Guide to Homer

Daniel’s picks for Homer. Not a bad idea to copy this off and bring it with you or download a pdf of this page.

Call me if you have any questions (907) 399-7202

General Info

  • Homer Chamber of Commerce

    Lots of businesses on the chamber website. www.homeralaska.org

  • Local News Papers

    Homer News – Local weekly paper
    Peninsula Clarion – Daily Soldotna/Kenai paper
    Anchorage Daily News – Daily Anchorage paper

  • Transportation

    Alaska Marine Highway System Reservation and Ticketing Agent – The Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) does come in and out of Homer but not on a regular-type schedule so check these guys out if you’re thinking about taking the ferry. (907) 235-7099 or 800-382-9229

  • Rental Cars

    Anchorage has all the big-name National rental companies as well some local folks we have used.
    ABC Motorhome and Car Rentals – They have motorhomes, cars, vans, and SUV’s. They are close to the airport and have a shuttle. (907) 279-2000
    Midnight Sun Car Rental – Need a van to haul people, luggage, and fish? Try this place. They have cars too. Close to the airport but not close enough to have the airport taxes included. (907) 243-8806

  • Alaska State Fishing & Hunting Licenses

    You can purchase your sport fishing license online. Click here for information or license registration.

  • Fish Processing

    Coal Point Seafood Co – They package fish to perfection. Often their vacuum packed fish can last a couple of years in the freezer. We highly recommend this crew. (907) 235-3877 or 800-325-387

  • Cold Storage

    Homer:

    Coal Point Seafood Co – They can hold your fish until you are ready to leave or ready to have it shipped out. They also have the capability to flash freeze your catch. (907) 235-3877 or 800-325-3877

    Seward:

    Captain Jack’s Seafood Locker – Conveniently located in town, Captain Jack’s Seafood Locker can process your fish in Seward or hold fish in their freezers that you have caught and had processed in Homer. (907) 224-8082

    Anchorage:

    Ted Stevens International Airport – Located on the 1st level of the airport with ample freezer space. (907) 248-0373

On Your Drive Down from Anchorage

Portage Glacier Cruise – Portage Glacier Visitor Center is just a 10-minute detour off the Sterling Highway 45 miles south of Anchorage. A great thing to do on your way down to Homer. 800-544-2206

Alaska Animal Conservation Center – This wonderful facility takes in displaced Alaskan animals and gives you the opportunity to see them up close and personal. Just 47 miles South of Anchorage right off the Seward Highway, it’s an easy stop on your way down to Homer. (907) 783-2025

Kenai Fjords Tours – Kenai Fjords Tours have cruises lasting from 2 ½- 9 hours that take you through Resurrection Bay out of Sward to Kenai Fjords National Park to see glaciers and an amazing amount of wildlife. 877-777-4051

Fishing

  • Boats located in the Homer Harbor – 6-Pack Boats

    Daniel’s Personalized Guide Service – Daniel has been fishing these waters aboard the The Optimist for over 30 years. He loves what he does, and it shows. (907) 399-7202

    Captain Greg’s Charters – Aboard the 31’ F/V Tomahawk Greg has been a licensed skipper since 1978 and loves to fish. He fishes for Salmon, Halibut or a combination of both species as part of your Alaskan experience. 877-235-4756 or (907) 235-4756

    Midnight Sun Charters – Brian has fished these waters since 1991 both commercially and sport. Brian has now turned his attention on fishing for Halibut in the shallowest waters possible to give the angler the best fight ever. (907) 235-6483 or (907) 299-3047

    Homer Charter Fishing – Mike Benoit has a guide service that takes groups of four or smaller saltwater charter fishing for salmon and Halibut as well as walk and wade fishing day trips on any Kenai Peninsula river or stream. (907) 947-6937

  • Big Boats for a group larger than 6

    North Country Charters – Brian Ritchie and his partners operate North Country Charters; they have a large inspected vessel that can take up to 20 people as well as several six-pack charter boats. (907) 235-7620 or 800-770-7620

