Searching for all of the wonderful issues to do on Whidbey Island, Washington? You’ve come to the proper place. Positioned in Puget Sound, simply north of one in every of our favourite cities ever, Seattle, this PNW island getaway is affected by alternatives for having fun with the sweetness and open air, unimaginable seafood, historic landmarks, and charming cities to go to.
Whereas it’s attainable to go to Whidbey Island on a day journey from Seattle, we extremely advocate giving your self at the very least a number of days to discover round as there are a number of cities you received’t wish to miss, the surroundings at Deception Go, hikes, meals, and craft drinks that would fill a whole trip.
Oh, and don’t neglect the unimaginable views of the Cascade Vary and the Olympic Mountains you possibly can see from right here too! Or that you’ve got alternatives to see completely different breeds of whales together with Orcas right here. And for many who are into aviation, you’ll in all probability discover one of many US Navy Jets that fly overhead throughout your go to.
There are fairly a number of issues that make visiting Whidbey Island, Washington price a multiday journey, so make planning your journey a breeze through the use of our information to the very best issues to do on Whidbey Island!
First Timer’s Information to Whidbey Island, Washington
Go to the City of Coupeville
A visit to Whidbey Island, Washington isn’t full with out seeing the historic city of Coupeville. It’s the island’s oldest city, relationship again nearly 180 years. Come right here in case you love seeing charming fishing villages with 150-year-old buildings and scrumptious eateries. But it surely’s additionally one of the in style Whidbey Island points of interest as a result of it’s the place the 1998 film, Sensible Magic, was set!
Take a stroll down Entrance Road across the Coupeville Wharf and also you’ll perceive why it was picked to be in Sensible Magic. The beautiful storefronts really feel moody up and down the winding road, particularly within the fall! True followers will instantly acknowledge The Little Pink Hen Bakery on Grace Road. It was reworked into Sally’s lovely botanical store for filming.
One other movie location was Coupeville’s personal Toby’s Tavern. It was used as The Catch and the Fly in Sensible Magic, however we simply cherished it as a terrific native watering gap. The waterfront pub appears like a small-town gathering spot with a terrific environment and enjoyable PNW paraphernalia far and wide inside! It’s a terrific place for a beer and Penn Cove mussels.
There’s even a retailer on Coveland Road devoted to the film, known as Praktical Magik. It’s a enjoyable place to stroll round with memorabilia throughout and nods to the movie. But it surely’s additionally a terrific place to select up botanical bathtub merchandise like soaps and oils. Or in case you want precise spellbinding supplies, they’ve a curated assortment of these as properly!
Coupeville sits on a bluff overlooking Penn Cove at concerning the midway level of the island. When you’re on Entrance Road, be certain that to walk down the long-lasting Coupeville Wharf that juts out into the water. It’s a variety of enjoyable to observe for whales on the outer deck, and in case you see one, you ring the bell! The views of the cove are out of this world, and it’s a terrific cease for guests with a café, reward store, and customer’s middle on the finish of the dock.
And for a few of the finest mussels we’ve ever tried, go to Entrance Road Grill in Coupeville for lunch or dinner.
Examine Out Langley
On the southeast aspect of Whidbey Island is the lovely city of Langley. The sweetest half about this place is the rabbits operating round in every single place! Apparently someday within the final half of the 1900s, a bunch of home rabbits escaped from their cages. Each few years, it turns into an enormous native challenge because the rabbit inhabitants explodes. At present, the rabbits name Langley residence similar to everybody else. Simply don’t feed or contact them as a result of they’re wild!
Langley is a heat and welcoming place, with pedestrian aspect streets in every single place, in addition to public gardens, artwork murals, and curbside tables with umbrellas. You possibly can discuss a stroll alongside the water in peaceable Seawall Park. And a must-see on First and Second Road are all of the pastel-colored century-old storefronts. They’re full of home artwork galleries, bookstores, boutiques, thrift retailers, and extra.
Popping out and in of the retailers is among the finest issues to do on Whidbey Island. We thought Spyhop Public Home on Second Road was such a cute bar. There’s indoor and out of doors seating, and there’s only a nice cozy environment the place you possibly can take pleasure in pub meals and native brews.
