Everything you need to know about Homer, Alaska
Just 225 scenic miles from Anchorage, the road to Homer is open year round. To reach Homer, drive south on the Seward Highway (Hwy 1); a designated national scenic byway and connect about an hour and a half out of Anchorage with the Sterling Highway turn off toward Soldotna/Homer.
How Big is Homer, Alaska?
It’s a visual feast, covering 200 miles of highway through mountains, spruce forest, glacial rivers and coastline. The drive takes four to five hours on dry roads, but provides views that anywhere else would qualify as a national park. An occasional Bear, Moose, Caribou and avian like Bald Eagles soar above fishable Lakes and river beds throughout your drive. A careful watch at Turnagin Arm may spot a whale spout and fluke or Beluga family in transit.
As the crow flies, Homer is 110 miles from Anchorage with 35 minute hopper flights operating daily, year-round. You can also get to Homer via regularly scheduled shuttle service from Anchorage. There is also seasonal shuttle service from Seward. Once in Homer there are car rentals, a seasonal trolley, several taxi companies and bike rentals available. Most locals utilize the trail system in the summer to capture wildflowers in bloom, fresh air and many photo opportunities along the way.
Homer is a gateway to many National Parks
Homer, Alaska is a gateway to many National and State Parks including Katmai, Lake Clark, McNeil River and Kachemak Bay. Few places match the diverse beauty of Homer, having so many ways to experience and view the variety of abundant wildlife. One day you can be kayaking on beautiful Kachemak Bay with its rising cliffs, calm coves, seals, sea otters and whales. The next day you could be standing on the rugged coast of the Alaska Peninsula, or in Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park watching wild bears feast on salmon or clams.
Wildlife found around Homer
Homer has wildlife viewing and adventures for all ages and interests. While in Homer, you can enjoy the wildlife whether its kayaking, hiking on a local trail, exploring a tide pool, scenic boat tour or flight seeing over the surrounding glaciers.
Bald eagles, sandhill cranes, otters, whales, moose and shorebirds are just a few of the varieties of local wildlife available to see.
The local cuisine
The food offerings in Homer contribute to it being dubbed ‘Alaska’s Playground’. Numerous restaurants utilizing locally grown ingredients and freshly sourced fish from our waters give Homer many highlights in Edible Alaska. Farmer’s Market is open Wednesday and Saturdays if your stay extends through those days. Most restaurants will also cook your catch for you which rounds off a great day on the water! Shopping, Museums and Galleries extend the rich artistic history of Homer; the ‘Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea’. A simple gallery walk down Pioneer Ave will consume a day if you allow it to. The Famous Homer Spit is a bustling shoreline with boardwalk shops and eateries nestled throughout. Be sure to visit the iconic #spitswing and the Bubble Station at Homer Shores Boardwalk! Fly your kite at Hornaday Park and Islands and Oceans can round out the day for the kids. Our local winery and 2 breweries are worth the stop in and you can finish your sightseeing with the 4 miles of walkable beaches along the Northern Shore of the Homer Spit. Extend your visit to experience where the road ends and your adventure just begins!