Visiting Us
Admission • Hours • Location • Guest Amenities & Accessibility • Parking • Pets • Shopping • Plan Ahead & Enjoy the Trails • Birding & Wildlife Watching • Local Destinations
Admission is free !!
Both Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve have made a commitment to inform and educate the public about the natural treasures in the Refuge and the Reserve.
Hours
Fall, Winter, and Spring
October 1 through April 25
Open Tuesday through Saturday
12 noon to 5 pm
Closed on Federal Holidays
April 26-May 4
Open Tuesday through Sunday
10 am to 5 pm
May 5 - Memorial Day Weekend
10 am to 5 pm Daily
September 2 - September 30
Open Tuesday through Sunday
10 am to 5 pm
Summer
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Open Daily
9 am to 6 pm
Location
Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center is at 95 Sterling Hwy. in Homer, Alaska. Homer has the nickname "Where the road ends and the sea begins" because the Sterling Highway ends there. Our map of the Kenai Peninsula shows the route from Anchorage south to Homer.
Guest Amenities & Accessibility
Restrooms, sitting areas and drinking fountains are conveniently located. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available at no charge to loan to on-site guests. All exhibits are accessible by wheelchair.
Parking
The Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center offers ample parking including bus and RV spots. No overnight parking is allowed.
Pets
Pets are not allowed inside the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center but are allowed on the trails while on a leash. To avoid disease being passed to wildlife, owners must pick up after their pets.
Shopping
Located inside the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, the Alaska Geographic bookstore offers an exciting selection of nature guides, children's items, and books. Click here to contact the Bookstore Manager.
The ANHA website offers membership and an online bookstore with many helpful items for travelers planning to visit to Alaska.
Plan Ahead & Enjoy the Trails
Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center is primarily a walking experience. Stroll through inside exhibits and explore interpretive trails on the Center's sixty-acre site. If you intend to enjoy the trails, consider bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, gear for windy or rainy conditions and appropriate shoes or boots to explore the beach.
Birding & Wildlife Watching on Kachemak Bay
Help plan your wildlife watching trips in the Homer area by visiting the Birder's Guide to Kachemak Bay website. You can also click here for the lastest PEEP report or call 235-7337 (PEEP) to get report or get updates on bird sightings. Check out the the guide to Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing in Alaska.
Local Visitor Destinations
Expand your experience while in Homer by visiting one of our community associates!
#1 Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
#2 Pratt Museum
#3 Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
#4 Alaska Department of Fish & Game
#7 Alaska Marine Highway System
Also visit the Refuge Website for information on getting to Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
