Homer

Homer is a city on the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska and is long known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World." It is commonly called the "End of the Road". The most westerly point on the North American contiguous highway system is in nearby Anchor Point. There the road (AK 1) turns southeast and ends at the tip of the Homer Spit, a natural sandbar stretching some four miles into Kachemak Bay, at the End of the Road Park.

Homer Alaska Spit Panorama - upright=1.5|Picture of Homer, Alaska showing the Homer Spit

Homer Halal Travel Guide

Homer is named after Homer Pennock, a charismatic con man who led an expedition to the area in 1896 in search of Gold. They found coal instead. Pennock left the expedition, supposedly to secure more funding, and never returned. For much of the history of this area the larger settlements were those on the opposite side of Kachemak Bay. The completion of the Sterling Highway (AK 1) provided road access in 1951, causing Homer to begin expanding and overshadowing its neighbors across the water. The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake severely damaged the Homer Spit, causing portions of it to sink about six feet, destroying the road and the surrounding habitat, now known as "Mud Bay." The US Army Corps of Engineers reconstructed the first few miles of the Spit, giving it its present appearance.

The Spit is the main tourist area and the location of the harbor, but it is not the whole town. If you only visit the Spit, you miss the town where people live and work. There are over 5,000 people in Homer, and only a dozen or so live on the Spit full-time.

How is the Climate in Homer

{{climate | align = none | units = imperial | janhigh = 30 | febhigh = 33 | marhigh = 37 | aprhigh = 46 | mayhigh = 54 | junhigh = 60 | julhigh = 63 | aughigh = 63 | sephigh = 55 | octhigh = 45 | novhigh = 34 | dechigh = 31 | janlow = 17 | feblow = 18 | marlow = 20 | aprlow = 28 | maylow = 34 | junlow = 41 | jullow = 46 | auglow = 45 | seplow = 39 | octlow = 29 | novlow = 21 | declow = 19 | janprecip = 2.1 | febprecip = 1.4 | marprecip = 1.3 | aprprecip = 0.8 | mayprecip = 0.7 | junprecip = 0.8 | julprecip = 1.6 | augprecip = 2.5 | sepprecip = 3.3 | octprecip = 2.4 | novprecip = 2.4 | decprecip = 2.9 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Homer|59.71611|-151.32556 Data from NOAA (1981-2010)]

Visitor information

Homer Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center - 201 Sterling Hwy. 59.6414, -151.5487 ☎ +1 907 235-7740 - Main center is open daily Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day, and Monday-Friday the rest of the year. During the summer and the Chamber also has a staffed satellite location on the Homer Spit, noon till 7PM daily.

Travel to Homer

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Homer

Flying into Homer is common, with several Flights each day from Anchorage on Ravn Alaska, a local airline. Homer is a 40-minutes flight from Anchorage.

By car

Turnagain Pass, Chugach National Forest, Alaska - The drive from Anchorage passes spectacular scenery.

Driving the 4 - 5 hours from Anchorage is well worth it. The route takes you along Turnigain Arm and up into the epic scenery of the Chugach National Forest and Turnigain Pass. Follow the Seward Highway to the Sterling Highway. When you get to the end of the Sterling, you made it. There is also a regularly scheduled van service and the Stage Line, that shuttles travellers between Anchorage and Homer. The scenery is breathtaking and it will give you a chance to visit some of the smaller towns on the Kenai Peninsula.

By ferry

Homer is also a stop on the Alaska Marine Highway and the state-run ferry system.

By cruise ship

Cruise ships use the terminal at the Deep Water Dock on Freight Dock Road (east of the Small Boat Harbor). It's about 1½-mile walk or shuttle ride from the cruise Dock around the Small Boat Harbor to reach the main area where the shops and attractions begin on the Spit. To get to the Old Town from the Spit, which is about 5 miles northwest, you can take a taxi or use the hop-on hop-off Homer Trolley.

How to get around in Homer

GPS 59.65|-151.46 There isn't a public transportation system to speak of in Homer, so your options come down to walking, riding a bike, catching the seasonal trolley, tips for hitchhiking|hitching a lift, renting a vehicle or taking a taxi.

