Local’s Guide to the Best Outdoor Activities in Homer, Alaska

There’s no better place to explore the outdoors than Alaska. After all, our state is home to more than 50 percent of the nation’s wilderness. To put it in perspective, there are 57 million acres of designated wilderness here! So, it’s a no-brainer to add outdoor adventures to your Alaska itinerary. Read on to learn more about five of our favorite outdoor activities in Homer, Alaska. Even better, you can book these one-of-a-kind experiences directly through the Driftwood Inn’s website! 

When you’re ready to start planning your adventure to Homer, don’t forget to check our Things To Do page. You will find it packed with even more local insight on the best spots to visit during your trip to our area. Begin experiencing Alaska’s natural beauty! 

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Our Favorite Outdoor Activities in Homer Alaska

Festivals in Homer Alaska

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival 

The Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is one of our favorite annual events surrounding the local wildlife. This event takes place each May and highlights the shorebird’s spring migration. This year’s festival is set to take place from May 3-7, 2023.  

Homer Peonies Festival

One of Homer’s nicknames is the, “City of Peonies.” Celebrating the 25+ peony farms across town, the Homer Peony Festival is a laid back celebration that calls for guided farm tours, art activities, and smelling the flowers.

Alaska World Arts Festival

The annual Alaska World Arts Festival is a two weeklong celebration of all things art in Homer, Alaska. Usually in the end of September, you can experience art from all around the globe across 50 venues in numerous forms.

Excursions

Kayaking Excursions 

For more fun on the water, embark on one of our kayaking tours. Enjoy guided kayaking from a spectacular basecamp in either Tutka or Petersen Bay in the heart of Kachemak Bay State Park, which is often touted as one of the world’s richest ecosystems!

Seward Helicopter Tours

This tour company provides the ultimate outdoor excursions on Homer, Alaska. The Glacier Dog Sledding excursion lasts 90 minutes and includes a 15 minute helicopter ride, 25 minute dog sled ride, and spending an hour on the gorgeous Godwin Glacier. Pack in layers as temperatures can vary from 35-80 degrees due to sunlight reflecting off of the white snow.

Wildlife, Eco Tours, and Bear viewing

Wildlife & Eco Tours 

Wildlife is the biggest sightseeing opportunity in Homer. Visitors have the chance to view sea otters, eagles, whales, and more with our sightseeing tour options. We offer a customized eco–tour with an optional hike and a Seldovia wildlife tour. 

Alaska Bear Viewing 

Bear viewing is one of the most unique experiences that Alaska has to offer. If you’re interested in watching bears in their natural habitat, book our Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Tour! This experience takes you on a day to Katmai National Park where you can observe brown bears in their natural habitat.

Fishing Charters

Homer Fishing Charters 

Did you know that Homer is the halibut fishing capital of the world? With this information in mind, it’s obvious that you need to book a fishing charter during your visit. We offer half and full-day salmon, halibut, and combination charters led by some of the best Captains in town. You’re sure to discover the best fishing holes these waters have to offer! 

Homer Ocean Charters

If you are looking to be a more successful Moby Dick, embark on a multi-day fishing charter with Homer Ocean Charters. The multi-day trips can last from 3-6 days where you fish for halibut, salmon rockfish, and lingcod.

Hiking

Hiking Adventures 

It’s easy to access some of the state’s best hiking trails from Homer. We offer hiking tours within Kachemak Bay State Park. Choose from the Glacier Lake Family Hike or Halibut Cover Triangle Hike. You can’t go wrong with either! 

Homer Spit Trail

The Homer Spit Trail is an 8.6 mile out and back trail that is both easy and beautiful to hike. Dogs are welcome on a leash and it is also fit for bicycles.

Saddle and Grewingk Lake Trail

This 4.5 mile out and back trail is considered moderately challenging and comes with exquisite views of Kachemak Bay State Park. You will need to take a water taxi or boat to actually hike the trail.

Stay at the Driftwood Inn 

Now that you know about the best outdoor activities in Homer, Alaska, it’s time to plan your trip. No matter which you choose, relax from the comfort of your accommodation at the Driftwood Inn after a day of exploring the Last Frontier. We offer a wide selection of lodging options in Homer including Modern Lodges, Old Town Cottages, Woodside Lodge Suites, Historic Inn Rooms, Tiny Houses, and even an RV Park! Our accommodations are also conveniently located within walking distance of Bishop’s Beach, the Homer Spit, and the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center in Old Town Homer. 

Check our availability to start planning your Alaska adventure!