Homer Spit Alaska
A 4.5-mile spit jutting into Kachemak Bay, offering stunning views, abundant wildlife, unique shops, and dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Homer Spit Alaska
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 4.5-mile spit jutting into Kachemak Bay, offering stunning views, abundant wildlife, unique shops, and dining.
"Heaven on earth. The views, eagles and nature just captures everything in your soul."
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking is tough! Arrive early or be prepared to walk. Some areas have time limits; paid parking is an option.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the spit, so wear comfortable shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The End of the Road
Far end of the Homer Spit
Experience the unique sensation of being at the literal end of the road, surrounded by Kachemak Bay and stunning mountain vistas.
Kachemak Bay Views
Along the Homer Spit
Breathtaking panoramic views of Kachemak Bay, glaciers, and the Kenai Mountains. Perfect for photography and soaking in Alaska's grandeur.
Unique Shops & Dining
Along the Homer Spit
Explore quirky shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options, from fresh seafood to local bistros.
Wildlife Spotting
Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay
Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead, sea otters, and various marine life in the bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking is tough! Arrive early or be prepared to walk. Some areas have time limits; paid parking is an option.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the spit, so wear comfortable shoes.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Alaska's weather changes fast. Bring layers, including rain gear, even in summer.
⭐ Low Tide Starfish Hunt
Visit during low tide to explore under the pier at the End of the Road for starfish.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking is tough! Arrive early or be prepared to walk. Some areas have time limits; paid parking is an option.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the spit, so wear comfortable shoes.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Alaska's weather changes fast. Bring layers, including rain gear, even in summer.
⭐ Low Tide Starfish Hunt
Visit during low tide to explore under the pier at the End of the Road for starfish.
🎣 Book Fishing Charters Early
If you plan to fish, especially for halibut, book your charter boat well in advance.
📸 Capture the Views
The Homer Spit offers endless photo opportunities, from wildlife to stunning bay panoramas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Homer Spit's stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and unique shops and dining. The 'End of the Road' offers a memorable experience, and the chance to see bald eagles and marine life is a major draw. However, be prepared for significant crowds and challenging parking, especially during peak season.
"Great place to wander and shop as well as seed the surrounding areas. A lot of photo opportunities. If you can be there during low tide, go to the End of the Road and walk under the pier to see all the starfish. We ate at some of the locations, did some shopping, had ice cream and wandered around near the marina. It does get really crowded and parking is difficult. We need handicap parking so depending on what time you go, there may not be any. They do monitor the cars parked to make sure you don't exceed the 3 hour limit. Today they were photographing all the vehicle license plates. We were parked down at the far end of the spit and walked since no handicap parking was available. You can pay to park. We had a great time on the spit."
Donna Smith
"Can't ask for a more beautiful place, that being said it's either fishing or tourist stuff.
Lots of restaurants and shopping.
Met lots of nice friendly people.
In season this is the place to go fishing, halibut in particular but there are lots of salmon and cod etc. Book early if your planning on going out on a charter boat fishing."
mud larson
"The coolest little town with so much unique shopping, bars, and eating joints! Great scenery!"
Kallie Woolever
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Homer Spit is accessible by car via the Sterling Highway. It's a scenic drive from Anchorage, approximately 4-5 hours. Many visitors also arrive by ferry or small aircraft.
While there isn't direct public transport onto the spit itself, once in Homer, you can often walk or use local shuttles to reach the spit.
The spit is about 4.5 miles long. Walking is a great way to explore the shops and views, but driving is necessary to reach the very end. Parking can be challenging.
Yes, you can drive to the end of the Homer Spit, often referred to as 'The End of the Road.' Be aware that parking is limited and can be difficult to find, especially during peak season.
The Sterling Highway itself is incredibly scenic, offering views of mountains and forests. Consider stopping at various pull-offs along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general admission fee to enter the Homer Spit. However, some parking areas may have fees, and specific attractions or tours will have their own costs.
