Planning a Trip to Alaska or Homer? Start Here.

If you're researching Alaska vacations, planning a trip to Homer, Alaska, or building your perfect Alaska itinerary, this FAQ has everything you need — from the best time to visit, what to pack, how to get around, top tours, kid-friendly activities, seasonal travel tips, and the best things to do in Homer.

Explore Homer is built by a lifelong local and combines real insider knowledge with the info travelers search for most. Whether you're planning a summer road trip, winter getaway, family adventure, or bucket-list Alaska experience, use this guide to plan confidently and explore the very best of Homer and Kachemak Bay.

Alaska Trip Planning Basics

  • Summer is the most popular time to visit Alaska, offering long daylight, glacier hikes, whale watching, and wildlife tours. Spring brings shorebirds and awakening wildlife, fall offers golden views and fewer crowds, and winter brings Northern Lights, skiing, long sunrises and sunsets, bright starry nights, and peaceful snowy adventures. Homer is a top year-round destination with seasonal guides on Explore Homer to help you plan.

  • For a full Alaska vacation, travelers often spend 7–14 days. For Homer specifically, plan 3–5 days for first-time visitors or 5–7 days if you want bear viewing, glacier hikes, and cross-bay adventures. Explore Homer offers 3-day, 5-day, and week-long itineraries for every budget and travel style.

  • Alaska weather changes quickly, so pack layered clothing, waterproof jackets, sturdy hiking shoes, warm accessories, and a daypack. For kids: rain gear, extra layers, snacks, and comfort items. Explore Homer’s seasonal guides include custom packing lists for glacier hikes, wildlife tours, and family trips.

  • Absolutely. Travel in spring/fall, mix free hikes with one big adventure, shop at local markets, and book early. Explore Homer highlights budget-friendly and luxury experiences.

Getting to Homer, Alaska

  • You can:
    • Drive from Anchorage (4–5 hours)
    • Fly with Aleutian Airways
    • Ride with our friends at Alaska Bus Company

    Explore Homer includes directions, maps, and seasonal travel tips.

  • A car is highly recommended for exploring beaches, restaurants, hiking trails, moose-viewing spots, and the Homer Spit. It also makes the Anchorage–Homer drive easy and scenic.

Things to Do in Homer & Kachemak Bay

  • Top experiences include:
    • Grewingk Glacier hike
    • Kachemak Bay wildlife cruise
    • Bear viewing flights
    • Fishing charters
    • Kayaking and paddleboarding
    • Exploring the Homer Spit
    • Visiting art galleries
    • Tasting fresh-caught seafood

    Explore Homer partners with the best local operators.

  • Year-round wildlife includes sea otters, eagles, moose, seals, and harbor birds. Seasonal highlights:
    • Spring: shorebirds, orca whales, sandhill cranes
    • Summer: puffins, humpback whales, orca whales, bears
    • Fall: cranes, moose
    • Winter: otters, eagles, seals, owls

  • Winter highlights: cross-country skiing, Homer Rope Tow skiing, winter wildlife tours, crabbing, beach walks, photography, and cozy cafés. Occasional Northern Lights too.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

  • • Grewingk Glacier hike
    • Kayaking in Kachemak Bay
    • Bear viewing flights to Katmai
    • Halibut and salmon fishing
    • Paddleboarding
    • Scenic cross-bay water taxi trips

    Explore Homer lists safe, trusted, reviewed local guides.

  • Most outfitters provide the technical gear: life jackets, dry bags, crampons, and safety equipment. You bring layers, water, snacks, and sturdy shoes.

Family-Friendly Alaska Travel

  • Yes! Families love tidepooling, beaches, easy hikes, wildlife tours, water taxis, and kid-friendly dining. Explore Homer’s Family Guide provides full itineraries.

  • Great options include:
    • Tidepooling
    • Gull Island wildlife tour
    • Beluga Slough trail
    • Beach picnics
    • Playground visits
    • Short hikes
    • Gelato and café treats after exploring

  • Yes — Beluga Slough, the Spit trail, Bishop’s Beach boardwalk, and some areas of the Wynn Nature Center are easy and accessible.

Lodging & Places to Stay in Homer

  • You’ll find:
    • Oceanfront cabins
    • Cozy modern homes
    • Off-grid wilderness cabins
    • Family-friendly rentals
    • Luxury retreats with views
    • Budget options across the bay

    Explore Homer curates hand-picked, high-quality stays.

  • • Summer: 2–6 months ahead
    • Shoulder seasons: 1–3 months
    • Winter: flexible

    Cabins and bear-viewing packages book up fastest.

Tours, Tickets & Reservations

  • Early! Especially for:
    • Bear viewing
    • Glacier hikes
    • Multi-species fishing charters
    • Wildlife cruises

    Summer bookings often fill by April–June.

  • Explore Homer partners with trusted, locally owned operators for:
    • Wildlife tours
    • Glacier hikes
    • Bear viewing
    • Halibut & salmon fishing
    • Family-friendly adventures
    • Kayaking & SUP
    • Water taxis

Homer Food, Dining & Drinks

  • Homer’s food scene is full of local seafood, bakeries, cafés, breweries, and waterfront restaurants. Explore Homer highlights everything from kid-friendly options to date-night favorites.

  • Yes — amazing local coffee shops, roasters, and cafés operate year-round on both the Homer Spit and in town. Explore Homer’s dining guide lists the best.

Seasonal Travel in Alaska

  • Long daylight hours, calm bay waters, glacier hikes, peony fields, festivals, and endless outdoor adventure.

  • Quiet, cozy, beautiful, full of snow activities, and great for photography and wildlife. Perfect for escaping crowds.

  • • Spring: Shorebird Festival, wildlife returning, melting snow, long daylight
    • Fall: Golden hillsides, cool weather, arts events, quiet trails

Custom Trip Planning

  • Yes! Explore Homer creates custom itineraries for:
    • Families
    • Adventure travelers
    • Alaska road trips
    • Budget travelers
    • First-time Alaska visitors
    • Food & culture lovers
    • Honeymooners

    Just fill out the form on the Itineraries page.

  • It’s built by a born-and-raised Homer local with deep connections to guides, restaurants, artists, and small businesses. Expect honest recommendations, insider tips, and curated experiences for any budget.