Friends, if you want to enjoy various spots and unique experiences in one city, it is Homer in Alaska. What! You don’t much about it. I can’t believe this because Homer in Alaska is very famous for tourism and fishing. In fact, it is also known as “the Halibut capital of the world,” I must tell you 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. I’ll tell you this interesting fact- it was named after Homer Pennock- a gold prospector. You can check the map below to get its exact location:
Homer 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.” Being one of the most beautiful towns in Alaska, Homer will never run out of things to amuse its visitors. So, the list of things to do in Homer, Alaska, is never-ending, and I’ll tell you about it in this article. But one thing is certain: the flawless scenic beauty, natural wonders, and adventure make this city an incredible tourist spot. So, check out the amazing destinations in this beautiful city that you shouldn’t miss on your trip.
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-acre park. isn’t this great? I mean what else can one expect! It is also an important habitat area where you can find whales, sea otters, seals, dolphins, puffins, eagles, and many more species. I strongly recommend you to sign up for kayaking or canoeing tours. Also, explore the marine life and wildlife, and you can take a guided tour or horseback riding tour of the glacier.
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. Do you know one of the popular things to do there is to take eco-safaris to explore the place. So, don’t miss that. 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 to conserve 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.
5. Bishop’s Beach Park
if you are looking for an ideal location for a family picnic, I would recommend Bishop’s Beach Park. A place where you can find many migrating shorebirds. Species like Harlequin duck, bald eagles, crabs, blue mussels, and herring gull can be viewed here as intertidal habitats that attract many animals. You can also 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. So, if you love artwork. then walk along the homestead and enjoy the art collection. You can also buy paintings if interested.
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
Want to have some delicious wines? Well, Bear Creek 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 museum is a familiar place featured in a TV show: The Last Frontier. Yule and Ruth built the house. I’m sure you must have noticed it if you have seen the show. 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. I highly recommend you enjoy 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.
12. Ptarmigan Arts
This is a local cooperative-run gallery on Pioneer Avenue. Visitors can buy handcrafted items and high-quality artwork. Photographs, woodwork, 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. Ptarmigan Arts is the ideal location for getting true Alaskan gifts, which can be kept as a souvenir.
13. Seafarers Memorial
Located in Homer spit, Seafarers 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
Hey if you are fond of books, I can tell you to explore the Homer Public Library 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. I’m talking about these because 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. So, if you happen to be in Homer during these months, I suggest you join the festivals and have most of the fun.
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
So, if you start craving some cakes and cupcakes, I recommend you visit the Two Sisters bakery. 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, are 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.
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 towns, and incredible local seafood sources from fishing holes, so, what are you waiting for?
The exceptional beauty and the incredible opportunities provided here give you an excellent experience to cherish forever.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
