Homer, Alaska - Named One Of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns
The Cosmic Hamlet By The Sea
Homer, Alaska
By: Courtney Dowd-Stanley
Homer, Alaska, has been called the “cosmic hamlet by the sea” for as long as we can remember. But don’t worry, the town really does live up to the hype of its nickname. You see, Homer isn’t like all the other towns along the way. This special place at the “end of the road” offers a priceless setting with scenery that is out of this world. An article published by The Seattle Times quoted that Homer is, “... a sort of Key West in a parka.” But more recently, Homer was named one of America’s happiest seaside towns by Coastal Living Magazine.
Flickr, Damian MandaOverall, we would describe the feeling that we get in Homer as euphoric.
Flickr, NOAA Public LibraryIt’s a unique place with relaxed vibes, bucket-loads of good karma, and an addicting personality.
Flickr, Keith CuddebackFrom the epic halibut fishing …
Flickr, Travis…to the ultimate rush you get reeling in feisty silver salmon from the lagoon on the Homer Spit.
Flickr, Isaac WedinIf you want to fuel your inner fishing fanatic, Homer offers a variety of excellent options to get you out on the salt and ON SOME FISH!
Flickr, Keith CuddebackKeep in mind; Homer is so much more than just fishing.
Renee Gilbert PhotographyStay at Alaska Luxury Adventures Second Star property and realize that "overnight accommodations" can mean more than just a place to sleep. Named for the location of Neverland in the beloved book, Peter Pan, this is certainly a magical luxury rental property. This 17,000-square-foot home is situated on 3.5 acres of oceanfront property overlooking the majestic Kachemak Bay. Eight luxurious bedroom suites, each with its own unique theme, can accommodate up to 30 overnight guests. Perfect for you own getaway, friend or family reunion or wedding venue.
Alaska Luxury Adventures Second Star in Homer, Alaska When not sleeping, you can take advantage of the 3,000 foot wrap around deck with endless views, outdoor fireplace & pizza oven or stroll to the beach with the direct beach access. Inside you can relax with the sauna, steam room, hot tub and swimming pool. The kids won't get bored with the game room or custom movie theater that has plenty of space for everyone. You can always explore the 2,000 sq foot Neverland themed room (which you can actually sleep in!) 
The 2,000 sq ft Neverland themed room within the Alaska Luxury Adventures Second Star propertyIn town you’ll find art galleries clustered on Pioneer Avenue near the Pratt Museum. Observe local historic artifacts such as this rustic pioneer cabin.
Flickr, Ruth RaineyOr, head to the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center to view incredible wildlife exhibits. This is a great place to bring the kiddos on a rainy day!
Flickr, J. Stephen ConnThe Homer Spit offers lots of fun entertainment to keep you busy all day long.
Flickr, BrianAt the Seafarer’s Memorial visitors can pay their respects to the many brave men and women who have lost their lives at sea.
Flickr, Keith CuddebackWalking the docks is a way to submerge yourself into the local feel of things.
Flickr, TravisWalk through the fun shops featuring lots of locally made items, book an excursion, or just explore at your own pace. You never know what kind of stunning panoramic will greet you as you twist and turn through the town streets.
Flickr, Lisa MatlockHomer is also a foodie’s nirvana. It has everything from highly adored local bakeries to tiny eateries by the sea, and even historic watering holes that are impossible to ignore.
Flickr, Keith CuddebackIn the summertime you’ll find the “spit” lined with people camping (both in tents and RVs), flying kites, surf-casting, building sand castles, having beach fires…
Flickr, Christopher Griner…walking the dogs, surfing, kayaking, kite-surfing and more.
Flickr, Emma ForsbergOccasionally you might even have a cute little visitor pop up and greet you. Homer is filled with these magical moments!
Flickr, Adventures of KM&G-MorrisAn abundance of natural beauty makes the area perfect for those who enjoy world class eco-tourism opportunities such as kayaking, photography, wildlife viewing, hiking, glacier viewing and more.
Flickr, Manuel W.After horseback riding in Homer, you’re guaranteed to be ruined for life. It’s the most surreal experience imaginable. Panoramic views, bright fields of wildflowers and a perfect dose of the local farm country.
Facebook, Trails End Horse AdventuresEveryone should explore the massive 13-mile-long Grewingk Glacier at least once in their lifetime. Located in the Kenai Mountains in Kachemak Bay State Park, this is one of the area’s highest rated attractions. Plus, there are lots of great hiking trails!
