There’s no end to the fun and adventure you can have in Homer, Alaska but the Homer Spit is one of the first attractions you’ll want to check out. The 4.5-mile-long, narrow finger of land that juts out into Kachemak Bay, is considered by many to be the most fun place in Alaska!

Homer Spit, aka “The Spit,” is likely the remnants of an ancient moraine left behind by a glacier that also may have scooped out Kachemak Bay. The Spit is surrounded on three sides by water and is constantly eroding. In fact, it likely would not even exist today if early Alaska Natives had not inhabited and begun to reinforce it some 1,000 years ago. This back-and-forth battle of natural erosion and human fortification continues to this very day.

In modern times, The Spit is a magnet for nature lovers, campers, boaters, beachcombers, anglers, shoppers, artists, and more. You’ll find hot spots for fishing and birding, endless beaches, camping areas, a boat harbor, launches, and water taxis. You’ll also discover shops with unique gifts, restaurants featuring fresh seafood, galleries of local artists, charter services, and more.

Exploring Homer Spit

Visitors can explore The Spit’s many charms by car, bike, or on foot. Both the Homer Spit Road and the Homer Spit Trail provide access to the full length of The Spit.

Homer Spit Trail is a paved 4-mile-long bike/walking path running along the east side of The Spit. The trail is mostly level and open year ’round for walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters. Trail parking is located near the Kachemak Drive intersection.

The first mile or so of The Spit features a broad estuary at Mariner Park and Mud Bay, wonderful places for bird watching. Soon, you’ll begin to see dry-docked boats, a few scattered homes, shops, and camping.

Next up is the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon or “The Fishing Hole,” one of the best places in Homer to fish. The lagoon is stocked with both king salmon and silver salmon. Nearby outfitters offer fishing gear rentals. In fact, you’ll find a variety of outfitters on The Spit. Guides offering fishing charters, bear viewing, glacier hikes, water taxis, kayak tours, and other services.

Then you come to a bustling harbor. Stroll along the harbor-side boardwalk and watch charters bring in the catch of the day. Walk the docks to enjoy an amazing array of boats and look for sea otters. Take a Creatures of the Dock tour to see the colorful inter-tidal life right under your feet. Join the Pratt Museum for an historic walking tour of the Homer Harbor to learn about the boats, fishing, and some of the characters that shaped Homer’s vibrant maritime history. 

The harbor is adjacent to the tip of The Spit and the end of the road. The Homer Ferry Terminal is here, along with Land’s End Resort, and other attractions. Be sure to stop by the 1897 Salty Dawg Saloon, if not for a drink, at least to check out the thousands of dollar bills pinned to the walls.

No visit to Homer, Alaska is complete without experiencing the Homer Spit!