Blake Walsh

17 Best Things to Do in Homer, AK

  • Published 2022/04/06

You might have heard of the breathtaking Kachemak Bay, but Homer—the most charming city in the bay—often gets overlooked.

There are many things to do in Homer, such as visiting rare wildlife species at Kachemak Bay State Park.

With beautiful sceneries offering breathtaking views, Homer is a hidden gem.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Homer, Alaska:

Marvel at the Beauty of Kachemak Bay State Park

A lonely man rowing his boat at Kachemak Bay State Park

Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com

One of Homer’s greatest wonders, Kachemak Bay State Park is a well-kept natural beauty.

The massive park extends across 400,000 acres overlooking the gorgeous ocean and offering some of the most breathtaking views from the mountains.

The Alaska State Park system helps to preserve and care for the park.

Scenic mountain views at Kachemak Bay State Park

Jesse Hasup / Shutterstock.com

The flora and fauna of the areas are a sight to behold, and the site is home to a variety of wildlife such as black bears and whales.

For recreational activities, there are many options for tourists, such as boating, kayaking, and hiking within some of the most scenic areas.

Additionally, for tourists who want to see more of the park, there are options to book a week-long stay at one of the many wilderness lodges located around the park.

A driftwood at Kachemak Bay State Park

Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com

Explore the Pratt Museum

View of Totem Pole in Pratt Museum

Nina B / Shutterstock.com

Want to know more about the natives of Alaska?

The Pratt Museum provides some of the best opportunities for discovering more about the native’s way of life.

Situated in the gorgeous location on the shores of Kachemak Bay, Pratt Museum is one of the most popular attractions within Homer.

The museum also has the most stunning botanical garden, which many come to take a walk.

Street view of Pratt Museum

Beeblebrox, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It also offers opportunities to learn about the city’s ecology alongside marine life.

The exhibitions are a must-see, with some of the most popular being Native Alaskan works.

Additionally, there is always differentiation within the exhibits as some are permanent, while others change throughout the year.

Take a Glimpse at the Works of Norman Lowell

Homer is known for housing some of the best galleries in Alaska.

The Norman Lowell Gallery is one of those mesmerizing art galleries and museums.

This museum pays tribute to the works of infamous artist Norman Lowell, showcasing many of his pieces.

One of the most famous paintings within the collection is The Spirit of the North.

This painting is also the largest within the museum, with dimensions of 7 feet by 14 feet.

The museum also houses a gift shop that offers a variety of souvenirs available for tourists to buy.

Admire Work by Local Artists at Ptarmigan Arts

If you’re interested in checking out work by local artists, Ptarmigan Arts is the place to go.

Located on Pioneer Avenue, the gallery has been here for many years and offers tourists a unique artistic experience.

Here you can see a lot of unconventional and authentic artworks, such as acrylic paintings, photographs, and different types of handmade jewelry.

Tourists can come and find more information about the local talents and even buy any pieces on display.

Learn More about the Flora and Fauna at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies plays a vital role in Homer’s tourism.

Homer attracts a lot of biologists for its extensive natural aspects.

There are different ecosystems present here, and the range of flora and fauna is exceptional.

This site is particularly popular amongst nature lovers as the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies offers tourists information about the nature of Homer.

The center also organizes many tours for those who want to learn and see the rare animals and flora within the area.

Take Some Photos of the Homer Spit

Aerial view of Homer Spit

Heather L. Paisley / Shutterstock.com

Walking around the area of the Homer Spit is a unique experience.

One of the best places to take photos is at the harbor.

Scenic view of the Homer Spit

Menno Schaefer / Shutterstock.com

With exceptional sea views and sights of the distant glaciers, this place is a must-see.

Tourists also love the Homer Spit as it is home to countless chic restaurants and bars.

An ice cream shop near the waters of Homer Spit

Jay Yuan / Shutterstock.com

For food lovers, this is the place to dine as the area offers high-quality dishes with various options.

This spot is also home to the Seafarers Memorial.

Rocky shoreline of Homer Spit

Menno Schaefer / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center

The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, US Fish, and Kachemak Bay Research Reserve collaborated and opened the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.

A lot of research on the different oceanic and marine lives takes place in Homer all the time.

This center shares studies and results with all tourists who visit.

People of all ages love the center as it is a hub of information.

In addition, the interior is decorated with all types of research papers, videos, and even informative audios that visitors can interact with.

Check Out the Activities at Bishop’s Beach Park

A small bird walking across the fields at Bishop's Beach Park

Becky Matsubara from El Sobrante, California, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bishop’s Beach Park is one of the most serene locations in Homer.

If you are looking for a place with excessive beauty and wildlife, Bishops Beach Park is the place to visit.

Locals and tourists alike love this spot as there are many activities available on the beach.

Rock pooling is one favorite; however, there are also chances to spot marine life.

There isn’t much sand on the beach, so it is advised that visitors wear appropriate footwear.

Taste Various Types of Wines at Bear Creek Winery

A trip isn’t fully complete without the chance to embark on a wine tasting experience.

After a long day of sightseeing, many come to Bear Creek Winery to taste their delicious wines and unwind.

The winery offers some of the best wine tasting arrangements in the area.

With an award-winning wine list, all wines are made with locally sourced products.

The local fruits, such as berries, are some of the ingredients that add to the wine’s authentic and delicious flavors.

To accompany the wine, the winery offers some lovely scenery within the gardens that surround the property.

Enjoy Kayaking along Homer’s Glacier Lakes

Kayaking in a lake at Homer

Erin C Matejko / Shutterstock.com

Kayaking is one of the most popular recreational activities within Homer.

With beautiful scenery and calm waters, there is no better place to enjoy kayaking.