    Inlet Charters – Barbara and Gary have owned and operated Inlet Charters for over 30 years. With both small and large boats they offer whole day halibut trips as well as salmon and combination trips. They can also book a variety of other Alaskan adventures. (907) 235-6126 or 800-770-6126

  • Homer River Guides

    Walk in River Silverfin Guide Service – Gary has great local knowledge of the rivers around Homer and how to catch fish in them. Check with him to fish the rivers around Homer. (907) 399-2241

  • Kenai River Guides

    Alaska River Adventures – Based out of Cooper Landing, River Fisherman George Heim and his guides fish the Kenai and many other rivers for a multitude of species including King Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. He also offers lodging packages, float trips and flyouts. (907) 595-2000 or 888-836-9027

    Angle 45 Adventures – Jason offers a variety of fishing adventures. He offers drift boat fishing on the Kenai or Kasilof Rivers as well as hike-in fishing targeting Rainbow Trout, Salmon and Steelhead. (907) 782-3175

  • Seward Fishing Guides

    Alaska Saltwater Charters – Locally owned and operated Diane can take you fishing for King Salmon year-round. The F/V Florette C. is a comfortable and warm 53’ trolling-style charter boat that can easily accommodate 6 angers. (907) 224-7254

    Cracker Jack Charters – has a variety of charters to fit your needs. They fish for Halibut, half day or full day Silver Salmon or a combination of Halibut and Silver
    Salmon. Their boats can run a single day, overnight or multiple day trips to fit the experience you’re looking for. (907) 224-2606 or (877) 224-2606

  • Fly-Out Fishing Services

    Talon Air – From fly-in fishing to bear viewing to flight seeing and big game hunting Talon Air Service does it all. Their pilots and guides have 30 years of Alaskan wilderness experience that can help you customize your Alaskan adventure. (907) 262-8899

Things to do in Homer

  • Kayaking

    True North Kayak – Where the journey is the destination has always been their motto as they have taken many people kayaking through the beautiful islands across the Bay for an experience of a lifetime. They have many options to choose from: ½ day, ¾ day, full day and multi-day excursions. Kayak rentals are also available. (907)235-0708

  • Water Taxis

    Mako’s Water Taxi – Looking to take a trip across Kachemak Bay? Mako has the boats to get you there. Mountain Bikes, Dogs and Kayaks are welcome. (907) 235-9055

    Ashore Water Taxi – Dave Lyon has 20 years of local knowledge to get you where you want to go across the bay. His 24ft landing craft can handle 4-wheelers and kayaks. (907) 399-2340

  • Wildlife Boat Tours

    Rainbow Tours – This tour company has been around for as long as I can remember. They do a great job looking for wildlife. If there’s a whale around they’ll find it. Seals, sea otters, and a variety of birds are some things you’ll likely see. They also stop in Seldovia for a 3-hour excursion during the day. (907) 235-7272

  • Flight Seeing

    Maritime Helicopters – Fly with an eagle-eyes view of Alaska in all its grandeur. Within a 15-minute flight Maritime Helicopters can land you on a glacier to stand where no one has stood before. What an experience! (907) 235-7771

    Northwind Aviation – From Bear Viewing to Flightseeing to Air Transport, we have you covered! (907) 235-7482

  • Bear Viewing

    Bald Mountain Air Service – Lifelong Alaskans Gary and Jeannie Porter have been guaranteeing views of bears for many years and haven’t disappointed anyone yet. They make daily flights across the Inlet to the Alaskan Peninsula to see some of the most amazing scenery not to mention an up close and personal experience with the mighty brown bear. What a trip! (907) 235-7969

  • Other Activities

    Golf:
    Kachemak Bay Lynx Par 3 Golf – 6.5 miles out East End Road you’ll find the most westerly golf course in North America. A 9-hole course, full line pro shop and rentals are available from mid-April – October. (800) 295-5969 or (907) 235-0606

    Fireweed Meadows Golf Course – In Anchor Point, this course is on the Most Westerly Point in North America. (907) 226-2582

     

    Walking Trails:
    Kachemak Bay State Park – For trail info go to this site. They also have cabins for rent across the bay.

