If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Homer, Alaska, you’re in the right place! This relatively small city completely blew us away with how many things there were to do. From taking water taxis into nearby state parks to scarfing down some of the best tacos we’ve ever had (yes, of all time!), Homer really took us by surprise. To make planning your upcoming trip a breeze, we’ve rounded up the top 15 things to do in Homer, Alaska, including both free and paid options, so that you know what to do as soon as you arrive!
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ℹ️ About Homer, Alaska
Nestled in southwest Alaska, Homer is lovingly known as “where the land ends and the sea begins.” This small seaside city sits on Kachemak Bay, surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and sweeping ocean views. Its gorgeous setting quickly made it one of our favorite places we visited in all of Alaska.
While the Dena’ina Ełnena, Dënéndeh, and Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) peoples (Source: Native-Land.ca) have lived along Kachemak Bay for thousands of years, the town’s modern name comes from gold prospector Homer Pennock, who arrived in the late 1800s to mine. Fishing and coal mining soon shaped its early economy, and after an earthquake in 1964, the community evolved into the art, fishing, and tourism-focused destination it is today.
Now, Homer’s known for being the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World, drawing folks from everywhere who want to try their luck out on the water. Beyond fishing, the town’s got a cool artsy vibe, plenty of cozy spots to grab a coffee, and locals who make you feel right at home. We loved our visit and can’t wait to visit again soon!
1. Explore the Homer Spit (Free)
Homer’s most iconic landmark, without a doubt, is the Homer Spit. This narrow 4.5-mile (7.2-km) stretch of land juts into Kachemak Bay and is lined with quirky shops, mouthwatering restaurants, local art galleries, and charter companies offering everything from halibut fishing to kayaking and bear-viewing tours. The best part about it is that it’s completely free to explore!
We spent an entire afternoon just wandering up and down the Spit, popping into local shops, and even grabbing an ice cream along the way. There’s plenty of free parking available (though you might need to use the large marina lot), or you can pay around $10 per day if you want to park in the closest lot.
For a bit of exercise, you can also bike or walk the Homer Spit Trail, which runs the full length of the peninsula. It’s not directly on the water but still offers sweeping views of Kachemak Bay State Park across the bay.
Even outside the summer season (May to September), the Homer Spit is worth a visit. You can still drive out, stroll the marina, and stop in at the Salty Dawg Saloon, a local favorite that stays open year-round (the only business that stays open year-round on the spit). And if you fall in love with the views as we did, consider going camping at one of the campgrounds on the Spit.
2. Go Halibut Fishing (Paid)
Known as the “Halibut Capital of the World,” Homer is the place to be if you’re interested in trying your hand at Halibut fishing. Some of the same boats docked in Homer even appear on the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch (though your adventure will be far calmer than what you see on TV).
Fishing charters will typically charge anywhere from $350 to $500 per person, per day to take you out on the water where halibut are. If you have your own gear, halibut can be caught from shore along the spit, but the largest populations are known to be reachable by boat. This is what makes charters a popular choice about visiting fishermen.
🎣 Insider Tip: Prime halibut season runs from June through July, though fishing is great anytime between mid-May and September.
Charter trips typically include all the gear and guidance you’ll need, making it easy for first-timers, and even help you ship your catch home to enjoy once you’re back. Below we’ve listed three local fishing charters if you’re interested in learning more:
3. Visit Kachemak Bay State Park (Paid)
Just across the bay from Homer sits Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska’s first state park and one of its most stunning. Accessible by water taxi, it’s known for its rugged mountains, glaciers, and pristine coastline, making it the perfect spot to go hiking, camping, or even kayaking.
We crossed the bay with Ashore Water Taxi, which took us out to Kachemak Bay State Park at 9 a.m. and picked us up the following day at 11 a.m. This gave us the perfect window to backpack the Grewingk Lake, Grewingk Tram, and Saddle Trails as well as camp overnight by a glacier! Round-trip, this taxi costs $85 per person, round-trip, and includes the park entrance fee.
Although we stayed the night at Grewingk Glacier, many visitors hike this trail in one day, which is an option as well. The water taxis typically do drop-offs at Glacier Lake Trailhead in the morning and pick-ups at Saddle Trailhead in the afternoon, daily. As we invested the money in the taxi out there, we wanted to make the most of it and have at least a full 24 hours in the park.
