Anchorage to Homer Drive: Best Stops on the Kenai Peninsula

Anchorage to Homer: Best Stops & Tips

Trip Snapshot:

• Distance & Drive Time: ~221 miles from Anchorage to Homer (approximately 5 hours of driving without stops). Realistically, plan a full day with stops, or split into two days. If adding side trips (to Kenai, etc.), you might cover ~500+ miles round-trip, so give yourself 3–5 days for a relaxed experience.
• Best Time: Summer (June through August) is prime, offering midnight sun, peak fishing season, and all services open. May and early September can be less crowded and still lovely, though expect cooler temps and some businesses (and charters) starting to wind down by mid-Sept. If you go in July, you’ll hit the salmon runs and Homer’s halibut season at its height (excitement and crowds will be in full swing). Winters are quiet in Homer, but the highway is maintained; only attempt off-peak if comfortable with winter driving and limited daylight.
• Ideal For: Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts (world-class fishing on the Kenai River and in Homer), families who enjoy scenic drives (plenty of safe pullouts and parks), and anyone drawn to coastal small-town charm. Photographers will love the volcano and ocean vistas, and foodies will find surprisingly great eats (Homer is known for its foodie scene and breweries). This road trip is essentially the Kenai Peninsula road trip delivering a mix of mountains, rivers, and seaside.
• Route Summary: Travel south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm, then veer onto the Sterling Highway (AK-1) at the junction past Tern Lake to head west across the Kenai Peninsula. You’ll follow the scenic Kenai River through Cooper Landing, pass through the twin towns of Soldotna and Kenai near the peninsula’s center (heart of fishing country), then continue down through small communities like Ninilchik and Anchor Point. The road’s grand finale is the approach into Homer, descending a bluff with jaw-dropping views of Kachemak Bay and its ring of snowy peaks. The highway literally ends at Homer’s famous spit of land jutting into the bay. It’s an out-and-back route unless you loop it with the Seward Highway (making a circle), but the return drive will offer new perspectives (and chances to stop at places you missed the first time).
• Top 3 Highlights: Casting a line (or just watching the action) during salmon season on the Kenai River, taking in the panorama of glaciers and volcanoes (like Augustine, Iliamna, Redoubt across Cook Inlet) as you arrive in Homer, and exploring Homer Spit whether it’s beachcombing, visiting the salty-dog Salty Dawg Saloon, or feasting on halibut with an ocean view.

Route Overview: This route shares its initial stretch with the Seward Highway. You’ll journey along Turnagain Arm’s breathtaking coastline, then instead of turning toward Seward, you’ll continue on the Sterling Highway into the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. The landscape shifts from coastal fjord to alpine forest to open meadows as you climb over a low mountain pass into the Kenai’s interior. Around Cooper Landing, the road parallels the Kenai River, famous for its surreal turquoise water (colored by glacial silt) and abundant salmon. You may see dozens of fishermen wading in spots like the Russian River confluence a testament to the river’s bounty. The highway then reaches Soldotna, a convenient pit stop town and fishing hub, and nearby Kenai (a short detour off-route) with its historic Russian Orthodox church and views of Cook Inlet.

Continuing southwest, you’ll hug the coastline of Cook Inlet occasionally. On clear days, look across the water and you’ll spot massive volcanoes Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, both over 10,000 feet and often steaming gently. The road passes through charming old villages like Ninilchik, where an onion-domed wooden church on a hill reflects Alaska’s Russian heritage. Further along, at Anchor Point, you’ll find a sign marking the “Most Westerly Highway Point in North America” a fun photo op. This area’s beaches are littered with driftwood and often dotted with bald eagles looking for fish scraps.

Finally, you’ll crest Baycrest Hill and get that famous first glimpse of Homer: the town below, Homer Spit extending 4.5 miles into the gleaming bay, and beyond it the blue glaciers and jagged peaks of the Kenai Mountains across Kachemak Bay. It’s a view that alone makes the drive worth it. Winding down into Homer, you’ll notice its eclectic character homes and art galleries perched on the hillside, fishing boats and ferries coming and going, and a certain creative, end-of-the-road energy. Park your vehicle at the land’s end and know you’ve traversed one of Alaska’s great road adventures.

