Oak Harbor

Discover a charming coastal gem of a city with its natural beauty, deep rooted naval background, and community spirit – the perfect weekend getaway. This patriotic community is home to the top-rated U.S. Naval Air Station in the country. Explore the PBY Naval Museum and stroll through the historic downtown area, where charming boutiques, galleries, and eateries offer a delightful experience of local culture, shopping, and diverse dining options.

Check out the nearby marina and Windjammer Park, with miles of waterfront walkways. You might see and hear naval jets while you’re on the island — don’t worry — this is all part of the local color!

Each year the Oak Harbor Music Festival happens Labor Day weekend. It is a free, end of summer music festival featuring folk, rock, R&B, country, blues, jazz, and more on the north end of Whidbey Island.  oakharborfestival.com

Lodging Partner: The Bluff on Whidbey

Deception Pass

The waterway that separates Whidbey Island from the mainland in the north is Deception Pass, and a series of iconic bridges spans the space with amazing views. 

Deception Pass State Park spreads over 3,854 acres, a marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. The park is actually located on two islands — Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a gateway for exploration.

If you want to park and walk along the bridge, use the stairs under the bridge to cross to the other side. As this is the only way to drive onto the island, traffic can be heavy, and crossing the roadway itself is prohibited. 

A Discover Pass is needed if you plan to explore within the state park boundary.

Coupeville

The highway winds around Penn Cove, known for the world-famous mussels raised and harvested here, and into the second-oldest town in Washington state, Coupeville. Over 100 of its buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, along with a historic wharf, art galleries, charming water-view restaurants, shops and the Island County Historical Museum.

If you are a film fan, you may recognized it as the setting of Practical Magic (1998).  Stretch your legs with a walk along the waterfront or neighboring trails, and be sure to visit Fort Casey State Park, an immaculately preserved military installation that once protected the entrance to Puget Sound. The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is also on park grounds and is a photographer’s favorite at sunset!

For a unique nature and art experience, visit Price Sculpture Forest a large scale, outdoor gallery where you are encouraged to wander peaceful trails, learn about unique art, and be immersed in a century old verdant native habitat 

Lodging Partners: Captain Whidbey Inn and Fort Casey Inn

Greenbank

Continue south through Greenbank, the narrowest point of the island. This area offers views of the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Range in either direction.

Stop by Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens and immerse yourself in ten acres of mature gardens and nature trails featuring a renowned collection of species and hybrid rhododendrons and ornamental trees. Open seven days a week from 9am-4pm. 

Freeland & Bayview

Freeland's Main Street is the service and shopping center for south Whidbey, and Bayview is home to an amazing Farmers Market April through October. 

Double Bluff Beach offers 2 miles of off-leash dog-friendly sand, driftwood, tidal pools, unusual bluff erosions, and sweeping views. And a visit to the Trillium Forest is perfect for families, as this wheelchair and stroller friendly loop trail is partly paved and the rest is very compact gravel.  wclt.org/projects/trillium-community-forest

Bayview Gardens and Flower House Cafe are the perfect place to grab lunch, and shop their amazing home and garden store. 

Langley

Take the scenic Langley Loop from Bayview to Langley and back to SR 525. Turn north on Bayview Road to find yourself in the Village by the Sea, where you will find great lunch or dinner options with fresh locally harvested seafood! Langley overlooks the Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Range. Galleries, studios, and shops make up this official state-recognized creative district. In fact, one square mile of downtown Langley houses multiple theaters, performance venues, dance and gymnastics troupes, as well as numerous musicians and visual artists.

• Prima Bistro offers a warm, waterfront bistro with a deck serving a French-meets-Pacific Northwest menu and a big wine list plus beer and full cocktail bar
• Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar is a casual and rustic-cozy space, offering Pacific Northwest seafood and raw oysters, plus beer, wine and full cocktail bar

Whidbey Island Kayaking will take you or your group on kayak tours for beginner and intermediate explorers. Full-service kayak and paddleboard rentals on Puget Sound. Ask about the bioluminescence tour!

Clinton

The end of the road on the island! Enjoy quiet rural roads and beaches that lead tourists to the water. This island community embraces their distinct nautical accent. Hop on the Washington State Ferry for the quick trip back to the mainland at Mukilteo.

Washington State Ferries.  Coming or going, the Clinton-Mukilteo crossing is the shortest route back to Seattle. Check the schedule: wsdot.com/ferries/schedule