Things To Do In Homer

Go Fishing in the Halibut Capital of the World

Of all the things to do in Homer, one thing it is known for above all else, is fishing. With direct access to the rich, cold waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay, this small coastal town has earned its title as the Halibut Capital of the World — and for good reason. Anglers travel from across the globe to fish these waters, and whether you’re after halibut, lingcod, or even salmon, Homer delivers world-class opportunities.

Charter fishing is the most popular way to get out on the water, and trips typically range from half-day excursions to full-day offshore runs, depending on your goals. During peak summer months, boats depart the Homer harbor daily with groups of anglers chasing that next big catch. And trust us—50 to 100+ pound halibut are landed regularly.

For the best experience, we recommend booking with Homer Halibut Hunters, one of the most respected and knowledgeable fishing outfits in the area. Their expert captains know the water, the tides, and where the fish are biting. Whether you’re a first-time fisherman or a seasoned pro, they’ll make sure you’re geared up, briefed, and ready for an unforgettable day on the water.

Once back on the Spit, your catch can be cleaned and processed by local operations like Buttwackers, where it’s common to see giant halibut being weighed and photographed. It’s all part of the Homer fishing experience—from the thrill of the hookset to the trophy photo at the dock.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of catching a monster halibut or filling your freezer with fresh Alaskan fillets, Homer is the place—and there’s no better crew to get you there than Homer Halibut Hunters.

The Heart of Homer’s Harbor Life

The Homer Spit is one of the most distinctive and lively places in Alaska—a narrow strip of land stretching nearly five miles into Kachemak Bay. It’s more than just a scenic viewpoint; it’s the cultural and recreational hub of the town, where local flavor, maritime life, and visitor energy come together in one unforgettable setting. Whether you’re just arriving in Homer, waiting for a water taxi from 49 North Adventures, or winding down after a day in the bay, the Spit is the place to explore. You don’t have to worry about running out of things to do in Homer!

So Many Things To Do In Homer – Shops, Galleries & Local Crafts

Start your visit by strolling the Spit’s wooden boardwalks, lined with shops and galleries showcasing Alaskan-made goods. You’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and driftwood art to smoked salmon, pottery, and clothing designed by local artists. It’s one of the best places in town to pick up gifts or souvenirs that actually reflect the spirit of Alaska.

The Salty Dawg Saloon & Buttwackers

Just past the harbor sits one of Homer’s most famous landmarks: the Salty Dawg Saloon. Housed in a historic building from the late 1800s, this rustic bar is decorated with thousands of dollar bills left by travelers from around the world. Whether you stop in for a drink, a photo, or to leave your mark on the wall, it’s a must-visit for the full Homer experience.

Right behind the saloon, you’ll find Buttwackers, the fish processing station where many of Homer’s charter boats bring their catch. Watching giant halibut being weighed, cleaned, and packed is a spectacle in itself—especially during the summer when charter boats are returning to the dock by the dozen. If you’ve never seen a 100-pound halibut up close, this is your chance. Among the things to do in Homer, this experience is unforgettable!

Food with a View

The Homer Spit is a seafood lover’s dream. Nearly every eatery serves up locally caught halibut, salmon, or crab—often within hours of being pulled from the water. From casual fish shacks to upscale waterfront dining, there’s something for every appetite.

Food trucks and takeout stands are scattered throughout the boardwalk, offering chowder, tacos, burgers, baked goods, and locally roasted coffee. Grab something to go and enjoy it on the beach, or sit outside with a view of the harbor and Kenai Mountains rising across the bay.

Homer Harbor & Marina Life

At the heart of things to do in Homer during the Summer, the Homer Spit is a bustling Homer Boat Harbor, where commercial fishing vessels, charter boats, sailboats, and water taxis (including ours) come and go throughout the day. It’s one of the largest harbors in Alaska, and it’s alive with activity—especially in the summer months. What the Spit offer for things to do in Homer is almost endless!

Watch as captains prep their boats for a day of halibut fishing, kayaks are loaded up for drop-offs across the bay, and floatplanes buzz overhead on their way to remote bear viewing camps. It’s also a fantastic place for photography, with endless movement, color, and backdrop.

Launchpad for Adventure

Most importantly, the Spit is where adventures begin. If you’re hiking to Grewingk Glacier, heading to a yurt in Halibut Cove, or joining one of our Kachemak Bay wildlife tours, this is your jumping-off point. At 49 North Adventures, our boats depart directly from the harbor to trailheads, remote beaches, and scenic coves across the bay.

Whether you’re gearing up for a full-day expedition or just joining us for a two-hour wildlife cruise, the Spit is your gateway to Kachemak Bay—and to the best things to do in Homer.

