The best activities are on the beaches, in the hilltop meadows, and on Kachemak Bay, and the best man-made attractions all somehow relate to that setting. The art inspired by Homer's environment shows in more than a dozen galleries and studios in town, not including those across the bay in Halibut Cove (discussed later). New shows open all over town on the first Friday of the month, when restaurants hold special evenings and the entire community comes out for an evening of gallery hopping.
A widely distributed brochure lists most of the galleries in town, with a map. Most are close together on Pioneer Avenue. You'll mostly find photography, prints, pottery, fabric, woodwork, and other crafts, since these are small businesses owned by local people trying to make a living. But there is some expensive fine art, too. Among my favorite galleries are Ptarmigan Arts, at 471 E. Pioneer Ave. (tel. 907/235-5345), an artists' co-op showing a cross section of what the area offers; the Fireweed Gallery (tel. 907/235-3411, www.fireweedgallery.com), next door to Ptarmigan, with true fine art in an elegant, airy space; and the large, friendly, and well-stocked Art Shop Gallery (tel. 907/235-7076, www.artshopgallery.com), in the two-story, octagonal building at 202 W. Pioneer Ave.
There are galleries on Homer Spit, too, among all the ticky-tacky gift shops, food stands, and fishing charters offices. My favorite there is Gary Lyon's Sea Lion Gallery, on the Central Charters Boardwalk at 4241 Homer Spit Rd. (tel. 907/235-3400; www.sealiongallery.com). Lyon's work captures Alaska wildlife in spectacular detail but also transforms his subjects with a distinctively dreamy vision. His gallery is a tiny jewel box of valuable works.
Natural History Tours -- The nonprofit Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (tel. 907/235-6667; www.akcoastalstudies.org) is dedicated to educating the public about the shore, interpreting Kachemak Bay for visitors on daily explorations of the Peterson Bay and China Poot Bay area, across the water from Homer. At low tide they lead guests on a fascinating guided tide-pool walk. The center also has access to lovely woodlands where nature walks cover forest ecology and geology and visit an archaeological site. Saltwater tanks at the lodge contain creatures from the intertidal zone and microscopes to inspect your finds. It's a relaxed and truly Alaskan outing. You can add on sea kayaking or an overnight stay. Reserve by calling the center at the number above. The all-day tour is $100 for adults, $63 for children 12 and under, and operates daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pack your own lunch and bring footwear suitable for hiking and potentially wet beach walks and warm clothing for the boat ride.
