Howling Adventures Await in Homer, Alaska
- Luie Boone
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.
If you're dreaming of a vacation that blends rugged wilderness, ocean views, and small-town charm—and doesn't make you leave your furry friend behind—then look no further than Homer, Alaska for your next trip!
Homer is a true Alaskan escape. It is perfect for those who love the outdoors. Families can enjoy long walks along the Homer Spit, explore tidepools along the shoreline, and even watch eagles soar above Kachemak Bay’s glacier-capped peaks. Luie Boone was happy to hear that, even though it's Alaska, there are still pooch-friendly beaches, where pooches can splash in the waves or romp along the beach. Just be careful, as the water is generally cold and rough!
In Homer, there are also scenic hiking trails that wind through forests and meadows. These trails offer peaceful paths and chances to spot wildlife, such as moose, foxes, and soaring bald eagles! Many trails are well-marked and easily accessible, which makes them perfect for families with dogs looking for a laid-back day outdoors. Whether you're walking through spruce-scented woods or pausing at a bluff to watch the tide roll in, these trails offer an adventure through nature’s beauty.
Back in town, Homer’s laid-back vibe continues as local businesses, cafes, and markets often welcome pups with open paws by offering outdoor seating, water bowls, and even a treat or two... Luie Boone hopes it will be two!
From enjoying fresh-caught halibut at a seaside picnic table to roasting marshmallows by a driftwood fire, Homer invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple moments because it’s a place where the whole family—paws and all—can relax and feel part of something special.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at Homer, Alaska. Check it out below!
Rental Name: The Nest
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 1.5 baths.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
It features the following amenities:
Perched high on a bluff, which overlooks Kachemak Bay
Enjoy panoramic views of the glacier studded Kenai Mountains and the famous Homer Spit
Deck, which includes a large Weber grill, picnic table, and plenty of lawn chairs
Fire Pit (The best spot for roasting smores!)
Expansive lawn, which provides for a variety of activities (like zoomies!)
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
I overheard my humans talking about a place called "The Nest." This is where we would stay on vacation in Homer, Alaska. I hear that the rental is way, way, way up high on a bluff, so it makes sense why it's named after a bird's nest. It has wide-open views of Kachemak Bay, snowy mountains, and something called the Homer Spit. I’m pretty sure that the Homer Spit is not somewhere where a guy named Homer spits, but actually a place that has seagulls and fish! From what I’ve gathered about "The Nest," it doesn't resemble a bird's nest. No, I heard that it's all newly fixed up! There’s a big primary suite, a snuggle-worthy TV area, and a spiral staircase leading to more rooms, including one with two beds and its own deck! I'll claim that deck as my nest and do all my bird-watching from there. There’s also a single bed in another upstairs room, which sounds like a great nap place. Out back, there's a big deck with a Weber grill (translation: the place that my dad makes the best-smelling snacks at), a picnic table, and lawn chairs. The yard is massive, too, with plenty of space for fetch. At night, there’s a fire pit where I plan to cozy up and wait for snack drops (or plan my next smore heist). You want to know the only catch? Well, it'd be the spiral stairs. These might be tricky for dogs to navigate, especially for the pups with the short legs (corgis, I’m looking at you). But my humans got me! They'll make sure I make it up and down the stairs safe and sound. Although I haven’t even set paw there yet, I already know that "The Nest" is going to be one of my favorite place ever.
Paws Venture Here
Bishop's Beach
This flat sandy beach is great for walking and playing fetch with your pooch at low tide.
Diamond Creek Trail
Pups are welcome to join you on Diamond Creek Trail, which is a 2 mile path winding down through forested bluffs and tall grass meadows. It leads to an open beach.
Kachemak Bay State Park
Bring your canine companion to Kachemak Bay State Park, which is Alaska’s first state park. It is also it's only wilderness park. It contains roughly 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests, and ocean. That sounds like a week full of adventure to Luie Boone!
Glacier Lake Trail, Grewingk Tram, and Saddle Trail
This is a 9.2-mile out-and-back trail. The final stretch heads through a heavy alder section, before spitting you and your doggo out onto the lake shore. Enjoy lounging on the beach, watching icebergs, or looking for wildlife. The occasional black bear has been spotted along the trail.
Danny J Ferry
Fido can join you on this conventional-style fishing boat, which has served as both a passenger ferry and as a tour boat on tours around Homer and Halibut Cove, starting from the picturesque Kenai Peninsula.
McNeil Canyon Loop
You can enjoy the views of this 4.6-mile loop trail with your best friend!
Canyon Ridge Trail
(also known as Bear Canyon)
This is a moderate to strenuous hike, starting next to Palmer Creek in Bear Canyon. It gradually climbs out of the valley to the east rim and emerges into high meadows with fabulous views of Kachemak Bay. Be sure to keep a eye on your dog, as bears and moose are occasionally sighted.
The Bagel Shop
The Bagel Shop brings big city style to it's small town cafe, where you'll find homemade bites and a dog-friendly table! Local hits include the Pastrami Reuben and the unique Bagel Dog. Bagel dog? Luie Boone can't wait to sniff that one out!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Homer, Alaska
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
My humans are thinking about a vacation to Homer, Alaska! Yep, Homer Alaska! The place with mountains that touch the sky, salty sea breezes, and trails that go on furever! My humans say it’s “off the beaten path,” which I think means off-leash fun! We’re gonna sniff trails, splash around Kachemak Bay, and run wild on the Spit. However, here’s the thing… there’s some wildlife to be worried about. I'm not talking about your everyday squirrel. I’m talking about seabirds that shriek like flying gremlins, bald eagles that scream from the sky, and the one that gets my tail tuck just a little. That'd be the coyotes. Coyotes howl at night like a pack of ghost-dogs, trying out for a spooky choir. I have never met a coyote, but my cousin, Gator, has and he did not like it! Gator and my humans say I’ll be safe, as long I stay close, stay smart, and don't let me nose get me in trouble!
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