Or in case you love outdated theaters, try the 1-room Clyde Theatre on First Road. It’s a quaint, family-owned film home that has survived since 1937.
Once you get hungry, we advocate Orchard Kitchen, which is 4 miles south on Bayview Street. You’ll have a refined meals expertise at this farm-to-table restaurant on what’s left of a 100-year-old farm. You’ll dine at rustic family-style tables contained in the outdated barn or exterior among the many wildflowers whilst you take pleasure in a multi-course meal. Many have stated it’s Michelin-star-worthy!
See the Gorgeous Deception Go
We took a while at Deception Go on the northern tip of the island, and we are able to attest that it’s breathtaking. It’s a straight between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island with a number of islets in between. Deception Go comprises a large 4,000-acre state park with wonderful viewpoints and plenty of out of doors actions.
For these okay with heights, take time to stroll throughout the bridge. It’s a 2-lane bridge with slender passenger lanes on both sides. Be ready as a result of it’s a must to wind up some fairly slender staircases to get to the bridge, and it could actually get actually windy up there! However when you’re on the bridge, you possibly can take pleasure in some wonderful views of the strait with the water passing between the land lots. Should you’re fortunate, you may spot a pod of Orcas too!
And the views from the water’s floor simply can’t be overwhelmed. The currents within the strait at excessive and low tide make situations too tough for the common kayaker or swimmer. However you need to undoubtedly ebook a jet boat tour to expertise them. April via September, you possibly can journey a catamaran via the strait whilst you hear attention-grabbing information about native sea life and the historical past of Deception Go and Whidbey Island. Sadly, we missed the excursions by only a few days by visiting early October, however even with out doing the boat tour, we have been blown away by Deception Go.
When you’re right here, head to the Shrimp Shack on the Fidalgo Island aspect of the cross. They’re tremendous in style for his or her wonderful, recent PNW seafood at this roadside cease. If you wish to keep away from a wait, go throughout the week, or simply embrace the crowds and stay up for the scrumptious meals! You will get Dungeness crab, mussels, and shrimp ready in each method you possibly can consider. Additionally they have burgers, fries, hush puppies, and extra.
Take a Whidbey Wild Mushroom Tour
One of many coolest issues to do on Whidbey Island is taking a Whidbey Wild Mushroom Tour. Your educated information, Travis Furlac begins issues off with an informational session. It’s full of tons of data on the way to establish various kinds of mushrooms and the way to forage them correctly within the Pacific Northwest.
After you be taught a bit, you then’re off to discover the forest and search for mushrooms. You possibly can even deliver your individual basket (or brown paper bag) to gather mushrooms in the event that they’re considerable.
Remember the fact that the situation of excursions adjustments relying on situations. Travis scouts every part out beforehand and your tour can be at a spot he picks, all the time providing a terrific academic and interactive tour all about PNW mushrooms.
He hosts 3-hour excursions within the morning and afternoon on Saturdays throughout the mushroom season (sometimes October via late November or early December). And you may select between a bigger open group tour that’s open to people or a non-public tour.
That is completely the most effective issues to do on Whidbey Island if you wish to be taught extra about discovering or foraging your individual meals! We will certainly be searching for excursions like this on our travels as we actually loved this expertise.
Go to Captain Whidbey Inn
Overlooking the western financial institution of Penn Cove is the attractive Captain Whidbey Inn. Positioned inside Ebey’s Touchdown Nationwide Historic Reserve, the historic inn is framed by old-growth timber, grassy lawns, and sandbars. The 6-acre waterfront property was inbuilt 1907 and has had many lives over time, together with as a boarding home. You possibly can keep right here, or at the very least come for a meal.
The Restaurant at Captain Whidbey is open for dinner, providing traditional American dishes centered largely round domestically sourced seafood and different substances. There’s additionally a full bar, so you possibly can take pleasure in cocktails earlier than or after dinner.
To actually expertise Captain Whidbey, come by way of the ferry (you possibly can drive, too). For a very long time, most visitors arrived by water, and never by automotive! You possibly can keep in 30 completely different rooms, suites, and cabins, all impressively designed with a mixture of rustic PNW model and clear, glossy touches.