By foot

Distances, as with most places in America, are fairly large, but there are good footpaths all around Homer. If you are fit, walking can be a great way to see and get a feel for the town. Homer is laid out rather oddly, in "chunks" of areas with businesses separated by residential areas or wetlands. Old Town, south of the Sterling Highway between Ohlson Lane and Main Street, is where you will find the Homer Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, a good place to get a map. Northeast of Old Town is the Business District and the main drag Pioneer Ave, which becomes East End Road after Lake St. Old Town and Pioneer Ave are walkable; further out, biking might be better and easier.

There are paved bike and walking paths on East End Road, on Ocean Drive and the Beluga Slough, and on the Spit. If you are walking, pedaling, or roller-blading in these areas, it is recommended that you stay on the paths and off the roads. It is about 5 miles from the center of town to the harbor area on the Spit, and it can become very windy and cold at any time anywhere in coastal Alaska. Alaskans know that wearing layers that can be added or removed easily is the key to being comfortable outdoors in this highly variable environment.

You can rent bicycles at Homer Saw and Cycle.

By trolley (seasonal)

The red and green Homer Trolley offers seasonal hop-on, hop-off service and stops at a number of key locations like the Pratt Museum, Farmer's Market (Wed & Sat), Land's End Resort at the tip of the Spit, and the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. It operates daily 11AM Monday - 6PM from mid-June through mid-August and for all cruise ships. Day pass is $15 for adults; family rates available. You can buy tickets from the driver when you board.

By vehicle

There are two vehicle rental firms in Homer: Hertz and Adventure Alaska. Hertz and Adventure Alaska also have rentals in Anchorage so if you want to rent a vehicle in Anchorage and drive to Homer you can drop your vehicle off and fly back to Anchorage. Anchorage is the main city in Alaska where most Flights from outside the state end up. From there you fly or rent a vehicle and drive to the next town.

There are several 24-hour taxi companies in Homer. Short in-town rides are about $5 per car-load, expect to pay about $15 to go between the town and the Spit.

What to see in Homer

Homer Spit aerial - Homer Spit is a much used and much loved 4.5-mile (7.2-km) piece of land that juts out into Kachemak Bay

Homer Spit 59.62, -151.455 - Homer Spit - USACE Homer Spit Alaska Open all year, however shops at the end of the spit generally close around mid September and re-open in April. The Salty Dawg Saloon, Coal Point Seafoods, and Land's End Resort are the among the few exceptions that are open year round. The Spit is a massive landspit jutting some four miles out into the middle of the bay. Although it is a naturally occurring formation, damage from the massive 1964 Good Friday earthquake made the harbor and other facilities inaccessible at high tide, and the Spit was partially rebuilt by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Spit is the center of all fishing-related activity in Homer, and has a host of gift and specialty shops and eateries. Water taxis and ferries provide sea access to smaller settlements on the other side of the bay such as Seldovia and the artists colony of Halibut Cove. Marine and avian wildlife can be seen along the spit, including large numbers of bald eagles. Careful observers may also see sea otters, harbor seals, or even sea lions or whales. The "fishing hole" is a man made lagoon that is stocked with hatchery-bred salmon. These salmon leave the lagoon as they mature and live normal lives at sea, returning to the lagoon some years later due to the salmons natural instinct to return to the place it was born in order to spawn and die itself. This is one of the most accessible saltwater salmon fishing locations in all of Alaska, and includes a wheelchair ramp. A walk from the start to the end of the spit will take around an hour. A walk along the beach is a beautiful way to see the spit but be careful of the tide as the beach isn't always accessible at high tide. Kachemak Bay experiences tidal variances of up to Lua error: Cannot create process: proc_open(/dev/null): Failed to open stream: Operation not permitted

name=Mike's 158 W. Pioneer ☎ +1-907-435-7800 W-M 9AM Monday - 5PM. Mike's is a tiny cafe serving giant food, both in volume and flavor. An instant hit with local residents and visitors alike, Mike's serves a variety of sandwiches, salads and soups,tacos, and a Sunday brunch. Be sure to check out the daily specials. Catering available.