Driving notes: The Sterling Highway is a well-traveled artery, fully paved and generally in good condition. It’s mostly two lanes, with some passing lanes on hills. Expect more traffic in mid-summer, especially around Soldotna/Kenai during fishing season (late June/July). If you’re traveling in July, be prepared for possible slowdowns near Cooper Landing and Soldotna these areas get busy due to the salmon runs (it’s common to see pickups parked off the road as anglers scramble for fishing spots). Drive cautiously and watch for pedestrians near river access points. The latter portion of the highway after Anchor Point has some curves; nothing too dramatic, but remain alert especially if rain or fog rolls in off the inlet. Speaking of weather: the Kenai Peninsula often has microclimates. It could be sunny inland and misty in Homer. Wind can be a factor in Homer, particularly on the Spit, so hold onto your car doors when opening them on a blustery day! There are no tolls on this route. One thing to watch for: wildlife on the road. Moose are extremely common on the Kenai Peninsula keep an eye out, especially in the evening or in wooded stretches. Hitting a moose is dangerous for all involved, so stay within speed limits and scan the shoulders. Lastly, as you drive onto Homer Spit, note the 25 mph speed limit and heavy pedestrian activity it’s a chill end-of-road zone and best enjoyed slowly.

Top Stops & Experiences: (listed north to south)