    Homer Parks and Recreation – Here’s a site for some of the trails around town. They also have campsites for rent.

    Kenai Peninsula Hiking Trails

  • Clothing/Supplies/Tackle

    Ulmer’s Drug and Hardware – Ulmer’s is a throwback from the time when 1 store did it all. This place has everything, and I mean everything. If you need fishing gear, clothing, diapers, crafts, gifts, cough medicine, baking pans, etc. Get it here. (907) 235-8594

    Kachemak Gear Shed – If it has to do with fishing (commercial or sport) and hunting you’ll find it here. From outdoor clothing to tackle to 4-wheelers and outboards the Gear Shed has been meeting the needs of the Alaskan outdoorsmen for a very long time. (907) 235-8612

    The Sports Shed – Right across from the Fishing Hole the Sports Shed is a great place to pick up a fishing license, last minute tackle or rent a rod to try your luck at the hole. (907) 235-6779

    Nomar – Home of the Gale Force clothing line these clothes are made in house and are built for Alaskan weather. They are in downtown Homer and have a large selection of these hearty Alaskan clothes. 800-478-8364 or (907) 235-8363

  • Nature Centers and Museums

    Alaska Islands and Oceans Visitor Center – Admission is free to this amazing facility where both the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve have made a commitment to educate and inform the public about the natural treasures in both the Reserve and Refuge. It’s a great place to stop while in Homer. (907) 235-6961

    Carl Wynn Nature Center – With nice trails that surround it, it is a beautiful place to walk
    around to enjoy and learn about the local plants and their environment. (907) 235-6667

    Center for Alaska Coastal Studies – Explore remote beaches, hike lush coastal forests or view nesting seabirds with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. They offer a variety of guided natural history tours as well as children’s programs, yurt rentals and many other activities and events. (907) 235-6667

    Pratt Museum – To find out some history of the Homer area and information concerning the beauty that surrounds it, Pratt is the place to go. It has a bear-cam filming live action at McNeil River, aquariums containing local marine life, homesteader’s biographies and many exhibits that will lead you to look at Homer in a whole different way. (907) 235-8635

  • Theaters

    Pier One Theatre – This little theater on the Spit has great summer productions that feature the many local talents here in Homer. (907) 226-2287

    Homer Council on the Arts – Usually has a hand in many of the upcoming artsy events in Homer. (907) 235-4288

  • Galleries

    Art Shop Gallery – In downtown Homer, they have original Alaska art, prints, posters, Alaska gifts and Alaska Native art and crafts. (907) 235-7076

    Ptarmigan Arts – In downtown Homer this gallery is made up of a local coop of artists displaying and selling their wonderful talent. (907) 235-5345

    Norman Lowell Gallery & Studio – Don’t miss this one especially if you like Alaska landscapes. Norman and Libby Lowell will be happy to host you through their state of art gallery situated on their homestead. (907) 235-7344

    Bunnel Street Gallery – The front half of this gallery usually features an artist and displays their work and the back half has a collection of treasures to buy from many Alaskan artists. (907) 235-2662

    Fireweed Gallery – Fireweed is full of contemporary art by Alaskans. You’ll find all different mediums used in these displays. (907) 235-3411

    Sea Lion Fine Art Gallery – Gary Lyons paints some amazing pictures of the wildlife and scenery around Homer. You can find his gallery on the Spit. (907) 235-3400

    Homer Spit Galleries – Lots of galleries on the spit filled with artsy treasures.

    Homer Farmers Market – Local vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, eggs, fresh-cut flowers, jewelry and much more.

