40 minutes south of Anchorage, this forested ski town offers hiking, biking, gold mining tours, and more. It's a great stop on the way to Homer, Alaska.
2.5 hours from Anchorage, Seward is a beautiful coastal town and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park with stunning views, tons of marine life, and lots of fun activities on and off the water. If you want to see a big glacier up close, take the short hike to Exit Glacier. Seward is a detour from Anchorage to Homer.
Take the 45-minute “Fast Ferry” from Homer to Seldovia to experience a charming and remote boardwalk community. As you cross Kachemak Bay, watch for diving seabirds, otters, or even humpback whales. Stroll along Seldovia’s bustling waterfront, visit art galleries, learn about Seldovia’s Russian origins and Native Alaska influences at the Seldovia Museum & Visitor Center, and stretch your legs on Rocky Ridge Trail, the Otter Bahn trail and Outside Beach.
Homer is known for some of the world's best halibut fishing just an hour's boat ride away. Look for migrating whales while you cast your lure in search of monster halibut that can top the scales at several hundred pounds! You’ll find both full and half-day charters leaving out of Homer. D&G Charters is great, book in advance as they fill up during the summer months. You may target different species of salmon along with halibut, or have a rollicking time chasing rockfish, lingcod or even salmon sharks, all with guidance from knowledgeable (and enthusiastic) charter operators.
Enjoy their distinguished, award-winning wines that are recognized internationally and are a favorite locally. They buy berries and fruit by the pound from our Alaskan community including red raspberries, yellow raspberries, blueberries, black currants, strawberries, gooseberries, apples, low bush cranberries, and rhubarb. Aside from having great access to the winery, the lodging offers both a secluded atmosphere and great views of Kachemak Bay.
Easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and art galleries in Old Town, and to the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center via the Beluga Slough Trail, as well as miles of beautiful beach.
The 26 Glacier Cruise departs from Whittier to explore the waters and wild sights of Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Discover glacier-carved fjords and pristine wilderness around every turn. Watch for marine wildlife and migratory birds along the way. Prince William Sound boasts one of the world’s largest concentrations of tidewater glaciers. College Fjord and Blackstone Bay provide an impressive panoramic view of these spectacular glaciers flowing down from the mountains to the saltwater. Marine wildlife and migratory birds easily outnumber people in Prince William Sound. Sea otters are a common sight, along with harbor seals, Bald eagles, and kittiwakes. There are five species of wild Alaska salmon in the Sound. When the fish are in, the whales and bears will follow! It is not uncommon to see orca whales, humpback whales, sea lions, black bears, mountain goats, Dall’s porpoise, and migratory birds on the 26 Glacier Cruise.
Halibut Cove is a little jewel tucked away in Alaska's first state park, Kachemak Bay State Park. The park area is a total of 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests, coastline and ocean. Visitors frequently observe sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise, and a variety of whale species.
Originally built in 1897, the Salty Dawg Saloon is one of Homer’s most historical and recognizable landmarks. Be sure to stop by for a drink!
Another local favorite serving wood fire pizza, calzones, subs, salads, beer and wine.
A local favorite located on the Homer Spit. Make sure to request a table by the window. Going out fishing for the day on a charter?! Captain Patties will cook and serve your fish the way you like it!
Located on Ismailof Island in Halibut Cove, Alaska, The Saltry Restaurant opened in 1984 with the mission statement - Art on the face of the wilderness and fine dining. Since then, they have been serving both quality interpretations of classic dishes and daring new ventures into the uncharted territories of food. *Read through their website, as you will need to travel via boat (most likely the Danny J) over to eat at the restaurant.
Everything is made from scratch daily. Sweet and savory crepes, espresso, and pastries. Gluten-free options available. "Our goal, here at Wild Honey, is to showcase natures abundance that surrounds us in Alaska. We harvest many of the ingredients we use ourselves. We know the faces and the names of the people that catch, grow, and raise almost everything else we lovingly prepare for you to enjoy.