Homer Day Tours & Attractions
With a plethora of activities, Homer offers something for everyone, like fishing charters, bear-viewing tours, off-road adventures, sea kayaking expeditions, flightseeing tours, guided hikes, and more. You can also immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring museums and cultural centers, or embark on private boat charters for a truly personalized experience. And don’t miss out on the town’s exciting festivals and events!
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Homer
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Fishing Charters
Bear Viewing Tours
ATV Tours
Sea Kayaking Tours
Jet Ski Tours
Flightseeing Tours
Water Taxis
Guided Hiking
Stand Up Paddleboarding
City Sightseeing Tours
Sailing & Private Yacht Charters
Day Cruises
Museums & Cultural Centers
Fairs & Festivals
Visitor Information Centers
Points of Interest
Golf Courses
Fishing Charters View All
Homer is the halibut capital of Alaska, and this longtime charter company offers a blue-chip way to get to the fish. They have high-quality boats, experienced captains, and enthusiastic crews — as well as an inside line on finding halibut, rock fish and silver salmon. But they also offer a variety of other ways to enjoy the waters off Kachemak Bay, from wildlife cruising to paddling a kayak or hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Go fish! Cast your line for iconic Alaskan salmon and halibut — as well as other species — as you explore the shimmering waters around Homer with the passionate fishing pros of Maverick Charters. The stunning area is one that many travelers don’t get to explore, and all ages can enjoy this unforgettable outing — no experience necessary!
3⁄4 halibut fishing charters, or skip the 2‑hour boat ride to the fishing grounds and fly straight to the boat instead! From world-class halibut to five species of native salmon runs, the ocean is teeming with life. All trips are private to ensure you and your group have the best possible experience. Further customize the experience by adding a dinner or wildlife cruise to your day on the water.
Bear Viewing Tours View All
Watch bears digging for clams, wandering the sedge grass, or nursing their young – all in a short flight from Homer to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Smokey Bay’s bear tours last about five hours total — including flights and about three hours on the ground. On any given day there will always be a morning outing (leaving at 8 a.m. at the latest) and possibly one that leaves around 2 p.m.
For many Alaskan travelers, bears are the ultimate highlight. Pair a magnificent sighting with a gorgeous helicopter flightseeing ride and you’ll have an unforgettable experience. On this unique tour from Homer, you’ll take a helicopter ride out into one of Alaska’s gorgeous national parks to witness these spectacular creatures in the wild.
See Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears in the wild on a floatplane trip to Katmai National Park. Visit Brooks Falls or join a guided tour to other remote locations within the park. Both trips provide 5 hours on the ground with the bears. Founded in 1991, Emerald Air Service’s mission is to increase the understanding and appreciation of the unique ecosystem that supports bears.
A scenic 25-minute helicopter flight from Homer lands you in the bear-viewing paradise of Lake Clark National Park. You’ll land on a beach, where an expert guide from Bear Mountain Lodge will take you in a 4WD vehicle to watch bears as they feed on salmon, sedge grasses, wild berries, or clams.
Spend several hours or a full day watching bears in the wild on a quintessential Alaskan adventure with a family-run company. Start with a scenic flight out of Homer over Kachemak Bay and into Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Once you land, your pilot/guide will take you to an optimal spot to watch and photograph these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, hunting, playing, and relaxing. Spend anywhere from 1.5 to 9 hours on the ...more
In the best way possible. you’re outnumbered by bears during your stay at this private fly-in wilderness camp. Fly by chartered plane from Homer to Alaska Bear Camp on a 5‑night, 6‑day all-inclusive package. This deluxe backcountry camp accommodates just 14 guests in some of the best bear habitat in the world. In contrast to day trips catering to dozens of visitors at a time, Bear Camp offers a rare and exclusive wilderness immersion.
ATV Tours View All
Drive your own amphibious Argo on a scenic trail with views of mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows
There are regular ATVs, and then there are ATVs built for exploring Alaska: 8 x 8 Argos. These simple to drive, amphibious vehicles make exploring the Alaskan backcountry even more fun — and you can find the unique opportunity to drive one with Destination Alaska, out of Homer.
Sea Kayaking Tours View All
Enjoy remote Alaska at its best. Go with this small, family-owned company in Homer for a magical kayaking experience and a gorgeous hike to an iceberg-studded glacier lake!
