Perched at the edge of Kachemak Bay and at the very end of the Sterling Highway, Homer stands as one of Alaska’s most charming coastal towns. Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” Homer draws hopeful fishermen from far and wide. But Homer offers far more than just the dream of a great catch. Stunning mountain views, rich wildlife, and a vibrant arts scene make this small town a must-visit destination.
Whether you’re exploring the iconic Homer Spit, casting a line in the bay, or sampling fresh seafood, Homer delivers an unforgettable Alaskan experience. Here’s a guide to the top things to see and do in Homer.
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1. Walk the Homer Spit
The Homer Spit is a long finger (or spit) of land that extends 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay. This lovely spit was formed when sediment was deposited by waves and currents. And now it is a tourist attraction. Go figure.
The Homer Spit offers dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers and loads of fun places to dine and shop. Stroll along the boardwalk, where you’ll find local shops, art galleries, and seafood shacks. Be sure to stop by the famous Salty Dawg Saloon, a rustic bar covered in dollar bills left by visitors from around the world.
As you head down the Spit, you can see a collection of grounded boat houses. Some of these are occupied and others have been abandoned. On clear days, you can see across the bay to the peaks of the Kenai Mountains and the Grewingk Glacier.
For a closer look at the life of a fisherman, visit the Seafarer’s Memorial. This is dedicated as a final resting place for those lost at sea. The monument stands 15 foot tall and 20 foot wide with a 7 foot statue of a mariner inside.
2. Fish for Halibut, Salmon, & Rockfish
Homer’s reputation as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” is well-earned. Charter a boat from the harbor and head into Kachemak Bay for some of the best halibut fishing anywhere. Local guides provide all the gear and insider tips to help you land a trophy-sized halibut.
Maverick Charters, located right on the Homer Spit is a great operation! Let’s face it, anyone who can get me to spend a full day on a boat fishing for very smelly fish – and enjoy it – must be good! We took a full day excursion fishing for halibut and rockfish. Our Captain, Faith, and her mate, Pelle, were patient and kind with my less than stellar skills and we returned to land safely in one piece with a whole bunch of fish to ship home! We shipped home over 99 pounds, between the 4 of us (but brace yourself, shipping is EXPENSIVE). Nothing tastes as good as halibut you catch yourself! Unless it is halibut and chips from the Boardwalk Restaurant located across from the Maverick Charter office.
Salmon fishing is also excellent in Homer. Cast a line from the shore or book a salmon charter. King salmon runs peak from May through June, while silver salmon are most abundant from July through September. We elected to fish for rockfish instead of salmon because we knew we would fish for salmon later in the trip. And this would be our first chance to experience fishing for rockfish. It was a good choice! I can’t wait to try cooking them myself. We had rockfish tacos on the Spit and they were heavenly. But you can’t go wrong with salmon if they are in season!
3. Visit the Pratt Museum
Visit the Pratt Museum for a deep dive into Homer’s history, art, and natural environment. Exhibits cover everything from Alaska Native culture to the region’s fishing industry and marine ecosystem. The museum’s outdoor trails feature historic buildings and a botanical garden with native Alaskan plants.
A highlight of the museum is its live-feed camera showing the activity at a local seabird colony. Visitors can also explore displays on early homesteaders and the impact of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Homer’s fishing community.
4. Explore Kachemak Bay State Park
Take a water taxi from the Homer Spit to Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska’s first state park. The park offers over 80 miles of hiking trails through rugged mountains, lush forests, and coastal beaches.
Hike the Glacier Lake Trail to see the stunning Grewingk Glacier up close. Along the way, you might spot moose, black bears, and bald eagles. Be sure to know the local guidance for wildlife sightings! Kayaking and paddle-boarding in the bay offer another way to experience the park’s breathtaking scenery. You can also camp over night in the park.
5. Take a Wildlife & Glacier Viewing Tour
Kachemak Bay teems with wildlife, making wildlife viewing boat tours one of the best ways to experience Homer’s natural beauty. Join a guided tour to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and harbor seals. Birdwatchers will find plenty to see, with puffins, bald eagles, and kittiwakes commonly seen along the rocky cliffs.
Many tours also include stops at nearby glaciers. Watch massive chunks of ice calve into the water and feel the chill of the glacier breeze.
