At a Glance
The sister property to Winterlake Lodge, Tutka Bay offers a relaxing summer camp-style experience on the Alaskan coast.
Indagare Loves
- The special bear viewing experience
- The serene surroundings and sense of privacy
- The culinary focus and complimentary cooking classes
Review
Located just a few minutes from lively Homer, a quaint artist village with charming shops, galleries and restaurants, Tutka Bay Lodge is tucked away in an idyllic cove off Kachemak Bay, near Cook Inlet. Accessible by float plane or water taxi, the property feels like a rustic summer camp and is an ideal home base for enjoying coastal activities and exploring rugged natural landscapes.
Boardwalks sprawl across the property, connecting the main lodge to its six standalone cabins and annexed cooking school. The two- and three-bedroom cabins are spacious, simply appointed and private, offering impressive views of the bay and the surrounding forests, mountains and inlets. Tutka Bay’s limited public spaces ensure that most time is spent outdoors. The small main lodge has a cozy living and dining room, where meals are served and where drinks and snacks are available throughout the day. The expansive outdoor deck is a lovely place to take in the views and relax in the sauna.
Tutka Bay is lauded for its superb culinary program. Owner Kristen Dixon, a renowned Cordon Bleu chef, has expertly developed the property’s ocean-based food and beverage program with great success. Foodies should take advantage of Tutka Bay’s complimentary cooking school, housed in a former crabbing boat.
Less action-oriented than other Alaskan lodges, Tutka Bay promises a more serene slice of life in the wilderness. The experience here is focused on leisurely coastal activities rather than thrill-seeking; sportfishing, hiking and kayaking are the primary activities on offer. Not to be missed is the lodge’s fly-out bear viewing excursion: guests can observe the majestic grizzlies playing and feeding in the remote corners of Katmai National Park.
Who Should Stay
Travelers looking for a tranquil and easily accessible coastal-based experience with great food and access to local village life.
Written by Sasha Feldman