Homer, Alaska

The almost 5,000 soul community of Homer is located in the southwest of the Kenai Peninsula, at the northern end of Kachemak Bay. A narrow tongue of land created by earthquakes stretches far into Kachemak Bay. Also known as ‘Homer Spit’, this 6.5 km long headland can be reached from the center of town via the Sterling Highway.

Especially in the summer months, the ‘Homer Spit’ with its small houses on the so-called “Boardwalk” is the attraction. Here you will find small shops, seafood restaurants and pubs as well as offices of various tour operators offering halibut fishing trips and boat tours in Kachemak Bay. Homer’s scenic surroundings and halibut fishing attract thousands of tourists to Homer every year. The small town is also known in Alaska as an artists’ community. Talented potters, sculptors, painters and jewelry designers live here and also display their works for sale in local galleries and shops.

Homer information

Location
According to transporthint, Homer is located in the southwest of the Kenai Peninsula, at the north end of Kachemak Bay on Cook Inlet.

Inhabitants
About 5,300 people live in Homer.

Climate
The maximum temperatures in Homer reach up to 27°C, the minimum temperatures -4°C, Homer has a pleasant climate with an average of 135 days of sunshine per year.

Clothing
The general rule for optimal clothing in Alaska is “onion principle”. That means you wear a first layer directly on your body (avoid cotton if possible), a second warming layer (e.g. a fleece jacket or similar) and a jacket as a third layer that protects against wind and rain. When the temperature changes, you can easily put on or take off a layer.

VUSA tips for Homer – sightseeing and excursion suggestions

Bear Watching with Bald Mountain Air Service Seaplane flights
from Homer take in the Cook Inlet and some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth. Landing is in the pristine wilderness of Katmai National Park. This is where the Alaskan adventure begins. With the bush pilot you hike through the spectacular landscape and observe Alaskan brown bears up close and in the wild.

Homer Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center
Here you will find all information about the activities and events that take place or are offered in Homer. Among other things, there are also brochures about the Homer Theater, which is located on the Homer Spit. The Visitor Information Center is on the right hand side of the road leading to Homer. (201 Sterling Hwy)

Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
The building is both the visitor center and headquarters of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, the marine conservation area around Homer. In addition to an exhibition about the flora and fauna of the region, nature education programs are also offered. Open daily during the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From October 1st to April 25th, the Visitor Center is open Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on national holidays in the low season). Free entry. (95 Sterling Hwy)

Pratt Museum
Excellent natural history museum featuring an aquarium with native sea creatures. The activity of the birds on the bird rock can be observed on monitors. Open daily from mid-May to mid-September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (3779 Bartlett St)

East End Road
36 km road to the end of the bay with magnificent views of mountains, glaciers and sea. Following Pioneer Road (under the flashing red traffic light) and continuing straight ahead leads directly onto East End Road.

Lookout Point
Skyline Drive is ideal for enjoying beautiful views. Follow Pioneer Road under the flashing red light and turn left onto East Hill Road. The advertised vantage point is on the left.

Bishops Beach
Nice beach to walk on. Local access is from the Sterling Highway via Main Street. Parking available.

Halibut Cove and The Saltry Restaurant
Halibut Cove is a picturesque artists’ colony village situated across Kachemak Bay. A jetty connects the houses on the shore of Ismailof Island. Here is also Halibut Cove’s only and very good restaurant, The Saltry. Crossing to Halibut Cove is available on the Danny J Ferry (from the Spit). During the summer, the ferry departs from Homer daily at 12pm and 5pm. Returns from Halibut Cove are at 4pm and 10pm. The day ferry passes by the bird cliff and allows to spend some time in Halibut Cove and discover different hiking trails in the area. The evening ferry does not pass the Vogelfelsen and is only possible in combination with a reservation at The Saltry restaurant.