Plan a trip to idyllic Whidbey Island near Seattle.
Whidbey Island is 26-miles north of Seattle.
Whidbey Island has a stunning setting, with dramatic bluffs, wild beaches and bucolic country roads. There are breathtaking state parks, a lighthouse, earth sanctuary, rhododendron garden, sculpture garden and plenty of wineries to visit.
Stay overnight at the charming waterfront towns of Langley or Coupeville on Whidbey Island, with bustling main streets full of restaurants and shops.
Directions: To get to Whidbey Island from Seattle, drive 30-minutes up to Mukilteo and take the 20-minute ferry crossing to Clinton at the southern end of Whidbey Island (check schedule). You can also skip the ferry and drive across the spectacular Deception Pass bridge at Whidbey Island's northern end.
10 best things to do on Whidbey Island.
- Best Towns: Langley & Coupeville.
- Best State Parks: Deception Pass, Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, Ebey's Landing.
- Best Lighthouse: Admiralty Head Lighthouse.
- Best Gardens: Price Sculpture Forest, Meerkerk Gardens.
- Best Wineries: Whidbey Island Winery itinerary
- Best Farms: Greenbank Farm, Lavender Wind Farm, Chocolate Flower Farm.
- Best Museums: Island County Historical Museum, Langley Whale Museum, South Whidbey Museum.
1. Stop at the charming town of Langley.
The scenic town of Langley is at the southern end of Whidbey Island, just 10 minutes drive from the ferry. Langley is perched on a bluff with dramatic views of the Saratoga Passage and Cascades. The waterfront setting makes this a very special place. An enjoyable day can be spent exploring book stores, boutiques, restaurants and other shops along Langley's main street, then stay overnight at luxurious hotels like the Inn at Langley or Saratoga Inn.
2. Explore the seaport town of Coupeville.
The historic seaport town of Coupeville is situated in Penn Cove on Whidbey Island. Coupeville was founded by sea captains and farmers in the 1850's, and was once the first port of call for travelers visiting the island.
The historic red warehouse at the end of the Coupeville Wharf is the most prominent landmark. Take a stroll to the end of the wharf and enjoy a coffee at the cafe there. There's plenty of patio seating on the wharf, with gorgeous views of Mt Baker.
Front Street has a great choice of restaurants and cafes.
Stroll out along the Coupeville Wharf to pick up a coffee at the cafe, or rent a kayak to explore the enchanting waters of Penn Cove off Whidbey Island.
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Coupeville's waterfront has retained many of the original buildings from the 1800s.
3. Indulge in a pie or wine at Greenbank Farm.
Greenbank Farm is 5 minutes north of Meerkerk Gardens, and great for a sweet treat or glass of wine. The Old Spots Bistro serves legendary Whidbey Island pies, coffee, soups, and locally sourced seafood dishes (check hours). There's also the fantastic Greenbank Farm Wine Shop, an art gallery, and kid's play area with swings and a climbing structure. The public gardens are exquisite, with secluded paths meandering past creeks and lush plantings, and the garden is ablaze with colorful wildflowers in spring and summer. You can also explore 7-miles of trails at the Greenbank Farm, with incredible mountain and water views.
4. See a stunning lighthouse and explore military barracks at Fort Casey.
The must-see Fort Casey has the most impressive natural setting on Whidbey Island, with commanding views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Tour the charming Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and explore the network of military bunkers constructed in the 1890's to protect the entrance of Puget Sound.
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5. Visit the excellent Island County Historical Museum.
Stop by the Island County Historical Museum near the Coupeville Wharf. The upper floor is dedicated to Whidbey Island's first settlers, and the lower floor covers off the ecological and Native American history of this beautiful island. The spacious museum is well laid out with interesting exhibits. Check hours.
6. Discover breathtaking coastline at Fort Ebey.
Fort Ebey has 3-miles of dramatic saltwater coastline strewn with logs, and some of the best views of the Olympic Mountains. The beach is not safe for swimming, but perfect for a lazy day of sunbathing, building sandcastles, or watching surfers ride waves along the reef break.
The parking lot is just a short distance from the beach, and also leads to a 1-mile bluff trail up to a military battery. You can also drive up to the bluff at Fort Ebey for incredible views.
7. Pick up some gifts at the Lavender Wind Farm on Whidbey Island.
The Lavender Wind Farm is just a short drive north of Fort Ebey and capitalizes on magnificent, west-facing views of the Olympic Mountains. Wander around the lavender fields, u-pick bunches of lavender, or purchase some lavender-themed gifts at the small retail store at the farm. Check hours.