The inn additionally has many curated experiences for its visitors, together with a wellness middle. You possibly can take a yoga class, meditate, or spend time within the sauna. There are wine tastings, s’mores by the bonfire, and lots of extra distinctive actions.
Eat all of the Seafood
Whidbey Island, Washington enjoys good situations for prime seafood harvests, together with mussels, trout, crabs, and dozens of types of oysters and clams! You might actually go to the seashore and dig up butter clams on the seashore. Or belief the specialists and head to one of many many top-notch seafood eating places on Whidbey Island for the freshest catch of the day!
Two of the very best meals we had on our journey embrace Saltwater Fish Home & Oyster Bar in Langley. Should you love seafood classics like lobster rolls or fish and chips with a crisp beer, come to Saltwater Fish Home & Oyster Bar.
Get pleasure from a country setting at this bistro with a full beer, wine, and cocktail bar. Their uncooked oyster menu has a number of completely different sorts of native oysters that you could combine and match to your order!
And for the very best mussels we’ve ever had subsequent to the Coupeville Wharf, try Entrance Road Grill. This restaurant has a stupendous open eating room with fabulous views of the cove and mountains past. They’re an elevated seafood restaurant that shines with classics like seafood pasta dishes.
Fingers down, their mussels and linguini have been a few of the finest we’ve ever had, everybody at our desk ordered a special taste – all of which have been wonderful!
Go to Greenbank Farm
Get open air and burn off all that buttery seafood goodness with a stroll at a stupendous native park. Greenbank Farm is simply north of the city of Greenbank, simply off N Bluff Street. It’s an outdated farm that’s been become a neighborhood public park with nature trails, academic gardens, and retailers.
The paths supply a terrific up-close take a look at native natural world. You may catch glimpses of eagles, herons, marsh wrens, and rather more! The paths are dog-friendly and also you’ll see a variety of locals who use the paths for each day walks. Take the longer Forest Path for a pleasant view of the water from the highest of the hill.
You possibly can take a category within the gardens or observe others at work. Attempt to cease on the Greenbank Cheese Store, the place yow will discover packaged delicacies and items. There’s additionally a terrific bistro with espresso drinks, and a selfmade pie store. At one time the farm largely produced Loganberries, and the pie store makes a terrific Loganberry pie!
Fort Casey State Park
For extra out of doors Whidbey Island points of interest, try Fort Casey State Park. On the finish of the nineteenth century, Fort Casey was one in every of a number of forts constructed on the banks of the Admiralty Inlet. The strategic vantage level these forts supplied was regarded as an vital defensive place for any invading ships coming via the Puget Sound.
The forts shortly fell out of use, even earlier than World Battle I, and by the Nineteen Fifties it was devoted as a state park. A lot of the canons and mortars of the fort have been eliminated properly earlier than this. However a key function of the fort that is still is massive canons set on disappearing carriages. You possibly can rise up shut to those large weapons whenever you go to the park!
Extra than simply the historic landmarks, Fort Casey provides views which are out of this world attractive! You possibly can see the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Vary past, in addition to ships passing via the inlet. You need to use mountain climbing trails alongside the water or discover completely different historic buildings. And the park additionally has a campground for each RVs and tents.
Washington has dozens of historic lighthouses, together with Whidbey’s beloved Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey State Park. It’s a Spanish-style construction that was inbuilt 1901. It went out and in of service over time earlier than being restored in 2020 to full working situation. At present you possibly can go to the lighthouse’s museum and reward store, stroll the grounds, and be taught all about lighthouse know-how.
Fort Ebey State Park
Exterior of Coupeville, on the west coast of the island is Fort Ebey State Park. The roughly 650-acre park has 25 miles of paved nature trails for pedestrians and cyclists. You possibly can discover cool outdated ruins from the interval when Fort Ebey was a navy protection publish throughout World Battle II. It’s additionally a well-liked place to go tenting. Or search for the picnic tables and grills and luxuriate in lunch within the park with views!
You’ll wish to add watching the sundown at Fort Ebey State Park to your listing of issues to do on Whidbey Island. There’s actually no higher place with unobstructed western views over dramatic sandy cliffs subsequent to rocky seashores. You’ve got full views of the Olympic Mountain Vary AND Mt. Rainier off within the distance. And the surroundings is what you consider whenever you think about traditional Washington surroundings, with hemlocks and towering firs subsequent to grass bluffs that go all the best way to the seashore under.
