Top 10 Towns to Visit…#2 Homer

2. Homer, Alaska

When you travel to Alaska, the distances between destinations are vast.  Some tourists elect to skip Homer, but believe me it is worth the extra time and travel to see this breathtaking inlet on the Kenai Peninsula.  You will get your first awe-inspiring glimpse of the Homer Spit from the Sterling Highway as you drive down the hill coming into Homer.  In the background loom the Kenai Mountains and the total vision brings inspiration to all who visit. It’s fun to explore the Homer Spit that juts into the bay. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and fishing and camping spots along the spit.  The spit is Homer’s most distinguishing feature and is really just a narrow 4.5 mile long gravel bar that extends into the bay.

There are so many activities that attract travelers to Homer.  It is well known for halibut and salmon fishing tours.  Other day tours that are very popular are Katmai National Park bear viewing trips, and day trips to Seldovia and Halibut Cove. Seldovia is just across the Cooke Inlet. There isn’t a great deal to do there but the village itself is an interesting walkabout with lots of Alaskan carving and great local images. Seldovia is however, a great place to disconnect if you like serenity.

Halibut Cove is a small artsy village located in Alaska’s first state park, Kachemak Bay State Park.  Since there is no road access, most visitors arrive in Halibut Cove via The Danny J, a  small wooden transport boat.   You are very likely to observe sea otters or seals on the way. After a delightful lunch at the Saltry Restaurant take time to see a few galleries and then take a short hike to the top of the ridge to take in the mountain scenery and the quaint village of Halibut Cove.

Though Homer truly is located at the end of the road, once you arrive, you will not be bored.  In addition to the dramatic scenery, you can find history and culture in the town galleries and shops, at the Pratt Museum, at the Pier One Theatre, and at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitors Center.

You can enjoy wildlife in Homer while hiking on a local trail, kayaking in the bay, horseback riding or flying from Homer into Katmai National Park.   If you are going to Alaska, be sure to experience Homer, where the road ends but the adventure begins.

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