• Cooper Landing & Kenai River ViewsScenic and recreational. About 100 miles from Anchorage, you’ll find Cooper Landing, a quaint settlement along the upper Kenai River and Kenai Lake. There are several pullouts where the highway parallels the Kenai River’s turquoise waters don’t miss the opportunity to stop and snap a photo. One popular viewpoint is near the Kenai River Princess Lodge, overlooking the river’s cobalt currents against a backdrop of mountains. If you’re interested in fishing, this is a world-renowned spot for sockeye (red) salmon in June-July you’ll see anglers at the Russian River ferry area trying their luck. Even non-fishermen might enjoy popping into the Cooper Landing Fish Wheel (a local coffee shop) for a latte and simply watching the “combat fishing” spectacle down on the river. Another option here is a guided raft float trip: companies offer 2-3 hour scenic floats that start in Cooper Landing, a relaxing way to drift through mild rapids and gorgeous scenery (kids usually welcome, lifejackets provided).
• Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Soldotna)Educational break. In Soldotna, a convenient midway town (around Mile 150), check out the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. It’s a modern, small visitor center with free exhibits about the local wildlife, habitat, and history of the peninsula. There’s a short interpretive trail out back if you need to walk off some road weariness. Kids can touch animal fur pelts and see an eagle’s nest display, and you can get updated info on hiking trails or wildlife sightings in the refuge. Soldotna is also your best spot to stock up on groceries, fuel, or any fishing gear it has the last “big” stores (grocery, Walmart, outdoor shops) you’ll see before Homer.
• Old Town Kenai (Kenai City detour)Cultural/historic. A 15-minute detour off the main highway is the city of Kenai, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Driving into Kenai, head to Old Town near the bluff. Here you’ll find the iconic Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church, a powder-blue, onion-domed church built in 1896 when this area was a Russian trading post. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in Alaska and a National Historic Landmark if open, visitors are welcome to quietly step inside (ladies may be asked to cover heads with a provided scarf) to see the gilded icons. Nearby, there’s a small museum and the historic Fort Kenay buildings. At the Kenai bluff viewpoint, you can overlook the mouth of the Kenai River as it meets Cook Inlet in July this area is buzzing with locals dipnetting (using giant nets to scoop up salmon) as part of a subsistence fishing fishery. You might spot dozens of reds flopping in nets on the beach below. It’s a unique slice of Alaskan life and a great place to stretch your legs.
• Ninilchik Village & OverlookScenic and cultural. As you drive through the little community of Ninilchik (Mile ~135 of Sterling Hwy), be sure to take the short Old Ninilchik Village Road toward the coast. This leads to a postcard-worthy scene: the wooden Transfiguration of Our Lord Church perched on a bluff, with a small pioneer-era graveyard, overlooking the sea. The church, built in 1901, is another remnant of Russian Alaska. It’s usually closed except for occasional services, but you can walk around it (respectfully it’s still an active parish) and take in the amazing view of Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt volcanoes across the inlet on clear days. Down the hill is Old Ninilchik Village a handful of original homestead cabins and a quiet fishing lagoon. Stop by the Ninilchik General Store for a snack and imagine life here 100 years ago. Time seems to slow down in Ninilchik, and photographers will love the blend of history and scenery.
• Anchor Point BeachGeographic novelty & wildlife. A few miles north of Homer, a signed side road leads west to Anchor Point Beach. It’s worth the 5-minute detour to say you’ve been to the westernmost point in North America accessible by highway (there’s literally a sign marking the spot). The beach at Anchor Point is a grey sand/pebble stretch where the Anchor River meets the ocean. Besides the geographical claim to fame, it’s a popular spot to see bald eagles they often congregate here, hoping for scraps from fishing boats. In summer, you might witness the quirky local method of launching boats: tractors tow charter fishing boats in and out of the surf because there’s no harbor here. It’s fun to watch and makes for unique photos. Keep an eye out towards the water too seals and sea otters sometimes pop up at the river mouth, and on really clear days you might spot distant volcanoes from the shore.
• Homer Spit & BoardwalkQuintessential Homer. Once in Homer, drive out onto the Homer Spit, the narrow gravel bar that extends into Kachemak Bay. The Spit is Homer’s beating heart in summer. Park anywhere along the Spit’s main road and explore on foot. You’ll find a hub of shops and eateries clustered in wooden boardwalks on stilts by the shore everything from art galleries, souvenir t-shirt shacks, to a bakery and ice cream shop. A must-visit is the Salty Dawg Saloon, a famous rustic tavern whose walls are plastered with dollar bill souvenirs from visitors worldwide (minors aren’t allowed inside, but you can pop in briefly in daytime to see the interior). Kids (and adults) will enjoy the Homer Harbor at the end of the Spit walk along the docks to see colorful fishing boats, charter boats, and the Alaska State Ferry (which departs from here to Kodiak and other remote towns). There’s often a friendly harbor seal or sea otter swimming around looking for handouts from fishermen cleaning their catch. The view from the Spit is incredible: you’re surrounded by water with snowcapped mountains and glaciers 360 degrees around. You can also dip your toes in the cold ocean at Mariner’s Beach, search for interesting rocks and shells, or watch anglers try their luck in the Fishing Lagoon (a stocked pond on the Spit nicknamed “The Fishing Hole”). The Spit gives Homer a carnival-meets-frontier atmosphere that’s truly unique.
• Homer Brewing Company & Old TownLocal flavor. Back in Homer proper (off the Spit), you might explore Old Town Homer around Bunnell Ave. Here you’ll find the Pratt Museum, an excellent small museum featuring local history, native Alutiiq artifacts, and even displays on marine ecology (plus a live feed camera of Gull Island seabird rookery in the bay). Old Town also has the beach at Bishop’s Beach Park a nice spot for tidepooling when the tide is out. Before leaving Homer, swing by Homer Brewing Company tasting room (if you enjoy craft beer) for a pint of their famous oatmeal stout or a refreshing Kenai River Kolsch it’s a no-frills local hangout where fishermen, artists, and travelers rub elbows. And if you’re into food, Homer won’t disappoint: there are food trucks (tacos, crepes, Thai) and gourmet restaurants alike. The vibe here is laid-back, artsy, and a little quirky soak it in before your return journey.