Explore a quiet coastline just a few miles from Homer, where you’ll kayak through the protected waters of Tutka Bay in search of amazing views, wildlife and adventure! Your guide leads the way on a half-day or full-day tour, gliding past dense woods, rugged shoreline and hidden coves. Add on fishing for the freshest in Alaskan salmon or rockfish!
Jet Ski Tours View All
Fly from Homer via floatplane for a jet skiing adventure in the McCarty Fjords
Jet skiing in Alaska?! Absolutely! This activity is not as extreme as it sounds — you’ll be toasty warm all day as you cruise along the shoreline of Kachemak Bay. Your adventure begins with a 25-minute floatplane flight, the M/V Peregrine will be anchored awaiting your arrival. After a safety brief and driving tutorial, you’ll be ready to tour the coast of Alaska. After several hours of wildlife viewing you’ll enjoy hearty barbeque lunch before ...more
Flightseeing Tours View All
Family-owned and operated, Destination Alaska Adventure Company, has a passion for showing people Alaska. Whether your must-see list includes national parks, glaciers, volcanoes, great fishing, bear viewing, or more, Homer is not only a great base for flightseeing but also a great home base for your trip. Browse available tours, dream up an adventure of your own, or let the pros at Destination Alaska help you create one!
Get a spectacular bird’s‑eye view of the stunning area around homer. Take off from Homer with Alaska Helicopter Tours to explore the area’s volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls — or even go bear-viewing!
Touring Alaska by helicopter gets you to unimaginably wild and remote places. Some of the most amazing have been scouted by Alaska Ultimate Safaris. Explore a glacier surrounded by snow-capped mountains, or climb to the steaming summit of an island volcano. In either case, the views are unparalleled and the experience is surreal.
Water Taxis View All
Whether you’d like to go on a personalized boat tour of the Homer area or take a water taxi to the Alaskan backcountry, Homer is an ideal place to launch from, and Coldwater has the boats and expertise to get you there. Explore places like Kachemak Bay State Park, the small town of Seldovia, and picturesque Halibut Cove.
Homer is the halibut capital of Alaska, and this longtime charter company offers a blue-chip way to get to the fish. They have high-quality boats, experienced captains, and enthusiastic crews — as well as an inside line on finding halibut, rock fish and silver salmon. But they also offer a variety of other ways to enjoy the waters off Kachemak Bay, from wildlife cruising to paddling a kayak or hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Guided Hiking View All
Enjoy remote Alaska at its best. Go with this small, family-owned company in Homer for a magical kayaking experience and a gorgeous hike to an iceberg-studded glacier lake!
Stand Up Paddleboarding View All
Explore Kachemak Bay on a stand up paddleboard on your own or with a guide
With snow-capped peaks and towering trees all around, you’ll set off onto the calm waters of shimmering Kachemak Bay in a thrilling way — paddling a standup paddleboard. These long, wide, sturdy boards are built to handle the waters of Alaska, and no experience is necessary. Go with your own private group; an experienced guide will be right there to offer instruction and fun tales of the area. Or rent a board and explore this stunning area on your ...more
City Sightseeing Tours View All
Learn from the locals
Drive through Alaska with an audio tour guiding you along iconic routes. Audio Tour Alaska gives you an insider’s take on everything from points of interest to history, wildlife, and culture, along with captivating stories. Guides to popular routes include Anchorage to Talkeetna; Talkeetna to Denali National Park; Denali to Fairbanks; Anchorage to Seward; Tern Lake to Homer; and the Denali Park Entrance area and the Denali Park road.
Visitors (and/or locals) can travel aboard the Homer Trolley to visit highlights in Old Town, downtown and the Spit from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. while enjoying narrative by their Homer sourdough driver, Berkly Davis. The tours start this Friday (June 14) and run through the summer. Passengers can hop off and on as many times as they wish to visit the Pratt Museum, downtown art galleries and restaurants, Old Town (more art and fine dining and… ...more
Sailing & Private Yacht Charters View All
Charter & live-aboard a private yacht
A fully customizable expedition that showcases Alaska’s beauty by land, sea, and air. The trip starts with a private flight from Anchorage to Homer, where guests stay in a premium log chalet. Choose from various activities including driving an amphibious vehicle, bear viewing, fishing, hiking, and kayaking. On the fourth day, board the M/V Peregrine and explore Kenai Fjords National Park, glaciers, ice caves, and waterfalls while looking for ...more
Charter their private, live-aboard, 60’ yacht. Wake up each day in the middle of untouched wilderness and go sea kayaking, hike through boreal forests, fish for trophy halibut and salmon, or spend a quiet day on the water photographing wildlife
Set sail on a luxurious 70-ft yacht out of Homer for 3+ days of fishing, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing while indulging in mass amounts of seafood. Your itinerary will depend on the interests of the group, and the experienced local crew can fulfill those interests.