6. Discover Local Art & Culture
Homer boasts a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries and artist studios scattered throughout town. The Bunnell Street Arts Center showcases contemporary art by Alaskan artists and hosts events, including live music and artist talks.
Stop by the Fireweed Gallery and Ptarmigan Arts to browse local pottery, paintings, and jewelry. The town’s artistic vibe also extends to its architecture, with colorful murals and sculptures lining the streets. This gives the town a fun and funky little vibe.
7. Go Beachcombing and Tidepooling at Bishop’s Beach
Check out Bishop’s Beach, located near downtown, for excellent beachcombing and tidepooling. Low tide reveals colorful sea stars, anemones, and small crabs in the rocky pools.
Bring a pair of waterproof boots and explore the shoreline. We found some really neat rocks, shells and loads a driftwood but you have to be willing to walk through a little water and soft sand. Maybe get some Xtra Tuff Boots as those are a great souvenir from Alaska! The beach also provides great views of Kachemak Bay and the mountains beyond.
8. Visit the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center serves as the headquarters for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Interactive exhibits highlight the region’s marine ecosystem and the importance of seabird conservation.
Walk the center’s trails for views of the bay and opportunities to spot migrating shorebirds. Guided programs and ranger-led talks provide deeper insights into the area’s wildlife and environmental history.
9. Sample Fresh Seafood
Homer’s fishing industry means you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in Alaska. Head to Captain Pattie’s Fish House for locally caught halibut, salmon, and oysters. Many restaurants also serve king crab legs and rockfish prepared with local ingredients. For a more casual meal, grab wonderful tacos from Swell Tacos along the Homer Spit. We got one halibut and one rockfish taco each and loved them both! The Salty Dawg Saloon also offers a lively spot to enjoy a local beer and swap fishing stories with fellow travelers.
Wrap up your day with a visit to the Homer Brewing Company. This small brewery produces craft beers inspired by the flavors of Alaska. Try the Red Knot Scottish Ale or the China Poot Porter while relaxing in the tasting room. The brewery’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great place to connect with locals and fellow travelers. Food trucks often park nearby, adding to the casual vibe.
10. Take a Bear Viewing Trip to Katmai National Park
For an unforgettable adventure, take a day trip from Homer to Katmai National Park. A short flight brings you to Brooks Camp, where you can observe brown bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls. Experienced guides lead small groups, ensuring a safe and educational experience.
Bear viewing season runs from late June through September, with peak activity in July and early August. These trips are quite expensive, but they are truly amazing opportunities if you have the funds. Seeing these massive creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
11. Hike the Homestead Trail
For a quiet escape, hike the Homestead Trail just outside Homer. This 3-mile trail winds through rolling meadows and spruce forests, offering views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. Wildflowers bloom along the path in summer, and the trail provides excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Other Interesting Things to Know About Homer
Homer is a little quirky and there were a few things I wanted to share that just didn’t fit anywhere else. So did you know:
- The town is named after Homer Pennock. He was a gold prospector, a mining company promoter, and a general con man who arrived in the area around 1896.
- You can see 4 volcanoes from Homer: Augustine, Iliamna, Redoubt, and Spurr.
- Jewel Kilcher, AKA “Jewel,” was raised near Homer. If you don’t know who that is, you are either too old or too young to appreciate 90’s pop (as in the song, “You Were Meant For Me”).
- The Kilcher family, living outside Homer, are featured in the reality television series, “Alaska: The Last Frontier”. Tourists often head out the the Kilcher Family Homestead in hopes of catching a glimpse of these famous Alaskans. Don’t expect to find Jewel there. She moved out at age 15 and there is some reported bad history there.
Tips for Visiting Homer
Cruising to Homer: Several cruise lines, such as Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian, Viking, and others offer itineraries that include Homer. Cruising is a great way to experience various places in Alaska.
Where to Stay On Land: There are loads of wonderful and unique places to stay in Homer.
Best Time to Visit: Late May through September offers the best weather and longest daylight hours.
Packing: Bring layers, rain gear, and comfortable hiking shoes. Weather can change quickly, even in summer. Check out this Alaska packing list.
Transportation: Renting a car is the best way to get around Homer and access nearby trailheads and scenic areas. I really like Turo in Alaska.
Wildlife Safety: Carry bear spray when hiking and follow local guidelines for wildlife encounters.
What Do You Want to Do in Iconic Homer!
Fishing? Hiking? Eating? Let us know!
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