Fall in Love with Homer, Alaska This Spring and Summer

This month with the Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament on March 25 we thought we’d revisit Homer, Alaska. The city is a great place to visit, but sometimes can be overshadowed by Anchorage or Fairbanks. That being said, there’s plenty to do in this great town. If you’re headed there already for the Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament, you might as well stay occupied when you’re not fishing – or at least know how to keep the non-fishers in your group occupied! You may find yourself dropped off with your tackle box while your family heads off in your Homer Alaska car rentals.

The Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament

You may be too late to take part in the 2017 Winter King Salmon Tournament, which took place on March 25, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year. After all, this tournament causes a rush in Homer Alaska car rentals and hotel occupancies.

This year the tournament’s champion was Ron Johnson, a native of Homer. He definitely took home the jackpot with $32,381.25 in side bets and $21,147.00 for catching a 25.65lb white king salmon. Second and third prizes were $14,098.00 for a 25.10lb king plus $8,062.50 in side bets and $11,077.00 for a 24.30lb king salmon. Sound enticing? If you missed your chance this year, make a note to book your Homer Alaska car rentals and register for the tournament well in advance for next year’s tournament.

And of course, if you don’t win, you at least have a fresh salmon dinner to look forward to!

Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby

Want another chance to win at fishing? Register now for the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby. The Derby is an annual event beginning around mid-May and running through until mid-September. You need a ticket in order to participate in the Derby, and without one you aren’t able to claim a prize. It’s happened more than once where an unhappy angler caught a great fish, but wasn’t able to claim the prize because they were ticketless.

Get your ticket for the Derby now!

Water fun

Looking for something to do out on the water, without having to join in the fishing? Take a cruise around Kachemak Bay. This narrated cruise will provide you the chance to see whales, sea otters, ducks, and bald eagles that live in the area. The cruise stops at Eldred Passage and the Gull Island Seabird Rookery. Look around for some other harbor tours and water taxis that will show you around the various coves and bays on the coast.

Ever tried sea kayaking? Now’s your chance! If you’re new at this sport, sign up for a guided trip through one of the outfitters around the Bay. Otherwise, take a water taxi out to a private paddling area and enjoy. Return to the peace and quiet of nature on the water. As much as we love the freedom provided by our Homer Alaska car rentals, this type of freedom on the water is absolutely priceless.

Land adventures

There are plenty of adventures to take part in on land – like glacier hiking! You’ll need to take a water taxi across to Kachemak Bay State Park, but it’s definitely worth it. After hiking through boreal forest, you’ll get to Grewingk Glacier, where you can hike up for the beautiful views across the horizon.

Sometimes you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Residents of Homer, Alaska are certainly aware of this. That’s why there are 5 remote cabins for public use around Kachemak Bay State Park. You can reserve these either online or at the state park office. Just make sure to pack your Homer Alaska car rentals with plenty of bug spray and extra layers.

Get out to explore Homer this spring! Reserve your Homer Alaska car rentals from Avis today for a thrilling adventure, both on land and by water.