Each season provides various things to do within the park. You possibly can fish for trout at Lake Pondilla (the lake isn’t accessible by automotive, so simply be ready to stroll). You’ll discover some seashores which are good for paragliding and browsing. Or simply hike a piece of the well-known Pacific Northwest Nationwide Scenic Path that runs alongside the shoreline of the park!
Go to The Craft Beverage Spots
One of many prime issues to do on Whidbey Island is testing all of the wonderful microbreweries and wineries throughout the island! Regardless of the place we go, we like to savor drink in an inviting setting. These are only a few of our favourite locations, however Whidbey Island has much more distilleries, vineyards, and farms that you could try.
Go to the vineyard at Comforts of Whidbey, which doubles as a mattress and breakfast close to Langley. Come to the tasting room on Fridays from 1 to five PM or on Saturdays and Sundays from midday. You possibly can quite a lot of crimson, white, rose, and glowing wines grown and produced at Comforts of Whidbey. It’s good to sit down on the patio with views of the water, and you may take pleasure in bites to eat. We cherished their woodfired pizza.
Search for Double Bluff Brewing tucked away off Second Road in Langley. You’ll discover the cobblestone patio down Anthes Avenue, lined with twinkle lights, colourful shops, and potted flowers. This dog-friendly and family-friendly brewery is a enjoyable little place to hang around and luxuriate in beer. Strive enjoyable They don’t supply a lot meals past salted pretzels, however you’re welcome to deliver meals in! It’s actually informal with coated patio seating, fireplace pits, and heaters when it’s chilly.
For a totally completely different expertise, go to Ott & Hunter Wines in Langley! Contained in the spacious, elegant tasting room, you’ll sit at lovely white and grey tables with flowers. Out giant home windows are the very best views of the Sound. It’s the proper place to return after dinner at one of many eating places throughout Ott & Hunter on 1st Road. Plus, there’s dwell music on the weekends for the very best ambiance.
Simply exterior of Freeland, Dancing Fish Vineyards is a stupendous place to spend a day. The small, family-owned property encompasses a tasting room contained in the refurbished barn. There’s additionally a patio and manicured lawns with extra out of doors seating. You possibly can take pleasure in Dancing Fish’s reds and whites whilst you play garden video games or sit by the fireplace and hearken to dwell musical performances (each Friday evening).
Driftwood Cider Firm was began over 20 years in the past south of Langley, however the orchards are over 100 years outdated! The family-owned farm additionally just lately launched Spoiled Canine Vineyard. It’s important to go to this picturesque property with apple and pear timber, vineyards, plus canine and chickens operating round! Come on the weekends to the attractive out of doors seating space and pair cheese, crackers, and chocolate together with your alternative of beverage.
Lower than a mile from the ferry is Thirsty Crab Microbrewery, a latest and welcome addition to the city of Clinton. Come hungry and luxuriate in quite a lot of brews with brats from the meals truck out entrance! Thirsty Crab is a small, informal place with seating exterior of the brewery.
Go to Penn Cove Brewing Firm at their Coupeville location on S Fundamental Road. The taproom is a stupendous, informal area with a enjoyable vibe (and dwell music). There are all the time dozens of beers on faucet, together with different native manufacturers. On the menu, you’ll additionally discover cider, wine, seltzer, and extra. Order a flight or only a pint and select from a restricted however stellar meals menu. We cherished the mussels subsequent to pale ale!
Whidbey Island Distillery is the one distillery on Whidbey Island, and the one location providing a complimentary tasting! Strive their award-winning line of rye whiskey and berry liqueurs which are made utilizing native substances. The retail store on the distillery is open each day for visitors. Get pleasure from a stupendous setting exterior Langley with a full tasting earlier than you get to buy a bottle to take residence.
Go for a Hike
A giant cause locals take a day journey out to Whidbey Island is due to how shut it’s to Seattle, Washington. Because the 4th largest island in america, you’ll discover quite a lot of terrains, together with beachside trails, grassy trails, paved strolling paths, old-growth rainforest hikes, and extra. Plenty of the state parks we’ve already talked about are in style locations for mountain climbing, however there are such a lot of extra choices!
