Bishop's Beach

The feel

Bishop's Beach is a sand-and-mud beach two blocks from Old Town, at the end of Beluga Place. It is swept by Kachemak Bay's 25-foot tides.

Bald eagles soar overhead and call from tall trees on the shore. As the water drops, rocky outcrops hold tidepools with blue mussels, barnacles, crabs and jellyfish, and burrowing anemones pucker the sand. The beach is popular for tide-pooling, dog walking and gathering coal.

What to expect

What it is

A sand-and-mud beach two blocks from Old Town, at the end of Beluga Place, with the Beluga Slough trailhead and beachcombing.

Crowds and best time

Migrating shorebirds and waterfowl can be thick in early May. Pick a day when the tide drops to minus 1 foot or below and start exploring at least a half hour before low tide.

Parking

Ample parking. Vehicles may drive to the west, or right, of the parking lot area.

Fees and passes

The pavilion can be reserved for $25 for 4 hours or $50 for a full day; it is free to use unless posted as reserved.

Hazards

The returning tide may rise faster than you expect. No driving on the berm in front of Beluga Slough east of the lot.

Bathrooms and water

Public restrooms and trash receptacles are on site.

Season and access

No camping is allowed. All property above the 17 foot Mean High Water line is private.

Mingo says

Plan a trip in early May for the shorebirds, when migrating birds can be thick. The more extensive tidepools are in the rocks to the west by Coal Point, so walk that way at low tide.

Before you go

• Wear rubber boots and dress for wind.
• Check a tidebook for times and stay aware of the returning tide.
• Reserve the pavilion for $25 for 4 hours or $50 for a full day through the City of Homer, (907) 235-3170.
• Stay off private property above the 17 foot Mean High Water line.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.