17 Fun Things to Do on Whidbey Island
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Looking for a fun weekend getaway from Seattle? Just a short ferry ride away lies gorgeous Whidbey Island, with activities and attractions to delight all interests. From historic forts and public beaches to kayaking, biking, outdoor concerts, wineries, and more, Whidbey Island offers a variety of fun things to do for families, couples, and solo travelers alike! Another draw to this stunning island? You can get to it without going on a ferry, too! All of this is what led me to choose it as my destination for my 30th birthday and it’s also why I keep going back year after year.
The island's natural beauty and slower pace serve as the ideal setting to unplug from busy city life. Yet with charming coastal towns, farms, vineyards and wildlife, you'll stay active and engaged. Whether you want to relax, play outdoors, learn about history, eat delicious food or enjoy the arts, Whidbey Island has something for you. Keep reading for an overview of 17 fun things you can experience on your Whidbey Island weekend getaway!
Whidbey Island has lots of state parks, many of which are old forts. Something I learned while visiting is that Whidbey Island was once heavily used as a coastal defense during both World Wars so there’s tons of history to learn while exploring the island. After the forts were no longer in use, they were turned into state parks to preserve the history while letting visitors enjoy the amazing scenery. Washington State Parks offers a Discover Pass which covers your parking at all Washington State Parks. You can purchase this for the day if you’re visiting from out of state or an annual pass. The day pass is around $12 and the annual pass is $35 so even if you’re visiting Washington but plan on going to multiple state parks throughout your stay, the annual pass is definitely the way to go.
Where is Whidbey Island?
Whidbey Island is about two hours northwest of Seattle and can be reached via car or ferry. The island itself is 37 miles long from north to south and I recommend getting to the island by driving north entering through Deception Pass and leaving the island from the southern end via ferry.
Taking the Ferry to Whidbey Island from Seattle
You can take the ferry to Whidbey Island using the Mukilteo/Clinton route. The Mukilteo ferry terminal is about 40 minutes from downtown Seattle and the crossing will take about 25 minutes. If you’re visiting in the summer months, which is also peak season, you’ll want to make sure you purchase your ferry ticket well in advance so that you secure your spot. If advanced tickets aren’t available, plan to arrive at the station up to an hour before your scheduled departure time to wait in line for the ferry.
Alternatively, if you’re on the Olympic Peninsula, you can take the ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island via the Port Townsend/Coupeville route. This ferry is smaller in size and you’ll definitely want to purchase your tickets in advance as it fills up quickly! This ferry ride is about 35 minutes long and drops you off towards the middle of the island.
Driving to Whidbey
Driving to Whidbey Island is my preferred route so that you don’t have to worry about dealing with the ferries and timing it out. You’ll want to be sure to explore the northern end of the island regardless of which route you choose because this is where Deception Pass is located.
Take I-5 north to Burlington and then head west on Highway 20. You’ll pass through Anacortes, which is another fantastic place for a weekend getaway from Seattle! As you leave Anacortes, you’ll go over a narrow, two-lane bridge called the Deception Pass Bridge. Once you’ve passed the bridge, you’ve entered Whidbey Island! Take some time to explore Deception Pass State Park, it’s one of my favorite places and it’s also the most visited state park in Washington - and for good reason!
Top Things to Do on Whidbey Island
1.) Explore Deception Pass State Park
One of the best things to do on Whidbey Island is visiting Deception Pass State Park. It’s the most popular state park in Washington and it’s also a great place to spot whales! The pull-off area to park is close to the Whidbey Island side of the bridge. Once parked, you can walk on either side of the very narrow, two-lane bridge for some breathtaking views and then make your way down the stairs to access the trailheads. The trails are immaculately maintained and great for kids or beginners.
The strong tidal currents create a nutrient-rich environment that attracts various species of whales to the area. The best time to spot whales is between December and May when the gray whale migration happens. These magnificent marine mammals can reach lengths of up to 50 feet! You might be lucky enough to witness a tail flick or even a full breach. I visited last March and spotted a gray whale and it was very exciting! In addition to gray whales, several pods of Orca whales frequently pass through the strait to hunt for salmon. It's an awe-inspiring experience to observe these intelligent predators communicating and working together. Be sure to bring binoculars and dress warmly for hours of whale watching. Keep your eyes peeled on the horizon and listen for spouts. You never know when these ocean giants will make an appearance!
