Plan Your Summer Adventure in Homer
Summer in Homer is pure magic—long days of endless light, everything in bloom, and an abundance of adventures waiting for you. Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, there’s something for everyone.
What to do this summer
Summer in Homer means long days, wild blooms, and the kind of outdoor access that makes you wonder why you ever live anywhere else. The sun barely sets in June and July — which means more time for everything.
Start your mornings right. Coffee and a pastry from Two Sisters Bakery, or a hearty bagel sandwich from Homer Bagel Shop to fuel a full day across the bay. Both are Homer institutions and both are worth the stop.
Get out on the water. This is non-negotiable in summer. Kachemak Bay is calm, the wildlife is everywhere, and the trails across the bay are at their best.
Glacier Lake Trail with Mako's Water Taxi — one of the best hikes in Alaska, only accessible by boat
Gull Island Tour with Mako's — the seabird rookery at peak season is unforgettable
Water taxi with Coldwater Alaska — flexible drop-off and pickup at any trailhead across the bay
Go on an eco-tour with Tutka Tours. Summer is when Captain Scott's tours are at their very best — the bay is teeming with wildlife, the light is incredible, and the puffins are nesting at Gull Island. These tours run small groups by design, which means they fill up fast in July and August.
Touring Kachemak Bay — 3.5 hours, perfect for first-timers
Exploring Seldovia Bay — full day, one of the most special experiences on the bay
Private charter — fully customized, up to 5 guests, my personal favorite for families
Go fishing. Homer is the halibut fishing capital of the world and summer is peak season. The Current Lady with Dakota Ocean Charters is one of the best-equipped boats out of Homer — serious gear, experienced crew, and a genuine shot at a trophy halibut.
Halibut charter — full day, halibut and rockfish
Halibut and salmon combo — the full Alaska fishing experience
Triple combo — halibut, salmon, and rockfish in one day
Private full boat charter — up to 6 guests, the ultimate Homer fishing day
Visit the peony farms. Homer's peony farms are in full bloom from mid-July through August — fields of deep pink, coral, and white blooms against the backdrop of Kachemak Bay. Most farms welcome visitors and many sell cut flowers directly. It's one of those quintessentially Homer things that surprises everyone who stumbles upon it.
Embrace the midnight sun. By late June the sun sets around 11:30pm and rises before 5am. Plan an evening hike, a late beach bonfire on Bishop's Beach, or just sit on the Spit and watch the light do things you've never seen light do before.
This menu is fantastic — and the location behind the Salty Dawg is absolutely prime Homer Spit real estate. Here's the updated section with Cove & Co. woven in authentically:
Where to eat this summer
Homer's food scene is at its best in summer — the farmers market is in full swing, the seafood is as fresh as it gets, and every restaurant with a bay view is worth the wait.
My summer eating routine: Start at Cove & Co. on the Homer Spit — right behind the Salty Dawg, open from 5am all summer. Grab a Breakwater breakfast burrito and a matcha or latte before your morning water taxi, or fuel up with the Tidepool Bowl after a hike across the bay. Everything is made with real ingredients, the smoothies are genuinely good, and the bliss balls are the perfect trail snack. It's the kind of place Homer has needed for a long time — breezy, nourishing, and right where the action is. Full disclosure: I'm one of the owners, so I'm biased — but I'd be recommending it either way.
Fresh oysters from Jackalof Bay Oyster Company for lunch — grab a dozen and eat them on the Spit with a view. Dinner at The Kannery for fresh specials and beautiful cocktails, or The Broken Oar if you want the best bay views in town.
Other favorites: Finn's Pizza for wood-fired pizza with a view, The Twisted Goat for something cozy and flavorful, Two Sisters Bakery for pastries, Alice's Champagne Palace for live music and a relaxed family dinner. And Carmen's Gelato for dessert — non-negotiable.
The best picnic in Homer: Grab a smoothie and bliss balls from Cove & Co. + fresh oysters from the co-op + a spot on Mariner Beach. That's it. That's the move.
Events this summer
Summer in Homer means the Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday, live music at Alice's most weekends, and the crown jewel of the season — Salmonfest — a celebration of music, art, and Alaskan salmon culture that draws people from across the state. Check the Homer events calendar for the full lineup.
Summer travel tips from a local
Book water tours and fishing charters early. July and August fill up weeks in advance — especially Tutka Tours which runs small groups. If you're coming in peak summer, book before you arrive.
Pack layers always. Summer mornings can be 45°F and afternoons can surprise you with genuine warmth. The key is having a fleece and a rain layer accessible, not buried in your bag.
Embrace the light. The midnight sun is disorienting in the best possible way. Let your schedule bend around it — some of the best Homer moments happen at 10pm when the light turns gold.
Check the tide schedule. The NOAA Homer tide chart is essential for planning tidepooling, water taxi trips, and beach time.
