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Top Things To Do In Homer Alaska

Top Things To Do In Homer Alaska

Some of our favorite places in the world happen by accident, and Homer is one of those. When we were planning our Alaska itinerary, we had Homer, Alaska as a MAYBE.

We hadn’t heard much about the city and we weren’t sure there would be enough things to do in Homer to justify the drive down.

Well, we are so glad we made the 4-hour journey from Anchorage as Homer was a pleasant surprise and our favorite stop in Alaska. We ended up spending three nights as there were a ton of things to do in Homer we didn’t want to cut our visit short.

If you are looking for the best places in Alaska to visit, make sure to put Homer on the list.


Suggested Places To Stay In Homer Alaska

There are a ton of accommodation options in Homer, from cute cabin rentals, campgrounds, chain hotels, and hotels right on the beach. We stayed at the Homer Campground which was great for us as we could walk the beach and to dinner.

  • Lands End Resort is right on the beach on the Homer Spit. This would be our #1 pick. Check prices online | Hotels.com | Expedia
  • Best Western is located in town just 2 miles from the Homer Spit. Check prices online | Hotels.com | Orbitz  

Things To Do In Homer Alaska

1. Get On A Boat Halibut Fishing

Homer is the Halibut capital of the world, and one of the most popular things to do is go halibut fishing. We got our Alaska fishing licenses in Homer for $25 which allowed us to go fishing for 24 hours.

We hired a Homer fishing charter to take us out halibut fishing for the day. We left at 630a.m. and within a minute of dropping the line, we had a halibut on the line. We were catching halibut right and left. We released most of them but kept our limit of 2 halibut per person. Fishing charters are available year-round, you can book online here.

woman on a bear viewing tour in homer Alaska - Top activities in Homer

2. Go Bear Viewing In Lake Clark National Park

Most tourists invest in bear spray when in Alaska and try to avoid bears at all costs, BUT in Homer, you can go on a bear tour where you will be literally only a few feet away from wild grizzly bears.

We went with Scenic Bear Viewing, and it was one of the most magical experiences in our lives and our favorite thing to do in Homer.

View of the Homer Spit from a small plane - things to see in Homer, AK

3. Explore The Homer Spit

Explore the Homer Spit, the Southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. The Spit Road is the longest road in the world into ocean waters. The Homer Spit is 4.5 miles long, extending out into the Kachemak Bay, it will take 10-15 minutes to drive by car.

There are several hotels and campgrounds right on the Spit, which is where we decided to stay as there are a bunch of restaurants, shops, and the Salty Dawg Saloon. The Homer Boat Harbor is also located on the Spit, during the summer peak months the harbor serves up to 1,500 boats.

Related Article: Things To Know Before Driving The Alcan Highway

The Salty Dawg tavern bar and restaurant in homer Alaska - must visit places in homer

4. Visit The Salty Dawg Saloon

If you are looking for a dive bar with a great crowd, then it’s a must to visit the Salty Dawg Saloon for a drink or five. Established in 1897, it was one of the first cabins built in the area before Homer was even a town.

As soon as you walk in, you will notice $$ hanging from the ceiling and walls. Make sure to leave a message on a bill or the wall and stick it up. The Salty Dawg Saloon is open year-round and stays open late. 

  • Address: 4380 Homer Spit Road, Homer
Hiking in homer Alaska - Things to do in Homer

5. Hit The Trails Hiking

There are over 80  miles of hiking trails in Kachemak Bay State Park. Lace up your shoes! There are several marked trails in the Homer area, but the most popular is the 4.5-mile path that runs the entire Homer Spit from the beginning to the tip.

Related Article: Hatcher Pass The Locals Favorite

View from the hills outside of Homer looking down into Kachemak Bay in alaska

6. Explore Kachemak Bay

The views along the Kachemak Bay are some of the best on the Kenai Penisula. When you are driving into Homer, make sure to pull over at the designated photo spots.

The Kachemak Bay is on the Southwest side of the Kenai Penisula and stretches 40 miles long on the Cook Inlet. It’s a great place to rent a kayak.

Related Article: Everything You Need To Now About Driving To Alaska

Woman tidepooling in homer Alaska - Top Activities

7. Get Your Feet Wet Tidepooling

Tidepooling is something we have never heard of before, but it definitely should be one of your things to do in Homer. Head down to China Poot Bay, Jakolof Bay, or Bishop’s Beach at low tide. When the tide pulls out you can find starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, octopus, and other creatures of the sea.

flight of craft beers in homer alaska Things to do in Homer

8. Have A Pint At The Homer Brewing Company

After a busy day, head to the Homer Brewing Company for a local tasty brew. I suggest getting the sampler. I loved all their dark beers. My favorite two beers were the China Poot Porter and the Odyssey Oatmeal Stout.

