15 miles southwest of the Homer Spit — or about an hour and half away by ferry — is Seldovia, a tiny community on the south shore of Kachemak Bay that promotes itself as “Alaska’s best kept secret.”

Transportation to Seldovia is by water taxi, airplane, or the Alaska Ferry System. Four-wheelers are as likely as automobiles to be seen on Seldovia’ Main Street, which is home to several small lodges, bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants.

Summer activities include berry-picking along the road to Jakolof Bay, salmon fishing in the slough or from Seldovia Bridge, and hiking the trails to the area’s numerous peaks. In town, visitors can find guides for halibut fishing in Kachemak Bay or for ATV rides up a logging road to Red Mountain.

Seldovia’s normally laid-back atmosphere disappears on the Fourth of July, when thousands of visitors flock to town for a full day of festivities, part of a town tradition that dates to at least 1920.

The celebration starts with an early morning breakfast, followed by a footrace, a parade, and such games of skill as tug-of-war and canoe jousting.

Other Seldovia events include the Craft Invitational Chainsaw Carving Contest, held Memorial Day Weekend, and the two-day Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival in June.