Where to Eat & Stay:

• Gwin’s Lodge (Cooper Landing) An iconic roadside stop since 1952, Gwin’s is the oldest roadhouse on the Peninsula. The log restaurant is known for comfort food like salmon chowder, burgers, and pie nothing fancy, but hearty and satisfying, with portions to fuel a fisherman. It’s right off the highway amid gorgeous scenery. There’s also a small store for snacks/coffee and cabins if you decide to overnight. It makes for a great brunch or lunch break on your drive, and the walls adorned with vintage fishing photos add to the Alaskan charm.
• St. Elias Brewing Company (Soldotna) If you’re craving a bite around the midpoint, St. Elias Brewing is a local favorite in Soldotna for wood-fired pizzas and house-brewed beers (root beer for the kids). The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly think big wooden booths and a bustling vibe on summer evenings. Try the “Kenai River” pizza topped with smoked salmon, or the carnivore-pleasing “Meatza”. They also have salads and appetizers if pizza isn’t your thing. It’s a nice way to relax and refuel before hitting the road again.
• Two Sisters Bakery (Homer) Tucked near Homer’s Old Town and just a block from Bishop’s Beach, Two Sisters is a beloved bakery and café. In the morning, you’ll find locals lined up for strong coffee and freshly baked cinnamon rolls, scones, and quiches. At lunch they serve creative soups, sandwiches, and pastries that draw people from all over. Grab a cardamom bun or a fruit tart you can’t really go wrong. There’s a cozy indoor space and a pretty garden seating area outside (often visited by the town’s friendly neighborhood moose keep your distance if one wanders by!). It’s a delicious stop to start your Homer day or grab snacks before a long drive back.
• Captain Pattie’s Fish House (Homer Spit) When in Homer, seafood is king. Captain Pattie’s sits right on the boardwalk of the Spit with views of the harbor. They’ll cook your catch of the day if you bring it in from a charter, or you can order off the menu favorites include halibut fish and chips, grilled king salmon, and incredible king crab legs when in season. The interior is casual maritime-themed, and it’s suitable for families (kids menu available). Timing dinner here around sunset (which can be as late as 10-11 PM in summer) means you might dine with a glowing sky over the bay. Reservations aren’t required but can be a good idea in July.
• Homestead Restaurant (outside Homer) For a more upscale dining experience, the Homestead is a few miles east of Homer in a quaint hillside house. It’s a bit of a drive out East End Road, but many say it’s worth it for the view and gourmet twist on local ingredients. Menu items might include seared scallops, game hen, or the chef’s preparation of the day’s catch, alongside local greens and herbs grown on-site. It’s pricy for Alaska standards, but the combination of pastoral setting and quality food makes it a memorable night out if you’re celebrating your successful road trip. (Check days/hours some fine dining in Homer is seasonal.)

Lodging:Homer offers a delightful variety of accommodations. A standout option is to stay right on Homer Spit at the very end is Land’s End Resort, where rooms have balconies literally steps from the beach (you can often see sea otters playing in the surf from your window). It has an indoor pool and hot tub great for kids and an on-site restaurant. Along the Spit there are also several rustic cabins and lodges, or even yurts, for those who want a unique stay over the waves (just be aware that Spit lodging can be breezy and is farther from Homer’s main town amenities).

In town, you’ll find charming B&Bs and cottages dotted on the bluffs. Many have stellar views of the bay for instance, Halcyon Heights B&B or Bay Ave Bed & Breakfast come with warm hosts and hearty breakfasts. There are also standard hotels like Best Western Bidarka, which is convenient and centrally located. If you’re traveling with an RV or tent, Homer has campgrounds both on the Spit (near the action, but can be windy) and inland at places like Hornaday Park (quieter, forested). For those wanting to splurge on something different, Tutka Bay or Halibut Cove lodges across Kachemak Bay offer luxury wilderness lodging accessible by boat or float plane but that’s a whole other excursion. Generally, plan to spend at least one night in Homer to fully savor the area. If you also want to overnight along the way, Soldotna/Kenai has hotels (good mid-point if leaving Anchorage late), or Cooper Landing has scenic cabins and lodges (perfect if fishing the next morning). Early booking for July is advised; Homer’s popularity means accommodations fill, especially on weekends or during the halibut derby and local festivals.

