Homer has a diverse range of activities and places to visit. If you are planning a visit, you may want to plan to spend at least three days in the town. This allows you to do a range of activities, including fishing and day trips. If you want to stay in a more isolated environment, you can stay in a wilderness lodge. The town has something to offer everyone, from the young to the old.
Norman Lowell Gallery
There are many things to see and do in Homer, Alaska, and one of the best is the Norman Lowell Gallery. This gallery features the work of local artists. The gallery is open daily from May to September. The artwork is displayed in a large and expertly lit space. You can also visit the Pratt Museum, which features exhibits of the local history and culture.
The city has many attractions and a beautiful harbor. Art galleries, shops and a museum are just a few of the highlights. Ptarmigan Arts is an art cooperative owned by local artists. With more than thirty members, this gallery features a wide range of local art.
The museum also features the work of local artists. You can buy art prints and other works from the gallery, or view the original works at the museum. The museum has high-quality reproductions of Norman Lowell’s paintings and is open by appointment. The museum is free to visit, and you can purchase works of art to take home as souvenirs.
A small art studio on the property of Lowell’s homestead was turned into an art gallery. As the Sterling Highway connected the two, visitors from all over the world began to stream in. The gallery was built in stages, and a 7’x14′ painting, “Spirit of the North,” was unveiled in 2000.
Halibut Cove
When planning your visit to Homer, you should consider visiting Halibut Cove. This coastal community was a prosperous community a hundred years ago, with over 1,000 residents, most of whom worked in one of the 42 herring salteries in the region. Today, Halibut Cove beckons to artists and fishermen alike. The harbor is located a short ferry ride from Homer Spit, and it boasts a 12-block boardwalk. Along the way, you will pass by Gull Island, a unique island that is home to many seabird species.
The waterfront is a great place to spend the day, as there are boardwalks and even a floating post office to enjoy the water. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery and marine life of Homer’s beaches, as well as watch dramatic tide changes. You can also check out Bishop’s Beach, which is known for its tidepools.
If you’re a nature lover, you can take a guided nature tour at the Wynn Nature Center, which offers guided hikes through the city’s pristine landscape. The tours feature breathtaking scenery and wildlife sightings, and the knowledgeable guides will share their knowledge about the area. The center also offers an interpretive log cabin and a covered pavilion. It also features over five miles of walking trails, two viewing platforms, and handicapped access boardwalks.
Halibut Cove is a quaint village on the eastern side of Kachemak Bay. There is no road to Halibut Cove, but it is worth the side trip. There are many trails, protected coves, and beautiful beaches. One of the most famous attractions of the park is the Grewingk Glacier, which can be reached by boat. From Homer, you can also take the Glacier Lake Trail or the Blue Ice Trail to the glacier.
Kachemak Bay State Park
One of the best things to do in Homer, Alaska, is to explore Kachemak Bay State Park and Wilderness Park. Together, these two parks cover over 400,000 acres. They were the first legislatively designated state parks in the state’s park system.
While you’re at Kachemak Bay State Park, visit the Kilcher Homestead Living Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of the area and the relationship between people and land. It features displays about local marine life, native Alaskan culture, and homesteading. It also has a historical cabin and botanical garden. Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-18.
Besides the park’s gorgeous scenery, the area is home to a variety of wildlife. While exploring the park’s coastline, visitors can spot a puffin rookery and sea otters. In addition to this, they can also go whale watching and see Steller sea lions.
Kachemak Bay State Park is a must-see when you visit Homer. It features a beautiful botanical garden and is one of the best places to visit in Homer. There’s even a US Fish and Wildlife Service visitor center. There, you’ll be able to see exhibits about local wildlife and participate in educational programs with a ranger. All three are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Seldovia is another great place to visit in Homer. This picturesque fishing town has a charming historic district, and you’ll find some nice places to stay there. You can also take in some local culture by visiting the Seldovia Museum & Visitor Center, which is a good way to learn more about the town’s Russian and Native Alaskan roots. You can also visit the Homer Farmers’ Market, where locals sell their fresh produce. The market is open from late May to September, and you can buy everything from fresh vegetables to baked goods.
Pier One Theatre
Performing arts lovers will appreciate the historic pier-front theatre in Homer. This community-owned venue features a diverse selection of local talent. It is supported by grants from the state council on the arts, the national endowment for the arts, and the Alaska community foundation. The theatre is also a hub for local youth theatre, with workshops and performances.
The Homer Theatre produces live theatre every summer at its historic pier on the Spit. It is a place where Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing was first produced and is a hub for performances during the summer months. It hosts various plays and musicals, and its programs are aimed at educating youths about the arts and performing.
Besides theater, another place to visit in Homer is the Ptarmigan Arts Center. This gallery is home to many local and international artists and hosts over 50 educational events each year. The museum also features a rotating exhibition of contemporary Alaskan and international art pieces for sale. It also offers concerts, lectures, and dance performances.
Homer is known for its world-class fishing and is home to a variety of charter fishing companies. While here, tourists can also enjoy the Pratt Museum, where they can view artifacts from Kachemak Bay. Another fun place to visit in Homer is the Pier One Theatre, which offers family-friendly live performances. The theater is surrounded by funky shops and restaurants.
