PARKS & RECREATION:
Deception Pass State Park
You can’t help but pull over to take a peek at the stunning views from the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. Not only is the bridge a major transportation connector between the mainland (Anacortes) and Oak Harbor, it’s structure is iconic and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s especially popular for scenic picnics, camping and hiking trails next to the rugged coastline. While there are several pull off spots in each direction, space can be very limited. There are several paid parking lots before the bridge that charge about $10 or are free with a Discover Pass.
Information on Deception Pass Camping:
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is a great spot for scenic hikes along the bluffs. These trails are generally easy and accessible for all skill levels. Don’t forget a camera, the views overlooking the Puget Sound and historic farmlands can be breathtaking. Two popular residences within the Reserve are the Jacob & Sarah Ebey House and the Ferry House–both are considered some of the oldest structures in Washington.
Whidbey Island Scenic Isle Way
Drive or bike along this scenic route offering panoramic views of the island’s coastline and countryside. This 55-mile adventure along Highway 525 is part of the “Cascade Loop” and winds through charming towns, wineries, waterfronts, cliffside bluffs, farmers markets, art galleries and historical state parks. You can start to the north at Deception Pass Bridge or the southernmost part of the island, in Clinton.
Double Bluff Beach
Spend a relaxing day combing the beach for shells, picnicking, or flying kites against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains at Freeland’s Double Bluff Beach. Many Washington locals live or have vacation homes along the beach. On a clear day you can see all the way across the Sound to downtown Bellevue? Seattle? Whatever you do–don’t forget your pup! This is a very walkable beach for humans and their canine companions–and considered one of the best off-leash dog parks in Island County.
Fort Casey State Park
Explore the old batteries of a once very strategic military site at Fort Casey, located within Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve. Stand next to the massive 125-ton guns, mounted on the battery once used to protect the Puget Sound from naval invasion. Enjoy beachcombing along more than 100,000’ of saltwater shoreline and kite flying with spectacular views of ferries passing the Admiralty Inlet and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Stretch your legs with a quick hike along the 1.8 miles of hiking trails and get an upfront look at the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and gift shop. While the park has a boat ramp and is popular for fishing and boating activities, the Keystone Underwater Dive Park just off Fort Casey’s shoreline is a fan favorite among scuba divers. (See “Adventure”)
Fort Ebey State Park
Discover military bunkers and gun batteries dating back to World War II while enjoying sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Fort Ebey State Park. Don’t forget your flashlight to discover some of the underground battery rooms and gun emplacements. The park is also popular for bird watching, hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, beachcombing, and swimming. If the weather is good, you can even catch paragliders jumping off the Ebey cliffside and soaring over the ocean.
Coupeville Wharf
Coupeville is the second oldest town in Washington State, founded in 1852. Its historic charm is evident from the moment you stroll along its adorable downtown shops and restaurants. Don’t leave Coupeville without walking out to the wharf and visiting the Coupeville Maritime Heritage Foundation’s museum. If the sea is calling your name, you can even rent Stand Up Paddle boards at Wharf Dog Paddle Company.
Greenbank Farm
Explore the expansive farmstead and sample artisanal cheeses at the Cheese Shop while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside around Greenbank Farm. Tourists love the farm for the local wine selection, tastings and gift shops, while locals flock here to let their dogs off the leash in the island’s biggest off-leash dog park.
Courtesy: Meerkerk Gardens
Smell the Rhodies at Meerkerk Gardens
Exploring Meerkerk Gardens is an enchanting experience for nature lovers of all ages. Tucked in a lush woodland setting, the garden is renowned for its stunning collection of rhododendrons and woodland plants, creating a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls, picnics or even pictures. The best (most colorful) time to go is during their springtime bloom, typically from April to June. The gardens, however, are a serene and tranquil atmosphere all year round. Roam the gardens by yourself or join one of their guided tours. They also offer educational programs and special events throughout the year.
Admission: Varies by season.
Discounts: available for seniors, students, and children
Melene YouTube Tours: https://youtu.be/GWDqtPMt7Jw
South Whidbey State Park
Enjoy a family picnic, go swimming, or explore the South Whidbey State Park’s numerous hiking trails surrounded by lush trees. Speaking of trees, don’t leave without stopping by the 500-year-old western red “Ancient Cedar” that stands about 100 yards from the northern entrance of the Wilbert Trail. The 381-acre day-use park features an outdoor amphitheater and log kitchen structure that can be reserved ahead of time. Open: 8am to dusk. Discovery Pass is required.
Earth Sanctuary
This tranquil nature reserve will rejuvenate your senses. Spanning over 72 acres of protected land, visitors are invited on a peaceful journey for self-reflection. Both tourists and locals enjoy Earth Sanctuary for their walking trails through the forest and wetlands. The property is dotted with unique sculptures and meditation sites for solace or spiritual renewal. The Stone Circle is a highlight for most. The circular arrangements of stones feels like a sacred space, and creates a great focal point for visitors to connect with nature. Earth Sanctuary is open every day during daylight hours. $7 fee/per person.
FOOD & BEVERAGE:
Whidbey Island Distilleries
Sample handcrafted spirits made from locally sourced ingredients, at Whidbey Island Distilleries like Mutiny Bay Distillery, Cultus Bay Distillery, San Juan Island Distillery, Wheelhouse Distillery and Whidbey Island Distillery–known for their famous Loganberry and Blackberry Liqueur. Some of these distilleries have been family owned or operated for generations.
Penn Cove Mussel Farm
Savor freshly harvested mussels at one of the island’s many seafood restaurants, accompanied by breathtaking waterfront views. Coupeville’s Penn Cove is home to the country’s oldest and largest oyster and mussel farm, now known as Penn Cove Shellfish. Currently, Penn Cove Shellfish grow and harvest roughly 3 million pounds of mussels distributed around the US from one of their two mussel farms (one in Penn Cove and the other in Quilcene Bay). Since 1986, locals have been “celebrating the bold, briny and blue” in their annual MusselFest on Coupeville’s Historic Waterfront. MusselFest is a fun family-friendly event, usually occurring in March. It’s a great island festival that includes a Mussel Mingle, boat tours, chowder tastings, live music, beer gardens, food vendors, chef demos, kids activities and a mussel eating competition.
Langley Farmers Market
Browse through eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops in the charming town of Langley. Originally known as Langley’s “Second Street Market”, locals love to shop from vendors marketing their fresh produce, baked goods, arts, crafts, soaps, and jewelry. The market is located on 2nd Street, from Cascade to the Plaza every Friday from May 14 through September 17th.
Bayview Farmers Market
Indulge in locally grown produce, fresh flowers, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, organic herbs, and handcrafted products at this vibrant Langley market. Each year there are dozens of farmers, growers, processors, artisans and vendors at Bayview Farmers Market showcasing mostly organic local products.
Whidbey Pies Café
Treat yourself to a slice of homemade Whidbey Pie featuring seasonal fruits from local orchards. Each pie has been made by hand since 1986. Their crew of pie fanatics pump out 2,500 pies every week! Their pies can be ordered locally at their Langley pie shop or shipped nationwide. Be sure to grab a slice of either Loganberry or Tripleberry Pie–you’ll thank me later!
Whidbey Island Wineries
Take a tour of Whidbey Island Wineries and discover the award-winning wines made from grapes grown in the island’s unique maritime climate. At least a dozen wineries and tasting rooms are located on the island–especially around central and south Whidbey. Spoiled Dog Winery, Holmes Harbor Cellars, Dancing Fish vineyards, and Comforts of Whidbey Winery and B&B are a few of the most well known.
ARTS & EDUCATION:
Glass Blowing with Local Artisans
Watch flames fly from the furnace as seasoned glassblowers create stunning pieces, like ornaments, bowls, decorative pieces and glassware right in front of your eyes. Callahan’s Firehouse Studio & Gallery in Langley is one of my favorite spots to watch this intricate work of art–and you can do it from just feet away. Glassblowers operate out of an old nostalgic Firehouse–turned studio–turning recycled glass and silicone sand into mind blowing one-of-a-kind pieces. Callahan’s used to offer glass blowing classes–but these days serves as a gallery/gift shop and studio where visitors can watch up close. The owner, Callahan McVay says they operate a lot like farm-to-table, except in this case they’re “furnace to pedestal”. The Firehouse is open daily 10am-5pm.
Blowing Glass at Callahan’s Firehouse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUS6YqPANHk
Pacific Northwest Art School
Unleash your creativity with a hands-on art workshop or admire the works of talented artists at the school’s gallery.The Pacific Northwest Art School is a 38-year-old nonprofit located in Coupeville; offering workshops in fiber arts, mixed media, painting, photography, community classes and gallery shows/exhibits around the island.
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
Catch live performances ranging from theater productions to musical concerts in this intimate community theater. Every year WICA, Island County’s largest arts organization, hosts dozens of art, dance, humanities, music and theater programs. Two of their most popular are DjangoFest NW, a five-day internationally acclaimed gypsy jazz festival; and the Whidbey Island Film Festival.
Whidbey Children’s Theater
Treat the kids to a live theatrical performance or enroll them in acting classes offered by the Whidbey Children’s Theater. Their mission is to immerse children 4-18 to the performing arts scene on island and even offer seasonal spring break classes for a slightly older audience.
Island County Historical Museum
Learn about Whidbey Island’s rich history through interesting exhibits showcasing island heritage, Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and maritime heritage at the Island County Historical Museum. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this museum, anyone curious about the island’s past will appreciate this educational experience.
PNW Naval Air Museum
While Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) does occasional tours, it is a closed access base, meaning visitors will need several required documents and be vetted before access. Instead, I recommend checking out the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum located in Oak Harbor. Gain insight into naval aviation history and operations through the museum’s historical artifacts and interactive exhibits. Also see “Touch & Go” for an upfront and LOUD experience watching the EA-18G Growlers training exercises.
ADVENTURE:
Watch the EA-18G Growers Practice Touch and Gos
Hands down the loudest experience you’ll hear on Whidbey Island! Whidbey Island is home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island–and Ault Field is a strategic location for military pilots to practice touch and go maneuvers. Whether you’re an aviation nut or not, you need to PULL OVER to experience this! Rubbernecking is a dangerous way to get in an accident along this two-way stretch of SR 525. Plus, you have to get out of your car to really feel this rush of adrenaline from EA-18G Growler’s training. The EA-18G Growler is the Navy’s premier carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft. Parked (safely) along the side of the road, you’ll hear the roar of these engines, and see the sheer power of high performance jets (including occasionally F/A-18 Hornets and E-2 Hawkeyes) as pilots conduct routine training exercises. Ault Field is one of the Navy’s preferred training sites for these exercises because their location (proximity to base and the ocean), facilities, and airspace mimic similar conditions to landing on an actual aircraft carrier.
Dive the Keystone “Octopus Wall”
If you’re looking for a thrill under the sea, the Keystone Jetty along Fort Casey on Whidbey Island is an unforgettable adventure! Even seasoned scuba divers! While it’s considered one of the best cold-water diving sites in the Puget Sound for its vibrant ecosystem, unique terrain and diverse sea life; the Keystone Jetty is what I’d call “underground famous” for its “Octopus Wall” – where a concentration of these brilliant and camouflaged creatures like to congregate. Scuba Diving Magazine called this spot “One of the most popular, highly regarded dive sites in the entire state”. Just a heads up: the current can occasionally make this dive site a bit tricky.
Whidbey Island Kayaking Tours
Learn about local marine ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation with the friendly staff at Whidbey Island Kayaking in Langley. You can take a guided tour, or rent your own half or full-day kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board gear and explore the harbor yourself. The tour company launches from locations all over Whidbey Island, but their favorite spots include: Possession Beach Waterfront Park, Clinton Beach, Glendale Beach, Maxwelton Beach, South Whidbey Harbor, Mutiny Bay/Robinson Park, Holmes Harbor/Freeland Park, Captain Coupe Park, Captain Whidbey Inn, and Mueller Park. I really like that WIK is even open for rental–by appointment–even in the Winter.
Melene on the Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LatFaxGUma0
Take a Trip on the Port Townsend Ferry
Sure the Coupeville to Port Townsend ferry is an easy and convenient means of transportation between Whidbey Island and the Olympic Peninsula; but why not hop on and make it a day trip?! The scenic 30-40 minute ferry ride across the Puget Sound gives passengers breathtaking views of surrounding islands, as well as the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Range to the east. Depending on visibility, don’t be surprised to see peaks like Mount Rainier or Mount Baker on a clear day. You’ll dock and discover a charming Victorian seaport town filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and small cafes. If you’re a history buff who enjoys historic buildings, make sure to add Fort Worden State Park to your list. Visit WSDOT for a full breakdown on fares depending on how you’re traveling.
Be sure to check departure times as they can vary throughout the year.
Fishing Charters
Embark on a fishing excursion in search of salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab with experienced local guides. Charter experiences offer anglers a chance to catch more than just seafood… you can also “reel in” (see what I did there) stunning views just offshore. Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife–including harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions and if you’re lucky, maybe get a glimpse of our Southern Resident Killer whale or even a breaching humpback whale!
Whale Watching Tours
Get ready to be ‘Wow’d! Whale watching trips on Whidbey Island offer an unforgettable opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of marine life in the Puget Sound. Professional guides from a number of local companies lead excursions to the best viewing spots, where (depending on the season) you can observe Orcas, Humpback and Gray whales in their natural habitat. With breathtaking scenery from the water and expert navigation, these trips can be both educational and an awe-inspiring adventure. Peak whale watching season around Whidbey Island typically occurs from April to October.
SEASONAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS:
Mystery Weekend in Langley
Calling all sleuths! Langley’s annual mystery weekend is a community-wide, two-day event for amateur detectives to discover “whodunit” while exploring the village, questioning a unique cast of characters, and finding clues to solve a fictional murder mystery. To participate, purchase tickets at VisitLangley.com. Ticket consists of Langley Mystery Weekend Clue Map with Ballot and ‘The Langley Gazette’. Tickets are $15 for adults. $12 for 65+, military and kids under 16. Mystery Weekend takes place in Langley in mid February.
Whidbey Island Highland Games
If you’ve never experienced the athletic prowess/spectacle that are highland game activities before–move this one to the top of the list! Whidbey Island Highland Games celebrates Scottish culture with traditional games–like caber tossing, hammer throwing, tug-of-war, along with bagpipe performances and Highland dancing. This event takes place in August at Greenbank Farm.
Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival
Experience one of the largest arts festivals in the Pacific Northwest, featuring over 100 artists showcasing their work at Coupeville’s beloved Arts and Crafts Festival. Celebrating their 60th year in 2024, the two-day event occurs on the second weekend in August every year. Last year over 140 artists and vendors participated in the 100% volunteer run event.
Whidbey Island Fair
Mid-July is a fantastic time to check out the Whidbey Island Fair! From rides and carnival games to a wide assortment of fair food and live entertainment, this Summer favorite is all about celebrating Whidbey’s unique vibe. Stroll through exhibits with vendors showcasing crafts and artwork, along with livestock and petting zoos. There’s even a fair parade that makes its way through downtown Langley! This year the fair runs from July 25-28. Day tickets range anywhere from free (under 5) up to $12. Or you can purchase season passes between $18-36.
Holland Happening Festival
Join in the Dutch-themed festivities, including traditional dances, parades, and wooden shoe races in Oak Harbor’s biggest springtime festival. The Holland Happening festival goers can also take part in a model windmill (building) contest, enjoy live music from the Main Street’s Pop Up Plaza, and decorate their own wooden shoes before “racing their klompen” down the Klomplen Canal. There’s even a parade that makes its way through Historical Downtown Pioneer Way.
Whidbey Island Film Festival
Immerse yourself in the world of cinema with screenings of independent films, documentaries, and shorts from around the globe in this one-week, January film festival. The Whidbey Island Film Festival is a program of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, in Langley. Tickets to individual screenings start at about $15.