What to do on Whidbey Island WA!
May 10, 2022If you’re looking for what to do on Whidbey Island WA, look no further! Today I’m sharing the top sights to see, the best places to stay and the best restaurants on Whidbey Island. Located in the Puget Sound, north of Seattle, WA. Whidbey Island’s rugged terrain spans beaches, hills and farmland with it’s northernmost tip boasting Deception Pass State Park. The park offers clifftop views, miles of forest trails to hike and freshwater lakes to enjoy. The coastal towns of Oak Harbor, Coupeville and Langley have boutiques, cafes and galleries to stroll and several wineries to visit. Whidbey Island can either be reached by driving north from Bainbridge Island and taking the 30 minute ferry ride from Pt. Townsend or by heading north of Seattle to the Mukilteo ferry terminal, where it’s just a short 20-minute ferry ride. Enjoy exploring what to do on Whidbey Island!
What to do on Whidbey Island WA
TRAVEL GUIDE TO WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON
SEE
Deception Pass State Park is a strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, in the northwest part of Washington. It connects Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca and features a pair of bridges known collectively as Deception Pass Bridge cross Deception Pass.
Fort Casey State Park offers guests an enjoyable route along bluff and beach, with panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Cascades and Olympic peaks. With approximately 467-acres this camping park has a lighthouse and sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Fort Ebey State Park is a 645-acre camping park on Whidbey Island, which was originally built as a coastal defense fort in World War II and is now a popular spot for hang gliding, biking, and hiking.
STAY
Inn at Langley For our trip to Whidbey Island, we decided to stay at the gorgeous Inn at Langley which is built into a bluff overlooking the Saratoga Passage and each guestroom offers a stunning view of the water from a private balcony. There is so much to love about this special place including the easy walk to the town of Langley, the views, and the delicious gourmet breakfast which is delivered to your room each morning and includes fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee and homemade pastries. Our stay also included snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and luxury bath amenities. No children under 12 are allowed at the Inn, which was perfect for us as we do not have children but they did offer options for canine children, which was lovely. We thoroughly loved our time at the Inn at Langley and cannot wait to return!
Saratoga Inn The Saratoga Inn is another wonderful place to stay in Langley on Whidbey Island. Overlooking Saratoga Passage with views to the Cascades, the inn provides the perfect escape. Hot breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese, and parking are complimentary while the homey rooms have flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and free WiFi, plus fireplaces and sitting areas. Some rooms also feature decks and/or water views.
Boatyard Inn The Boatyard Inn is uniquely suited for longer stays as the rooms are self-contained with private outdoor spaces, separated outside entries, equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, free parking and safe walking paths to Langley.Decorated with modern furnishings and rustic-chic wood details, this Inn is a the perfect location to begin adventuring the island of Whidbey.
Captain Whidbey Overlooking the ocean at Penn Cove, the Captain Whidbey inn was built in 1907 and features original timbered walls and ceilings. Since the beginning the Inn has been a locus of natural beauty, community gathering and quiet, exalted delight. A place where locals and visitors do things together — even if those things are simply eating, drinking, appreciating nature, looking out across the water, feeling alive, feeling grateful. With rooms reverent of the island’s many past lives, whether in the Historic Lodge, the idiosyncratic Cabins or the Lagoon Rooms, you’ll find intimate accommodations that are not just a respite, but an infinite opportunity for new and evocative human experience and meaningful communion.
SIP
Dancing Fish Vineyards Located in a picturesque valley, Dancing Fish Vineyards captures the spirit of the island, the name inspired by salmon dancing across Whidbey Island inlets and bays. With delicious wines ranging from rosè to Cabernet, there is something for everyone at this delightful winery.
Spoiled Dog Winery This family owned Vineyard, Winery and Tasting Room is located in Langley and the relationship between food and wine is evident during a wine tasting. Wine tastings include an offering of Pinot Noir with chocolate and a nibble of crackers with a savory cheese made using their wine. Offering everything from Sauv Blanc, Pinot Gris to Malbec and Pinot Noir, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your tasting experience.
Village Wine Shop and Tasting Room Located in the town of Langley, Village Wine Shop and Tasting Room is an intimate place where you can gather with friends and discover the best offerings from around the Pacific Northwest, with special attention in selecting and selling small-production, handcrafted wines. Make sure you stop in for a unique menu of tastings that have been thoughtfully selected and sequenced. We loved our visit!
Ott & Hunter Wines Located on the waterfront downtown Langley, this tasting room was a simple walk from our stay at the Inn at Langley. We headed over one lazy afternoon after gallery hopping to enjoy a glass of wine. Open daily for tastings, glass pours, and bottle sales, the tasting room boasts stunning views of the Saratoga Passage in a lively environment.
EAT
Before we took the ferry to Whidbey Island we enjoyed dinner with some long time friends of ours, one of which was born and raised on Whidbey Island. We quickly took notes on what some of the best restaurants were that we should not miss. Below is the list we were given, and a handful of the restaurants that we were able to visit. I’ll just say this – Whidbey Island is a foodie’s haven. You will not leave hungry, or disappointed. Enjoy!
Oystercatcher If I could eat at one place, every day, for the rest of my life… The Oystercatcher would be it. Located in downtown Coupeville, The Oystercatcher serves innovative local farm-fresh and ocean-fresh food in a charming intimate space. They also own their own bakery, make their own bread, churn their own butter..you get the picture. Everything from beginning to finish is thoughtfully crafted and delicious.
Orchard Kitchen Located on the southern end of the island, just outside Langley, the farm boasts apple, quince, cherry and pear trees. The Orchard Kitchen offers genuine farm-to-table experiences for its guests, and has quickly become one of the island’s most acclaimed restaurants. Offering three to seven-course menus depending on the night you select to visit, the menu is always based around what is freshest and ripest on that particular day. They are a self-proclaimed “omnivore’s paradise” and it’s definitely worth your visit!
Saltwater Fish House This no-frills casual, rustic-cozy bistro offers guests Pacific Northwest seafood and fresh raw oysters, and is easily some of the best food on the island. Get there early as the restaurant does not take reservations and fills up quickly, but will definitely be worth your wait! Make sure to try the mussels, scallops and clams! YUM!
If you’re looking for another Seattle area island to visit check out my Travel Guide to Bainbridge Island!
XO,
M
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