Dugualla State Park close to Deception Go is a much less crowded place with quite a lot of user-friendly trails the place you possibly can take your canine and go for a quiet 2 to five mile hike within the fern-covered forest. Or for one thing somewhat completely different, head to Meerkerk Gardens south of Greenbanks the place you possibly can stroll over 4 miles of trails via beautiful, lush gardens!
For a little bit of a problem on a decent-sized path, go to Strawberry Level Protect Path exterior Oak Harbor on the northeast aspect of the island. It’s a big nature protect with outlined however a 1.5-mile reasonable to tough path via marshes, grassy meadows, and PNW forests.
And if you wish to take pleasure in Washington’s attractive old-growth forests, take a stroll via South Whidbey State Park Previous Development Forest. What’s nice concerning the trails right here is that all of them connect with a 2.5-mile loop across the total park that’s adaptable to all ability ranges. Keep on clear paths with a shorter 1-mile loop, or add in some extra scenic routes with a number of rock scrambles and benefit from the historic timber.
For an additional scenic path that’s shorter and has an ADA-compliant loop, head to Trustland Trails off of Freeway 525. This newer path remains to be a piece in progress, which means that there’ll probably be extra trails sooner or later. Throughout our go to we loved the 1.7 mile loop via the second-growth forest and utilizing our abilities from our mushroom foraging tour to attempt to forage some mushrooms!
Smith Park
Should you’re in Oak Harbor, you need to cease by Smith Park. It’s a particular place and a novel cease on the listing of Whidbey Island points of interest. That’s as a result of Smith Park is the one park within the state of Washington that’s made up solely of Garry Oak timber, the city’s namesake. And it’s nearly like a glimpse into the previous earlier than Whidbey Island was colonized.
In 2014 one of many timber fell, and when its rings have been counted, they found that the tree was 330 years outdated! As soon as, the island was coated with these timber, however as cities grew, the timber have been lower down. At present, they’re thought of near extinction within the state. Whereas the park won’t be flashy or have a variety of issues to do, it feels nearly reverent to stroll via it realizing concerning the timber’ previous.
Take a while and stroll via Smith Park. There’s a small playground for the children, in addition to picnic tables and a gazebo. Take into consideration the knotty, 300-year-old timber and picture your entire island coated in them. You possibly can learn data panels concerning the timber and luxuriate in views of the water down the hill. At present, the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society works to domesticate and plant new Garry Oaks round Whidbey Island.
Kayaking
An effective way to expertise Whidbey Island, Washington is by kayaking the waters round it! You possibly can see a variety of the island without delay, and it’s fairly inexpensive.
There are a number of native corporations in Coupeville, Langely, and Clinton that hire canoes and SUP boards in 1-hour segments. Most docks and seashores are nice launching factors to discover the shoreline and the encircling island. Or go on a kayaking tour with native guides who know the very best locations to go to on the water.
Whidbey Island Kayaking provides each leases and excursions. Go on a fast 2-hour tour of Penn Cove and Captain Whidbey Inn or check out a full 5-hour tour across the island. You’ll see sights like Saratoga Go towering overhead, Camano Island, and extra. Your information may level out sea lions sunning on the rocks, and even whales!
Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum
Plan half a day on the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum in case you’re searching for historic Whidbey Island points of interest. The island’s strategic location on the northeast nook of the continental United States made it the best location for a naval base. North of Oak Harbor, there’s truly the Whidbey Island Naval Station, and you may even see jets flying whenever you’re visiting!
The museum itself is in Oak Harbor and provides interactive and in depth displays about World Battle II, the Korean Battle, the Gulf Battle, and extra present conflicts. You possibly can see iconic WWII seaplanes that launched from the ocean base on Whidbey Island, and find out about conflicts through which the island base performed an vital position. Placed on evening imaginative and prescient goggles, try navy artifacts, and check out 2 completely different flight simulators.
Cease by Clinton
The city of Clinton is a good place to start out in case you’re searching for issues to do on Whidbey Island. The Mukilteo ferry is available in right here, so that you’ll find yourself right here at the very least twice. There are some nice eating choices right here too.
