Anchorage to Homer

The road runs out on the Homer Spit. That's the point.

The route

From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm. At the Tern Lake junction, turn onto the Sterling Highway (AK-1) and follow it through Cooper Landing, Soldotna and Ninilchik until the road ends at the tip of the Homer Spit. It’s about 226 miles — roughly 4 to 5 hours of driving.

Construction near Cooper Landing

The Sterling Highway is paved and suitable for standard rental cars and large RVs, but expect delays. A major Alaska DOT&PF project (Sterling Highway Mile 45–60) is building a new alignment to bypass a narrow, winding stretch near the Kenai River at Cooper Landing, including the new Juneau Creek Bridge. In summer, flaggers and pilot cars can hold traffic. Check the project site and Alaska 511 before you leave, and slow down in work zones.

RVs and the Homer Spit

Homer is a favorite RV destination, and the highways handle big rigs well. The Homer Spit — a narrow strip of land about 4.5 miles long — is where most visitors head. Overnight parking there is regulated, so reserve a spot at a designated campground rather than planning to park anywhere.

Taking the ferry

Homer is a terminal for the Alaska Marine Highway System, with service toward Kodiak Island and beyond. Two things to sort out before booking:

• Permission. Many rental agreements prohibit taking the vehicle on a ferry. Get written authorization first.
• Measurements. Ferry vehicle fares depend on the vehicle’s length (and sometimes width), so measure your rental car or RV before you book.

On the way

Stop in Soldotna or Ninilchik for lunch and views across Cook Inlet. Fill up in Soldotna — fuel often costs more at the end of the road. Watch for moose along the Sterling Highway, especially early and late in the day.