The area offers canoeing or kayaking trips which enable tourists to explore some of the hidden gems of the area.

Scenic view of Homer's Glacier Lakes

Amanda Wayne / Shutterstock.com

Additionally, there is plenty of marine life in Homer, and kayaking allows you to spot wildlife up close.

There are endless spots to choose from; however, the glacier lakes are arguably the most beautiful.

Cloudy day at Homer's Glacier Lakes

Amanda Wayne / Shutterstock.com

Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is one of Homer’s traditions—you cannot complete a Homer trip without having a horseback riding experience.

This activity is inclusive to everyone, whether you are experienced or new to horseback riding.

There are lessons available, or an expert can aid you.

Horseback riding is such a big part of society within Homer that some locals still use horses as means of transportation to this day.

It offers a whole new experience for tourists, and there are certain tours wherein they take you around while telling you about Homer’s history.

Witness Homer’s Wildlife on an Eco-Friendly Safari

Eagles on Homer Bay

Keri Ann Riley / Shutterstock.com

Homer is home to some of the best wildlife in the country.

One of the best ways to see all the floral and fauna is to go to an eco-friendly safari.

Additionally, Homer offers wildlife tours that help you get close to the local wildlife and see a range of animals firsthand.

There are also options to explore wilderness via a helicopter.

Packages for either option can be chosen or tailored to suit your desired experience.

See Kilcher Homestead Living Museum

Kilcher Homestead Living Museum is one of the best locations in Homer.

The best part about this museum is that it lets you discover Alaska’s rich past.

The family who owns the property has been around since the 1940s and originally came to Homer from Switzerland.

The family believes in living organically and grows their own vegetables and has their own fishing arrangements.

The property beside Kachemak Bay is almost 160 acres and is one of the most gorgeous locations in the area.

The museum offers insightful exhibitions of many aspects of Alaskan history, and it really is a spot that tourists should visit.

Camp at the Homer Spit Campground

A lone tent at Homer Spit Campground

Jay Yuan / Shutterstock.com

Homer, Alaska, is a charming place that offers a lot to do and explore especially if you enjoy being outside.

Not only can you enjoy halibut fishing but there are many acres of land where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the peace and quiet of Kachemak Bay’s natural beauty.

RVs parked at Homer Spit Campground

melissamn / Shutterstock.com

Homer Spit Campground has a range of dry campsites or those with hookups located a stone’s throw from the water.

Clean and comfortable showers, a gift shop, laundry facilities, and restrooms are available onsite, too.

Carefully positioned around the campground’s properties is a whole host of eateries, galleries, and shops, with additional businesses popping up all over Kachemak Bay as an eclectic way to finish off your day of fun.

Waves crashing on Homer Spit Campground's shore

Corrine Photography / Shutterstock.com

Experience the Dynamic Creativity at Bunnell Street Arts Center

Bunnell Street Arts Center was founded to bring about artistic inquiry, innovation, and equity for the betterment of Alaska and everything else that is connected to it.

Here, you’ll see solo and group exhibits, screenings, concerts, Artist in Schools, workshops, and Artist in Residence.

Bunnell Street Arts Center is where professional artists open up their doors to help others find inspiration through a seemingly inexhaustible collection of handmade items for sale.

When Bunnell Street kicks its first Friday of every month off with an artist’s reception and talk, the warm, friendly space immediately becomes filled with liveliness.

People stroll through bright doors into a peaceful meeting of minds as art is observed on this new stage.

Experience Alaska’s vibrant arts culture and meet up with other fun-loving patrons while enjoying free artist talks.

They’re sure to inspire you and fill your life with new ideas!

Be Delighted by Local Goodies At Homer Farmers Market

The Homer Farmers Market is loaded with green-thumbed growers of garden, greenhouse, and farm produce.

This began in 2000 and has since served as a hub for Homer’s farmers’ market.

Located at Ocean Drive, across from the Washboard, Homer Farmers Market is home to many produce vendors, craft vendors, and food vendors.

Here, you’ll find Arctic Rose Herbs, a small Alaskan company thriving in the organic herbs and flowers industry, specializing in flower essences, hydrosols, essential oils, massage oils, bath oils, and more.

You’ll also find the Stone Art booth decorated with stunning necklaces made by local artisans which each tell their own unique story.

There’s also juice from Wild Wellness Farm and not to mention canned herring and canned octopus from Seafoods of Alaska here.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Make a Day Trip to Seldovia

Waterfront homes at Seldovia

Luke Shanahan / Shutterstock.com

If you are done with your local sightseeing trips, make a plan to visit Seldovia.

It’s only about an hour and a half’s drive away from Homer, and the memories you create will be endless.

A house at Seldovia

Ryan Akkaya / Shutterstock.com

A ferry service is frequently available to take tourists from Homer to Seldovia, too.

The ferry ride only takes 45 minutes.

Seldovia is a vibrant and classic place, surrounded by countless wooden sculptures and wildlife.

A sea otter at Seldovia

allixout / Shutterstock.com

This is a perfect place to visit and take a peaceful stroll.

While only a short distance from Homer, it truly feels like an alternative getaway destination.

Scenic sunset at Seldovia

Ann Hull / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

The setting of a nature lover, a wide range of artistic venues, local cafes, eateries, and sandy beaches, among others, are the main drawcards that make Homer one of the most beautiful locations to explore.

Accommodation in Homer is abundant and ranges from luxurious resorts to quaint hotels, where you can experience the unique charm of this lovely little town.

Those that love the outdoors will have plenty to keep themselves busy with hiking trails, fishing, and whale watching tours.

For those who are more inclined towards arts and culture, there are serene waterside strolls, art galleries, and so much more.

Make sure to put Homer on your travel list so that you can experience everything it has to offer!

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