BudgetQueen

In my opinion you would still need a car to get around. But certainly Homer is worthwhile, but part of the highlight are the marine activites. And certainly some of the drive there is scenic. It does need time.

z

Flying with ERA from Anchorage is another option. There is a rental car desk at the airport in Homer. Yes, you still need a car even for a day. Personally, I would rather fly to smaller town that is not acessible by raod as easily as Homer. But this is MHO

Deborah

Thanks for the advice. I will probably just drive it. Does it really take 4-1/2 hours or is it less than that? I will be by myself, so just trying to get an idea of how long. I know I can stop in Soldotna along the way, but are there other little villages as well or just open road most of the way?

repete

Four and a half hours is a very conservative estimate, assuming you're talking Seward to Homer.

That was the bus schedule time, which stops and oftens waits along the way at Kenai, Soldotna and Cooper Landing. Swinging off the main road to Kenai (about 10 miles each way) adds a fair bit of time to an already loose schedule.

There are possible stops along the way, including Moose Pass, Cooper Landing, Ninilchik and Anchor Point. Unless you're fishing there's not a lot to do in Soldotna. Kenai has a small museum and visitors center.

The best stops are usually just views across the inlet on a nice day.

Deborah

I am talking about the drive time from Anchorage to Homer. Is it 4-1/2 hours or can it be done in less time than that? I think Budget Queen said about 3-1/2 from Homer to Seward. Is that correct? I don't mind 3-1/2, but get a little bored with an almost 5 hour drive when I am alone.

repete

I've done it in under 4 1/2 but everything has to click In the summer, expecially head south Friday or Saturday and north on Sunday, it's rough and unlikely.

Early morning midweek is the best IMO. Homer-Anchorage is a long stretch, especially alone, and being unfamiliar with the route always seems to add a little stress if not time. Is there a chance you could break it up with a night in Kenai-Soldotna or Cooper Landing?

dfrostnh

Deborah: I'd hate to miss the drive south on the Seward Highway because it's one of the most beautiful I've ever seen but you might consider flying to Kenai and renting a car from there. It's sort of half way between Homer and Seward. But, if you plan a good place to stop for lunch, the drive from Anchorage to Homer wouldn't be too bad. Soldotna's a good sized place with shops, strip malls and restaurants. There's a really good bakery if you needed a sugar boost. One of the local posters probably knows it. Big squashed cinnamon rolls. South of there, the towns are very small until you get to Homer. I got the feeling that Homer was more artsy although the galleries had works from artists from all over.

Deborah

I drove about this same distance up in Nova Scotia and it was ok, but I wouldn't want to do any more than 4-1/2 hours or so on my own. I would be driving on a Weds. to Homer and on a Friday to Seward. It would be in May, so not full Summer Season crowds yet. I would hate to miss Homer if the drive is doable. Is the road in pretty good condition. I have driven down to Girdwood before and took the train to Seward once before, so I have seen some of the highway before. I don't mind driving, especially in a beautiful place like Alaska.

BudgetQueen

Yes- 3 1/2++ hours or so without stops- which you will want and need. I always stop either way at Gwin's at Cooper Landing. No way around it- it is a 2 lane road, you can be slowed down considerably with RV's, etc. Soldotna can be congested. A necessary reference is THE MILEPOST and also the Kenai Peninsula visitor guide. http://www.kenaipeninsula.org/

dfrostnh

We visited in June and thought the roads were in excellent condition. My vote for a place to stop, eat and stretch your legs would be River City Books in Soldotna which is right on the Sterling Highway near the intersection of the Kenai Spur. It a little group of shops which includes a small gift shop, deli, the bookstore and Charlotte's. Here's a link to someone's write up:
http://www.allcampgrounds.com/reviews/espresso.html. I think May is before the big salmon runs start when everybody is headed to the KP. Soldotna has a population of over 13,000 so there are other choices for food stops. Books on tape might help make the drive easier. If you've forgotten anything, Soldotna is a good place and last chance for a good selection of stores before you get to Homer. Hope you have a great trip!

repete

I've figured it out, BQ is driving a horse and cart.

Seriously, tho, while I think that drive can be made in under 3 if you push it, adding a break or stopping for a view is still worthwhile.

Gwin's is an excellent suggestion - best for an early breakfast or a late burger.

There are not a lot of interesting choices in Soldotna, although I remember about 20 years ago having a dinner that feature ``scalone'' a blend of scallops and abalone that was incredible. Dfrostnh's pick is a good one, too.

But if you just stop for a quick coffee to go and maybe a bathroom break, three hours is a pretty good estimate.

I'm not completely clear on the number of days you want to spend between Homer and Seward. Post that if you get a chance and maybe BQ and others can brainstorm on some more deinite options.

dwooddon

I also suggest splitting your time between Homer and Seward. You could easily spend four days in Seward but you can also see most of the things there are to see, including the Kenai Fjords tour in just two. Homer is one of my favorite places and I would not miss it. The view of the spit, the bay, and the lower peninsula as you crest the highway coming into Homer is beyond description.

BudgetQueen

Yep- I'm in the horse and buggy and Repete is in the rocket. But with the distance about 180 miles- I do like a few breaks. A good "guide" is the Kenai Peninsula visitor guide, because it mentions all the small towns. www.kenaipeninsula.com

dfrostnh

I thought the 4 1/2 hour estimate was from ANC to Homer which sounds about right.

repete

OK, BQ, next time we'll meet at Gwin's for breakfast -- I'll just sleep in a little later ...