Day Cruises View All
Spend 5 to 8 hours plying the gorgeous waters of Kachemak Bay on a luxury vessel. Your private group will have the opportunity to see different types of wildlife: Orcas, Humpback and Minke whales; sea lions; Dall’s porpoise; sea otters; puffins; seabirds; and more. Enjoy a gourmet meal aboard, stop in the village of Seldovia, or take a skiff ashore for beachcombing!
Homer is the halibut capital of Alaska, and this longtime charter company offers a blue-chip way to get to the fish. They have high-quality boats, experienced captains, and enthusiastic crews — as well as an inside line on finding halibut, rock fish and silver salmon. But they also offer a variety of other ways to enjoy the waters off Kachemak Bay, from wildlife cruising to paddling a kayak or hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Whether you’d like to go on a personalized boat tour of the Homer area or take a water taxi to the Alaskan backcountry, Homer is an ideal place to launch from, and Coldwater has the boats and expertise to get you there. Explore places like Kachemak Bay State Park, the small town of Seldovia, and picturesque Halibut Cove.
Museums & Cultural Centers View All
Homer’s Pratt Museum preserves the stories of the Kachemak Bay region and provides a gathering place for people to learn and to be inspired by this region and its place in the world. The museum’s extensive collection offers an excellent way to learn more about the landscape, communities and ecosystems of the area.
While you’re exploring Homer and it’s ecological-rich environs, a stop at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies adds to your appreciation of the history and wildlife of the area.
Fairs & Festivals View All
The summer outdoor Farmer’s Market, on the right side of Ocean Drive en route to the Spit, offers not only fresh produce and art, but also performing artists on stage. It’s a very pleasant aspect of Homer life. The entertainment ranges from singer/songwriter guitarists, quartets, elaborate dance performances to marimba bands to mention a few. In a town so full of talent, one can always expect an added treat at the Farmer’s Market, not only in ...more
All races are on courses that make them easy to watch from the end of the Spit. Frequently they race around the ‘green can’ marker on a shoal west of the Spit, and Gull Island, a few miles across Kachemak Bay from end of the Spit. Sometimes there are only four boats racing and other times up to 20. They are very open-minded sailors and whether or not you have had any sailing experience they welcome new crew. Captains and Crews meet on P… ...more
The Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby is the longest running derby in Alaska and boasts the largest jackpot, too.
The Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Society holds an annual festival in September. Features include a tour of the waters includes a WWII era wooden tug converted for charter use, kids boat building, marine demonstrations (including knot tying, net mending, and bronze casting. For entertainment, listen to tall tales and poets.
The Homer Highland Games are dedicated to the education of the general public about the Celtic Culture through athletics, music and information about one of the most ancient athletic events in history starting back in 1057 A.D. when King Malcolm Canmore, who called upon the Clans to send their best runners, for he needed messengers, send their best fighters, for he needed a private army, and send the strongest, for he needed personal guards. ...more
A beautiful 100k race on remote piston bully snow trails in the spectacular Caribou hills outside of Homer. Racers pick one mode: FATBIKE, SKI, or RUN and must finish in one day or less. Starting point is McNeil Canyon Elementary School.
This unique festival in Homer, Alaska is an art-lovers dream.
