Nestled among rolling hills and overlooking Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, this seaside community has 4,000 residents and another 8,000 beyond the city limits. In addition to the downtown area of Homer, a unique attraction is the Homer Spit, a long, narrow finger of land jutting 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay. The Spit is home to our harbor and over 700 charter and commercial boat operators year round, growing to 1,500 in the summer months. Homer offers all the amenities of a small, first class city, including a hospital, medical clinics, pharmacies, police and fire departments, and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter for safety at sea. Local, state and federal government offices operate here, as does the Kenai Peninsula College and a senior citizens center.

Homers Economy

People have inhabited Kachemak Bay for thousands of years, drawn to its abundant, diverse land and marine animals and relatively mild climate. In the 1800s, homesteaders and coal miners made up the area's population and Homer became a booming 'company town until the demand for coal diminished in the early 1900s. Some years later, the commercial harvest and processing of fish became the mainstay of the local economy, and lead the growth of Homer into the commercial and transportation hub of the Southern Kenai Peninsula. Today, Homer's economy relies on commercial fishing and the growing tourism industry.

Wildlife Viewing

While in or around Homer you could see moose grazing, a black bear crossing the road, puffins, seabirds, soaring eagles, sea otters, porpoises, Young hikers high in the mountains across the Baykiller whales, porcupine, harbor seal, beluga whales and more . . . and not necessarily in that order! A drive on any of Homer's back roads or a morning boat tour on the bay will make wildlife viewing easy and enjoyable.

Outdoor Adventure in Homer

Homer is the gateway to superb outdoor Alaskan adventures.Tours are available for brown bear viewing, guided kayak trips, hiking, seabird rookery, flight seeing, glacier viewing, horseback riding, claming, sailing, glacier skiing, and more! Outfitters provide packaged or custom trips, whatever suits your schedule!

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival

The Annual Shorebird Festival draws visitors and experts from around the world....Each year, hundreds of thousands of migrating shorebirds land on the mud flats of Kachemak Bay to rest and feed in preparation for their continued journey north. This spectacle is the basis for the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, a 3-day event in early May filled with birding workshops, observation stations, art fairs, bay cruises, keynote speakers and more. The festival offers a unique opportunity to view up to 25 species of shorebirds, including Western Sandpipers, Surfbirds, Black Turnstones, Dunlins, Shortbilled Dowitchers, Whimbrels and more. For a festival program call 907-235-7740.

Exciting adventure awaits you across Kachemak Bay!

The Kachemak Bay State Park, with over 30 miles of trail and 375,000 acres of wilderness, provides excellent back-country hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, lake & stream fishing, and cabin rentals. Or visit scenic Halibut Cove, a remote fishing and artists village where the streets are paved with water. And don't miss Seldovia, where berry picking, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking are just a few of the activities in the town known as "The City of Secluded Charm." Or enjoy a stay at one of the self-supporting wilderness lodges which dot the shores of Kachemak Bay State Park. Water taxis, tour boats, and air taxis are at your service to help you experience the magic of "Across the Bay" (Listed in the directory under Outdoor/Recreation). For State Park camping and trails information, write to Alaska State Parks, PO Box 3248, Homer, AK 99603

Fish Big to Win Big!

Don't forget to buy a Jackpot Halibut Derby ticket before you head out halibut fishing. Monthly winners for biggest fish and tagged fish caught all summer long!! All tickets purchased are eligible in the summer end Vacation Package drawing. The 1998 happy Derby Jackpot winner was awarded $25,392.00 for his 321 lb halibut!

Sportfishing In Homer

Halibut and Salmon fishing while in Homer are a must. Charters are available for fishing trips on and across the bay, and salmon runs are also accessible at the Fishin' Hole on the Homer Spit. Please remember, fishing licenses are required for any fishing, even clamming. For information, regulations and licenses, see local sporting goods stores or your charter office.

• In a 2001 visitor survey, the average visit to Homer was three days.
• 90% of those people surveyed who visited Homer wish they had stayed longer.
• 100% of the people surveyed said they would recommend Homer as a destination to their friends and relatives.