›3 Days in Homer

Welcome to Alaska! Today you'll pick up your rental car in Anchorage and start your drive to Homer while stopping in Girdwood on the way.

Enjoy the 40-mile drive from Anchorage to Girdwood; the incredibly scenic route offer breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountains. Stop at Beluga Point for a photo opportunity and a chance to spot beluga whales and keep an eye out for Dall sheep along the way.

Grab lunch in Girdwood and continue your journey to Whittier. Located on the way is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. A great stop to see native Alaska animals and stretch your legs. You can easily spend 2+ hours at the center.

Overnight in Homer.

• Morning: Start your day with an early breakfast at a local cafe in Homer.
• Option 1: Fishing Charters - Book a fishing charter for a half-day or full-day fishing excursion in the rich waters of Kachemak Bay. Homer is known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World."
• Option 2: Bear Viewing Tours - Explore Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park on a bear viewing tour. Witness bears in their natural habitat.
• Lunch: Return to Homer for lunch at a seafood restaurant or cafe.
• Afternoon: Choose one of the following activities:
  • ATV Tours - Take an ATV tour through the scenic backcountry of Homer.
  • Sea Kayaking Tours - Paddle along the coastline and observe marine life.
  • Jet Ski Tours - Experience the thrill of jet skiing in Kachemak Bay.
• Evening: Head back to Homer for a relaxing evening, perhaps with a visit to a local brewery or a stroll along the Homer Spit.

• Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast.
• Option 1: Flightseeing Tours - Take a scenic flightseeing tour over the stunning landscapes of Homer and the surrounding area, including glaciers and volcanoes.
• Option 2: Water Taxis - Explore the nearby islands and remote beaches via water taxi.
• Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant or pack a picnic to enjoy during your exploration.
• Afternoon: Choose one of the following activities:
  • Guided Hiking - Join a guided hike to explore the beautiful trails and wilderness around Homer.
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding - Enjoy some tranquil paddleboarding on the calm waters of the bay.
• Evening: Consider one of the following options based on your interests:
  • City Sightseeing Tours - Explore the charming town of Homer, including its art galleries and local shops.
  • Sailing & Private Yacht Charters - Take a sunset sailing cruise or charter a private yacht for a more intimate experience.
• Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Homer's fine dining restaurants.
• Night: If your visit coincides with any local fairs, festivals, or events, consider attending to experience the local culture and entertainment.

Before departing Homer, make sure to stop by the Homer Visitor Information Center and any other Points of Interest you may have missed. The center can provide you with additional recommendations and information about the area. Enjoy your three days in Homer, Alaska!

It will take about 3.5 hours to drive from Seward to Homer; look for volcanoes along the way, and when you reach the west coast of the Kenai Peninsula, take time to soak in the beauty. Homer is Alaska's capital of halibut fishing, but this charming town offers many delights beyond fishing, including art galleries and wildlife. Go for a walk along the Homer Spit, the narrow finger of land that stretches into the bay, and keep an eye out for otters and eagles.

You'll have all day today to explore this town and try some of its many activities. Fishing here is both a business and a passion, thanks partly to the halibut in the nearby waters. Take a half- or full-day fishing charter to angle for them, or cast your line for salmon instead.

Or opt to get out on the water on a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or jetski!

You can also hop a scenic flight to Katmai or Lake Clark national parks, where you can experience the magic of seeing bears in their natural habitat. Love to hike? Katchemak Bay State Park has some of the state's best hiking, just a 20-minute water taxi ride away. Or take a 45-minute fast ferry to the remote and fascinating town of Seldovia.

Today you'll drive 1.5 hours to Kenai or Soldotna, or 2.5 hours to Cooper Landing. From Kenai or Soldotna, fish, take a fly-out bear viewing trip, visit a museum, or hike the local trails.

From Cooper Landing, enjoy a relaxing rafting trip out on the turquoise Kenai River. Surrounded by lush forests with mountains climbing high in the distance, you'll float down the river, learning about the history of the area and looking out for wildlife. This is also a great place to go angling or hiking so take advantage!

Today, you'll drive back to Anchorage (3.5 hrs from Kenai or Soldotna, or 2 hrs from Cooper Landing). If you have time, drop by the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you'll get an up-close view of some of the state's unique creatures. Another option is to visit Portage Glacier, where you'll often see big blue icebergs along the shore of the lake by the parking area. Take the one-hour boat cruise to get close to the glacier, or spend time at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center to learn more about this special area.