💡 The AllTrails route below includes the lake, the hand tram, and the Saddle Trail, though you can easily just hike to the lake if you think you’ll be short on time.
This half-day hike (about 4 hours) includes a super fun hand tram, where you pull yourself over a rushing glacial river! This was one of the main highlights of this entire route, and was definitely our arm workout for the week!
Once at Grewingk Glacier, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of one of the many glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park. If you’d like to stay for longer, you can even camp for free at Grewingk Lake, which is what we did.
An alternative trail in this park is the Grace Ridge Trail, a challenging, full-day (6 to 7-hour) hike that rewards you with panoramic views of Kachemak Bay below you. This hike is a great alternative to the Glacier Lake Trail, or if you’re looking to explore more of Kachemak Bay State Park for multiple days. If we had more time, we would have loved to complete this trail the following day.
With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!
4. Visit the Wynn Nature Center (Paid)
For an easy dose of Alaskan wilderness just minutes from town, head to the Wynn Nature Center, managed by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. Just 5 miles from downtown Homer on East Skyline Drive, this 140-acre preserve offers about 5 miles of trails, ranging from a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to longer forest loops. It’s a peaceful spot to look for moose, birds, and wildflowers while learning about local ecology through their summer naturalist-led programs for kids and adults alike.
📅 Admission is $10 for adults, with discounts for kids, seniors, and families, but if you’re visiting on a Sunday, entry is free!
5. Walk the Beluga Slough Trail (Free)
The Beluga Slough Trail is an easy 1-mile (1.6 km) loop near Bishop’s Beach Park, right by the junction of the Homer Spit. We joined one of the free guided nature walks from the Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge Center with Ranger Tim. Along the way, we learned about the area’s unique flora and fauna as we followed the path toward the beach. We were even lent binoculars during the walk, with which we spotted a young bald eagle circling overhead.
☕ Stop at Two Sisters Bakery! Right off the trail, you’ll find Two Sisters Bakery, perfect for a sweet treat before or after your hike! We highly recommend trying their Sticky Bun.
Even if you don’t hop on a ranger tour, the Beluga Slough Trail is still a worthwhile walk. Moose are occasionally seen here in early summer before they move to higher elevations. If you get lucky and spot one, remember to always keep a respectful distance (at least 25 yards). A good rule of thumb is that if you’re influencing their behavior, you’re too close.
With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails Plus. Get 7 days of AllTrails Plus for free!
6. Enjoy a Show at The Porcupine Theater (Paid)
If you’re looking for an authentic local experience in the evening, head to The Porcupine Theater in downtown Homer. This community-run venue hosts everything from indie film screenings and live concerts to local performances and events throughout the year.
Check their website or social media for the latest schedule, especially if you’re going to be in town for more than just a few days. There’s almost sure to be something that piques your interest while you’re in town.
🎟️ Movies tickets for non-members cost $15 for adults.
7. Visit Homer’s Art Galleries (Paid & Free)
If you’re interested in experiencing a bit of Alaska’s art scene, you’re in luck! Homer has a handful of art galleries, centers, and even working studios that are just waiting to be explored.
Below, we’ve listed several places that you can visit. Besides the first one, Dean Homestead, all of them are free to visit and have set hours:
- Dean Homestead and Art Studios Tour – Dean Gallery: Explore an Alaskan homestead full of working art studios, thriving gardens, unique architecture, and more on their 2-hour tour. This tour is in the top 5 things to do in Homer, Alaska on TripAdvisor and costs $45 to $75 per person, depending on group size and age.
- Ptarmigan Arts: A local artist co-op gallery on Pioneer Avenue showing work by established and emerging artists. They are open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM.
- Art Shop Gallery: Another local art gallery selling artwork and crafts made by Alaskan artists. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
- Homer Council on the Arts: Local arts center offering performances, exhibitions, and educational events. Open Monday through Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM.
- Bunnell Street Arts Center: Arts Center holding exhibits, artist talks, performances, and even artist residencies. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
🎨 First Friday in Homer: Every first Friday of the month, many of the art galleries in Homer open their doors from 5 PM to 7 PM. Visit their newest exhibits, chat with artists, and enjoy some refreshments.
8. Visit the Homer Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center (Free)
Open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, the Homer Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center is the perfect first stop when you arrive in town. The friendly staff can help you plan your stay, suggest local restaurants, and fill you in on any special events happening during your visit. Don’t forget to grab your “End of the Road” certificate; a fun little souvenir to commemorate your trip to Homer!
9. Visit the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center (Free)
The Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center is a free museum dedicated to the protection and education of the area’s wildlife. Located right in downtown Homer, this museum pleasantly surprised us. We planned on visiting for only 15 minutes, but ended up staying for over 3 hours! They have lots of interactive displays, a short film to watch, and even guided walks on their trail system. It’s a great center for all ages!
📅 Check out their Calendar of Events to see what’s going on when you’re in town!
10. Stop by the Homer Farmers Market (Free)
Homer’s Farmers Market runs Wednesdays from 2–5 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM–3 PM from late May through the end of September. It’s exactly the kind of market we love—plenty of variety, but still centered around the local farmers and artisians.
We had our knife sharpened, picked up some rainbow chard, broccoli, and garlic scapes, and sampled everything from homemade ice cream to fireweed tea. There is even a coffee cart and a few bakery stalls, so you can easily pick up a latte and breakfast! Dogs are not allowed, so our dog Ollie stayed in our van.
11. Try Some Restaurants in Homer (Paid)
Homer, Alaska, really surprised us with how good the food scene is for such a small town! Our top two favorite restaurants were Swell Taco and Johnny’s Corner, both serving up fresh, flavorful lunch and dinner dishes for around $20-30 per person, depending on how much you order.
We highly recommend Swell Taco in particular because we ended up eating the best tacos we’ve ever had! We aren’t exaggerating. They were even better than the ones we’ve had in New Mexico and Texas!
For the best baked goods in town, don’t miss Two Sisters Bakery. It immediately became our go-to spot during our stay. For more details on these favorites (plus a few other hidden gems), check out our related guide: The Best Restaurants in Homer, Alaska: Where to Eat.
12. Get on the Water (Paid)
One of the best ways to experience Homer and Kachemak Bay is by actually getting out on the water. Whether through hopping on a water taxi across the bay or kayaking along the shoreline, being on the water can really bring your visit to life. Here are a few ways to do so:
- Water Taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park: Several local operators, like Ashore Water Taxi, run daily trips across the bay, dropping you off at popular trailheads. This is what we did when visiting Kachemak Bay State Park, and on the way, we saw sea otters and puffins! Trips cost $85 round-trip, per person.
- Go Sea Kayaking: Paddle along Homer’s coastline or take a guided kayaking trip in Kachemak Bay State Park for an up-close look at marine life and glacier views. Half and full-day trips are easy to arrange from the Spit with companies like True North Kayak Adventures (prices start at $165 per person).
- Join a Wildlife Cruise: If you’d rather stay dry, local companies like Central Charters & Tours ($99+ per person), Rainbow Tours ($100 to $120 per person), or Ashore Water Taxi ($65 to $85 per person) offer scenic wildlife day tours where you can spot wildlife like humpback whales and sea lions in their natural habitat.
13. Learn About Local History at the Pratt Museum (Paid)
If you’re curious about Homer’s past, pay a visit to the Pratt Museum, the peninsula’s only interdiscliplinary museum! This small center dives into everything from the area’s natural history and marine life to its Native cultures and local art scene. Explore their botanical garden, forest trail, and even a historic cabin by reserving your $15 tickets in advance here.
14. Drive to Skyline Drive’s Viewpoint (Free)
For scenic views of Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay without the hike, drive to the scenic Viewpoint on Skyline Drive. We recommend doing this drive on your way in or out of Homer, as it’s on the other side of Homer proper. The drive itself is pretty, but the best part of the drive is stopping at the viewpoint pullout, getting out to take in the views, and taking a photo.
15. Camp on Homer Spit (Paid)
Homer, Alaska, is a camper’s paradise, with affordable campgrounds that will have you waking up to gorgeous waterfront views. Here are 5 options for tent campers and RVers right on the Homer Spit:
- Mariner Park Campground: Cheapest place to camp on the spit (if you have an RV), at $30 a night. Tent camping is also allowed. No-frills, gravel campground right at the base of Homer Spit. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit.
- Homer Spit Campground: Often considered the nicest campground on the spit, with many tent and RV spots available. Some sights on the waterfront. This campground costs around $60 a night.
- Homer Spit Tent Beach Camping: Homer Spit Tent Beach Camping is great for, you guessed it, tent campers! At just $20/night, this is a great, affordable option for those staying in a tent.
- Fishing Hole Campground: Simple RV and tent campground right next to Homer Spit’s Fishing Hole with toilets and a dump station for $30/day.
- Heritage RV Park: RV Park with clean restrooms, showers, and nice views. With full hook-ups, the starting price is $84/day, one of the pricier spots on the Spit.
🏕️ More Camping Info! Want to know more about camping in Homer? Check out an extended list of campgrounds in our article, How to Go Camping in Homer Spit, Alaska!
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Homer, Alaska
The best time to visit Homer is during the summer months (June through August), when the weather is mild, wildlife is active, and nearly all local businesses, restaurants, and tours are open. While that’s when the town is at its busiest, it’s also when you’ll get to experience Homer at its most vibrant. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect by season:
- Summer (June–Aug): Peak season with the best weather, long daylight hours, and all tours and restaurants open. Perfect for camping, kayaking, and exploring the Homer Spit. We visited in July, and the weather was perfect for hiking, camping, and general exploring.
- Shoulder Seasons (May & Sept): Fewer crowds and lower prices while still offering decent weather. Some tours and businesses may have limited hours, but it’s a peaceful time to visit.
- Winter (Oct–Apr): Quiet and cold, with limited services and shorter days. That said, you’ll get a true local experience and stunning snowy views of Kachemak Bay if you don’t mind the solitude.
🎣 Fishing Tip: If halibut fishing is on your list, plan your trip for June or July, when the bite is best and the weather is most reliable for getting out on the water.
📅 How Many Days in Homer, Alaska?
We recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Homer to truly experience what makes this coastal town so special. That gives you time to explore the Homer Spit, get out on the water, and take a day trip across Kachemak Bay State Park without feeling rushed. That said, we stayed for a full week and never ran out of things to do. Since Homer is at the end of the road, it’s nice to enjoy the slow pace of life this small town has to offer before making your way back.
💡 If your schedule allows, we recommend adding an extra day or two to your schedule if you’re looking to go on a boat or fishing tour. This will give you more flexibility as the weather on the bay can sometimes shift plans.
🚗 How to Get to Homer, Alaska
Homer is located on the southwest side of the Kenai Peninsula, right on the shores of Kachemak Bay. Whether you’re traveling from Anchorage or a nearby town, getting there is half the adventure, as the journey takes you through the beautiful Kenai Peninsula.
- By Car: The most common way to get to Homer is by taking the scenic 220-mile drive down the Sterling Highway from Anchorage, which typically takes around 4.5 to 5 hours without stops. This is what we did in our sprinter van. If you don’t have your own, we recommend renting a car.
- By Public Transport: Daily bus services, such as the Alaska Bus Company, run from Anchorage directly to Homer, offering a convenient way to travel without a car.
- By Plane: For the fastest route, you can take a short commuter flight from Anchorage to Homer Airport (HOM)—a quick and scenic trip with multiple daily flights.
🏨 Where to Stay Near Homer, Alaska
Whether you’re looking to cozy up in your campervan or book a comfortable hotel, for a small town, Homer, Alaska has a good amount of accommodation options. If you’re visiting during their peak season (June to August), be sure to reserve as far in advance as you can if you have your eyes on a specific spot.
- Hotels: Stay in an affordable inn like Driftwood Inn, a cabin at the base of the Homer Spit in Lakeshore Lodging Cabins, or a cozy waterfront spot away from downtown Homer with Alaska Adventure Cabins.
- Camping: Camping is one of the most popular ways to stay in Homer. There are tons of campgrounds on the Homer Spit and even a reliable KOA Campground just outside of Homer. Refer to our related article, How to Go Camping in Homer Spit, Alaska, for a full list of campgrounds.
- BLM Camping: You can also check for BLM Land via iOverlander, which we always refer to when looking for public land to stay on for free.
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