Located on the shores of Kachemak Bay, Homer is one of the most accessible and beautiful places for shorebird viewing in Alaska. Many visitors fly in (with the birds) while others drive the scenic road, about four hours south from Anchorage. Over 100,000 shorebirds migrate through this area, some staying to make their homes here. Many travel thousands of miles resting and feeding at a few critical stop-over points such as the base of the Homer ...more
The first Sunday of August brings a special event to Homer: the opportunity to step into private gardens that showcase the uniqueness of Alaskan gardening and get some real insight into what it’s like to work the land in a place where the growing season is short and the days long. Some 400 people come to Homer from all over, some of them gardeners from other parts of Alaska, and others from outside the state who simply have an interest in ...more
Every September since 2004, an interesting tradition has taken place: locals create a giant woven basket with birch, fireweed, and grass, set it out on the beach, decorate it, throw notes into it, and then, at sundown, burn it up in spectacular fashion. Artist Mavis Muller began this unique event, and today, it makes for a vibrant evening, filled with music and dancing, that showcases a strong community spirit and respect for the local ...more
Visitor Information Centers View All
Out on the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, at (literally) the end of the road, sits the quirky town of Homer — the ecotourism capital of Alaska. Artists, adventurers, and foodies all come to experience the town’s creative energy, great restaurants, and gorgeous wilderness. And at the entrance to town, just off the Sterling Highway, you’ll find the Homer Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is a comprehensive establishment on the Bypass that houses the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, dedicated to understanding and conserving the marine environment. Their programs include naturalist-guided estuary and birding walks and tide pool explorations just a little ways outside the back door and down to the beach below the Center.
Points of Interest View All
Volcanoes not only shaped the face of Alaska but also make for spectacular sights. Here are the top volcanoes to look for and photograph during your Alaska vacation.
Quick: what’s the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America? It’s the Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and you’ll drive through it on the scenic and historic drive to Whittier. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a place whose valleys and mountains, communities and people tell the larger story of a wild place and a rugged frontier. This audio guide gives you the inside scoop on its fascinating history. You’ll… ...more
When is a golf course more than a golf course? When it’s the 9‑hole, par‑3 golf course in Homer, Alaska. Sure, you can play a round on this scenic course— it’s the last golf course in America at “the end of the road”, and the only golf course in Homer, Alaska —but it’s also a great spot to just relax with a beer or a glass of wine. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay and Grewingk Glacier, all while enjoying temperatures that are ...more
The Homer Spit is a long, narrow finger of land jutting 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay. Dotted with businesses, the area caters to visitors and provides numerous recreation opportunities, from fishing and beachcombing to shopping and boating.
Here’s our list of places to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, as well as tours to get you to the good spots.
Above Homer, up East Hill and right on Skyline Drive a mile and a half (a beautiful drive along the bluffs overlooking Homer), watch for the Wynn Nature Center, managed by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. You can stroll in the wilderness among the beautiful flora and watch for wildlife or take a tour guided by a well-informed naturalist.
Everyone wants to explore a tidepool, don’t they? This is a must for the kids — even that little kid in those slightly more mature visitors. Here’s the perfect spot. Bring a towel and let’s have an intertidal adventure.
Below the Bypass and accessed mainly from Main Street, the district was once the heart of Homer. It is still a vibrant area that draws locals and visitors for beach walks, dining, entertainment and art as well as basic needs like help with computers.
A most spectacular view from the head of Kachemak Bay to Augustine volcano, this 180 degree panoramic view of ice, sea, mountains and sky makes a great backdrop for your souvenir Alaskan photos. The view changes season to season according to what wildflowers are in bloom and depending upon varying cloud, sky, and snow conditions.
A facet of life in Homer that can be watched on television is the “Deadliest Catch” about commercial crab fishing in Alaska’s icy waters. Co-captains Johathan and Andy Hillstrand have produced a new book about their adventures, Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea and One of the World’s Deadliest Jobs. Anyone who has fished Alaska’s waters, whether winter or summer and for any species, know that it is a challenging and risky profession. ...more
The 125-mile water trail is intended to inspire exploration, understanding and stewardship of the natural treasure that is Kachemak Bay. People will take their own boats, kayaks, skiffs, or canoes on a mapped route which highlights the stops and the views along the way. On the website, you will find suggested itineraries.
Close to Anchorage and endowed with abundant recreational opportunities, central Kenai is Alaska’s playground. Two highways, numerous trails, and several major rivers slice through the spine of the Kenai Mountains. World-class fishing, hiking, river rafting, and canoeing – plus alpine lakes and gold history – make for an ideal day trip or week-long vacation.
The Salty Dawg Saloon was originally one of the first cabins built here in 1897, just after the town was established. Today, a visit to the historic Salty Dawg Saloon on the spit will enhance your visit and put you in touch with many locals. Much more than a saloon, the Dawg has regular music performances and also serves light food.
