Everyone Always Goes to Homer Spit in Alaska: Go Here Instead

Alaska is famous for its views, with mountains and fjords flanking most photos. Beaches, although less stereotypically thought of as an Alaskan staple, are also highly regarded, with the popular Homer Spit drawing quite a crowd during tourist season. But for those looking for the best hidden beaches in Alaska, rather than the bustling Homer Spit, there’s one only a few hours away.

What Makes This Underrated Beach in Alaska Better

Although it depends on the type of trip one is looking for, Tonsina Beach is better than Homer Spit for multiple reasons. Also known as Tonsina Point and part of the Tonsina Creek Trail, this patch of pristine nature can be found in Seward, which is in southern Alaska near Kenai Fjords National Park. 

At Tonsina Beach, visitors can expect an uncrowded, peaceful visit that requires a hike prior to accessing the beach (hence why it is uncrowded). As most Alaskan beaches are, the beach is stunningly gorgeous, with views that seem unreal. But this destination also offers some of the most underrated wildlife viewing around, both on the land, in the air, and in the ocean. 

In the air, the most famous sights would be the copious bald eagles, but there are also puffins and other seabirds. On land, bears reign supreme, with black bears being most common, but grizzly bears are known to appear, particularly during salmon season in summer. Then, in the ocean, there are fish like salmon, seals, sea otters, jellyfish, sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales. 

What to Expect When You Visit Tonsina Beach

As mentioned, Tonsina Beach is only accessible by tackling the Tonsina Creek Trail. At times, this makes the area feel like a secret beach in Alaska. The hike is an out-and-back, three-mile trail starting at Lowell Point State Recreation Site that takes anywhere from an hour to two hours to complete, depending on one’s level of fitness. But then, of course, those who come to stay for the beach can ignore that timeframe entirely. 

The hike is beautiful, as you trek through mossy forests and across creeks until reaching the Tonsina River and beach. Once there, it’s easy to notice the unique black sand and the remnants of the "ghost forest," named for the skeletal nature of the trees caused by the 1964 earthquake. When at the beach, there are a few things to consider. In terms of amenities, there’s an outhouse and a roofed picnic area, but little else. On occasion, water taxis can reach the beach, but this depends on the tide and water conditions. Also, depending on the tide, you may search for tide pools, an underrated but locally-loved activity. 

Is It Worth Skipping Homer Spit?

Due to the fact that Homer Spit and Tonsina Beach (and the town of Seward as a base) are under a four-hour drive from each other, it is entirely possible to visit both beaches in Alaska. However, if the choice is only one, then it would depend on the type of trip being taken. Homer Spit is a highly accessible stretch of beach that borders the dynamic town of Homer, where a boardwalk is filled with restaurants, galleries, and companies ready to take tourists out into the Alaskan wilderness.

Tonsina Beach lacks these amenities and accessibility, but the two beaches do share incredible views, superb access to wildlife viewing, and great fishing opportunities (with halibut the main choice for the Homer Spit and salmon the choice for Tonsina Beach due to the river). However, Tonsina Beach offers something very distinct that Homer Spit does not—a lack of crowds. 

Homer Spit is one of the biggest tourist spots in Alaska, and the peak summer season reflects this with a shortage of parking, high prices, and a crowded beach. Choosing the Spit offers many benefits, but also many downsides. But at Tonsina Beach, the Alaskan wilderness and all its glory are available in a quiet but no less magnificent way, with a calm and gorgeous hike required to access the beautiful stretch of black sand beach.