Every tried lavender ice-cream or cookies?
8. Visit Ebey's Landing to see the home of the first permanent settler on Whidbey Island.
Ebey's Landing has a wide stretch of pebbly beach along Admiralty Inlet. Pioneer Isaac Ebey relocated here from the midwest in 1850, and established the first land grant on Whidbey Island at the prairie. The prairie was very appealing to Ebey, because he didn't need to fell any trees, and the ground was extremely fertile. Unfortunately he met an untimely death in 1957 when he was beheaded by Haida Indians, in revenge for the death of one of their Chiefs at Port Gamble by American forces.
There are two popular trails that start at the parking lot near the Ebey's Landing beach. The 3.5 mile Bluff Trail Loop has soaring views of the Olympic Mountains atop a ridgeline, that then loops back along the beach. Hikers can also take the 1.5 mile (round-trip) Ebey's Prairie Trail to Ebey's house and blockhouse. Block houses were mini-fortresses built for protection against any invaders. The Ebey House can also be reached by a short 0.6 mile walk (roundtrip) from the inland parking lot up on the ridge, at the end of Cemetery Road.
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9. See spectacular Deception Pass at the northern end of Whidbey Island.
Drive 30-minutes north to Deception Pass, Washington State's most popular State Park. Deception Pass is a deep channel between Fidalgo and Whidbey Island, famous for its treacherous currents. Visit the dramatic Deception Pass Bridge, and explore West Beach and North Beach.
10. Explore beautiful Whidbey Island wineries.
The south end of Whidbey Island has a fabulous winery drive Most of these wineries are just off Highway 525 (including a distillery & brewery).
The Whidbey Island Winery itinerary (15-mile drive) includes these wineries:
- Comforts of Whidbey Winery (pictured below).
- Spoiled Dog Winery
- Whidbey Island Distillery
- Hierophant Meadery
- Dancing Fish Vineyards
- Blooms Winery on Whidbey
- Penn Cove Brewing Company
- Holmes Harbor Cellars
11. Stroll through the FREE Price Sculpture Forest.
The Price Sculpture Forest is free to visit, and only a 5 minute drive from Coupeville. Do self-guided tour of these beautiful sculptures while wandering through a lush forest setting (check hours).
12. Explore the Earth Sanctuary on Whidbey Island.
The Earth Sanctuary is a gem, located 15-minutes southwest of Langley on Whidbey Island. Enjoy secluded walking trails through pristine nature wetlands and woodlands. There's something new to discover around every corner, like stone circles, a labyrinth, buddhist monument, and megalith. Check admission & hours.
13. See gorgeous rhododendrons at the Meerkerk Gardens.
Meerkerk Gardens is a superb rhododendron garden in Central Whidbey Island, with lovely walking trails in a serene setting.
14. Indulge at the Chocolate Flower Farm.
The Chocolate Flower Farm is a short drive from Langley on Whidbey Island, with a rustic gift shop that sells a wonderful selection of handmade chocolates, salted caramels, and chocolate jams and candles. You can even purchase flower seeds that produce a chocolate scented flower! Check hours.
15. Enjoy a meal or browse gifts at Bayview Corner.
Bayview Corner is home to the historic Bayview Cash Store (1924), which once served as the main commercial center of South Whidbey Island, selling home goods and farming supplies for locals. Today it houses the fun Taproom at Bayview Corner, and a popular brunch spot known as Whidbey Donuts. You can also browse the main lobby of the building, and an adjacent art gallery with unique pieces for sale.
Stroll across the beautiful grounds to nearby Bayview Nursery, then enjoy breakfast or lunch at the lovely Flower House Cafe, with an enchanting, garden-like setting on the patio.
16. Visit a bakery in a forest.
Seabiscuit Bakery has a secluded location in the woods, just a short drive from Langley. It has a striking barn where you can enjoy your morning coffee, and a wide selection of baked goods and breads, all prepared on the premises. There's also wine, beer and cocktails for sale (check hours). Don't forget to visit Cultus Bay Glass next door, for an incredible selection of glass art works (check hours).
Fun places to visit near Whidbey Island
Just north of Whidbey Island across the Deception Pass Bridge is Anacortes, where you can drive to the top of Mt Erie for spectacular views of the San Juan Islands, or take the scenic Loop Drive around Washington Park.
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