Things to do in Kenai Peninsula
-
A
Bear Creek Winery
Wineries are scarcer than vineyards in Alaska, but this impressive family-run operation bottles some fine berry-based wines, plus fireweed mead and rhubarb vino. It conducts tours and tastings daily in the summer and sells its product on-site.
reviewed
-
B
Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking
Though the best and most impressive paddling in the region is within Kenai Fjords National Park, getting there requires a costly water-taxi. If you're looking to save money and don't mind foregoing the park's tidewater glaciers and more ample wildlife, kayaking right outside Seward in Resurrection Bay can still make for a stunning day on the water. Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking conducts guided trips.
reviewed
-
Ray's Waterfront
Hands down, this is Seward's culinary high point, with attentive service, picture-postcard views and the finest seafood above water.
reviewed
-
C
Duncan House Diner
- Homer, USA
- Restaurants › Diner
This busy downtown place fries up Homer's best bacon-and-eggs, which it serves until 14:00.
reviewed
-
D
Homer Spit
- Homer, USA
- Sights › Waterfront
This long needle of land - a 4½-mile sand bar stretching into Kachemak Bay - is viewed by some folks as the most fun place in Alaska. Others wish another earthquake would come along and sink the thing. The Spit throbs all summer with tourist masses in unimaginable density, gobbling fish-and-chips, quaffing specialty coffees, getting chair massages, buying alpaca sweaters, arranging bear-watching trips, watching theatrical performances, and - oh yeah - going fishing in search of 300lb halibut.
The hub of all this activity is the small-boat harbor, one of the best facilities in Southcentral Alaska and home to more than 700 boats. Close by is the Seafarer's Memorial, which…
reviewed
-
Exit Glacier
The marquee attraction of Kenai Fjords National Park and one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers, Exit Glacier was named by explorers crossing the Harding Ice Field who found the glacier a suitable way to 'exit' the ice and mountains. Now 3 miles long, it's believed the river of ice once extended all the way to Seward.
From the Exit Glacier Nature Center, the Outwash Plain Trail is an easy half-mile walk to the glacier's alluvial plain - a flat expanse of pulverized silt and gravel, cut through by braids of grey meltwater. The Overlook Loop Trail departs the first loop and climbs steeply to an overlook at the side of the glacier before returning; don't skip the short spu…
reviewed
-
Mt Marathon Trail
According to (rather suspect) local legend, grocer Gus Borgan wagered around US$100 in 1909 that no-one could run Mt Marathon in an hour, and the race was on. Winner James Walters clocked in at 62 minutes, losing the bet but becoming a legend. The 3.1-mile suffer-fest quickly became a celebrated 4th of July event and today is Alaska's most famous footrace, pitting runners from all over the world against the 3022ft-high peak. In 1981 Bill Spencer set the record at 43 minutes, 23 seconds. Many runners take twice as long, and each year several end up with broken bones after tumbling during the hell-bent descent.
You can trek to the top several ways. At the end of Monroe St, …
reviewed
-
Iditarod National Historic Trail
Though the celebrated Iditarod Race to Nome currently departs from Anchorage, the legendary trail actually begins in Seward. In 1995 Mitch Seavey mushed from Seward along this well-worn path into Anchorage, where he continued with the regularly scheduled Iditarod; he finished 20th. At the foot of Ballaine Blvd, an unprepossessing sign and lonely dogsled mark Mile 0. Nearby, a paved bike path heads 2 miles north along the beach.
A far more interesting segment of the trail for hikers, however, can be reached by heading east 2 miles on Nash Rd, which intersects the Seward Hwy at Mile 3.2. From here you can follow the Iditarod National Historic Trail through woods and thick b…
reviewed
-
Harding Ice Field Trail
This strenuous and very popular 3.5-mile trail follows Exit Glacier up to Harding Ice Field, one of the largest in North America. The 936-sq-mile expanse remained undiscovered until the early 1900s, when a map-making team realized that eight coastal glaciers flowed from the same system. Today you can rediscover it via a steep, roughly cut and sometimes slippery ascent to 3500ft; for reasonably fit trekkers, that's a good three- or four-hour trip. Beware of bears; they're common here.
The trek is well worth it for those with the stamina, as it provides spectacular views of not only the ice field but of Exit Glacier and the valley below. The upper section of the route is sn…
reviewed
-
Bishop Creek Trail
- Homer, USA
- Activities › Hiking
This hike is a 7-mile waterfront trek from north of Homer back into town (you could do it in reverse, but you're likely to miss the turnoff to the highway). The views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains are superb, while the marine life that scurries along the sand at low tide is fascinating.
