Travel Note
PLEASE NOTE - you should arrange all air travel into and out of Anchorage International Airport. You will NEED a rental car to make it to Homer, which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive south of Anchorage.
Flight
Travel into and out of Alaska is through Anchorage International Airport (ANC). This is a relatively small airport but the largest in Alaska. They have full service 24-hour rental car agencies out of the airport, as well as seasonal connections to the Alaska Rail Road if you're going sightseeing by rail prior to driving down to Homer. Please note if you fish while traveling in Alaska, you can buy a fish box at any local grocery store easily and freeze it, then pack it, and check it as part of your checked baggage home. Alaskan serviced airlines are very used to doing this and it's easy. If you're not fishing, but would like to take home local fish, visit the local fresh fish market New Sagaya in Anchorage and load up fish boxes to fly home. For the price of a checked bag, you won't get fresher fish overnight delivery for less.
Travel Note
You will need a rental car in Alaska unless! Here are a few of our favorite tips to save money on rental cars in Alaska because they're expensive! 1. Costco membership? See rates and vehicle types in a grid when you log into Costco.com, go to the travel tab, and search rental cars. We typically find the best rates this way. 2. If you are active-duty, or retired military, consider booking cheaper military rates through your local travel center at your respective closest base. 3. If you are military, law enforcement or first responder - We have had folks book a car rental through https://www.govx.com/ and also had a very positive experience and great rate. 4. If you want to save a night or two on the rental car where it might otherwise be sitting in the parking lot at your hotel in Anchorage, consider a hotel with a free airport shuttle. We recommend the Lakefront hotel and if we arrive in Anchorage in the evening, we take the shuttle to the hotel. Then, after breakfast, we take the free shuttle back to the airport and pick up the rental car. Likewise, on the return, if we depart in the morning, we drop the rental car in the evening, take the free shuttle back to the hotel, and then in the morning take the shuttle with the luggage back to the hotel so you're not paying an extra night to have the rental car parked in the parking lot essentially. 5. Consider a carpool if traveling with family members.
Travel Note
The drive from Anchorage to Homer along the historic Seward Highway is one of the MOST GORGEOUS drives in the world. The first 45 minutes will have you driving with sheer cliffs on your left and the Turnagain Arm/Cook Inlet on your right. There are many vehicle pull-out options along the highway - some popular ones you might want to plan for on your route include Beluga Point. Along this stretch it is common to see mountain goats, bald eagles, and even whale pods (beluga whale pods migrate at peak during September high tide - check tide charts to time best viewing opportunities). Moose are always popular and possible along the entire drive, we have far more moose in Alaska than any other wildlife. The best wildlife viewing opportunities on the drive are early morning and late afternoon/evening. The drive from Anchorage to Homer takes about 4 hours without stops, and if you time hitting the town of Kenai late evening, the traffic has died down and the odds of seeing bear along the river and moose drastically goes up. There are options for flying to Homer, but rental car options in Homer are limited. Ravn Alaska and Grant Aviation both fly to Homer if you want to fly, but we really do suggest you drive. You'll want a car to get around Homer and the drive is charming.
Travel Note
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage is THE place to stop if you want to ensure the entire family sees the impressive local Alaska wildlife up close and personal. Located just outside of Girdwood be sure to stop here and plan for at least an hour to explore! Summit Lake Lodge in Moose Pass is a great en route stopping point to stretch your legs and grab a slice of fresh pizza or local ice cream. Located 90 minutes from Anchorage, the log cabin parlor is open 9 am-9 pm 7-days a week but beware - it sneaks up on you fast if you’re not looking. Soldotna is located 2.5 hours south of Anchorage and 1.5 hours north of Homer. It’s a great place to plan a stop with gas, shopping, and eateries. St. Elias Brewing Co. is a great option for artisan pizzas and a lovely patio. Addie Camp serves incredible brunch on Sundays until 2 pm (need a res) or stop at Whistle Stop coffee shop in the same complex for lattes and baked goods. The Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel, a historic Russian Orthodox church located near Ninilchik, is a great spot for photos. The turn-off is easy to miss it’s only a half-mile from the highway but not visible from the road (66448 Church St, Ninilchik). You’re only 40 miles from Homer!