Unwind, Discover, and Experience Kachemak Bay’s Wild Shoreline

The beaches in and around Homer, Alaska, offer a unique combination of rugged beauty, solitude, and endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re looking to spend a quiet afternoon combing the shore or heading out on a full-day adventure, Homer’s beaches are as much a part of the Alaskan experience as glaciers and wildlife. With panoramic views of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains, and the ever-changing coastal terrain, they invite visitors to slow down and connect with the natural world. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem among the things to do in Homer.

Bishop’s Beach: A Local Favorite

Just a short walk from downtown Homer, Bishop’s Beach is one of the most accessible and beloved shorelines in the area. Stretching out from the base of the bluff, it’s the perfect spot for walking, tide pooling, or enjoying a picnic with a view. At low tide, the beach expands dramatically, revealing intricate tide pools filled with starfish, anemones, crabs, and other marine life.

Photographers and birdwatchers love this spot for its dynamic lighting, easy access, and wide-open views across Kachemak Bay. It’s also an excellent location for watching bald eagles soar overhead or perch on the driftwood-scattered shoreline. Sunsets here are particularly stunning, with the mountains catching the last light and the sky reflected in wet sand and shallow pools.

Kachemak Bay State Park Beaches (Access via Water Taxi)

For a more remote and wild experience, 49 North Adventures offers water taxi service to some of the most pristine beaches across the bay—accessible only by boat. Places like Kayak Beach, Bear Cove, and China Poot Bay offer quiet, uncrowded shorelines perfect for hiking, paddling, wildlife watching, or just soaking in the solitude of Alaska’s backcountry coast.

These areas often serve as trailheads for glacier hikes or overnight camping adventures, but they’re also incredible standalone destinations. Bring a book, pack a lunch, and enjoy a beach all to yourself—something you won’t find in many other places.

Tide Pooling & Beachcombing

Homer’s tidal range is among the largest in the world, making tide pooling an especially rewarding activity. During extreme low tides, vast sections of the beach are exposed, revealing a complex micro-ecosystem of life in shallow pools and under seaweed-covered rocks. You might find bright orange sea stars, sand dollars, hermit crabs, and even the occasional octopus or small fish navigating this temporary world.

Beachcombing is equally rewarding. Weathered driftwood, polished sea glass, unique stones, and fossil fragments often wash ashore. Every tide brings something new, and every stretch of shoreline has its own surprises.

Wildlife Watching from the Shore

Even if you’re not on the water, the beaches around Homer offer fantastic opportunities to spot wildlife. Sea otters often float just offshore, using their chests as dinner plates while they crack open shellfish. Harbor seals sometimes poke their heads above the surface for a curious look, and whales—especially gray or humpback—are occasionally spotted breaching farther out in the bay.

Bald eagles are a constant presence, either soaring overhead or feeding along the tideline. During certain months, you might even spot migrating seabirds or shorebirds working the beaches for food—especially near protected areas like the Beluga Slough or Mud Bay.

Peace, Perspective & Reflection

There’s something deeply restorative about Homer’s beaches. Whether you’re sitting quietly on a driftwood log, journaling, sketching, or simply gazing across the bay, it’s easy to feel a sense of stillness and connection to the landscape.

The rhythm of the tides, the cry of seabirds, and the scent of salt in the air make this an ideal place for reflection. If you’re looking to unplug and reset, this is where you do it.

Make the Most of It with 49 North

If you’re ready to get off the beaten path and explore the beaches across the bay, 49 North Adventures is your ride. We provide reliable water taxi service to some of the most beautiful, remote beach destinations in Kachemak Bay—perfect for day trips, overnights, or just a few hours of solitude on the sand. Whether you want to hike to a glacier or simply enjoy a picnic with glacier views, we’ll help you get there.

Fly-Out Tours to See Alaska’s Iconic Brown Bears in Their Natural Habitat

Crescent Lake – Wild Beauty, Calm Waters, and Photogenic Bears

One of the most popular bear viewing destinations is Crescent Lake in Lake Clark National Park, known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Brown bears are often seen walking the shoreline or standing in the shallows, fishing for sockeye salmon as they make their way upstream.

Kenai Sportfishing offers fly-out bear viewing trips to Crescent Lake that are ideal for photographers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. With small group sizes and knowledgeable guides, you’ll get up close without the crowds—perfect for capturing candid bear behavior in a pristine wilderness setting.

Big River Lakes & Wolverine Creek – Intimate, Up-Close Encounters

Another incredible option is Big River Lakes, near Wolverine Creek, where bears gather at close range to feed on spawning salmon. Unlike the platform-based viewing at Brooks Falls, this experience usually happens from a boat or shoreline, giving you an unrestricted view of the bears in action.

