Homer, a remote gem on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, offers plenty of charm and adventure. Here are the top things to do in Homer Alaska!
About Homer Alaska
Homer is located on the southern coast of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, right on the edge of Kachemak Bay. Once a small fishing village, it has grown into a quiet town celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, rich local culture, and endless outdoor activities.
While it’s easily accessible, Homer still feels remote, adding to its charm. This sense of seclusion makes it a favorite destination for both locals and travelers seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.
I visited Homer during a memorable trip through Alaska and found it to be wonderfully peaceful. The town is perfectly situated by the water, with the dramatic peaks of Kachemak Bay State Park just across the bay. It’s also very pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of scenic hiking trails to explore.
The wooden buildings scattered throughout Homer add to its cozy, welcoming vibe. Instead of big American chain stores, you’ll find unique cafes and restaurants that reflect the local character and Alaskan landscape.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the best things to do in Homer, Alaska.
Fun things to do in Homer
These are – in no particular order – the most beautiful places to visit and fun things to do in Homer Alaska.
Explore the Homer Spit
The Homer Spit is a stunning 4.5-mile-long sandbar that stretches into Kachemak Bay. Personally, I found it to be the most charming spot in Homer, and it’s an absolute must-see during your visit.
The Spit is home to restaurants, shops, and Homer Harbor, many of which are built on wooden pilings along the edges. Walking on the wooden decking adds to its cozy, rustic vibe. The Homer Spit is also a favorite spot for fishing and hiking, offering both relaxation and adventure.
Have a drink at the Salty Dawg Saloon
The most iconic spot on the Homer Spit is the Salty Dawg Saloon. Its quirky exterior—a wooden lighthouse paired with a rustic shed—makes it stand out, but the real charm lies inside. The atmosphere is truly one of a kind: it’s dimly lit, always bustling, and every inch of the walls and ceiling is covered in dollar bills left by visitors from around the world.
Enjoy the views at End of the Road Park
Situated at the very tip of the Homer Spit, End of the Road Park marks the southernmost point you can drive to on the Kenai Peninsula. This small park features a rocky beach and stunning views of Kachemak Bay, making it a serene and picturesque spot.
One of its highlights is the iconic “Land’s End” sign, a popular photo op for visitors celebrating their journey to this remote location. The park is also a great place for wildlife spotting, especially bald eagles, which can often be seen soaring overhead or perched on nearby posts.
Visit Kachemak Bay State Park
One of Homer’s biggest attractions is Kachemak Bay State Park, located just across the water. The easiest way to visit is by booking a tour from Homer, but you can also take a water taxi, or even go by plane.
ItThis park is a haven of untouched nature, offering excellent chances to spot wildlife, including bears. It’s also home to several glaciers, with the hike to Grewingk Glacier being one of the most popular trails in the park.
Discover the best cafes and restaurants
As I mentioned, Homer has very few big restaurant chains, which makes it even more exciting to explore the local dining scene. Each spot has its own unique vibe, so it’s definitely worth trying a few. Here are some top recommendations:
- Two Sisters Bakery – This place is incredibly popular (expect a line), and for good reason: the food is amazing! From mouth-watering sweets to savory lunch options, there’s something for everyone.
- Homer Brewing Company – A must-visit for beer lovers, but they also offer a variety of other specialty drinks. Located in a residential area near the airport, you can enjoy a drink while watching seaplanes land on Beluga Lake. The patio offers a great view to relax and take it all in.
- Sweetgale Meadworks & Cider House – A charming little spot where you can enjoy homemade cider. They offer tastings, and you’ll even get a scorecard to rate the different flavors.
- Shiva Boom – If you work up an appetite while sipping cider, I highly recommend grabbing a meal from the Indian food truck next door. Their curry is some of the best I’ve ever had!
- Mike’s Alaskan Eatery – Small but cozy, this is a great place for sandwiches, salads, and other tasty treats.
And this is just the beginning—especially along Pioneer Avenue, you’ll find many more fantastic spots to explore. It’s definitely worth doing a little food tour in this area!
Visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center
If you’re interested in learning more about Alaska’s marine ecosystems and the region’s history, the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center is a must-visit. The center offers fascinating exhibits that are enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
The surrounding area features a lovely green park with a few scenic hiking trails, making it a great spot for a short walk. You’ll also be treated to stunning views of the mountains in Kachemak Bay State Park from here.
Take a Walk on Bishop’s Beach
During our stay in Homer, we camped at Ocean Shores RV Park, which has a small path leading directly to Bishop’s Beach. This expansive beach, with both sand and rocks, is the perfect spot for a long, peaceful walk.
Every so often, small planes fly low overhead, and in the distance, you can spot the towering peaks of Kachemak Bay State Park. It’s a beautiful place to breathe in the fresh air and take in the stunning surroundings.
Go on a fishing tour
Homer is renowned as one of the best fishing spots in Alaska. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a complete beginner, there are plenty of tours available to take you out on the water. You can reel in salmon, halibut, and more—and the best part? You get to take your catch home to cook and enjoy!
Stroll down Pioneer Avenue
Pioneer Avenue is the heart of Homer, lined with charming, mostly wooden buildings. This main street is home to a variety of cozy hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll—despite the busy road, it has a warm, welcoming feel. You’ll also find some cool murals and street art scattered along the way, adding to the area’s unique charm.
Discover the beautiful spots along the Sterling Highway
To reach Homer, you’ll drive along the Sterling Highway, which runs along the west side of the Kenai Peninsula. Soldotna is the largest town on this route, and from there, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Homer. While there are a few small villages along the way, much of the journey takes you through vast, untouched wilderness.
Along the coast, you’ll find several recreation areas—places with picnic tables and restrooms where you can stop to stretch your legs. These spots offer lovely beach walks and stunning ocean views.
I parked at the Deep Creek State Recreation Area for a few hours, and I’ve never seen so many bald eagles in one place—many of them flying with freshly caught fish in their beaks! It was an incredible experience.
Great places to stay in Homer
Given Homer’s remote location, it’s a good idea to spend a few nights here to fully enjoy all it has to offer. Here are some great places to stay while you’re in town.
- Ocean Shores RV Park – We traveled in a converted school bus and mostly wild camped throughout Alaska. Unfortunately, wild camping isn’t allowed in Homer and the surrounding area, so you’ll need to stay at one of the RV parks. In my opinion, Ocean Shores is the best option, especially if you can snag one of the spots at the back, as it offers beautiful ocean views.
- The Shack Inn – A beautiful and highly rated accommodation on the Homer Spit.
- Homer Inn & Spa – Beautiful and relaxing accommodation with very comfortable rooms. There is a large sun deck with views of the sea and the snow-capped mountain peaks.
- Pioneer Inn – A fine small-scale accommodation on Pioneer Avenue, so very centrally located.
Check out Booking.com for more options, availability and prices.
Book a trip to Alaska
These were all my tips for Homer! Would you consider adding it to your Alaska tour? Here are some useful websites for booking your trip and making the most of your visit.
✈️ Plane tickets – Anchorage is home to Alaska’s largest airport, making it the perfect starting point for your adventure. Use Skyscanner to find the best deals.
🚘 Rental car – To truly explore Alaska, a rental car is essential. Check Discover Cars for the best rates, but be sure to book early as vehicles can sell out fast and prices tend to climb.
💊Travel insurance – Travel insurance gives you peace of mind during your trip. Visit Insubuy to find coverage that fits your needs and keeps you protected throughout your journey.
🚣🏼♀️Tours & Activities – Alaska is an outdoor lover’s paradise with incredible activities like glacier flights and whale-watching cruises. For inspiration and to book your tours, head over to Get Your Guide.
More Alaska tips
Want to read more about Alaska? Check out one of these travel guides below to dive deeper into everything this amazing state has to offer!
You can also read more about Alaska on this website. In addition to Alaska, I’ve explored many other beautiful places in the United States of America. Check out these articles for more travel tips and inspiration.
- 16 best things to do in Valdez Alaska + fun hiking trails
- 20 Fun things to do in Alaska in the Summer: discover the Last Frontier
- Amazing 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary
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