This Charming Place In Alaska Was Named One Of America's Happiest Seaside Towns
By Courtney|Published January 04, 2017
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Courtney
Author
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
In a recent article published by Coastal Magazine, Homer was rated one of the happiest seaside towns in America. And, who are we to disagree? In fact, we couldn’t agree more! The effortless beauty that is apparent from the very second that you drive up over that big hill into Homer is enough to stop anyone dead in their tracks. Simply put – your jaw will drop in amazement and your heart will dance with joy. As odd as it may sound, Homer has an outer body effect on people that must be experienced to be believed. It truly is that magical!
As you first pull into town off of the Sterling Highway, you'll be greeted by this epic and completely enchanting view overlooking Kachemak Bay with towering mountains and glistening glaciers in the distance.
After driving down Main Street and stopping by the Homer Chamber, Two Sisters Bakery or Cosmic Kitchen, most visitors head straight for the world-famous Homer Spit.
First, you'll notice the wonderful Seafarer's Memorial which serves as a final resting place for those lost at sea. This memorial is dedicated to those brave souls - past, present and future.
The Homer boat harbor is an absolutely stunning sight to behold and you'll have a blast walking on the floating docks. Check out all the unique boat names, meet the locals and watch as otters swim around you in the harbor.
The marine wildlife viewing opportunities right off the spit are plentiful. Watch those cute little otters or look up and feast your eyes on soaring bald eagles as they perch above you in stoic fashion as they look for tasty fish to grab out of the ocean.
In town you'll also have great opportunities to spot other critters. Moose are one of the most exciting and adorable animals to watch in their natural environment. There are also bears in Homer but they don't tend to stay as close to town as the moose do.
Picnic tables are spread sporadically throughout the shores off the Homer Spit and make for a great place to have a outdoor lunch with the family while soaking in the fresh salty, beachy air.
Continue down the 'spit' and you'll notice that there is so much to see. People love to fly kites, walk their dogs and build sand castles on the beach.
The saltwater fishing for halibut, salmon and so much more is absolutely incredible. Not to mention, the panoramic views on the salt are sure to blow your mind.
Kayaking to and hiking around Grewingk Glacier in Kachemak Bay State Park is another very popular activity that draws in consistent crowds throughout the summer months.
Many summertime visitors enjoy the eclectic shopping on the Homer Spit. You'll notice lots of fun themed gift shops and local small Alaskan businesses with one-of-a-kind items inside.
The quirkiness in Homer is impossible to deny. In fact, locals take pride in their 'keep Homer weird' reputation as they love to dance to the beat of their own drum. This is why Homer is such a lovable place!
Watch the sun go down from the beach and experience the magic that happens when sky is painted with water colors over-top the many mountain peaks in the distance.
No camping trip would be complete without a warm fire. Roast some hot dogs and enjoy s'mores for dessert before retreating back to the tent for the night.
The beach can get quite crowded in the summertime though, so you might also consider renting an RV space or staying at a local hotel, B&B or the charming Land's End Resort at the end of the Homer Spit.
But wait, there's more! Wintertime is Homer's best kept secret. Visit during the peaceful months when the crowds are away and enjoy the sweet serene beauty that surrounds you from every possible angle.