Kenai Sportfishing is also the go-to outfitter for fly-outs to Big River Lakes, providing guests with one of the most personal and immersive bear encounters available in Alaska. You’ll watch bears fish, play, and even interact with cubs—all set against the stunning backcountry of Southcentral Alaska.

Brooks Falls – Famous, Iconic, and Structured

If you’ve ever seen the iconic photo of a bear catching salmon mid-air at a waterfall, that’s Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. It’s world-famous for a reason—but it’s also expensive (typically $1,400–$1,500 per person) and can be crowded during peak salmon season.

While the experience is undeniably dramatic, many travelers prefer the quieter, more intimate experiences offered at Crescent Lake and Big River Lakes through Kenai Sportfishing. You get more flexibility, fewer people, and closer proximity to the bears—without sacrificing the wow factor.

What to Expect on a Bear Viewing Fly-Out

• Departure: Flights leave from Soldotna and Kenai, about 1.5 hours from Homer by car.
• Flight Time: Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on destination.
• Group Size: Small, personalized tours for optimal viewing.
• Guides: Experienced naturalists and pilots who know bear behavior and how to approach responsibly.
• Wildlife: In addition to brown bears, you may see eagles, moose, salmon, and more.
• Best Time: Mid-June through early September, during peak salmon runs.

Book with Kenai Sportfishing for the Ultimate Bear Adventure

Kenai Sportfishing specializes in Crescent Lake and Big River Lakes bear viewing tours and has earned a reputation for quality, safety, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Their fly-outs are well-organized, expertly guided, and tailored to deliver a close, respectful, and awe-inspiring look at Alaska’s most iconic animals.

Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot, or simply someone who’s always wanted to see a brown bear in the wild—Kenai Sportfishing is the team to fly with.

Visit the Salty Dawg, Watch the Action at Buttwackers & Eat on the Homer Spit

Where Fishing Culture, Local Flavor, and Alaskan Quirk All Come Together

Whether you’re waiting to hop on a water taxi with 49 North Adventures, coming back from a glacier hike, or just wandering the harbor, the Homer Spit is the perfect place to spend time. Nowhere is that more true than around the famous trio of salty staples: the Salty Dawg Saloon, Buttwackers, and the many restaurants and food trucks lining the boardwalk. Together, they capture the flavor—both literal and cultural—of this rugged fishing town.

The Salty Dawg Saloon – A Landmark Full of Stories

Perched near the end of the Spit, the Salty Dawg Saloon is a Homer icon. It’s not just a bar—it’s a piece of living Alaskan history. The structure itself dates back to 1897 and has served as a post office, general store, and telegraph station before becoming a saloon in the 1950s. Its famous lighthouse-style tower was added later and has since become one of the most photographed buildings on the Spit.

Step inside and you’ll find a dimly lit, low-ceilinged cabin, decked wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor with signed dollar bills left by travelers from around the world. The vibe is warm, quirky, and always buzzing with conversation. Sit at the bar, chat with locals and charter captains, and soak in the salty tales told over a cold drink after a day at sea.
It’s a rite of passage for Homer visitors—sign your name, tack up your dollar, and leave your mark in true Alaskan fashion.

Buttwackers – Homer’s Most Unusual (and Popular) Show

Right behind the Salty Dawg, you’ll find Buttwackers, a no-frills fish processing station that’s become an unexpected attraction in its own right. This is where many of Homer’s charter boats—including Homer Halibut Hunters—bring in their daily catch to be weighed, cleaned, filleted, and packaged for shipping.

And it’s a show. On any given summer afternoon, a crowd gathers to watch trophy halibut—some well over 100 pounds—get hoisted onto hooks, measured, and displayed for photos. The smell of saltwater and fresh fish fills the air, and the skilled crew makes short work of even the biggest catches with razor-sharp precision.

Whether you’ve just stepped off a charter or you’re just wandering the harbor, watching the day’s haul come in is one of the most uniquely Homer experiences you can have. And if you’re heading out on a fishing trip yourself, this is where your own catch might end up on display.

Eat on the Spit – Seafood, Snacks, and Sweet Treats with a View.

Homer is a town that knows how to eat well—especially when it comes to seafood. The Homer Spit is packed with restaurants, food stands, and food trucks serving up fresh, locally caught halibut, salmon, and crab in dishes that range from rustic to refined. For all you foodies, this is one of the things to do in Homer that won’t disappoint!

Looking for classic fish and chips or a wild salmon burger? You’ll find it here. Want to try crab bisque, halibut tacos, or blackened rockfish with local greens? That’s here too. From quick bites to sit-down dining, there’s something for every craving and every budget.

