11 Best Things to Do in Homer, Alaska (A Local's Perspective)

Homer is easily one of my favorite cities to explore in Alaska. With incredible views, delicious restaurants, and bucket list adventures - this is one place I would visit every weekend if it wasn't 4 hours away from Anchorage. After countless visits I'm sharing my favorite things to do in Homer, from visiting the grizzlies in Katmai National park to exploring Kachemak Bay state Park and maybe even visiting the iconic Salty Dawg Saloon, I've got everything you need to make your trip to Homer unforgettable.

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates.
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To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi.

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

Getting to Homer & What to Expect

Homer is located about 4 hours south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. The drive is beautiful, and there are plenty of places to stop at on the way down. Because the drive is quite long, I highly recommend spending more than just one night in Homer - especially because there's also so many things to do that could take an entire day just by themselves.

The city of Homer is split into two main areas, the main city which is located on the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula, and the Spit which is located on a thin area of land that sticks out into the water. The Spit is one of my favorite areas to explore, and is also a great space to go if you're looking to see some of the wildlife in the area (think adorable otters and eagles).

My Favorite Cabin Rental in Homer!

If you are looking to spend the night, I highly recommend looking into Westwind Cabins, pictured above. They have 4 cabins onsite, all of which are very "nordic" inspired. Not only do they overlook Kachemak Bay, but they're also located right out of town for a secluded feel while still having easy accessibility to the restaurants in town. The best part is their onsite spa - a collection of hot tub, shower room, ice bath, and sauna that's available for all guests to use! If you're camping, my husband and I always stay at the Homer Spit Campground.

Don't Forget to Book Your Stay!

My Favorite Tours Near Homer :
- Katmai National Park Bear Viewing
- Kachemak Bay Wildlife Tour
​- Grewingk Glacier Guided Hike

11 Best Things to Do in Homer

1. Grizzly Bear Viewing
My ultimate favorite experience in Alaska just so happens to be based out of Homer - and it's a visit to Katmai National Park to see the incredible Grizzly bear population there! Not only do they walk the same path as you, but you can get up close and personal to these amazing animals, which is why they require you to pass "bear school" before you head out into the park. The flight views on the way there and back are also some of the most incredible! You can book your own bear viewing experience here.

2. Mako's Water Taxi
​If you're looking for some of the best water views around Homer, I highly recommend catching a ride on Mako's Water Taxi. Although the water taxis are first reserved for locals heading across the bay, as long as they have room you can jump on a roundtrip "ride along" to see some of the bluest water and adorable otters in the area! If you're not sure where to go, I recommend trying to visit Jakolof Bay - which is where we saw all the otters on our trip! Mako's Water Taxi also has tours available and kayak rentals if you're looking for something different.

3. Explore Kachemak Bay State Park
​Kachemak Bay State Park is also Alaska's first state park, and if you're looking to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors then this is the perfect place for you! You'll either have to book a water taxi or other tour to cross the bay and enter the park, but I promise it'll be worth it. While you're there, you can also check out Grewingk Glacier Lake - a 6.4 mile hike that brings you right up to the edge of the Glacier Lake. My husband and I did this hike while staying at Halibut Cove!​

4. Visit the End of the Road
Did you know you can visit the literal "End of the Road" in Homer? Once you make it to the Spit or "Land's End" area, make sure to stop by the Homer Visitor Center afterwards - here you can grab your own official (and free) "End of the Road" certificate!​

5. Take the Ferry to Seldovia
If you're looking for a day trip, I recommend taking the ferry over to Seldovia! There's plenty to do and if you've been exploring Homer for a few days then this is the perfect little getaway! Recently, my husband and spent some time in Halibut Cove, another adorable community located across the bay.

6. Tide Pooling
Unknown to most visitors, Alaska has some of the most incredible tide pooling opportunities out there. Starfish, urchins, and all kinds of other sea creatures - you'll just have to keep your eyes on the tide schedule and forecast before you head out - the more negative the number, the better. (You can check the tide forecast here.)

7. Halibut Fishing
Although Halibut fishing trips typically head out a little closer to Ninilchik than Homer, this is another great activity to add to your list if you're staying in Homer for more than one day. If you drive into Homer you'll actually see a giant sign about how Homer is known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World." The only trip I've gone on was based out of Ninilchik, but there's also plenty that leave from the Homer area.​

8. Visit the Salty Dawg Saloon
​Located on The Spit, the Salty Dawg Saloon has a ton of history with the local fishermen, and has actually been featured on Discovery Channel's The Deadliest Catch. Inside you'll find a local dive bar, with plenty of different currency signed and taped to the walls and ceiling. It's also a great place to meet some locals and visitors alike!​

9. Go Shopping
Homer, especially along the Spit, has some great local shops if you're looking for souvenirs or locally created products. My personal favorite places to shop at are the Homer Shores Boardwalk (head underneath to find some unique hidden swings), Alaska Salt Co., or the Salmon Sisters Flagship Store!​

10. Try Horseback Riding
Through Trails End Horse Adventures you can book a tour to head out towards Kachemak Bay or over the Fox River. This is definitely one of the most unique ways to experience the amazing views surrounding the Homer area!

11. Try Some Local Bites
Homer has so many great places to eat that of course I had to recommend visiting a few during your trip! Although it seems like every time I visit Homer I find a new place to try, some of my all time favorites are La Baleine Cafe, The Twisted Goat, Harbor Grill, and Johnny's Corner - you can find my entire list of best places to eat in Homer here.

Watch my Adventures in Homer!

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit
-> Where to Rent Bear Spray in Alaska
-> 7 Best Tours in Alaska

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