Gateway to the BayHomer is the end of the road on the Kenai Peninsula and the gateway to beautiful Kachemak Bay. Located in a very picturesque setting, Homer is a small coastal community of about 4000 people and several thousand more in the area.The Homer area is a favorite destination for Alaskan visitors offering activities for every age and various interests. It boasts the largest fishing Derby in Alaska, the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby. Homer also offers beach combing, hiking, bird viewing, and shopping. Homer has perhaps as many different tour options as any place in Alaska. You’ll find trips that include bear viewing, horseback riding, kayaking, sailing, flight seeing, claming, and the most popular Halibut Fishing. Homer also has a very unique 4.5 mile strip of land that stretches out into Kachamak Bay called The Spit. The spit offers both camping on the beach, and also R.V. parks , so you can stay right near the action. This is the center of activity for many visitors, as there are many Charters and local fisherman coming and going. You can visit the boat harbor, fish in the lagoon, walk the many miles of beaches, or visit the many shops to keep you busy for hours. This is a bit of information I found on the Homer Chamber of Commerce Website. In a 2001 visitor survey, the average visit to Homer was three days. 90% of those people surveyed who visited Homer wish they had stayed longer. 100% of the people surveyed said they would recommend Homer as a destination to their friends and relatives.
I don’t know how scientific their poling was, but I think it’s pretty easy to see that people that visit Homer are glad they did, and would recommend it to others. I would agree, Homer really is a must visit town to get a taste of the real Alaska.
Getting ThereHomer is about a 5 hour drive from Anchorage on the Seward Highway. The Highway has been improved in the last few years, and is very scenic. There are many attractions and campgrounds along the way. Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby- sponsored by the Homer Chamber of Commerce. Monthly cash prizes. Begins in May and ends in September. The winner can expect a jackpot of nearly $50,000. Get your ticket before you go fishing. The Spit– Lots to do. Watch as the Charter fleet brings in the daily catch. Spend the day visiting the many shops that are known for quality Alaskan Arts. Comb the beaches, fish the lagoon, or take a stroll through the small boat harbor. A unique piece of Alaska. Alaska Wild Berry Products-This is a 50 year old, unique little Alaskan Company that features jams,jellies,and wild berry candies. A visitor friendly, taste-testing destination if you are out and about in Homer. Get a little taste of Homer history and visit their Gift Shop. Halibut Charters-Resurrection Bay boasts the best Halibut Fishing in Alaska, and Homer is certainly the Gateway to the Bay. Find your way to the Spit, and you'll find many options for a charter. The going rate is about $175.00 per day per person for a halibut adventure. Homer is my top pick for a Halibut trip. Pratt Museum- This is an award-winning Natural History Museum of the Kenai Peninsula. Indoor exhibits focus on art, natural history, native cultures, homesteading, fishing, marine ecology and the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Additional attractions are Alaskan wildlife dioramas, salt-water aquaria and a fine Museum store. Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival This event offers a wide variety of birding workshops and presentations for beginning and advanced birders, guided field trips and viewing stations, children's activities, art and entertainment events, boat tours and sea-kayak trips. Many events are free of charge and bay tours are offered at special festival fares. Kachemak Kayak Fest-Celebrate kayaking in one of Alaska's premiere paddling destinations. This is for experienced paddlers or those that want to learn. Workshops, films, in water demonstrations, and social outtings. For more information, call the Homer Chamber of Commerce at (907) 235-7740. |