This four-mile finger of real estate jutting boldly into Kachemak Bay hosts the Small Boat Harbor, touristy boardwalks, a famous Fishing Hole, the infamous Salty Dawg Saloon, Land’s End Resort, public camping, charter halibut and salmon fishing, a ferry terminal, and lazy beachcombing with an incomparable view.

The Homer Spit is Homer’s main attraction, and a wonderfully busy place in midsummer. You could easily spend several days just exploring the shops, walking the beaches, flying kites, fishing for salmon in the Hole, renting a sea kayak to paddle around, soaking up the mountain vistas, and sitting around a campfire as the midsummer sun heads down around midnight.

Day breezes kick up most afternoons, making for fine sailing and ideal conditions for an increasing number of kite-surfers. And when the wind really blows the waves start rolling in, attracting surfers and kayakers. No wonder so many folks love Homer!

The Pratt Museum’s Historical Harbor Walking Tours ($5) depart from the Salty Dawg Saloon every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 3 p.m. in the summer.

A paved two-mile bike path starts at the base of the Spit and continues to the Fishing Hole; it’s great for bikes and inline skates, but the traffic is constant and noisy. Come out early in the morning before the cars and wind pick up. Bike rentals are available from Hackle Shack Fly Shop (907/399-4542) on the Spit, Homer Saw and Cycle (907/235-8406), and Lands End Resort (907/235-2500).