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Homer:
End of the Road, Beginning of Adventure
Sure, Homer's the "Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska," but
even non-anglers will revel in this end-of-the-road
Alaska town. An eclectic mix of artists, fisherman,
and outdoor lovers make up the lifeblood of Homer,
drawn by its slow pace and postcard-ready setting by
the clear-water bay. You'll have to go out of your
way to get here, but we recommend you do, and try to
spend a couple days at least-it's one of Alaska's best
small towns.
See
Fish
Kachemak Bay, one of the richest
marine estuaries in the world, is
one of the things that makes Homer
so special. Go “tidepooling” with
a sea kayaking outfitter and check
out the starfish, octopus, and other
brilliantly colored creatures. You'll
paddle past remote islands and visit
a seabird rookery.
Go Fish
You'll find some of the world's best
halibut fishing just an hour's boat
ride away. Look for migrating whales
while you cast your lure many hundred
feet deep in search of monster halibut
that can top the scales at several
hundred-yes, hundred-pounds.
Bay Watch
Head across the bay (45 minutes by
water taxi) to Halibut Cove, a fairy-tale
hamlet of boardwalks and homes on stilts
high above the lapping waves.
Hiking Trails
Discover some of Alaska's best hiking,
in Kachemak Bay State Park, with trails
to glaciers, mountain lakes, and miles
of uninhabited beaches.
Bear Viewing
Homer is close to Katmai National Park,
one of the most densely populated brown
bear areas in the world. Experienced
air taxis fly floatplanes to remote
bear-viewing areas where it's not unheard
of to spot 30 bears fishing for salmon
or digging for clams.
Around Town Activities:
- Fish or relax on Homer Spit, a long, narrow finger
of land jutting into the bay.
- Stroll “Gallery Row” on Pioneer
Avenue between Main and Lake streets.
- Visit the Pratt Museum, with high-tech exhibits
on Kachemak Bay, plus local art, an aquarium, and
the story of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
- At the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center,
experience life in the remote Alaska Maritime National
Wildlife Refuge.
- Savor exquisite views of wildflower meadows,
glaciers, and peaks from hiking trailsoverlooking
Homer.
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