Don Jose's - 127 E. Pioneer Ave 59.6446, -151.5454 ☎ +1 907-235-7963 - Features mid-grade Mexican food and high-test margaritas. They also often feature ceviche in the summer months.

Duncan House Diner - 125 E Pioneer Ave 59.6454, -151.5431 ☎ +1 907-235-5344 - A local favorite. It's a diner. If you know what that is you know what to expect from Duncan House.

Cosmic Kitchen - 510 E Pioneer Ave 59.6475, -151.5330 ☎ +1 907-235-6355 - Another local favorite, although quite popular with Muslim visitors as well. It's the kind of place with a menu that guarantees that virtually any two people can go there and both find something they like, from Steaks burritos to wasabi encrusted grilled salmon, to a cheeseburger or a falafel. If it is even slightly warm and sunny sit outside on the deck and watch the world go by.

Vida’s (Thai) Food Pioneer Avenue, just east of Svedlund Street ☎ +1 907-299-7913 $12-20 Fresh, tasty (Thai) food. In the heart of Homer.

East

Follow Homer East Road, locally known as East End.

The Bagel Shop 3745 East End Road 59.6699, -151.4361 corner of East End and Kachemak Drive ☎ +1 907-299-2099 - Don't let the outside fool you, inside are delicious homemade bagels topped in creative ways with fresh ingredients and served by the happiest bunch you will ever meet.

Wasabi's - 59217 East End Road 59.6773, -151.4191 ☎ +1 907 226-3663 Opening Hours: Winter (starts August 29th): W-Sa 5PM Monday - close, Summer (starts May 20th): Tuesday - Sunday 5PM Monday - close About four miles out, serves "Pacific rim cuisine" and sushi for dinner.

The Homestead - 55829 East Road 59.7098, -151.3393 ☎ +1 907-235-8723 - Eight miles out, "white tablecloth" restaurant and local institution.

Homer Alaska Salty Dawg Saloon 1850px - The Salty Dawg was originally one of the first cabins built in Homer back in 1897 and has served as a post office, railroad station, schoolhouse and an office for Standard Oil Company.

Bars

Not all bars in Homer accept credit cards or checks, but there are ATMs available.

The Salty Dawg Saloon - 4380 Homer Spit Road 59.601894, -151.421396 ☎ +1 907-235-6718 - Salty Dawg Saloon On the spit is a colorful unique establishment inside a hodgepodge of rustic buildings. Don't miss this place. Go inside and leave your dollar bill on the wall! Open year-round.

Kharacter's Alaskan Cafe 197 E Pioneer Ave 59.6463, -151.5382 ☎ +1 907-235-1455 - A local favorite featuring quirky nightly events such as "craft night" and the "substandard variety show".

The Alibi - 453 E Pioneer Ave 59.6476, -151.5317 ☎ +1 907-235-9199 - Features some pretty decent bar food and regularly has DJs or karaoke.

Down East Saloon - 3125 East End Road 59.6655, -151.4528 ☎ +1 907-235-6002 - Regularly features live music, and one of Homer's better selections of on-tap libations.

The Homer Company - 1411 Lake Shore Dr 59.6401, -151.5066 ☎ +1 907-235-3626 - The brewery has a retail area that sells soft drinks directly from the taps by the 1/2 gallon growler or 16 & 32 oz bottle to go. The taproom offers sample "flights" or pints. There are no tours, but the brewery is fairly open and easy to view from the retail area. In the warmer months and there is an outdoor organic juice garden and fresh oysters for sale.

Bear Creek Grapes - 60203 Bear Creek Dr 59.6700, -151.4558 ☎ +1 907-235-8484 - Bear Creek fruit cocktailry makes fruit soft drinks and fruit grape blends. Visitors can visit the tasting room, tour the facility, or walk the gardens.

Coffee and tea

If you spend any time in Alaska you will notice the massive popularity of drive-up coffee stands and coffee houses.

K-Bay Caffe - 378 E Pioneer Ave 59.6467, -151.5362 ☎ +1 907-235-1551 - Handcrafted espresso drinks. At the "slow bar", rare coffees are made to order by the cup with an elegant vacuum coffee maker. Food and baked goods are available, with a focus on organic ingredients.

