The Area – Homer, Alaska

Majestic View Bed and Breakfast is conveniently situated near the town of Homer, Alaska. Homer is a unique community that offers scores of activities for visitors. Fishing for halibut and salmon is at the top of the list for many guests, and there is fishing to be had in any season. Halibut are available year-round; “Winter Kings” are available in the ocean throughout the year, but the Kings are most often fished in the rivers when they spawn in May and June; Red (Sockeye) Salmon are most numerous and available in July; and the Silver Salmon return to the rivers to spawn in August and September. “Less desirable species” (according to Alaskans) like the Pink and Chum (Dog) Salmon are also readily available during summer, as are numerous species of cod, trout, and rockfish. In the harbor (which is a very cool place to explore in itself), there are numerous charter boats available to take you out fishing. For a more personalized adventure, book a trip with Tim.

For the exercise enthusiast, there are scores of hiking opportunities – especially in Kachemak Bay State Park across the bay from Homer. Trail maps are available and will help you to choose the level of difficulty that is appropriate for you. Tim is available to be your “water taxi,” dropping you off and picking you up at your desired time and place. There are also bike rentals and appropriate trails around Homer. Several outfits offer kayak rentals, training, and tours out on the bay.

If you’re into culture – Homer offers the Homer Pratt Museum, the Norman Lowell Art Gallery, numerous other art galleries, the Island and Ocean Visitor Center, the Center For Alaska Coastal Studies, and regular art shows. Homer even has an old-fashioned movie theatre where you can catch the latest flicks, and the Pier One Community Theatre down on the spit.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the abounding opportunities to see bird life, moose, bear, mountain goats, and marine mammals like the sea otter, harbor seal, and humpback whale. Adventurers love the opportunities for horseback riding, ATV tours, beach-combing in the wilderness areas, berry picking, or day trips to fly in for brown bear viewing. And the scenery is available all along the way – places like Gull Island, China Poot, the volcanoes (on a clear day), Tutka Bay, Sadie Cove, Little Tutka, snow-capped mountains, forested hillsides, and the beautiful blue/green water. Some guests like staying on land, but also like to explore – and there are places to do that off Skyline Drive, on the Anchor River, the Kasilof River, or the Kenai River. Lands End (at the end of the spit) and Bishop’s Beach are nearby public areas to walk by the ocean and gather seashells, rocks, or whatever treasure may wash up. Getting to know the tides – what is happening, and at what time – is an art in itself… something that all sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts are keen about. Tide tables are available at Ulmer’s Hardware, The Gear Shed, or several bait and tackle stores out on the spit.

Popular destinations across the bay include taking the ferry ride to tour Seldovia – a small wilderness town across the bay – or taking “The Danny J” ferry across to Halibut Cove to tour the small settlement, and have a seafood dinner at The Saltry Restaurant. Downtown Homer and “The Spit” are home to dozens of unique shopping opportunities where you will find local art, artifacts, and gifts that you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re hungry, there are dozens of restaurants in town and down on the spit – where you can find everything from the traditional American burger to the freshest seafood.

Did you know: Homer is home to Tom Bodett (Motel 6 advertisements); Lincoln Brewster (contemporary Christian music artist); Jewel (female music artist); the Kilcher Family (from the reality show “Alaska: The Last Frontier”); Deadliest Catch and The Time Bandit (reality show); and The Salty Dawg – the only building on the spit to survive the “Good Friday Earthquake” and subsequent tidal wave of 1964.

Maria and Tim are always here to help you with your adventures and activity planning. Call, email, or talk to us around the table at breakfast time!