Activities & Local Favorites

There’s so much to discover in and around Homer beyond your time on the water with Tutka Tours. Whether you're curious about where to grab a great meal, dive into local history, or spot wildlife like moose and eagles, we've gathered a few of our favorite resources to help you explore like a local.

Natural History Book List

Expand your understanding of the bay and its surrounding ecosystems with these locally recommended reads. From marine mammals to mushrooms and the homesteading history of Bear Cove, these books dive deep into the nature and culture of this special place.

Book Recommendations Include:

  • The Nature of Alaska – Armstrong, Carstensen, O'Clair

  • Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska – Kate Wynne

  • Alaska’s Wild Plants – Janice J. Schofield

  • Kachemak Bay Communities – Janet R. Klein

  • Kachemak Bay Years – Elsa Pederson

  • Seldovia, Alaska – Susan Woodward Springer

  • Entangled: People and Ecological Change in Alaska’s Kachemak Bay – Marilyn Sigman
    → Full list available on PDF here and available at The Homer Bookstore.

Exterior of the Homer Bookstore, a two-story building with purple awnings, teal trim, and a sign above the entrance.

Favorite Local Restaurants

Homer is lucky to be home to many talented chefs, bakers, and food lovers, meaning there’s no shortage of delicious places to grab a bite before or after your tour.

Two Sisters Bakery
Cozy spot with fresh pastries, soups & sandwiches

Captain’s Coffee
Friendly stop for locally roasted coffee, baked treats, excellent sandwiches, and breakfast burritos. Great spot for breakfast!

AJ's OldTown Steakhouse & Tavern
Classic steakhouse with a great bar

Alibi Bar & Café
A favorite for locals and visitors alike—don’t miss their excellent halibut burritos

The Bagel Shop
Grab-and-go artisan bagels

Boat Yard Café
Tucked away and cozy, perfect for a mellow breakfast or lunch on the boat yard

Fat Olives
Wood-fired pizza and hearty pasta dishes

Vida’s Thai Food
Delicious and authentic Thai cuisine in a casual setting

Wild Honey Bistro
Great for crepes and brunch vibes

Captain Pattie’s
Fresh seafood right on the Spit

Coal Town Coffee & Tea
A welcoming local roastery right on the Homer Spit serving up excellent espresso, pour-overs, and fresh-baked treats. The perfect place to start your day before heading out on the water or to warm up after a beach walk.

Alice’s Champagne Palace
Local favorite for pub fare, live music & community vibes

Twisted Goat
Stylish spot for craft coffee, cocktails & elevated comfort food

The Kannery
Laid-back harbor eatery with a great beer selection and hearty meals

The Broken Oar
Waterfront dining with local seafood and seasonal specials

Captain’s Coffee
Friendly stop for locally roasted coffee and baked treats

Fireweed Zen Den Café
Plant-forward café with creative, nourishing bites and great matcha

Fresh Catch Café
Seasonal fine dining with unbeatable bay views and locally sourced fare

Carmen’s Gelato
Small-batch, handcrafted gelato with big flavor (a must-stop on the Spit)

Finn’s Pizza
Thin-crust pizza with a view, right on the boardwalk on the Homer Spit

Family-Friendly Options:

Harbor Grill Seafood & Steak is especially welcoming to families and kids, with a setup and menu that caters well to younger diners. While the food might not be top-tier for adults, it’s a reliable and kid-friendly stop.

Things to Do in Homer

Easy Hikes & Beach Walks (No Water Taxi Needed):

Water Taxi Access Trails:

Other Activities:

Shopping & Local Goods

Coal Point Seafood & Coal Point Trading Co.
Excellent stop for natural history books, guides, and unique gifts. Also offers a fantastic selection of frozen seafood straight from local boats.

Stickleback Fish Company
A fisherwoman-owned fish market offering fresh and artisanal salmon products. She commercially fishes wild sockeye salmon, processed right in her shop, and offers smoked salmon, pickled salmon, lox, and more. Located at 3745 East End Road.

Salty Girls
Best place to pick up Salty Dog Saloon sweatshirts and other local clothing.

Kachemak Gear Shed
Best selection of rain gear and outerwear for your Homer adventures. Fun to browse for commercial fishing gear and local equipment.

Ulmer’s Drug & Hardware
A beloved local general store offering everything from hardware and fishing supplies to gift cards. There’s also a pharmacy on-site.

Salmon Sisters
Locally owned and operated by two sisters raised on a homestead in the Aleutians, Salmon Sisters offers functional and beautiful gear inspired by life at sea. From cozy hoodies and unique T-shirts to fish totes and thoughtful gifts, their shop celebrates Alaska’s fishing culture and community. A great stop to find something special to bring home.

Seafood Market

Coal Point Seafood & Coal Point Trading Co.
Located at the base of the Spit, Coal Point offers some of the freshest seafood you can buy—straight from local boats. Pick up halibut, king salmon, crab, and more, or have your catch processed and shipped home. Their adjacent café is a quick and delicious stop for lunch.

Kachemak Bay Oyster Co-op
Known for ultra-fresh, locally grown oysters harvested right from the cold, clean waters of Kachemak Bay.

Charters & Tours

Inlet Charters Across Alaska Adventures
A longstanding local booking agency offering fishing charters, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing tours. Whether you’re hoping to hook a big halibut, cruise for whales, or explore Homer’s hidden coves, Inlet Charters helps connect you with experienced captains and unforgettable adventures.

Where Can I See Moose?

Moose are wild and unpredictable, but your best chances of seeing one are:

  • Early morning or dusk along East End Road

  • Beluga Slough area

  • Trails around Ohlson Mountain or Diamond Creek

  • East Skyline Road, Wynn Nature Center, and Inspiration Ridge trails also offer strong chances for moose sightings.

Always keep your distance and be respectful—moose are beautiful, but big!

Local Info & Visitor Resources