So, You’re Going to Whidbey Island…Here’s What to Do
Are you heading to Whidbey Island in Washington State and looking for things to do?
Well, I live here and I can tell you that there’s pleeeeennnnttyyyy to do here!
Historic state parks, cute seaside towns, a chance to hug a sloth, and so much more!
Let me show you!
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1. Deception Pass State Park
If there’s one thing to represent all of Whidbey Island, it would be Deception Pass and the green bridge.
The bridge connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island and sits high above fast-moving water that’s constantly swirling and changing colors, depending on the light and time of day.
The pedestrian walkways allow you to walk across it with views of Mt Baker to the east and the San Juan Islands in the Salish Sea to the west. I always make sure to keep my eyes out for whales or seals below.
It’s always windy on the bridge, so be sure to wear a jacket!
Inside the park itself is a variety of forest trails, beach trails, a fishing lake, an outdoor forest theatre, and camping.
Discovery Pass required (except for shoulder parking near the bridge).
Squatchy’s next door to the park is both a Whidbey gift shop and camping supplies store with a “life-size” stuffed Sasquatch for selfies.
💁♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: Get out on the water in Deception Pass by taking a kayak tour!
2. Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary
Have you ever wanted to hold a sloth? Well, guess what?! You can do it on Whidbey of all places at the Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary.
It’s so cool to be able to feed owls, pet river otters, and the highlight: hold a two-toed sloth!
Not to mention seeing other exotic animals up close like a lynx, a binturong, a fennec fox, and so much more!
It’s definitely a unique experience on the island!
3. Langley Downtown
Langley is your artsy-by-the-water walkable town that’s the most touristed town on the island. Probably because it’s the closest to the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry for Seattle day trippers.
I like browsing the cute shops, having a pint at Double Bluff Brewery, or grabbing a slice of Whidbey Pies.
You can also take in views across the Saratoga Passage to Camano Island walking along Seawall Park below the town and get shore access. If you see whales, ring the bell to alert the town!
Langley is busy with events throughout the year that includes:
- Langley Mystery Weekend
- Welcome the Whales
- LittleBIG Fest
- Island Shakespeare Festival
- Whidbey Island Fair
4. Fort Casey State Park
Fort Casey State Park is so much fun to wander through. Built in the late 1800s as a coastal defense fort, it’s made up of bunkers, tunnels, staircases, bridges, and decommissioned disappearing guns. It’s set up perfectly for a game of hide-and-seek or tag.
The views are just as good as the fort itself. From the bluffs, you can see straight across Admiralty Inlet to the Olympic Peninsula, with the ferry boats cruising back and forth to Port Townsend. I often see seals in the water but if you’re lucky you might see a pod of orcas passing through.
I love climbing up to the top of Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which is free. Volunteers are on site and happy to share its history, if you’re interested.
There are a few trails throughout the park, totaling 1.8 miles. They’re more like walking paths connecting different areas of the park rather than destination hikes though.
On windy days, the wide open lawn often fills with kite flyers, ranging from kids with toy kites to professionals flying large ones in synchronized shows which is so mesmerizing to watch (they even let me try flying one once!).
Discovery Pass required (get it here)
5. Blue Fox Drive-In
A state treasure, Blue Fox Drive-In is one of five drive-in movie theaters in Washington (I’m actually surprised there’s that many in the state to be honest!).
This is a popular (and cheap) activity for families to spend an evening together and they often sell out, especially in the summer. Get there as early as 4pm to save your spot.
They have go-karts and an arcade to entertain before the movie starts.
Grab an order of their famous, freshly cut french fries and watch a movie (or two) on the big screen from your car using an FM radio dial-in.
The drive-in is open all year round, so pack plenty of blankets in the winter!
If you’re too tired to drive home afterwards, they do allow overnight camping for a fee.
If you want a guided day trip to Whidbey Island from Seattle, check out this tour ➡️
6. Fort Ebey State Park
Fort Ebey State Park is a network of 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, my favorite being the bluff trail looking out at the sound towards Port Townsend and the Olympic Mountains.
Walk through an old military battery, watch paragliders jump and sail from the cliffs, or find your way down to the beach.
7. Coupeville Downtown
Coupeville is a fun town to browse shops in old, creaky buildings and walk down the historic and picturesque wharf along Penn Cove.
My favorite shops are A Touch of Dutch to stock up on my stroopwafels or bah mi goreng seasoning and Bayleaf for my fancy imported cheeses and special charcuterie ingredients.
Find a book by local authors in the two-story, cozy Kingfisher Bookstore, browse gift shops with nautical-themed wares at Aqua Gifts, or eat a bowl of famous Penn Cove mussels pulled fresh right around the corner at Front Street Grill.
🤔 Did You Know? Sandra Bullock’s movie “Practically Magic” was filmed here? Visit the Chamber of Commerce for some movie props and more info.
Coupeville is always hosting festive events like:
- Penn Cove Musselfest
- Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival
- Penn Cove Water Festival
- Haunting of Coupeville
- Greening of Coupeville
8. Ebey’s Landing
Ebey’s Landing is a popular beach where people can easily walk a couple of miles along the gravely shore below and loop along a looming bluff.
My go-to quick hike is the connecting Ebeys Prairie Trail above the beach. I like to start at the trailhead next to Sunnyside Cemetery and walk along the ridgeline overlooking the farmland below before it T’s off at the seaside bluff.
Along this trail is the historic home of Jacob and Sarah Ebey and their Blockhouse, both of which are open to the public for free on the weekends.
