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. In this post I'm sharing my 11 best activities in Homer from personal experience, so read on!

*If you have any questions that aren't answered in this post, please leave them in the comments section where I do my best to answer all Alaska related questions directly!

My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State.

For flights, I recommend using WayAway or 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 AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick.

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 so long, I highly recommend spending a few nights in Homer - especially because there's also so many things to do that could take up an entire day.

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).

If you do end up spending the night, here are the places I recommend :

• ​Best Western Bidarka Inn - located in the main area of Homer and within walking distance to downtown and has included breakfast
• Homer Spit Campground - located on the spit of Homer, this campground has RV and tent sites with electricity
• Between Beaches - although technically located across the bay closer to Seldovia, this is the perfectly secluded stay for those looking to enjoy some peace and quiet (they have amazing tide pooling and even an onsite sauna)
• Alaska Luxury Adventures - one of the properties on my Alaska bucket list, this stay is for those looking for an all-inclusive stay that includes activities and even your own chef
• ​Homer Inn & Spa - with beautiful views of the bay, this stay is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy all that Homer has to offer while also spending time to unwind and relax
• Land's End - located right at the end of the spit, these rentals have incredible views in addition to (supposedly) one of the best restaurants in town

My Favorite Tours in the Homer Area :
- Katmai National Park Bear Viewing

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 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 rated easy to moderate.​

4. Visit the End of the Road
Did you know you can visit the literal "End of the Road" in Homer? Although there isn't much to do there, if you do happen to visit make sure to stop by the Homer Visitor Center afterwards - here you can grab your own official "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!

6. Try Tide Pooling
Unknown to most visitors, Alaska has some of the most incredible tide pooling opportunities you're likely to ever see. 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 from bases a little more North along the coast than Homer, this is another great activity to add to your list if you're staying in Homer for more than the day and Homer is actually known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital" of the world. The only trip I've gone on based out of Ninilchik, but with a little research you'll also be able to find others that leave right from Homer.​

8. Visit the Salty Dawg Saloon
​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 sourced goods. 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 a few during your visit! Although it seems like every time I visit Homer I find a new place to try, I've listed some of my favorites below :

• Fat Olives - the best wood-fired pizza place in town, chances are it'll be busy during dinner time but they also have the option to grab a slice for a bite on the go
• La Baleine Cafe - a cute breakfast/brunch/lunch spot located on the spit, with a variety of options including local favorites and sandwiches and bowls
• Thai Cosmic Kitchen - my favorite Thai restaurant in all of Alaska, their pad thai is to die for!
• Wild Edge Espresso - for all your coffee needs this orange building on the spit is hard to miss (and the perfect way to warm up if it's still a bit chilly!)​

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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