They don’t have food, but there is an oyster truck outside, which was super popular.

  • Address: 1411 Lake Shore Dr. Homer, Alaska
Halibut Taco vendor in Homer Alaska farmers market - Top Attractions

9. Try Local Eats A The Homer Farmer’s Market

For a taste of some local eats and shop for some local goods, head to the Homer farmer’s market. Open every Wednesday from 2 pm – 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am -3 pm, May 27 – September 30th. We suggest going earlier in the day because some vendors sell out early. We highly suggest the halibut tacos.

Boat at sunrise in Homer alaska - Things to do in Homer AK

10. Take A Water Taxi To Halibut Cove

Halibut Cove is just across the Kachemak Bay, only 12 miles from Homer. Halibut Cove is a fishing village over the water and is home to one of the only floating U.S. post offices. There are restaurants, shops, and even a few lodging options. The Alaska Ferry doesn’t run there, but there are local companies that run tours to Halibut Cove and provide transport.

11.  Have A Glass Of Wine At Bear Creek Winery

Did you know they made wine in Alaska? Us neither! If you’re looking for things to do in Homer on a rainy day go wine tasting. The Bear Creek Winery in Homer specializes in fruity wines. Our favorite was the Raspberry Rossa.

We suggest the $5 wine tasting, which includes 8 samples, and if you purchase a bottle of wine, the $5 will be deducted from the bottle.

  • Address: 60203 Bear Creek Dr. Homer
Must do in Homer is visit Mermaid Cafe - Cupcake with mermaid tail

12. Eat Dinner At Little Mermaid

End a busy day exploring or start your day at the best restaurant in Homer. No joke, it’s awesome, and it deserves to be the #1 restaurant in Homer on Tripadvisor. It’s known for its fresh seafood, local produce, and hand-tossed pizzas.

We visited during lunch and had a pizza, which could have easily been split between 3 people, and a sandwich with fries (get the fries for sure). The portions were great, and some of the best restaurant prices in Alaska we saw during our entire two weeks in Alaska.

The Little Mermaid is located right on the Homer Spit on the boardwalk of the Homer Boat Harbor.  Make sure to ask for their daily specials.

  • Address: 4246 Homer Spit Rd, Homer

Have you been to Homer? What are some of your favorite activities in Homer Alaska? 

Don’t forget to pin me for later!

Tidepooling in Homer Alaska Featured pin

 

STEVEN DIES

Friday 3rd of May 2019

Visited Alaska for the first time last summer.Homer Spit was my favorite spot. We camped with friends on the beach and fished every day both in and around the "hole".the locals went "dip netting" for their fish but we enjoyed our light tackle.a must stop for anyone wanting to catch some salmon!

Adam

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

Homer was one of our favorites too! We'll have to check this out on our next visit!

Robert Frank

Sunday 7th of April 2019

So glad I came across your blog. Heading up there next summer. I lived in Homer in the late 70's when I worked on the pipeline. It was the most amazing scene back then. Great to know the Dawg is still there. I lived in an Airstream in a park that I'm sure is long gone. Was on the Fire Dept, too. Become an EMT there which led to a 32 year career as an RN and also to my now wife of 36 years, also an RN. Thank you again. Bob

Adam

Monday 8th of April 2019

Great to hear! Homer is one of our favorites in Alaska! We hope you have an amazing trip and Homer is still as good as you remember it!

Larry Brown

Friday 4th of January 2019

You forgot to mention the great clam strips on the spit and Lands End, yummy food.

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Sunday 6th of January 2019

Oh no we didn't get to try these ourselves. I love clam strips! I think we will have to go back to Homer. What restaurant in Homer has the best Clam strips?

Sandy

Sunday 3rd of June 2018

I was so glad to come across your post. We will be staying in Fritz Creek in 2 weeks and plan to spend a lot of time in Homer. I will be printing the trail maps, thanks so much for including them!

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Wednesday 6th of June 2018

How long are you staying in Homer Alaska? There are a ton of things to do in Homer so plan a few days and if you can make it out to the bears it's an amazing experience. Safe travels to Alaska.

Allison McKenna

Thursday 25th of January 2018

Thank you for the Homer, Alaska Post. It changed our mind about taking Homer out of our itinerary! I would love to hear more about your Alaska trip. We are going this year in early June. Your website and adventures are amazing. I will definitely be reading more!

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Wednesday 31st of January 2018

Love to hear we added Homer to your Alaska itinerary. It definitely is worth a few days visit. We hope to get some more Alaska content out soon. Are you driving to Alaska or flying? How long are you there?