Moreover that, the realm is essentially residential. Nonetheless, there are two locations we advocate taking time for in Clinton. The primary is Skein & Tipple. That is an lovely hand-dyed yarn retailer that additionally has a speakeasy promoting craft cocktails within the again!
Then there’s Madrona Provide, whose window shows will catch your eye. It’s a cute reward store proper off the ferry with what appears like a handpicked assortment of items, attire, snacks, and residential items.
The place to Keep on Whidbey Island
Captain Whidbey Inn
As already talked about earlier on this information as the most effective Whidbey Island points of interest you could go to, for at the very least a meal, if not a keep is Captain Whidbey Inn simply exterior of Coupeville. Nestled on the shores and surrounded by outdated progress fir timber, this rustic lodge is an establishment on Whidbey Island since 1907.
Select between their completely different lodging choices starting from rooms, and suites, to particular person cabins all elegantly designed with PNW aptitude and accents. Don’t miss their curated experiences for visitors or benefit from the beautiful view from the pier at dawn and sundown.
And in case you’re not in a position to keep right here, at the very least come for a meal and also you’ll see why this is among the prime locations for an escape within the Pacific Northwest. Ebook right here.
Inn at Langley
Positioned on the waterfront in Langley simply steps away from unimaginable Whidbey Island points of interest (plus the lovable free-roaming bunnies of Langely) is the Inn at Langley. Each room, whether or not you decide a set, king room, or cottage has a waterfront view with their very own non-public patios or balconies.
Keep cozy by having fun with a soak of their deep soak tubs, snuggle up subsequent to the wood-burning hearth, and luxuriate in complimentary breakfast every morning throughout your keep.
Higher but, there’s a spa on website so you can too ebook a remedy and have a totally stress-free getaway at this beautiful property that Journey & Leisure even considers one of many prime 500 resorts on the planet. Ebook right here.
Auld Holland Inn
Positioned in Oak Harbor, the most effective launching off factors for exploring round Deception Go is the charming Auld Holland Inn, which feels straight out of the Netherlands on this enjoyable Dutch-themed lodge full with a windmill and tulips!
The country rooms are cheerful and have classic touches, to not point out the “Previous World” magnificence this distinctive lodge provides! To not point out this keep is extra budget-friendly in comparison with the resorts and lodges on the island. Ebook right here.
Langley is commonly thought of the cutest city on Whidbey Island. It boasts charming streets, artwork galleries, retailers, and scenic waterfront views, making it a pleasant vacation spot.
The perfect time to go to Whidbey Island is throughout the summer season months (June to August) when the climate is nice, out of doors actions flourish, and festivals happen.
Whidbey Island is known for its scenic magnificence, out of doors recreation, picturesque seashores, and vibrant arts communities, providing a serene retreat close to Seattle, Washington.
Whidbey Island is roughly 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Seattle, accessible by ferry or highway, making it a handy getaway from the town.
To succeed in Whidbey Island, you possibly can take a ferry from the mainland, drive over the Deception Go Bridge, or use a small airport just like the Whidbey Island Airport for flights.
One of the best ways to get to Whidbey Island from Seattle is by taking a ferry from the Mukilteo terminal to Clinton on Whidbey Island or driving by way of the Deception Go Bridge.
A weekend getaway is good for exploring Whidbey Island, however spending 3-4 days means that you can totally take pleasure in its scenic magnificence, out of doors actions, and charming communities.
Sure, you possibly can go to Whidbey Island as a day journey from Seattle by taking a ferry to discover its highlights, however an in a single day keep provides a extra leisurely expertise.
What to see on Whidbey Island, Washington (Put up Abstract):
- Go to the city of Coupeville
- Take a look at Langely
- See the Gorgeous Deception Go
- Take a Whidbey Island Wild Mushroom Tour
- Go to Captain Whidbey Inn
- Eat All of the Seafood
- Go to Greenbank Farm
- Fort Casey State Park
- Fort Ebey State Park
- Go to the Craft Beverage Spots
- Go for a Hike
- Smith Park
- Kayaking
- Pacific Northwest Naval Museum
- Cease by Clinton
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