10 Free Things to do in Homer That You Shouldn't Miss

This enormous state park, largely unexplored wilderness, includes glaciers, rivers and waterfalls and offers a 10-mile coastline strip that is excellent for fishing and kayaking. Wildlife sightings include puffins, eagles, sea otters, seals, porpoises and whales.

The Norman Lowell Art Gallery Foundation is a non-profit charitable Foundation which aims to preserve and share the Norman Lowell Gallery of Alaska free of charge to visitors around the world. The Norman Lowell Gallery sits atop a bluff in Anchor Point, AK, on the original homestead property of Norman Lowell and his family. The large permanent collection showcases the beauty of Alaska in works ranging from small sketches to massive oils, some of which are over 6 feet in height. Visitors to Alaska are welcomed to come spend as much time as they wish walking among the Permanent Collection, as well as walk the old homestead grounds and see the original cabin, gardens, and studio. A sales room is dedicated to high-quality prints of many of Lowell's works, as well as a number of originals.

Jars of Clay Pottery has been open for 19 years in downtown Homer, Alaska. At Jars of Clay Pottery I mentor several young adults to refine their pottery skills and teach them to run a studio, make glazes, load kilns, and many various studio jobs. Our work is both functional and nonfunctional. We have a wide variety of products, mugs to sculptures. We work year round in the studio, and the storefront is open from May 1 to Christmas. If visiting in the winter just call the number on the door and we'll gladly let you in the store. Come and visit us. Ruby

Ptarmigan Arts is Homer's only cooperative art gallery, owned and operated by local Alaskan artists. The gallery carries the artwork of established Homer artists as well as newcomers to the Homer art scene. Open year-round, Ptarmigan Arts offers unique, quality artwork and handcrafted items in a variety of media including ceramics, woodworking and turnings, fiber/wearable arts, glass, photography, paintings and etchings, stone lithographs, jewelry, sculpture, and Alaskan fine art prints and cards. Located in charming downtown Homer, the gallery is within walking distance to other galleries and a myriad of other shops, restaurants, and other local attractions. All major credit cards are accepted. Shipping is available and free gift wrapping is offered for purchases.

The Art Shop Gallery is Where Art Meets Life, here in beautiful Homer, Alaska. Here or on the web, we have a wide selection of art and other gifts, including prints, originals by Alaskan Artists like Byron Birdsall, Barbara Lavallee, Rie Munoz, Bruce Nelson, Katie Sevigny, Taz Tally, Ed Tussey, Jon Van Zyle, and Nancy Yaki. We are also very proud of our collection of bone and ivory carvings, including those by Native Alaskans, ornaments, pottery, and jewelry. The tea and coffee are always on!

Bunnell Street Arts Center's mission is to nurture and support innovative art of exceptional quality in all media: solo and group exhibits, concerts, screenings, workshops, Artist in Schools, Artist in Residence. A nonprofit with a national reputation for excellence presenting a delightful selection of handmade items for sale.

The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center is a partnership between the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve. Built in 2003 as a resource for the community and visitors to Homer, Alaska, the building houses interpretive and interactive exhibits and displays describing the important work and research of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve.Located at 95 Sterling Highway, there are opportunities to enjoy the exhibit hall, informative videos, regular educational programming, and Ranger/Naturalist-led walks and presentations.The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center is your window to the largest seabird refuge in the world, with all of the natural wonders of Kachemak Bay right outside its doors!