Kachemak Bay State Park occupies the entire southern shore of the bay opposite Homer — mountains, glaciers, old-growth spruce forest, sea otter colonies, tide pools, and about 80 km of hiking trails — and it is accessible only by boat. Water taxis run from the Homer Spit marina to several trailheads and lodges, with crossings taking 20–45 minutes depending on the destination.
The park is large and genuinely wild. Grewingk Glacier, which descends from the Kenai Mountains almost to the water's edge, is the most dramatic single feature and can be reached by a trail from the beach landing. Sea otters are common in the bay; Dall's porpoises and orcas pass through. Tide pools at low water are productive with starfish, anemones, and crabs. Several backcountry cabins can be reserved through the Alaska State Parks website. Day trips are possible but an overnight stay gives you the place at its most peaceful.