Detours & Extensions:

• Halibut Cove & Kachemak Bay: Homer is not the end if you’re willing to go off-road it’s the gateway to Kachemak Bay’s maritime communities. A popular day trip or overnight detour is Halibut Cove, an artistic little hamlet across the bay, accessible by a short ferry or water taxi (like the Danny J ferry or water taxis from the Spit). In Halibut Cove, you’ll find a picturesque boardwalk community built on pilings over the water, with art galleries and a neat restaurant called The Saltry (famed for its seafood chowder and setting). There are hiking trails to alpine lakes and lots of bird life (including puffins on nearby islands). Alternatively, a water taxi can drop you at Kachemak Bay State Park, where you can hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake and see icebergs, then be picked up later. These “wet detours” let you experience wilderness only reachable by boat highly recommended if you have an extra day in Homer.
• Fishing Charter Excursion: Homer is called the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.” Even if you’re not an avid angler, consider joining a halibut charter for a half or full day. You’ll head out into Cook Inlet or the bay with experienced captains who know the secret spots. It’s not uncommon for guests to haul up a 50–100 pound halibut (and occasionally barn-door sized ones over 200 lbs!). Many charters also let you purchase a license to catch salmon or rockfish on the same trip if the season’s right. If fishing isn’t your thing, you could instead do a wildlife viewing boat tour around the bay, or even try a bear viewing fly-in trip from Homer (small planes take you across Cook Inlet to bear-rich areas like Katmai an expensive but phenomenal add-on). These aren’t exactly driving extensions, but they’re fantastic experiences accessible from Homer if you allocate time.
• Return via Anchorage Loop: For a change of scenery on the return drive, one option (if you have an extra day or two) is to loop back to Anchorage via Glenn Highway. This means from the Soldotna area, you’d head north on the longer route through Palmer/Glennallen (essentially making a big clockwise loop around Anchorage). It’s a significant detour (adds many hours), but it would take you by Matanuska Glacier and through the Chugach mountains of the interior. Most people won’t do this unless they’re continuing to another destination (like driving on toward Tok or Valdez), but it’s there as an extension. More practically, you could simply detour slightly on your drive back the same way: for example, swing into Kenai Lake’s Quartz Creek area for a picnic or take the short scenic Skilak Lake Loop (a partly gravel bypass off Sterling Highway that passes pretty lakes and trailheads). Little side explorations like these can add flavor to the return journey.
• Festivals & Events: If you’re looking for a unique detour of the cultural kind, time your trip around local events. The Kenai River Festival (June in Soldotna) celebrates the environment with family activities and music. Homer has events like the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival in May (birding galore) and the Halibut Tournament or King Salmon Derby at various times fun to participate in or just observe the buzz. Detouring your schedule to catch a small-town event can give you a memorable slice of local life and maybe some new friends at the barbecue or beer garden.

Practical Tips:

• Fuel Up & Facilities: As with any Alaska drive, don’t let your gas drop too low. There are sufficient gas stations on this route (Girdwood, Moose Pass, Cooper Landing in season, Soldotna, Anchor Point, Homer all have fuel), but at night some may close early. Keep topped up, especially before the longer stretch from Soldotna to Homer (about 80 miles) though Anchor Point has a small station, it’s best not to count on it late. Public restrooms can be found at major stops: there’s a rest area at Portage Glacier turnoff, visitor centers in Soldotna/Kenai, and in Homer (try the Chamber of Commerce or Safeway if you need a clean pit stop). Carry some cash; smaller places sometimes give a discount for gas cash payments or have minimums for cards.
• Fishing Regulations: If you plan to fish (even casually off a dock or at the Fishing Hole in Homer), make sure to buy an Alaska fishing license (available at stores in Anchorage, Soldotna, etc., or online) and be aware of the rules. The Kenai River, for instance, has specific seasons and limits for each salmon species, and some areas are single-hook or catch-and-release only. For halibut charters, the captain will typically handle licenses and explain limits (usually 2 halibut per person per day, with one of certain size, as regulations currently stand). Also, if you do catch fish, many services in Homer and Soldotna offer fish processing and shipping so you can send your catch home rather than try to transport a cooler of fish yourself.
• Mosquitoes & Gear: Parts of the Kenai (especially around Cooper Landing’s woods or any lakes) can get buggy in summer, especially after rain. Pack insect repellent so that an impromptu walk by the river doesn’t turn into a mosquito feeding frenzy. In Homer, the sea breeze often keeps bugs down, but you might encounter gnats on calm days on the Spit. For clothing, layers are key you might be in a t-shirt in sunny Soldotna by afternoon but need a fleece or windbreaker by evening in Homer when the marine air chills. Having a pair of binoculars is highly recommended on this trip: you can spot everything from mountain goats on cliffs to whales out in the bay if you look carefully.
• Drive Times & Daylight: Don’t underestimate drive times. While 5 hours is the direct time, frequent stops and slower traffic can easily make Anchorage to Homer a 7-8 hour endeavor. The good news: in summer you have tons of daylight to play with. It will still be quite light out even at 10 PM in June. That said, if you’re tired, break up the trip. There are roadside lodges and campgrounds aplenty. Driving while drowsy is dangerous, especially with Alaska’s long straight stretches that can lull you so switch drivers or rest as needed.
• Connectivity: Cell service is generally okay in populated areas (Anchorage, Girdwood, Soldotna, Kenai, Homer have 4G/LTE). But there are dead zones, particularly between Cooper Landing and Soldotna (through the mountains) and a short stretch approaching Homer. Don’t rely on streaming navigation 100% consider downloading offline maps of the Kenai Peninsula beforehand. Local radio stations (like KBBI AM 890 in Homer or KPEN FM along the Kenai) give weather and road updates occasionally, and weather alerts (for example, if there’s an accident or construction) may break in via the Emergency Alert System. It’s always wise to keep an ear out.
• Family Notes: The Homer trip is a bit longer than Seward’s, but families often find it equally rewarding. There are playgrounds in Soldotna (Soldotna Creek Park) and Homer (Karen Hornaday Park) if the kids need to run around. For car activities, consider bringing Alaska-themed coloring books or audiobooks (maybe The Call of the Wild or a podcast about Alaska) to keep them engaged. Once in Homer, kid-friendly perks include the touch tank at the Pratt Museum and beachcombing for pretty rocks (Homer beaches have agates if you search!). Do be careful with little ones on the Spit near the docks keep a hand on them, as there’s open water and lots of gear around. The good news: you’re never far from snacks or a bathroom on this route, with the string of communities along the way. And perhaps the best tip: embrace the journey mindset if your children want to watch the fishing action a bit longer or stop to see horses by a fence, build in that flexibility. Sometimes those unplanned moments become the favorite memories of a family road trip.

Rentals & Logistics: The drive to Homer is essentially an extension of the Seward Highway journey, so similar rental advice applies. A comfortable vehicle with good cargo space is important you’ll accumulate extra gear if you’re fishing (coolers, rods) or shopping in Homer’s art galleries. If you anticipate bringing back a lot of fish, ask your rental company if they allow coolers with fish in the vehicle (and be mindful to keep things sealed so you don’t return a car smelling like the dock!). Given the distance, unlimited mileage is a must (most rentals in Alaska include this by default but double-check). For larger groups, 12-passenger vans are an option and commonly rented in Anchorage just remember a bigger van means slightly slower going on winding roads and more caution in parking areas.

One logistic many consider is one-way rentals, but unfortunately, there are no major rental drop-offs in Homer you’ll be driving back to Anchorage the same way. However, if you’re combining with air travel, know that Homer does have a small airport with flights to Anchorage (Ravn and Grant Aviation operate routes), so in a pinch someone could fly back and retrieve something or etc. But generally, plan on a round-trip drive.

If you’re renting an RV or campervan for this adventure (a popular way to explore the Kenai), note that there are dump stations in Soldotna and Homer, and many campgrounds with hookups. Drive a bit slower with an RV on these curvy roads and use pullouts to let cars pass if needed.

Lastly, remember to relax and enjoy the journey. It’s easy to focus on “getting there,” but with a rental car in Alaska, the freedom to stop anywhere is your greatest asset. See a moose grazing in a pond? Pull over safely and watch. Feel like an espresso in Sterling? Stop at that espresso hut (they’re everywhere in Alaska!). Your rental vehicle is your ticket to an incredible, flexible adventure and the road to Homer offers endless possibilities to use it. Fill up the tank, cue up an Alaska-themed playlist (maybe Johnny Horton’s “North to Alaska” for irony as you go south to Homer), and hit the road for an epic drive to the end of the road!