You’ll also find coffee huts, ice cream shops, bakeries, and treat trucks offering everything from cinnamon rolls to smoked salmon chowder. Grab a cup of espresso and a pastry for your water taxi ride, or bring a picnic lunch for your hike across the bay.

And the views? Absolutely unbeatable. Many of these eateries have patio seating right on the waterfront, offering front-row views of the harbor, mountains, and Kachemak Bay. It’s not uncommon to see bald eagles soaring overhead while you eat—or sea otters floating just offshore.

Make the Spit Part of the Adventure

If you’re catching a wildlife tour, glacier drop-off, or hiking shuttle with 49 North Adventures, the Spit is your launch point, full of many of the unforgettable things to do in Homer, and a great place to build in a little extra time. Grab a drink, watch a halibut weigh-in, or savor a seafood feast before or after your trip across the bay.

Whether you’re a returning angler, a first-time visitor, or a family just taking it all in, this stretch of salty boardwalk and harbor life is pure Homer. You can’t experience the town without experiencing the Spit.

Take a Day Trip to Seldovia

A Quiet Coastal Village Just Across the Bay—Steeped in History, Beauty, and Small-Town Alaska Charm

Even with all of the things to do in Homer, don’t forget a chance to experience another side of Kachemak Bay! A day trip to Seldovia offers a peaceful and scenic escape from the busier pace of the Homer Spit. Accessible only by boat or small plane, Seldovia feels like a step back in time—a place where nature meets heritage, and where every corner invites exploration.

This laid-back community sits tucked between forested hills and sheltered harbor waters on the far side of Kachemak Bay. It’s known for its historic boardwalks, rich Native Alaskan history, artistic spirit, and an unhurried pace that’s perfect for those looking to unwind and take in the essence of coastal Alaska.

Getting There Is Half the Fun

Most visitors travel to Seldovia via the Kachemak Voyager Ferry, a comfortable and reliable vessel that departs regularly from the Homer Spit. The 45-minute boat ride is a scenic experience in itself, gliding across the bay with views of sea otters, seabirds, and the surrounding Kenai Mountains.

Those looking for a more private or custom trip can also reach Seldovia via water taxi or small plane. And while 49 North Adventures doesn’t currently run regular service to Seldovia, we’re happy to help you plan your trip, connect you with transportation options, or build it into a custom day itinerary alongside other Kachemak Bay destinations. You won’t regret adding a trip to Seldovia alongside your list of things to do in Homer.

What to Do in Seldovia

1. Stroll the Historic Boardwalks

Seldovia’s iconic raised boardwalks give the town its distinct character. Originally built to navigate the tidal terrain, these wooden walkways now connect colorful homes, local shops, and waterfront galleries. A walk through town gives you a sense of both its rich history and its contemporary artistic charm.

2. Visit the Seldovia Village Tribe Museum

For a deeper understanding of the area’s Indigenous roots, the Seldovia Village Tribe Museum is a must-visit. Here you’ll find exhibits on Alutiiq history, local subsistence lifestyles, traditional art, and the evolving story of the community. It’s a thoughtful and educational stop for visitors of all ages.

3. Explore the Otterbahn Trail

This easy, family-friendly hiking trail leads you through spruce forest and wildflowers to a scenic, often deserted beach. It’s a quiet nature walk that offers a glimpse of local wildlife, tide-pooling opportunities, and panoramic views of the bay. Bring a picnic, your camera, and an extra layer—it’s the perfect place to spend an hour or two.

4. Kayaking and Harbor Exploration

Seldovia’s sheltered harbor and calm surrounding waters are great for kayaking, with rentals available seasonally. Paddle along rocky coastlines, peek into sea caves, or glide past otters and seabirds as you explore the inlets and coves at your own pace.

5. Enjoy the Local Dining Scene

Though small, Seldovia has a handful of great places to eat—many serving fresh local seafood, homemade soups, and baked goods in cozy settings. Sit out on a deck, enjoy the harbor view, and experience Alaskan hospitality without the crowds.

6. Attend Local Festivals & Events

If you’re visiting in summer, check the calendar for events like the Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival, which brings live music, food, and community celebration to this quiet town. Seasonal craft fairs, cultural events, and holiday parades also bring the streets to life with a charming, small-town feel.

A Peaceful Contrast to the Bustle of the Spit

What makes Seldovia special is the sense of stillness and connection it offers. There are no cruise ships or traffic lights here—just salt air, friendly faces, and a town that moves at its own pace. It’s a great way to reset and recharge while still experiencing something deeply authentic and rooted in Alaska’s maritime culture.

Whether you spend a few hours wandering the town or make a full day of it with a hike and a harbor tour, Seldovia is one of the best-kept secrets in Kachemak Bay.