|
| Our advisors are a team of Alaska's
top park rangers, wildlife biologist, bush pilots, naturalist, photographers,
hoteliers, and other seasoned travel professionals sharing their best
insights with you. Learn
more about who we are» |
| How long should I spend in Homer,
Alaska? |
So, you’ve decided to escape
to Homer. What’s the right amount of time to spend? It depends
on what you want to get out of it…
|
| If you're just visiting Homer to see
the town and its main attractions: |
|
If you want to get away to a wilderness
lodge across the bay: |
We recommend a 2- or 3-night stay. Arrive in the
evening and relax. It's a good 4.5-5 hours between Anchorage and Homer,
and the sheer fact of driving such a beautiful route means you'll
probably stop every half hour and take a picture. The next day, start
with your priority, such as a fishing charter, sea-kayaking tour,
or bear viewing fly-in.
Many day trips (and all half-day trips) leave you with enough time
to enjoy in-town attractions and activities after you return. Both
the Pratt Museum and Islands & Ocean Visitor Center stay open
until 6pm, and some art galleries are open later. Remember, the summer
sun offers extended hours for outdoor activities, so you can take
a walk down the spit, hike up the bluffs above town, or go tidepooling
(depending on the tide). Or just call it a day and enjoy a relaxing
dinner-it's your vacation.
Insider
Tips
- If you plan to go halibut fishing, don't do it on the day you
depart-fishing boats head out around 6am, and after a day on the
water, you'll be too tired to drive home that night
- If you can't decide between halibut and salmon, give a day to
each-a combo charter just doesn't allow enough time to get quality
fish of both species
|
We recommend anywhere from 1-2 nights
to a week or more. No matter how long you stay, you'll find the trip
worthwhile. Here's what we think you'll get out of each.
Short Stay (1-2 nights)
Get a taste for the scenic beauty and coastal riches of Kachemak Bay.
You'll have time to hike, beachcomb, tidepool, read a book, kayak,
and experience most of the classic area activities.
"Long
Weekend" (3-4 nights)
One night is not really long enough to disconnect. When you spend
extra days across the bay, it becomes a different place. Enjoy sublime
moments that are unscheduled or unexpected, like kayaking out on the
bay to catch a rainbow or sunset, or walking along the beach to find
the stirring commotion of eagles feeding on fish. You might spend
30 minutes just watching a sea star crawling up the shore. This is
a great way to slow down and immerse yourself in nature.
Extended Stay (week or more)
A longer stay lets you work in concert with the rhythms of nature,
rather than competing against them. Because the longer your stay,
the more flexible your schedule becomes. What if Iliamna is socked
in and you can't go bear viewing, or if the sea's too rough for fishing?
Instead of saying, "This is my only day, I have to go today," you
can relax and reschedule. Today, you can go on a hike, take a walk
on the beach, drink a little wine. Tomorrow's another chance to fulfill
your plans. 
Insider Tips:
- If your goal is to truly feel immersed and in tune with nature
while in Alaska, you might consider spending an extra few days
in Kachemak Bay (instead of making the obligatory trip to Denali,
for example). You won’t get to check certain sights off
your list, but you’ll trade in that sightseeing for an authentic
Alaskan experience.
- Most wilderness lodges can arrange just about any activity you’d
care to experience on a trip to Homer: flightseeing, bear viewing,
kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and inter-tidal studies/beachcombing.
Not only that, but the food and drink you’ll experience
is second to none.
|
|
| If you want to explore Homer and get a taste of
life across the bay: |
| Drive down and spend the night in town; give yourself
a chance to get your gear and food together. Leave for the east side
of the bay early the next morning, via water taxi. Enjoy a day trip
hiking the trails of Kachemak Bay State Park, kayaking, mountain biking,
or exploring a coastal village like Halibut Cove. Come back that evening
and stay in town. After that, you're free to begin your Homer adventures. |
|
|
|
|
|
