“This end-of-the-road town is known as the ‘Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska’ and ‘Carmel of the North’. An eclectic mix of artists, fishermen and outdoor lovers make up the lifeblood of the town. They are drawn by Homer’s slow pace, rich fishing and postcard-beautiful setting by the clear water Kachemak Bay.” The bay is one of the world’s riches marine estuaries, with rich fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. And a handful of tiny, enchanting harbor towns lay just a water taxi ride away across the bay.
Logistics: Homer (PAHO) has a paved runway and is a short flight for Cirrus pilots from Kenai/Soldotna, Seward or Anchorage. Fly into the airport, stay in a local bed and breakfast for a few days, and rent a car for the duration. Consult this FAA website for specific information on Homer. Also, it is one of the waypoints in the Kenai Peninsula flightseeing tour.
Activities available in Homer include bear viewing at nearby Katmai National Park, one of the most densely populated brown-bear areas in the world, which is accessible by float plane; and halibut fishing less than an hour away, where you might also see migrating whales. Plan on spending a full day for a charter fishing trip, where the fish can weigh several hundred pounds. Or take a 45 minute water taxi ride to either Halibut Cove or Seldovia, where you can browse the galleries, eat, go berry picking, hike, kayak or go mountain biking.
Click here for additional activities and lodging information.