  • Gift Shops (so many but here’s just a couple)

    On the Spit: Inua “The Spirit of Alaska” – As much a museum as a gift shop, Bill and Katrin have found amazing authentic Alaskan treasures and have them beautifully displayed in their shop. It is situated on the Cannery Row Boardwalk and its sister shop The Roadhouse is on the opposite side and end of the boardwalk. (907) 235-6644

    Salty Girls Gifts – Check it out. Salty girls Mary and Diane have a great little gift shop just towards the harbor from the Salty Dawg Saloon. They have a variety of handmade salty-style gifts, clothing and every kind of saltwater toffee you can think of. (907) 235-8000

Restaurants & Food in Homer

  • Restaurants

    River Café – This little place is great for breakfast or lunch and they also do box lunches for you to take on your fishing adventure! Find their menu and daily specials on Facebook. Some indoor and outdoor seating, nice owners and great staff. (907) 435-0556

    Fat Olives Restaurant – Located in the main town off the By-Pass Road Fat Olive’s wood fired Oven makes their Mediterranean Cuisine flavorful with a warm atmosphere and great service. Grab a slice of pizza or sit down for a meal with a wonderful selection of beers and wines. (907) 235-8488

    Chart Room restaurant – Located in the Land’s End Hotel at the end of the Spit right on the beach the restaurant offers casual dining with a bar menu or formal dining with breathtaking views of the mountains, the Bay and the boats passing by. (800) 478-0400 or (907) 235-0400

    Two Sisters Bakery – A local hangout started by 2 friends; the Two Sisters Bakery is a great place for gourmet coffee, fresh baked goods (baked in their wood fired oven), soup and sandwiches. A great place to go after a walk on Bishops Beach. (907) 235-2280

    Duncan House – Good ol’ hometown cooking. Open for breakfast and lunch you’ll find lots of diner favorites and is right downtown. Great food and service. (907) 235-5344

    Boardwalk Fish-n-Chips – Good fish & chips or charbroiled hamburgers and conveniently situated on the cannery row boardwalk for a good hot meal after a great day of fishing (907) 235-7749

    Don José’s – In the main town Don José’s is a colorful restaurant and bar with a Mexican /American menu. It’s also a great place to pick up a pizza or hang out and drink margaritas. (907) 235-7963

    Boat Yard Café – One of my favorites. Located in the boat yard off Kachemak Drive this little café does great burgers, fish tacos, shakes and a variety of other scrumptious tidbits. (907) 299-9297

    Harbor Grill – On the Homer Spit overlooking the boat harbor. Serves up a variety of good food, our favorite is the Calamari; they also have fish and chips, fish tacos and some great burgers and have a full bar. (907) 235-9333

    Captain Patties Fish House – A great place to get good fresh seafood, Captain Patties is located on the boardwalk on the Spit and has a great view of Kachemak Bay. (907) 235-5135

    Finn’s Pizza – Located on Cannery Boardwalk on the Spit, Finn’s uses only organic ingredients to make this mouth water pizza. (907) 235-2878

    Vida’s Thai Food – Vida is from Thailand and makes great Thai food in the heart of Homer right on main street. (907) 299-7913

    The Saltry – You’ll love sitting on the covered deck looking out over Halibut Cove. The Saltry serves mostly seafood. It’s an experience to take the ferry “Danny J” over to the cove and walk the boardwalk while checking out the galleries of local art before your meal. (907) 226-2424

  • Spirits

    The Homer Brewing Company – Great place to pick up grog of beer or some Homer Brewing Paraphernalia Homer Brew has several brews that are favorites with Alaskans. (907) 235-3626

    Bear Creek Winery – They specialize in making wines from the wonderful berries of Homer; the beautiful gardens and Koi Pond are worth a visit. Bear Creek Winery also uses grapes shipped especially for their signature wines. Come to their tasting room to sample these unique and flavorful wines. (907) 318-2470

    Salty Dawg Saloon – You can’t go to Homer without stopping in the Salty Dawg. It’s one of those places that is a must do at least once in your life. (907) 235-6718

  • Seafood Sales

    Seafoods of Alaska – Pat and Dawn Schneider work hard to find the finest quality of seafood available at a reasonable price. Give them a call to see what they have in stock. (907) 399-7843

    Coal Point Seafood Company – In their store on the Spit you can see their supplies of seafood nicely displayed or give them a call to see what they have in stock. (907) 235-3877 or 800-325-3877

Other Important Stuff

  • Charities

    Make a Wish Foundation – We’ve enjoyed donating lodging and charters for several years to this wonderful foundation. There is nothing like a child catching a fish to make his/her wish come true. Support this organization every chance you get.

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