9. Greenbank Farm
I like to think of Greenbank Farm as a cute rest stop. A row of barn buildings host a pet store, a vintage clothes emporium, and a cheese shop.
They also have a comfortable wine bar with indoor and outdoor seating. You can buy wine by the glass or have them pop open a bottle you find on their shelves. And in the summer they have wine slushies!
There are trails for hiking and birding, a cow pasture, a sweet community gardens, and a good playground for kids.
They also host the popular Greenbank Farm Harvest Faire.
10. Meerkerk Garden
For garden lovers, Meerkerk Gardens is a 43-acre botanical park that’s best to visit in the spring during rhododendron season if you’re after color.
That said, even when everything is just green, I still enjoy checking out the variety of plants and trees, and this is coming from someone who wouldn’t exactly call herself a plant person.
The nature trails are lovely to wander, as well as taking in the peak-a-boo views of Holmes Harbor.
Admission fee for entry.
11. Coffee Shops
Coffee on Whidbey Island gets its own section because…I’m a coffee addict haha!
There are 3 coffee shops on the island that I think are worth mentioning:
- Honeymoon Bay – roasts their own coffee in their shop and has the best tasting coffee on the island, imo
- Crabby Coffee – serves fun coffee flights
- Coffee at Dawn – my nickname for it is the “coffee in the woods” as it’s in the middle of nowhere beneath the trees with lovely outdoor seating in the summer and cozy lodge-like vibes inside
12. Price Sculpture Forest
Price Sculpture Forest is a free outdoor, interactive museum
This easy, quirky little trail is just 0.6 miles long and divided into two short loops.
It’s a pleasant walk through the woods, but what makes it fun are the artistic sculptures scattered along the path. I’ll admit, there was even one that startled me as I turned a corner!
13. Oak Harbor Downtown
Oak Harbor isn’t especially geared toward tourists since this is where Whidbey Island Navy Air Station is based. It’s primarily a working city for locals, and you’ll find just about every fast-food chain here.
However, there’s a touristy downtown core on Pioneer Ave with an eclectic array of shops.
I like browsing PNW Vibes for Whidbey-themed gifts and Your Sister’s Closet for gently used clothing.
Other shops to note are TerraVen for the medieval/fantasy lover, Popsies for candy and ice cream, and Whidbey Island Crafter’s Market for local handmade items that are a mix of tacky and professional.
There always seems to be a parade or festival happening in Oak Harbor like:
- Oak Harbor Music Festival
- Whidbey Island Cultural Fest
- Oak Harbor Carnival
- Sasquatch Walk
14. Skein & Stipple
One of my favorite hidden gems on the island is Skein & Stipple. Yarn Store by day and Cocktail Lounge by night, this is exactly what you envision a speakeasy to be about.
It was so fun to walk into the closed yarn shop and be let in through the back door into a small, moody room to sip on handcrafted cocktails.
They can even make a good amount of their cocktails into a mocktail instead.
15. Beaches
Whidbey Island is an island, which means you aren’t lacking for finding a beach to explore.
One of the popular places to watch sunset is West Beach. And on blustery days, you’ve got a good chance of watching kitesurfers on Swan Lake across the street.
Double Bluff Beach allows dogs to be off leash on the beach.
A small beach where you can just park your car and look out over the water is the not-so-hidden Hidden Beach. Whales are often reported seen here so keep your eyes peeled.
16. Craft Beverage Producers
There’s a surprising amount of alcohol producers on the island where you can sample or order a glass of delicious adult drinks produced right on the island.
Wineries
- Spoiled Dog Winery
- Ott & Hunter
- Dancing Fish Vineyards
- Holmes Harbor Cellars
Breweries
- Wicked Teuton
- Double Bluff
- Thirsty Crab
- Ogres
Misc.
- Cutlus Bay Distillery
- Whidbey Island Distillery
- Hierophant Meadery
- Misfit Cidery
17. Glendale Shepard
Not gonna lie, this stop feels a bit sketch at first but it’s actually very sweet. Glendale Shepard is a working sheep farm where they make their own cheeses right on site.
It’s a long drive through the woods to a lone homestead. Signage is clear for parking and where the gift shop is, but if no one is in the shop you’ll need to call the phone number provided and Stan will come in his electric wheelchair.
The gift shop basically just has a small fridge with different sheep cheeses and yogurt. The Tallulah is a creamy wash rind cheese that is insanely good. Unfortunately, they do not give out free cheese samples.
Sometimes they’ll have lamb meat for sale.
You def need to try their one-of-a-kind Wheyfarer vodka and gin, which they do sample. It’s the first creamery in the U.S. to distill spirits from sheep’s whey. The vodka actually has some nuance flavors and the gin is nice and juniper-y.
Stan is happy to bring you to the lamb barn where you can meet and pet the lambs. I was there when there were about 40 lambs in the pens.
Really, there’s so much to do on Whidbey Island, you should probably look into spending a whole weekend here to fully enjoy it all.
Where to Stay on Whidbey Island
If you’re planning on staying overnight on the island, I think the #1 place to stay is Captain Whidbey. This boutique, 30-room property is both rugged and luxurious as it’s a historic property (built in 1907) that sits beneath old growth firs on the quiet shores of Penn Cove.
There’s an on-site restaurant and espresso bar to keep you satiated and bicycles, kayaks, lawn games, firepits, and a sauna to keep you entertained.
Trust me, you’re not gonna want to leave the property!
