Is the spit in Homer man made?
An extremely rare geologic formation, the Homer Spit results from two mammoth forces: sediments originally deposited from retreating glaciers, then sculpted by extreme tidal action converging at the intersection of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay.
Two different theories postulate that the spit originates either from the tidal swells and currents of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay over millennia of sand buildup, or that it was pushed into place by now-retreated glaciers.
The only road into Homer is the Sterling Highway. Homer is on the shore of Kachemak Bay on the southwest side of the Kenai Peninsula. Its distinguishing feature is the Homer Spit, a narrow 4.5 mi (7.2 km) long gravel bar that extends into the bay, on which is located the Homer Harbor.
What is the Homer Spit in Alaska? If you're not from Alaska, you're probably unfamiliar with the Homer Spit. The 4.5-mile-long tip of the Kenai Peninsula off Seward Highway is more than just a landmark! The Homer, Alaska, Spit is one of the most iconic sites in our town.
Is Homer, Alaska worth visiting? Homer is definitely worth visiting on your trip to Alaska, and we highly recommend staying more than just one night. In Homer, you will find an inviting town, friendly people, incredibly views, and tasty food. Don't miss out on Homer!
no driving on the Homer Spit unless it is the coal picking area west of Mariner Park during the permitted months; no vehicular beach access via the old Airport Beach Access Road off of Kachemak Drive; while driving is permitted east of the old airport access area, there is no public access in City Limits.
HOMER — Visitor season is in full swing on the Homer Spit, a 4½-mile-long wisp of land that juts into the middle of Kachemak Bay at the southern end of the highway from Anchorage.
Homer, Alaska | United States | |
---|---|---|
Snowfall | 71.5 in. | 27.8 in. |
Precipitation | 147.0 days | 106.2 days |
Sunny | 135 days | 205 days |
Avg. July High | 63.0° | 85.8° |
No trip to Homer is complete without taking a trip down the 4.5-mile “Spit,” a thin sliver of land where Kachemak Bay meets Cook Inlet. The Spit is the remains of an ancient glacial moraine that's constantly reshaped by ocean currents. Archaeological finds reveal the Spit was used by people long before written history.
COST OF LIVING | Homer | Alaska |
---|---|---|
Overall | 110.2 | 125.8 |
Grocery | 123.5 | 141.7 |
Health | 115.6 | 113 |
Housing | 121.1 | 134.3 |
How old is Homer Alaska?
The city grew up around the coal mines that were established there in 1889. It was founded in 1895 and named (1896) for Homer Pennock, a gold prospector, though he left the area within a year. Mining had faded by the turn of the 20th century, replaced largely by fishing.
Driving: The driving distance between Anchorage and Homer is approximately 221 miles, and non-stop, the journey takes about 5 hours.

The Homer Spit Trail is a 4 mile paved trail along the east side of the Homer Spit. Well used year round by walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters. Parking is available at the base of the Homer Spit at the intersection with Kachemak Drive.
Moose can also often be found around Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and Homer.
When you visit Homer, you'll arrive a visitor and leave feeling like a local! Many of our area's residents are avid fishermen, experienced sea captains, and wildlife experts. Gaze in awe at once-in-a-lifetime sights and learn from these experts when you take a Homer, Alaska Whale Watching tour.
If bear viewing is a must, Homer wins. If you don't want to drive as far, Seward is the better option. If you want better hiking, go to Seward. For whale watching and wildlife tours, Seward also wins.
From mid May to mid September, Homer, Alaska is the premier destination for bear viewing in the world. Alaskan brown bears are among the largest in the world, and some of the highest concentrations of Alaskan brown bears are directly west of Homer.
No matter what travel method you choose to get to Homer, you'll still experience 225 beautiful, scenic miles from Anchorage to Homer. If you choose to drive and enjoy the four to five hours of designated scenic byway; you will see that it emulates a national park!
Seldovia is often described by visitors as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Tranquil waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks frame a unique and charming community that is home to some 410+ year-round residents. Seldovia's laid-back vibe is evident from the moment you arrive.
Hope has the luxury of being close to Anchorage, and drawing 'tourist' crowds (usually fellow Alaskans) and benefiting seasonally from that influx of visitors and money. Nevertheless, it's one of my favorite destinations and a fun detour for visitors looking to get a sense for what life in Alaska is like.
How far is Homer from Kenai?
Yes, the driving distance between Kenai to Homer is 84 miles. It takes approximately 1h 48m to drive from Kenai to Homer.
Kaneq is a fictional setting in the book The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah. The book is supposed to take place off the grid near homer so we chose near Seldovia as the best location for similarities though the Homer area in general could work as well.
About a decade ago, we had a cold snap and the surface water in the Homer Harbor froze more than a few inches thick.
Although Sitka is the warmest place in the state, this city still receives snow during the winter season.
Homer's climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean, resulting in warmer winters and cooler summers than seen in places farther inland in Alaska. The average maximum temperature is 29.2 degrees F in January and 60.9 degrees F in July.
These spits can be quite long—the Arabat Spit in the Sea of Azov, bordering on the southeastern edge of Ukraine, is about 68 miles long. It is the longest spit in the world. These spits can grow relatively quickly, geologically speaking.
spit, in geology, narrow coastal land formation that is tied to the coast at one end. Spits frequently form where the coast abruptly changes direction and often occur across the mouths of estuaries; they may develop from each headland at harbour mouths.
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Is Homer Alaska a good place to live?
A Great Place to Live and Play!
Homer's 5,000 residents appreciate that Homer has plenty of amenities, options for entertainment and world class outdoor activities, all while maintaining a small-town feel. Housing - Living in Alaska presents many opportunities and challenges, and finding a home is often one of them.
The city grew up around the coal mines that were established there in 1889. It was founded in 1895 and named (1896) for Homer Pennock, a gold prospector, though he left the area within a year.
Homer, Alaska | United States | |
---|---|---|
Snowfall | 71.5 in. | 27.8 in. |
Precipitation | 147.0 days | 106.2 days |
Sunny | 135 days | 205 days |
Avg. July High | 63.0° | 85.8° |
Driving: The driving distance between Anchorage and Homer is approximately 221 miles, and non-stop, the journey takes about 5 hours.
Much of inner Kachemak Bay freezes over.