In an area known for outstanding artists, Norman Lowell, whose studio is off in the wilderness north of town (near Anchor Point) several miles, is one of the best known and least visited because of his remote location. His work is exhibited in a very different gallery setting and it is presented in a personal way by the artist. Through his hanging arrangement, lighting, and sequencing of the work with thoughts on each painting, the viewer is ...more
A day trip across Kachemak Bay to the charming village of Halibut Cove offers you wildlife-viewing opportunities, an up-close look at a bustling bird sanctuary, and time to explore a tiny island community of artists, craftspeople, and anglers. Go there on the Danny J, a classic wooden fishing boat that ferries both visitors and residents across the bay, twice a day between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the noon cruise, enjoy a… ...more
The First Friday shows at the art galleries in Homer always present a great selection of art. All of the in-town shops (there are some art shops on the Spit that don’t participate in First Friday) also host artists’ receptions from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with refreshments (usually cookies, coffee, punch and tea) for visitors. Some of the artists also speak about their work. All of the galleries leave their featured artist’s work up until the ...more
Jean Keene, widely known as the Homer “Eagle Lady,” shared her love and knowledge of eagles with visitors before she passed away January 13, 2009. She was 85. In 1977 Keene relocated from Aitkin, Minnesota to Homer, where she lived in a motorhome parked within a small enclosure, in the middle of a campground near the outer end of the Spit.
Four quiet and secluded Russian Old Believer communities have been developed on the outskirts of Homer. They left their home country in search of freedom to worship in their own way. The first (and easiest to visit) Russian Old Believer community on the Kenai Peninsula was Nikolaevsk, located 10 miles east of Anchor Point on the North Fork Road, near the North Fork of the Anchor River. Privacy and preserving their lifestyle are important to ...more
Homer is known throughout Alaska as the state’s premier artist community, home to dozens of galleries and artists. You’ll find a convenient cluster of galleries worth visiting along “Gallery Row,” the stretch of Pioneer Avenue between Main Street and Lake Street. Here are three we like. Picture Alaska Picture Alaska (448 E. Pioneer Ave.) features original paintings and fine art prints by notable local artists. This diverse gallery also… ...more
Although this can be a busy spot, it is a lot less congested than the Homer Spit. Things to do here include: taking small day hikes, paddling in the lagoon, camping, staying at one of the three nearby public use cabins, and the most popular, fishing for Kings during the month of June.
Visitors driving down to Homer (south west from Anchorage) find a perfect pull out rest stop on the right side of the highway on the hill above town. From this vantage, they get a preview of the pleasures to come. Fishing boats’ windows twinkle out in Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay, the Spit stretches half way across Kachemak Bay, and the snowy mountains on far side of the bay, embracing Kachemak Bay State Park, plus of course the the town itself. ...more
As you head down the Homer Spit, you’ll see a collection of grounded boats. Some are occupied, and others are abandoned. All add to the charm of the Homer Spit.
You don’t have to go into the art galleries (although that’s a good idea) to enjoy art in Homer. Many of the businesses, especially on Pioneer Avenue, adorn their buildings with outstanding outdoor art works.
The Swiss Kilcher family came to this country on a boat in the 1940s escaping the horrors of World War II in Europe, blessing Homer with outstanding talents in the performing as well as visual arts. They homesteaded 600 acres at mile 12.5 East End Road, near the head of Kachemak Bay.
The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon (aka The Fishing Hole) is a popular park with both locals and visitors. The lagoon is stocked with fry that grow up to provide sport fishing. The fishing hole has a handicapped accessible platform and ramp. King salmon return mid-May to early July followed by an early run of silvers mid-July to early August and a late run early August to mid-September.
An amazing array of invertebrates (animals without backbones) live within Homer’s intertidal zone-between the water’s reach at high tide and the water’s edge at low tide. All you need is a pair of rubber boots and a tide book to explore their world.
Golf Courses View All
Play a round or just relax with a beer or a glass of wine and enjoy the views of Grewingk Glacier and Kachemak Bay
When is a golf course more than a golf course? When it’s the 9‑hole, par‑3 golf course in Homer, Alaska. Sure, you can play a round on this scenic course— it’s the last golf course in America at “the end of the road”, and the only golf course in Homer, Alaska —but it’s also a great spot to just relax with a beer or a glass of wine. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay and Grewingk Glacier, all while enjoying temperatures that are ...more