The trailhead is opposite Diamond Ridge Rd, 5 miles north along the Sterling Hwy. The trail begins by descending along Diamond Creek, then hits the beach. Check a tide book, and leave before low tide and return before high tide. High tides cover most of the sand, forcing you to scramble onto the base of the nearby cliffs. Within 4 miles you'll pass a sea-otter rookery a few hundr…
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Resurrection River Trail
This 16-mile trail accesses a 72-mile trail system connecting Seward and Hope. This continuous trail is broken only by the Sterling Hwy and provides a wonderful wilderness adventure through a diversity of streams, rivers, lakes, wooded lowlands and alpine areas. It's difficult and expensive to maintain, so expect natural hassles like downed trees, boggy patches and washed-out sections, especially in spring. Resurrection River Cabin is 5½ miles from the trailhead.
The southern trailhead is at Mile 8 of Exit Glacier Rd. The northern trailhead joins the Russian Lakes Trail 5 miles from Cooper Lake or 16 miles from the Russian River Campground off the Sterling Hwy. The hike …
reviewed
-
Halibut Cove
Halibut Cove, an absurdly quaint village of 30 year-round residents, is the kind of place you'll wish you grew up in. In the early 1920s the cove supported 42 herring salteries and had a population of over 1000. Today it's home to the noted Saltry restaurant, a handful of art galleries, a warren of boardwalks - but no roads.
The Danny J travels to the cove twice daily. It departs Homer at 12:00, swings past Gull Island and arrives at 13:30. There, you have 2½ hours to explore and have lunch. The ferry returns to the Spit by 17:00 and then makes an evening run to the cove for dinner, returning to Homer at 22:00. The noon tour is dearer than the evening trip. Book through C…
reviewed
-
Lost Lake Trail
This challenging 7-mile trail to an alpine lake is one of the most scenic hikes the Kenai Peninsula has to offer in midsummer. The trailhead is in Lost Lake subdivision, at Mile 5.3 of the Seward Hwy. After 3 miles you come to the summer trail that winds 1½ miles south to the Clemens Memorial Cabin. The final 2 miles are above the tree line, making the shores of Lost Lake a wondrous place to pitch a tent.
If you'd rather not return the same way, continue around the east side of Lost Lake to the Primrose Trail, an 8-mile alpine trek ending at Primrose Campground at Mile 17.2 of the Seward Hwy. Plan on seven to 10 hours for the round-trip to Lost Lake, and bring a camp sto…
reviewed
-
Kayak'Atak
Kayak'Atak rents kayaks and can help arrange transportation throughout the bay. It also offers various guided tours, some including a 'gourmet lunch.' Make reservations in advance.
There are some excellent kayaking opportunities in the Seldovia area. Just north, Eldred Passage and the three islands (Cohen, Yukon and Hesketh) that mark its entrance are prime spots for viewing otters, sea lions and seals, while the northern shore of Yukon Island features caves and tunnels that can be explored at high tide. Even closer are Sadie Cove and Tutka and Jakolof Bays, where you can paddle in protected water, amid interesting geological features and near numerous camping areas alon…
reviewed
-
E
Homestead Trail
- Homer, USA
- Activities › Hiking
This 6.7-mile trek from Rogers Loop Rd to the City Reservoir, just off Skyline Dr on Crossman Ridge Rd, is a 2½-mile walk to Rucksack Dr, which crosses Diamond Ridge Rd. Along the way you pass through open meadows with panoramic views of Kachemak Bay and Mt Iliamna and Mt Redoubt on the other side of Cook Inlet. The trek continues another 4.2 miles, following Rucksack Dr and Crossman Ridge Rd to the reservoir. Cars are banned from both dirt roads.
To reach the trail, head out of town on the Sterling Hwy and turn right on Rogers Loop Rd across from the Bay View Inn. The trailhead is a half-mile farther, on your right.
reviewed
-
F
Homer Council of the Arts
The cold, dark season of unemployment has inspired a saying in these parts: 'If you're starving, you might as well be an artist.' Just browsing these great galleries is a treat, and on the first Friday of the month, many break out the wine and cheese, and stay open late for a series of openings all over town.