Shop hours vary, but most are open daily during the summer season, typically from late morning to early evening. Some may have reduced hours in the shoulder seasons.
No, the Homer Spit is a public area and does not require entrance tickets. You can freely explore the shops, restaurants, and waterfront.
Most shops on the Homer Spit open around 10 AM and close between 5 PM and 7 PM during the peak summer season. Some may stay open later.
Parking on the Homer Spit can be a mix of free and paid options. Some areas have time limits, and you might see attendants or pay stations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Must-do activities include exploring the unique shops, dining at waterfront restaurants, fishing, wildlife viewing (especially bald eagles), and visiting the 'End of the Road.'
Absolutely! Bald eagles are very common, and you might also spot sea otters, seals, and various seabirds. Keep an eye on the water for marine life.
Yes, the Homer Spit is a prime spot for fishing, particularly for halibut. You can fish from shore, piers, or book a charter for a more extensive experience.
You'll find a variety of shops, including art galleries, souvenir stores, clothing boutiques, and specialty gift shops, offering unique Alaskan crafts and goods.
While the spit is generally accessible, some areas might be challenging due to uneven terrain or crowds. Handicap parking is available but can be limited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options range from casual food trucks and cafes to upscale restaurants. Popular choices include fresh seafood, crepes, and local Alaskan cuisine.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and some are increasingly catering to vegan diets. It's best to check menus or ask staff directly.
Expect a wide variety of fresh, local seafood, including halibut, salmon, cod, and crab, often caught daily and served at the spit's restaurants.
Yes, food trucks are a popular option on the Homer Spit, offering a more casual and often delicious way to sample local flavors.
Yes, there are several places to get ice cream and other sweet treats on the Homer Spit, perfect for a summer day.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire spit offers great photo ops! Focus on the Kachemak Bay views, the marina, bald eagles, and the unique shops. The 'End of the Road' is iconic.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
Yes, wildlife photography is popular here. Bring a zoom lens for capturing bald eagles, sea otters, and birds from a safe distance.
The iconic 'End of the Road' sign, the bustling harbor with fishing boats, and the dramatic mountain backdrop of Kachemak Bay are prime photo landmarks.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and general shots. A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A wide-angle can capture the expansive bay views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The campground at the end of the spit is a great base for families, allowing easy access to everything. Pack layers and be prepared for varying weather, and consider bringing beach toys for some fun by the water. The variety of food options, including ice cream, will also be a hit with younger travelers. 🎣 Anglers and Fishing Enthusiasts
🚗 RV Campers and Road Trippers
+2 Camping here offers the convenience of being within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the waterfront, making it an ideal base for exploring. Many travelers enjoy the 'full-time RV life' experience with oceanfront views. Be sure to book your campsite in advance, especially during the summer months, as spots fill up quickly.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Homer Spit: Parking and Access
If parking is scarce, be prepared to walk or explore paid parking options. Some visitors have found success by parking further down the spit and walking to their desired destinations. Access to the very end of the spit, often called 'The End of the Road,' is possible by vehicle, but parking here is extremely limited.
Consider the time of year and day of the week when planning your visit to optimize your experience and minimize parking frustrations.Experiencing Homer Spit's Natural Beauty and Wildlife
+1 Visitors often describe the views as 'unreal' and 'majestic.' +1 The spit itself is a haven for birdlife, with bald eagles being a particularly common and awe-inspiring sight, often seen soaring overhead or perched on pilings. Keep an eye out for sea otters playing in the water, seals, and a variety of seabirds that call Kachemak Bay home. A unique natural phenomenon to witness is the starfish population, which can be seen during low tide by exploring under the piers at the 'End of the Road.'
Shopping and Dining Delights on the Spit
When it comes to dining, the Homer Spit offers a culinary journey for every palate. From casual food trucks serving up delicious bites to more upscale restaurants with stunning bay views, there's something for everyone.
Many establishments offer outdoor seating, allowing you to savor your meal while enjoying the coastal scenery and the salty breeze. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit