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 at The Homer Bookstore
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
AJ's OldTown Steakhouse & Tavern – Classic steakhouse with a great bar
The Bagel Shop – Grab-and-go artisan bagels
Fat Olives – Wood-fired pizza and hearty pasta dishes
Wild Honey Bistro – Great for crepes and brunch vibes
Captain Pattie’s – Fresh seafood right on the Spit
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
Things to Do in Homer
Easy Hikes & Beach Walks (No Water Taxi Needed):
Water Taxi Access Trails:
Other Activities:
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
Always keep your distance and be respectful—moose are beautiful, but big!
Local Info & Visitor Resources
Homer Chamber of Commerce: Up-to-date event listings, maps, and guides
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Islands and Ocean): Great for interpretive exhibits and short trails