Homer, Alaska

1. Vies sea and land animals at Kachemak Bay State Park

Kachemak Bay State Park is a 400,000-acre oceanside park that was the first one designated as such by the Alaska State Park system. Since there is no road access to the majority of the park, many visitors access its hidden beauty by flying in or by boat. The park’s extensive biodiversity makes it home to black bears, moose, sea lions, sea otters, whales, and several other sea and land animals, which you may come across during your exploration. If you choose to hike through the mostly wild land to higher areas, you’ll be able to get a bird’s eye view of the dense mountain forests, sandy beaches, icefields, and glaciers.

Address: Homer, Alaska 99603, Phone: 907-262-5581

2. Take a tour at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies can be found in beautiful Kachemak Bay. Visitors of all ages will be able to connect with the Alaskan outdoors via their many tours, guided walks, educational programs, and overnight events. The Wynn Nature Center is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the boreal forest as you gaze at the wildflowers and keep an eye out for bear, moose, lynx, and other animals that call the wildlife preserve home. The Peterson Bay Field Station is a laboratory on the south shore of Kachemak Bay that is only accessible by boat – if you happen to make it over there, keep an eye out for diverse wildlife like harbor seals, octopus, and sea otters.

Address: 708 Smoky Bay Way, Homer, AK 99603, Phone: 907-235-6746

Where to Stay in Homer: The Driftwood Inn, The Ocean Shores and the Baycrest Lodge.

3. See an exhibit at Ptarmigan Arts

Ptarmigan Arts is a local cooperative gallery on Pioneer Avenue that has been around since 1984. Owned and operated by the artists, the gallery is a platform for you to explore the many pieces of work on display and to get to know the people behind them. Works include acrylic and watercolor paintings, photographs, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, woodworks, arts prints, and much more. The gallery is open year round and has become a popular base for artists to display and sell their work while also giving visitors a platform to purchase local handcrafted items and quality artwork. There are many shows and exhibits scheduled there as well – their First Friday gallery receptions are a fun way to spend the evening.

Address: 471 E Pioneer Ave, Homer, AK 99603, Phone: 907-235-5345

4. Learn about natural history at the Pratt Museum

Located on the shores of Kachemak Bay, the Pratt Museum houses several indoor and outdoor exhibits that focus on art, Native Alaskan cultures, natural history, marine ecology, fishing, and homesteading. The museum has a lovely botanical garden that is filled with local flora, a nature trail through the forest, and the historic Harrington cabin. There are several exhibits, some of which rotate throughout the year; their art gallery has a diverse collection of contemporary, Native Alaskan, and Alaskan art. Their Kachemak Bay: An Exploration off People and Place exhibit is a popular aspect that comprises community-based photos, videos, and more.

Address: 3779 Bartlett Street, Homer, AK 99603

5. Visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center

Located right beside Kachemak Bay, the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center is one of the largest seabird refuges in the world. Visitors of all ages will love exploring the past and present of the refuge. In addition to seeing the many exhibits on the interpretive trail, you’ll be able to pick the brains of biologists and learn about what they come across when they sail to remote islands. Kids will love completing various activities in the visitor center to earn their Junior Biologist Badge. Don’t forget to stop the Alaska Geographic bookstore located within the center for an array of books, nature guides, and children’s items to take back with them.

Address: 95 Sterling Hwy, Homer, AK 99603, Phone: 907-235-6961

6. Go fishing in the Homer Spit

The Homer Spit is a long, narrow sliver of land that extends for almost 5 miles into Kachemak Bay. It’s a great place with stunning panoramic views of crystal-clear water and glacier-studded mountains. The area is filled with businesses, shops, and restaurants that you can enjoy. Recreational fun such as beachcombing the endless miles of sand, boating, and fishing are abundant in the area. Test out your sea legs with fishing charters or go on a guided kayaking trip to get to know the place in a unique and special way. There are many boat and walking tours conducted by knowledgeable guides for you to enjoy while learning about the area’s history and little-known facts.

Address: Homer Spit Road, Homer, AK 99603

7. Spot an eagle at Bishop's Beach Park

Bishop's Beach Park is an endless expanse of beach that stretches from Old Homer to Beluga Slough. The sand and mud beach is extremely popular with residents and visitors for tide-pooling, gathering coal, and dog walking. You’ll be sure to come across many migrating shorebirds, bald eagles, herring gull, and harlequin ducks. Kids love coming across crabs and clams burrowed in the sand. Other amenities at the park include restroom facilities, picnic shelters with grills, and its proximity to the many shops, restaurants, and galleries a short distance away in the Old Town. Homer, AK 99603, Phone: 907-235-6090

Address: Aldea at Tlaquepaque, Phone: 480-625-2534

8. Ride the Seldovia Bay Ferry

The Seldovia Bay Ferry is a fast and friendly way for residents and visitors to cross over between Homer and Seldovia. The comfortable passenger and light freight service takes 45 minutes one way and is an important mode of travel for the locals. It’s also a wonderful way to explore your surroundings and appreciate the bodies of water and mountains that surround the area. There is a food service available on the ferry, so you can enjoy tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, and beverages during your ride. Be sure to stop by and enjoy this unique and fun thing to do while you’re in Homer.

Address: Ramp 7/ JJ Dock, Homer Harbor, Homer, AK 99603, Phone: 907-435-3299

9. Visit Seafarer's Memorial

Being the fishing town that it is, Homer is home to many men and women who risk their lives to head out to sea. They willingly go, knowing that they may come back with a fresh seafood payload or that they might never see safe harbor again. Situated on the Homer Split, Seafarer's Memorial is a lovely tribute to the people who have lost their lives at sea. It is not limited to those in commercial fishing, but also remembers people who passed away while kayaking, canoeing, or in any other type of vessel. There are around 70 names, along with the dates they died and their vessels, engraved on plaques that are mounted on the pillars. The sight will show you a different side of Homer and the people that reside there.

Address: 4535 Homer Spit Rd, Homer, AK 99603

10. Spend a rainy day at the Homer Public Library

Serving the Southern Kenai Peninsula, the Homer Public Library originated in the 1940s in an old school building. In 1950, the library was fully built with thousands of books donated by Alaskan politician Anthony Dimond. With its growing popularity and service to the community, the library was relocated to a much larger building – its current home – in 2006. The library started an initiative in 1987 that accepts, publishes, displays, and makes available manuscripts from the community; it is called the “Top Drawer Collection” and is a great aspect of the library that you should check out when there. The library now houses a variety of books, hosts many events and workshops, and is an integral part of the community and is well worth exploring while visiting Homer.

Address: 500 Hazel Avenue, Homer, AK 99603