Homer to Anchorage - looking for lunch options

Question

The rest of our Kenai Peninsula journey is already planned with time doing cool things in Seward and Homer, so I just need input on these very specific issues....

We will be leaving Homer around 8:30 AM after having breakfast and headed back to Anchorage to fly out that evening. This ONE day is devoted to scenic stops, photo ops, scenic overlook, maybe a few short hikes along the Kenai Peninsula as we head back to the Anchorage airport from Homer.

Looking for lunch spot mid-way up Kenai Peninsula. Soldotna will be too early (too close to breakfast.). Is there any place to eat between Soldotna and Girdwood?

Other than Alyeska Tram & Girdwood, what else is worth the stop/time as we wrap up our Alaskan journey? Is Exit Glacier worth a stop and if so, how much time to allow?

Thanks in advance for ideas about: (1) lunch midway up the peninsula. (2) is Exit Glacier worth time & if so, how much time; (3) what else is worth a stop as we head north up the peninsula & how long to allow? (4) Is tram worth the stop & if so how much time to do it justice?

Answer

Driving from Homer to Anchorage is a beautiful journey, and with an early start you have plenty of time for scenic stops, short hikes, and photography along the Kenai Peninsula. Here’s a breakdown addressing your specific questions:

1. Lunch midway up the Kenai Peninsula:

If Soldotna is too close to breakfast, consider stopping around the Sterling Highway corridor closer to Cooper Landing or Moose Pass. A few good options include:

Cooper Landing Brewster’s Coffee & Cafe: A casual spot with sandwiches, soups, and coffee, great for a quick and tasty lunch.
Moose Pass General Store & Cafe: A small but convenient stop with light meals, pastries, and coffee; good for a quick refuel.
Kenai River Brewing Company (Soldotna area): If you decide to go slightly earlier, they offer hearty sandwiches and burgers, though it may feel early depending on your breakfast timing.

2. Exit Glacier stop:

Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park is definitely worth a stop if you enjoy short hikes and glacier views. The area is accessible and offers several options:

The short Riverside Trail is about 0.8 miles round trip and takes 20–30 minutes.
The Edge of Glacier Trail is a bit more strenuous, about 1.2 miles round trip, taking 45–60 minutes, and brings you closer to the glacier.
Include an extra 15–20 minutes for parking, photos, and enjoying viewpoints.

Overall, allow 1–1.5 hours for a meaningful visit without feeling rushed.

3. Other recommended stops north up the peninsula:

Kenai Lake & Kenai River viewpoints: There are several scenic pullouts near Cooper Landing; great for photos and a short walk to the water.
Russian River Falls: If salmon are running, the falls are beautiful and a short 15–20 minute walk from the parking lot.
Beluga Point: Just before Girdwood on Turnagain Arm; excellent for photographing the mountains and water, often with beluga sightings in summer.

Allocate roughly 15–30 minutes per stop for quick photo opportunities, or longer if you plan a short hike.

4. Alyeska Tram stop:

The tram in Girdwood is worth it if you want panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and Turnagain Arm. Plan for:

Boarding, tram ride to the top, time to walk viewpoints, and return: ~1–1.5 hours.
Optional: a quick snack or coffee at the top lodge adds another 15–20 minutes.

If you have time constraints and want the tram experience without a long wait, an early afternoon arrival in Girdwood works best.

In summary, with an 8:30 AM departure from Homer, you can comfortably enjoy: