Super Duper Whidbey Island Weekend Getaway Itinerary!

Whidbey Island is close enough to Seattle to make it an easy day trip but feels worlds away that spending a weekend here is a relaxing getaway.

I love living on this island with it’s beautiful beaches and scenery, places to eat, and unique parks. 

This weekend itinerary has you driving onto the island from the north across Deception Pass Bridge, exploring abandoned Fort Casey, window shopping through quaint seaside towns, and drinking at all the cool coffee spots. 

Day 1 – Oak Harbor

As you’re driving in from the north and before you hit Whidbey Island, take the small detour to the summit of Mt Erie. You can just drive to the top and the view is hands down my favorite in the state. 

You’ll see down Whidbey Island and all the surrounding islands, Skagit Valley, and the North Cascades in the distance. 

Next, hit up Deception Pass State Park (Discovery Pass required), the most visited state park in Washington. Walk across the iconic green bridge (be aware it’s always windy!), stroll along the beach, or hike one of the many trails, including one that I like that takes you to a 900 year old Douglas Fir tree. 

Take a stroll down Pioneer Ave in Oak Harbor to browse gift shops. I like PNW Vibes for all things Pacific Northwest souvenirs, and Your Sister’s Closet for cute (but pricey) consignment clothes. Just beware of the time as most of these stores close around 5pm.

I’m not impressed with dinner options in Oak Harbor, most of the options are chain restaurants. But my go-tos are Barrington’s Irish Pub and Mai Thai Restaurant. 

Depending on the time of year and weather, if you want a romantic place to watch the sunset, West Beach is where it’s at. 

Day 2 – Coupeville

Wake up and get some coffee. Coupeville has a few good options. Crabby’s does a good coffee flight. Cedar & Salt is also good with in-house baked goods. 

💁‍♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: you might be tempted by Little Red Hen Bakery for breakfast, but I’ve always been disappointed because their breads are on the dry side.

My favorite hike on the island is the easy Ebey’s Prairie Trail. It’s a flat, 2-mile roundtrip hike across a prairie, past a historic home and blockhouse (which you can go in when open), with views out the wazoo overlooking the farmland and ending at ocean bluffs.

There’s the option to extend the hike either down to the beach or along the cliffside (which loops together), but I’m usually too lazy for that.

Head back to Coupeville as most shops will open around 10am. There’s not a ton of boutique stores but I like to browse the Kingfisher Bookstore, Aqua Gifts, and my favorite, A Touch of Dutch. 

When I’m walking along the iconic historic wharf I will always check under the pillars by the boats for “flocks” of starfish during King Tide low tides.

😎 Fun Fact: Coupeville is the second oldest town in the state of Washington and Practical Magic was filmed here!

Coupeville has some great food options for lunch like Osprey Fish Co for fish ‘n chips or buy some fancy picnic ingredients at Bayleaf.

Burn off lunch at Price Sculpture Park, a quirky art installation in the woods. The trail through the trees is about a mile and around every corner is a different art piece that looks so out of place outdoors, but it’s cool. 

Fort Casey State Park (Discovery Pass required) is a 19th century abandoned fort that’s super fun to wander through. It feels like a grown-up playground as you can climb scary ladders, explore dark rooms, and see giant decommissioned guns. 

The view from the fort overlooks Admiralty Inlet towards Port Townsend and the Olympic Mountains and I’ve seen seals in the swimming waters below; sometimes whales have been spotted too but I haven’t been that lucky yet.

My favorite thing to do in the park is climb the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which is free.

Grab dinner back in Coupeville, maybe at Front Street Grill with views overlooking Penn Cove or Goldie’s for wood fired pizza.

Day 3 – Langley

Start your trek out by stopping at the “not so hidden” Hidden Beach. It’s just a cute stop where you can sit in your car and look out across the water towards Camano Island, keeping your eyes peeled for whales. A peaceful way to start the day.

I’m a sucker for thrift stores, so I’m always stopping at the two story Senior Thrift when I drive past.

If it’s not too late in the day for a caffeine fix, my #1 spot for coffee on the island is Coffee at Dawn, purely because of its location. It’s down a nondescript road, hidden in the middle of nowhere, and sits quietly in the woods. They serve Mukilteo Roasters coffee (roasted next door) and have a gorgeous display of baked goods. 

Then it’s on to the quintessential seaside town of Langley. 

I like poking my head into Foamy Wader to look at the handmade jewelry, Feather and Fox Print Co for colorful and whimsical stationary tools, and Good Cheer thrift store for a bargain find.

There’s also art galleries to admire local artists all in one spot, the Langley Whale Center to learn more about Puget Sound whales, and the Star Store for your idyllic mercantile experience.

As you stroll down by the beach along Seawall Park sometimes you’ll see gray whales or orcas nearby. If you do, make sure to ring the whale bell and alert the town!

When you get hungry, try Ultra House for yummy ramen, Village Pizzeria for New York style pizza and indoor water views, or the Braeburn who use locally sourced ingredients. 

Wash lunch down at Double Bluff Brewing Company with a pint or flight of beer and people watch on a nice day. 

Madrona Supply Co is a cute gift shop that’s in Clinton and I feel bad that it’s kinda out of the way. But it’s worth a stop and perfect to hit right before the last stop.

The best way to finish off your weekend on Whidbey is to experience Skein & Tipple, a speakeasy in the backroom of a yarn store. The room harkens to the prohibition era, and it really does feel like you are entering a “forbidden” cocktail lounge. 

This is a first-come, first-served ferry. Most of the time it’s pretty reliable but there can be delays or gets very busy during the summertime that you might have to wait a while. 

A weekend lets you see Whidbey Island at a comfortably slow pace, but if you can’t pull that off, you can do a day trip and still see a lot.