We Know 8 Of the Most Fun Things to Do in Homer, Alaska, in the Winter
Contrary to popular belief, winter is a great time to visit Homer, Alaska! It’s not always freezing cold and it’s not dark all day. These are a couple of common misconceptions that keep Contiguous United States travelers from coming to Homer, Alaska, in the winter. In fact, this time of year is less trafficked, which makes it a quieter time to visit. Enjoy family-friendly fun with community organizations, ski trails, and annual events! This is the perfect time of year to plan your family trip. Take advantage of all of the family-friendly things to do in a quiet setting.
Request a copy of our free Homer Vacation Guide for more recommendations on what to do during your trip!
Planning Your Family-Friendly Getaway This Winter In Homer, Alaska
1. Hit the Trails at Kachemak Nordic Ski Club
Winter in Homer poses a great opportunity for Nordic skiing! The Kachemak Nordic Ski Club offers an abundance of ski trails! This ski club offers private lessons for beginners as well as monthly events and clinics.
2. Sledding with the Family
Nordic skiing is a popular winter activity in Homer, but it can be quite intimidating for families with younger travelers. If the sport is not one you and your fellow traveling companions will enjoy, however, a visit to Ohlson Mountain will help you find alternative ways of enjoying a snowy day, with a downhill sledding adventure. There is nothing more heartwarming than watching your kids happily fly down the hill, knowing they are safe and having fun and who knows, it may be an activity you return to day after day. Local stores sell inexpensive sleds, but we have often found that pieces of cardboard can do the trick as well, costing nothing but still providing oodles of fun.
3. Get out on the Bay with a Salmon/Crab Combo
Homer is best-known for world-class fishing! While spring and summer are traditionally the best times for fishing in Homer, you can enjoy fishing during the winter, too! Check out our Salmon/Crab Combo.
4. Take a Hike
Hiking isn’t just a summer event in Alaska and when properly equipped, visitors can expect to enjoy a fantastical experience that quite possibly take their breath away and renting snowshoes can make the hike easier and much more interesting. The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, located at 708 Smokey Bay Way rents snowshoes AND offers guided walks at extremely reasonable prices but if you prefer to go on your own, the trails that lead around and to the Wynn Nature Center are popular and fun. Chances are you won’t want to take an extremely long hike when the temperatures are below 37 degrees, so we recommend trying out the Lutz/Fireweed and Dogwood Loops, respectively lasting for 1.5 miles and ¾ of a mile, taking hikers through some of Homer’s most rugged and breathtaking landscape.
5. Attend a Homer, Alaska, Christmas Event
If you’re visiting for the holidays, be sure to attend a Homer, Alaska, Christmas event! Our community offers many holiday traditions for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy the performing arts, first Friday events, holiday lights displays, festive shopping and an annual tree lighting! You will find the annual Nutcracker performance times on the Homer Council on the Arts Calendar.
With all the fun things to do you’re sure to feel right at home when you spend the holidays in Homer!
6. Skate the Afternoon Away
Skating for all ages and abilities is a fun way to spend the afternoon. Mon, Wed and Fri from 3 pm to 4:15 pm and most weekends from 4:30-6 pm. Located on the Homer Spit, Call 907-235-8ICE or check the calendar at the Kevin Bell Arena to find out more.
7. Homer Winter Carnival Celebration
Traditionally held in February, the Homer Winter Carnival Celebration gives us something “funderful” to look forward to after the Christmas holidays have concluded. Beginning with a parade, followed by horse rides, car races, and a home brew contest, visitors can also enjoy a free public skate at Kevin Bell, live music, a scavenger hunt, and a variety of other experiences that will enhance the beauty of your Homer vacation.
8. Make Driftwood Inn Your Winter Home
Cozy up at Driftwood Inn when you visit Homer, Alaska, in the winter! We offer a variety of lodging options for all types of travelers. Couples and solo adventurers can enjoy a stay in our Historic Inn Rooms or Tiny Houses, while family/group travelers can find everything they need in one of our Modern Lodges! All of our accommodations are located just a stone’s throw away from the best things to do in Homer.
Consider a stay in one of our Modern Lodges during your winter getaway! These three homes are located in the heart of Old Town Homer and overlook Bishop’s Beach. Each home offers ample space, a fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor entertaining space, and more. These lodges are truly your home away from home!
Check our availability and start planning your trip!