Flickr, Dave BezaireHomer also offers an excellent little marine hub with ferry and water-taxi access to enchanting coastal oases across Kachemak Bay.
Flickr, Cody WellonsVisit Halibut Cove and experience stunning vistas as far as the eye can see. Spend the day kayaking while viewing humpback whales breaching in the distance, or catch a concert on the floating amphitheater.
Loomis Sage MarketingAlaska Luxury Adventures offers Siren Song, Four cabins that offer you a totally unique Alaskan experience. Captains Quarters, The Bear’s Den, Silke Loft, or Bayview Cabin await and are perfect for those who are wanting a relaxing getaway or for those on their grand Alaskan adventure who want to be as close to the action as they can. Halibut Cove is situated on the Kachemak Bay Water Trail and is only accessible by boat or float plane.
Alaska Luxury Adventures "Siren Song" guest cabins in Halibut CoveOr, go explore the charming waterfront community of Seldovia. Don’t leave town without taking a walk on the Ottorbahn.
Flickr, Francois PhilippLong story short; a trip to Homer is always a good idea.
Flickr, Scott McMurrenLooking for more where that came from? Hop on The Alaska Life’s treasured tiny towns road trip and be led through the most spectacular amounts of scenery. Also, check out these Alaska ghost towns that you've probably never heard of.
Homer, Alaska, is a happy place that brings out the best in us all. Do you have amazing memories in Homer already? If so, be sure to let us know (in the comments below) about all your favorite past times. If you love getting outdoors and experiencing all the charming small towns that The Alaska Life has to offer, we want to live vicariously through you! Share your favorite small-town Alaska moments with us on our Facebook page by clicking HERE, and they might just end up being featured in one of our next blog posts.
Written by Courtney Dowd-Stanley
45 comments
Homer and Katchemak Bay will always be my home, even though I live in New Zealand now…
Must be an OK place if you can leave dollar bills stuck to the front door and no one steals them.
Homer is God’ S Other Eden. You’ve nailed all the beautiful highlights that are just waiting for folks “on the Outside” to come see. Great tantalizing report. Our daughter has lived in Homer over 30 years
Our daughter has lived in Homer for 39 years. So we have become part of the lives of many of the locals. Our visits were an annual event & even more than once a year. Your tantalizing tour of the spectacular little Hamlet by the Sea was so well done . You covered the specialness with your great photography & descriptions. I’m sure folks who saw this post will soon make plans to head for the Kenai Peninsula & Homer, Alaska. God’s Other Eden!
What a great article with amazing pictures. Thank you!
With breathtaking scenery, awesome wildlife, great food, and friendly locals, Homer is very special. We were lucky enough to spend two beautiful weeks in Glacier Vista.
Thank you Alaska.
Thank you Homer.
Wonderful memories.
Nov. 5, 1958, I celebrated my 24th birthday at the Salty Dawg. I was a “scope dope”, stationed on Ohlson Mt. I remember the courtesies of the Baptist Church. One of the families a treated me to Thanksgiving Dinner (moose roast) and again on Christmas. I don’t remember any names at the church, but I think the minister had a teenage daughter named Carol.
I lived in Homer almost 5 years. Homer will always be in my heart. It is often referred to as a, Cosmic Hamlet because it is such a very special place.
Want to thank the photographer for a wonderful article on Homer.
I grew up in Homer, lived my life there.Fished the Kenai River and lived on the Anchor River. After seeing these pics i miss home…Thanks for the memories..
Beautiful scenery, and friendly people. Never tired of walking on the beach there. Also LOVE Seldovia across the Bay.
LOVE Homer! My sister & her boys live in Anchor Point and I hope to visit again very soon! ? Alaska!
Ok! I want to visit! Thanks for the beautiful pictures & info!
Love the fishing and the scenery
Homer Spit is home. An amazing place to visit. Captain Patties offers fresh local seafood and will cook your fresh catch of the day on the Homer Spit.
Such a great article on the place I call home… thanks!
spent a few weeks there last year and I have to agree,it is breath taking, my daughter and son in law live there and my daughter is in love with the place. Food was great also ,everything was perfect can<t wait to go back.
I love it there and the people too……Absolutely Amazing…..
I lived in Anchor Point for 3 years in the 80s. Loved going over the hill down into Homer. My girls played Little League at the field near the high school. The view from the bleachers was spectacular. I miss it so much.
It’s a very Beautiful & friendly place to visit.. ? ?