Captain's Coffee Roasters - 295 E Pioneer Ave 59.6465, -151.5364 ☎ +1 907-235-4970 - A sort of homegrown Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) with a drive-through.

Coal Town Coffee - 4306 Homer Spit Road 59.6027, -151.4244 ☎ +1 907-235-4771 - A good place for espresso or a wide variety of teas.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Homer

Homer - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Homer, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Homer. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Homer and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Homer. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Homer. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Homer: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Homer.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Homer: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Homer, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Homer.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Homer, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Homer, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Homer and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Homer, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Homer, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Homer without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Homer is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Homer.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Homer is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Homer, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Homer Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Homer

eHalal Group Homer is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Homer. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Homer.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Homer ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Homer. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Homer, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Homer are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

As with most lodging in Alaska it is best to ring ahead and book a place a few nights in advance during the spring, summer, autumn (fall) tourist season. The Homer area features over 200 bed and breakfast establishments, with a wide range of prices and amenities. Location is a strong selling point of some of these, be sure to ask about the view!

Seaside Farm Hostel - 40904 Seaside Farm Road 59.6767, -151.4090 - Cabins from $95 Nice little hostel maybe 5-10 minutes outside of town. It is a working farm and contains a hostel plus rooms and cabins that you can sleep in. Great people who run it. It is about 4 miles from the town and about 9 miles from the harbor, so you will probably need transportation.

Young's Downtown Inn 565 E Pioneer Ave 59.6482, -151.5286 A small hotel and Asian restaurant. If you stay here you will smell like Chinese food by morning, but it is relatively affordable and centrally located.

Beluga Lake Lodge - 204 Ocean Dr 59.6376, -151.5187 ☎ +1 907-235-5995 +1-888-795-6343 Has a variety of room types to suit your budget. Very close to the airport, and has a unique view looking back at Homer from its restaurant, which has great "fat burgers".

Best Western Bidarka Inn - 575 Sterling Highway 59.6420, -151.5565 ☎ +1 907-235-8148 $80-180 depending on room type and availability If you arrive by road this will be one of the first things you see once you make it down the hill. Features The Otter Room fireside lounge and grill (a favorite watering hole of the crew from the Time Bandit of "Deadliest Catch" fame), and free breakfast buffet. Two hot tub rooms available as well.

Ocean Shores Motel - 3500 Crittenden Dr 59.6411, -151.5550 ☎ +1 907-235-7775 Right next door to the Bidarka and the closer you get to the beach on this terraced property and the more expensive (and nicer) the room. Unique layout provides plenty of good views of the bay and mountains. Not open in winter.

King's Landing Hotel | 147 E Pioneer Ave 59.6454, -151.5421 +1 800-380-7787 This log building in the center of Homer is one of the older hotels in the area. Cheap rooms are right off the lobby but several room types are available, including a suite with a jacuzzi.

One thing Homer does not have is "five-star" hotels. The upper end of the lodging options are more in the vein of remote lodges.

Land's End Resort - 4786 Homer Spit Road 59.6009, -151.4097 located at the very end of the Homer Spit ☎ +1 907-235-0400 The rooms are really nothing special, but the view on the bay side of the building can't be beat. The Lodges at Land's End are a more upscale option featuring two-story beachfront condos.

Tutka Bay Lodge - located on the other side of the bay. Access by 25-minutes water taxi from Homer It is remote and very quiet, although it also features a cooking school and hosts the annual "Champagne and Chopin" concert by the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra. Open May 1-Sept 15.

Sadie Cove Lodge - Inside Kachemak Bay State Park ☎ +1 907-235-2350 +1-888-283-7234 Another remote wilderness lodge in isolated Sadie Cove.

Hallo Bay Wilderness Lodge | Geared towards bear encounters and is located on the other side of Cook Inlet. They have a booking office near the base of the Spit.

News & References Homer

Travel Next

Kachemak Bay State Park - Located across the bay, Kachemak Bay State Park is the first and largest of the parks in the state. Many guides in Homer offer adventure trips to the park, or you can take any one of many water taxis from Homer.
Kodiak
Anchor Point
Seldovia