Homer’s old-time favorite is Seaside Farm Hostel (907/235-7850, www.seasidealaska.com, May–Sept.), five miles out on East End Road. It’s a great rural location with horses in the pasture below, an organic garden, beach access, campfire cookouts, and killer views across Kachemak Bay. Beds in the coed dorm cost $15 per person if you have a sleeping bag or $20 with bedding, including cooking facilities and showers. Private rooms in the lodge and simple cabins are $65–85 d; showers are in the lodge. Scenic tent spaces cost $10 d.

Housed within the historic Pratt House (built in 1939), the Homer Hostel (304 W. Pioneer Ave., 907/235-1463, www.homerhostel.com, late Apr.–Sept.) is a pleasant spot to bed down in the heart of town. Bunks are $25 per person, and three simple private rooms cost $54 s or $65 d. The hostel has a full kitchen, laundry, showers, bike rentals, a guest computer, Wi-Fi, an outdoor grill, a convenient downtown location, a friendly owner, and no curfew.