This is just the tip of the iceberg - grab a free Downtown Homer Art Galleries flyer at the visitors center with many more gallery listings, or stop by the Homer Council of the Arts, with its own awesome gallery and information on various tours.
reviewed
-
G
Harbormaster's Office
The interesting small-boat harbor, at the northern end of 4th Ave, hums during the summer with fishing boats, charter vessels, cruise ships and a number of sailboats. At its heart is the Harbormaster's Office. Look for the huge anchors outside. Radiating outward from the docks are seasonal restaurants, espresso bars, tourist offices, hotels and almost any other service the visitor might want. There are also picnic tables and a free sighting scope overlooking the harbor and the bay. A paved bike trail leads to the (other) city center.
reviewed
-
H
Benny Benson Memorial
This humble monument at the corner of the Seward Hwy and Dairy Hill Ln honors Seward's favorite son, Benny Benson. In 1926 the orphaned 13-year-old Alaska Native boy submitted his design for the Alaska state flag, arguably the loveliest in the Union. His stellar design (you can see one of his first at the library) includes the North Star, symbolizing the northernmost state, the Great Bear constellation for strength, and a blue background for both the sky and the forget-me-not, Alaska's state flower. Seward will never forget.
reviewed
-
Otterbahn Trail
The Otterbahn Trail was famously created by local high school students, who dubbed it the 'we-worked-hard-so-you-better-like-it trail.' The trailhead lies behind Susan B English School, off Winfred Ave. Lined with salmonberries and affording great views of Graduation Peak, it skirts the coastline most of the way and reaches Outside Beach in 1½ miles. Make sure you hike it at tides below 17ft, as the last stretch runs across a slough that is only passable (legally - property above 17ft is private) when the water is out.
reviewed
-
Rainbow Tours
Whenever you're out in the bay there's a chance of spotting whales - sometimes you can even spot orca from the tip of the Spit. Rainbow Tours runs a dedicated whale-watching tour. The comfortable 65ft vessel, MV Rainbow Connection, leaves Homer at 09:00, cruises to Seldovia, and then spends six-plus hours seeking out humpbacks, orcas, minkes, finbacks and gray whales in Kachemak Bay and Kennedy Entrance. The price includes lunch. Be sure to bundle up and bring your binocs.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Carl E Wynn Nature Center
- Homer, USA
- Activities › Hiking
Located on the bluffs above Homer, this is highly recommended for families and anyone interested in the area's ethnobotany. With a few short interpretive nature trails, one of them boardwalked and wheelchair accessible, this is a grand place to learn which plants can be used to heal a cut, condition your hair or munch for lunch. Naturalist-led hikes leave at 10:00 and 14:00 daily in summer. It also has a slate of lectures and other programs; call the center for a schedule.
reviewed
-
St Nicholas Orthodox Church
Seldovia's most popular attraction by far is this onion-domed church, St Nicholas Orthodox Church, which overlooks the town from a hill just off Main St. Built in 1891 and restored in the 1970s, the church is open on weekday afternoons, when you can go inside to view the exquisite icons. Also notice the chandelier, made from old barrel staves. Although there's no resident clergyman, every so often the priest from Nanwalek travels here to conduct services.
reviewed
-
J
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
- Homer, USA
- Activities › Hiking
This nonprofit organization devoted to promoting appreciation of Kachemak Bay's ecosystem, runs the Carl E Wynn Nature Center and the Peterson Bay Field Station, both of which offer guided hikes and educational programs throughout the summer. Drop by to learn more about their offerings, and to get maps and info about Kachemak Bay State Park. It also operates the Yurt on the Spit, which does a daily 'Creatures of the Dock' tour.
reviewed
-
K
Exit Glacier Guides
For those not satisfied with merely gazing up at Seward's backyard glacier, Exit Glacier Guides gives you the chance to tread upon it. Its five-hour ice-hiking trip gears you up with ice-axes and crampons, ascends part-way up the Harding Ice Field Trail and then heads out onto the glacier for crevasse exploration and interpretive glaciology. By the time you read this, Exit'll likely offer overnight treks as well.
reviewed
-
bore tide
Try to catch the bore tide, a neat trick of geography that concentrates the incoming tide into a wall of water up to 6ft tall, which rushes along Turnagain Arm at 15mph daily. Schedules are available at any Anchorage visitors center; note that the most intense waves occur around a new or full moon. Top spots for viewing this satisfyingly loud phenomenon include Beluga Point (Mile 110) and Bird Point (Mile 96).
reviewed
