TravelTips24 : North America : United States of America : Alaska : Southcentral Alaska : Kenai Peninsula : Homer

Homer

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Homer is on the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska.

Travel to Homer & Visa Requirements

Tours & Getting around Homer

There isn't a public transportation system to speak of in Homer so your options come down to walking, riding a bike, hitching a lift or renting a car. There are 3 car rentals in Homer. Hertz, Adventure Alaska, and Polar. Hertz and Adventure Alaska also have rentals in Anchorage so if you want to rent a car in Anchorage and drive to Homer you can drop your car off and fly back to Anchorage. Anchorage is the main city in Alaska where all flights form outside the state end up. From there you fly or rent a car and drive to the next town. Homer is a 40 minute flight from Anchorage or a 5 hour drive.

By foot

Distances as with most places in America are fairly large but there are good footpaths all around Homer and if you are fit walking can be a great way to see and get a feel for the town. You can rent bicycles at Homer Saw and Cycle.

Homer attractions and sightseeing

  • Homer Spit, Open all year, however shops at the end of the spit generally close around mid September and re-open in April). A massive spit built out into the middle of the bay that claims to be the further west that is accessible via road on the north American continent. Spectacular wildlife can be seen along the spit being well known for the flocks of bald headed eagles that nest and feed there. A walk from the start to the end of the spit will take around an hour. A walk along the beach is a beautiful way to see the spit but be careful of the tide as the beach isn't always accessible at high tide.
  • Skyline Drive, Open all year, is a beautiful way to see the spit from above (it's actually where most of the postcard photos come from). It is an easy 5 minute drive up a windy road to the lookout up the top, however walking up the road will take you about 45 minutes but provide you with lots of opportunities to stop and marvel at the surroundings (traffic is low and there are plenty of places to step out of the way of cars and trucks).
  • Across the Bay, Kachemak Bay State Park - The jewel of Alaska, Kachemak Bay State Park is the first and largest of the Parks in the state. Inhabited by wildlife on land, in the air, and in the ocean, there is so much to see and do here that one could spend a lifetime exploring around. Mountain goats grace the cliffs of remote and beautiful Sadie Cove from the entrance and up to the wilderness lodge of the same name on the South facing shore. Black bears live high in the mountains and can also be seen in the springtime on the shores of the Park searching for the first foods of the new season. Bald Eagles fly above and in the ocean there are seals, sea lions, humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea birds, and more.

The Park has a plethora of well maintained hiking trails for the novice as well as the experienced hiker. Many guides in Homer offer adventure trips and the wilderness lodges offer an experience second to none for adventure luxe. To get to the Park a person can hire any one of many water taxis from Homer and enter a new world away from the chaos of civilization. We recommend Red Mountain Marine at 907-399-8230 because they have a vey nice classic wooden boat and very knowledgeable, pleasant, accommodating, and courteous skippers. Owned by Tom Hopkins of Homer, Alaska.

Homer city tours

  • Public Library, has free internet access (although they have a donation box) with a signup sheet waiting list.
  • Take a water taxi across the bay to Kachemak Bay State Park for great hiking. Make sure to check out the lake with a glacier at the end.

Homer souvenirs & shopping

Homer Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Finn's Pizza is on the spit. It has a nice view of the water from the back deck. Great pizza and local beer.

Homer nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

The Salty Dawg Saloon on the spit is a colorful place to get a beer, including Homer Brewing's beers, made in town.

Homer cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

As with most accommodation in Alaska it is best to ring ahead and book a place a few nights in advance during the spring, summer, autumn (fall) tourist season.

Budget

  • Homer Hostel, 304 West Pioneer Ave., 907-235-1463, [1]. A small (sometimes cramped) but friendly hostel on the outskirts of town around a 30 minute walk away from the Homer Spit. The hostel is located in a historic house with bunks that are a bit wobbly but perfectly fine, however upstairs has a large glass window that lets lots of light in during sunrise (in late spring, summer, early autumn) so if you aren't an early riser get a bunk downstairs. USD $23-$70 (including tax). Bunks in a shared room ($23), Private Rooms for 1-5 people ($50-$70).

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This page was last edited at 06:03, on 25 January 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Todd VerBeek and Colin Jensen, Wikitravel user(s) Alaska1, Jelse, Nzpcmad and Arcae and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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