What to See in Downtown Homer, Alaska
Although Homer, Alaska is known for the Homer Spit and its halibut, there is much more to do here than fish. Once you’ve soaked in the view from your Homer AK vacation rental (click here for current property listings), be sure to check out the vibrant and eclectic arts, culture and cuisine scene of downtown Homer.
Old Town
While considering your Homer, Alaska real estate purchase, you might begin your exploration in Old Town Homer, where you can grab a pastry and coffee from Two Sister’s to-go window or sit down for a robust and flavorful crepe at the Wild Honey Bistro. After breakfast, walk down to Bishop’s Beach, where local wildlife abounds. Bald eagles, migratory shorebirds and sandhill cranes frequent the Beluga Slough estuary that lies adjacent to Bishop’s Beach. Sea otters and seals are often spotted bobbing just offshore and as always while in Homer, be on the lookout for moose!
If you have a dog, be sure to keep her on leash near the estuary, to protect the ground-nesting shorebirds, but good dogs (with good recall) run free on the sand flats of low tide. Just be sure to scoop your dog poop!
After a good morning at the beach, you can enjoy an easy walk through Old Town to Bunnell Street Arts Center to view the current artist’s show. Stop by Salt|Pine, the Fringe and Sea Glo for a natural and whimsical shopping experience, or if science is more your scene, then hike the short Beluga Slough Trail up to Islands and Ocean Visitor’s Center where interactive exhibits will teach you all about the marine ecosystem of Kachemak Bay.
Complete your morning in Old Town with a cold beer and a wood-fired slice or a gourmet salad and gluten-free pizza from Fat Olives. Then, continue on your walking tour to the heart of Homer—Pioneer Avenue
Pioneer Avenue and Downtown
If you’re considering Alaska real estate investing, or making Homer your home, you’ll find plenty of shopping and commerce opportunities downtown.
Save-U-More, located on Greatland Street, is where the locals buy bulk foods, kombucha, foreign delicacies, and gourmet cheese and meats. Homer’s Jeans, on Pioneer Avenue, sells fashionable and functional clothes for men and women. Northwind and Oodalolly, both on Pioneer, sell whimsical gifts for everyone on your list, and Ulmer’s Drug & Hardware sells just about everything you can imagine.
The Pratt Museum, located on Bartlett Street, hosts a rotating artist’s show, as well as interactive science and natural history exhibits. In the summer, take a walk on the interpretive trail and immerse yourself in the history and nature of Homer.
If you’re hungry, stop by Don Jose’s or Pizza Underground, Vida’s Thai, Young’s Oriental or Mike’s Alaskan Eatery. There’s something for everyone’s tastebuds on Pioneer Avenue and Lake Street.
But a visit to Homer isn’t complete without a stroll through the local art galleries. Homer Council on the Arts, Bunnell Street Arts Center, Ptarmigan Arts, and Fireweed Gallery, all host a first Friday Opening exhibit every month, when you can sip wine, meet the artist and learn about their inspirations. The galleries are open for shopping and viewing during the rest of the month as well.
And of course, if it’s late night in Homer and you hear music streaming from one of the local watering holes, put on your dancing boots and come join us as we kick up our heels under the midnight sun.
Homer, Alaska may be the End of the Road, but it is at the heart of its own unique, lively and conscious culture. We’re all here because we’re not all there. Contact The Arrival Co. to book a property or learn more!
