try a helicopter tour and experience the place from above.
3. Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center
This establishment is solely made for conserving the marine environment. You can explore the indoor exhibits and learn more about marine life and the natural history of this region.
Also, this center offers facilities like field camps, seabird theatres, and many other outdoor experiences. Amazing artifacts are also displayed here, showcasing war history.
The sea bird rookery is the highlight of this place. You can go for bird viewing, wildlife viewing, shopping, or engaging yourself in trails.
4. Pratt Museum
Pratt Museum, located in Homer, Alaska, walks you through the region’s history. The exhibits in this museum include Alaskan traditions, local art, and marine and terrestrial life surrounding the area.
This museum holds the history of Kachemak Bay and southern Alaska and hosts many activities like fish feeding.
Click here to know more about Pratt Museum.
5. Bishop’s Beach Park
A place where you can find many migrating shorebirds and an ideal location for a family picnic, this place provides fantastic things to do in Homer Alaska.
Species like Harlequin duck, bald eagles, crabs, blue mussel, and herring gull can be viewed here as intertidal habitats that attract many animals.
You can do recreational activities like tide-pooling, coal gathering, or dog walking. The scenic beauty of the trail makes hiking easier.
6. Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
To learn about the marine habitat, geology, climate, and history, a visit to this destination can help you a lot. They also provide a wildlife cruise to Peterson Bay.
Also, you can explore the different plant and animal species in tide pools, which is a favorite tourist activity in this non-profit organization. You can choose from guided tours, educational programs, and other activities.
7. Norman Lowell Art Gallery
The Norman Lowell Art Gallery is a non-profit organization set up by Lowells. The beauty of Alaska is portrayed in his artworks.
You can walk along with the homestead and enjoy the art collection. Also, if interested, you can buy paintings.
8. Seldovia Bay Ferry
You can view Seldovia on the fast ferry, the Kachemak Voyager. It offers fast and comfortable transportation, and within 45 minutes, you can reach Seldovia from Homer.
Most tourists like to explore the beauty of Alaska using this ferry service.
9. Bear Creek Winery
This winery provides wines with a blend of native Alaskan fruits, and the pleasant tasting room is open to visitors. You can see the gardens and the processes of winemaking.
A lodging facility is also offered. The award-winning wines produced here are made with the utmost care.
10. Kilcher Homestead Living Museum
This homestead is a familiar place featured in a TV show: the last frontier. Yule and Ruth built the house. You will be guided by their son or daughter from whom you can acquire knowledge about the place.
Even if you are not a fan of the last frontier, you can still enjoy the museum. If you are lucky, you can also see the cast on location!
11. Halibut Cove
Halibut Cove is a fishing village with many artists. Situated on the South Side of Kachemak Bay, a day trip to this destination can give you an unforgettable Alaskan experience.
You can do kayaking tours and explore the cove or take a water taxi/ferry boat to reach the artists’ community.
This place offers fresh seafood, and you can closely watch the marine life here. Halibut fishing is one of the most popular things to do in Homer Alaska and several fishing charters are available for you to choose from.
12. Ptarmigan Arts
This is a local cooperative-run gallery on Pioneer Avenue. Visitors can buy handcrafted items and high-quality artwork. Photographs, woodworks, jewelry, paintings, and many other things are available here.
The local artists present their works here, and you can explore the artworks, and also buy these authentic Alaskan artworks. This is the ideal location for getting true Alaskan gifts, which can be kept as a souvenir.
13. Seafarers Memorial
Located in Homer spit, this is a memorial for all the people who died at sea, with almost 70 names present on the memorial. This destination has a different aspect from Homer’s.
Even though the people know that the area is prone to natural calamities, they still go fishing or do other activities.
14. Homer Public Library
Visiting this library is one of the fantastic things to do in Homer Alaska. This public library is located in the Southern Kenai Peninsula.
“The top drawer collection” is an initiative taken up by this library to accept, publish, and display manuscripts from the community. Also, many activities and events are conducted here.
15. Bear Viewing
Homer is near three national parks, AKA lake clark national park, katmai national park, and kenai fjords national park. where you can find Alaskan brown bears and view them in their natural habitat. The great salmon run and bears fishing them can be seen in Brooks Falls.
This is one of the fascinating things to do in Homer Alaska. Hiking and fishing opportunities are available.
16. Festivals
The Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby, and the Kachemak Bay wooden boat festival are the famous festivals in Homer.
Each of these celebrates the heritage and culture of Homer. The festival season is from May to September.
17. Little Mermaid
Exploring the food varieties of Homer is amusing, and going to Little Mermaid is an everyday activity for tourists. This restaurant uses local ingredients and supports local producers.
Brick oven pizzas are the highlight of the place. Many other food items are also popular, like the Alaskan fish chowder and Kodiak scallops.
18. Two Sisters Bakery
This bakery is a must-visit destination. Known for their cakes and cupcakes, they offer a lot of options.
Featured on many TV channels, this is a popular place. You can order their infamous cakes or any other items, but remember that their vanilla cheesecake is very famous.
19. Homer Brewing Company
Unwind yourself after a long day by having beers from the Homer Brewing Company. Some of their specialties, like the Oktoberfest lager, is very famous and a must-try.
Five beers are available year-round, or you can also have teas served in two styles, the Alaska chai, and the Zen Chai.
Closing Thoughts
Visiting Homer can get you more knowledge about marine life, wildlife, and much more. The various adventures offered by this place are highly popular among tourists.
Alaska is famous for snow-capped mountains, charming seaside town, and incredible local seafood sources from fishing hole, so, what are you waiting for? halibut fishing capital, Homer harbor, tasty cook inlet king salmon.
You can see the diversity of nature and indulge in her ways and indulge in hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and other activities.
You can also take a scenic boat ride evening by going sea kayaking in one of the famous destination Alaska fish tours by booking a fishing charter.
The exceptional beauty and the incredible opportunities provided here give the tourists an excellent experience to cherish forever.
Originally posted 2021-01-03 06:50:18.
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