2.) Visit Price Sculpture Forest
Located in Coupeville, the Price Sculpture Forest offers an immersive experience for art and nature enthusiasts. Spanning 15 acres of enchanting forest, the park is home to over 150 sculptures carefully placed throughout the winding trails, inviting visitors to explore and connect with captivating art pieces. Each sculpture is thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape, creating a harmony between art and environment. Whether admiring the intricate details of a metal sculpture or contemplating the abstract forms of contemporary art, the forest provides a serene and contemplative atmosphere. A visit to the Price Sculpture Forest is perfect for those in search of inspiration, relaxation, and a profound appreciation for the intrinsic beauty of both art and nature. The park consists of about a half mile of trails that are easy and great for all ages. You can visit daily from 8am to 7pm or sunset, whichever occurs earlier, and best of all, visiting Price Sculpture Forest is absolutely free!
3.) Eat a Pastry from Little Red Hen Bakery
This is hands down the best place to get breakfast on Whidbey Island! Every time I visit the island, I make it a point to stop here - it’s that good. Everything is made fresh on-site daily and there’s a wide variety of flakey pastries, cookies, and breakfast sandwiches. I love their breakfast sandwiches on homemade English muffins and their pastries are amazing too! They also have ginger molasses cookies that I can’t get enough of. Little Red Hen Bakery opened it’s doors in 2019 and has been a favorite amongst locals ever since!
4.) Go Wine Tasting at Local Wineries
Whidbey Island is home to over a dozen wineries, combining the rural island charm with expertly crafted vino. Many of the grapes are grown right on the island, resulting in a terroir that lends unique characteristics to Whidbey vintages. The climate is ideal for cool-weather varietals like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Madeleine Angevine, and Siegerrebe. Several wineries also source grapes from Eastern Washington to produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and other red blends. Some of my favorites include Dancing Fish Vineyards, Spoiled Dog Winery, Whidbey Island Winery, and Holmes Harbor Cellars. Pair your wine with artisan cheeses, fresh bread, and other light bites for a perfect island outing!
5.) See the Ancient Douglas-Fir Tree
You can find this 850-year-old tree down along the shore at Deception Pass State Park. We happened to stumble upon it and I’m very glad that we did. Walk the trail down to the beach area at Deception Pass State Park passsed washed-up driftwood until you reach another parking lot. Walk beyond the parking lot and down a paved walkway with small fir trees on either side. Soon you’ll reach the ancient douglas-fir tree and it will be on your left. The area surrounding the tree is roped off to protect the tree, but you can still get pretty close for a good picture. Douglas-fir trees play a vital ecological role and hold deep cultural significance for the indigenous tribes of the area. From the towering old-growth forests to the younger, regenerating stands, Douglas-fir trees symbolize the resilience and beauty of the Pacific Northwest's natural landscapes.
6.) Visit the Chocolate Flower Farm
I saw this on the map and couldn’t resist not stopping by. The owners of the farm have created something that reminds me of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Yes, they do sell handmade chocolates at the Chocolate Flower Farm, but this farm actually started by selling seeds for flowers of the chocolate variety. Yep - you read that right, chocolate flowers! These flowers are technically in the dark maroon color group, but they are so dark that they look like chocolate and they even grow some that smell like chocolate! During the summer months, you can walk through the gardens here and smell hints of chocolate while the flowers are in bloom. This is a fascinating place to stop at! You can shop the farm store where you’ll find chocolates and truffles, chocolate-scented body products & candles, and seed packets of these unique plant species.
7.) Harvest Mussels
Whidbey Island is a great place to harvest mussels and clams with Penn Cove, Double Bluff Beach, and Mutin Bay being a few of the best places for this activity. Penn Cove is home to Penn Cove Shellfish which grows and harvests over one million pounds of mussels each year. The harvesting season for mussels, clams, and oysters is usually mid-June through the end of September and you’ll need to obtain a permit through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. If you’re renting a home on Whidbey Island for the weekend, this is a great activity to do one day and then eat your freshly caught seafood for dinner. I did this in Seabrook, Washington one weekend last summer and it was a lot of fun!
8.) Have Lunch at Flower House Cafe
Flower House Cafe is one of the most popular eateries on the island and is located in Langley. It’s the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or lunch on a bright, sunny day outdoors on their patio. Flower House Cafe is on the same grounds as Bayview Gardens and they’ve put a lot of thought into every detail. The ingredients are sourced locally when possible and even if you’re not hungry for a meal, it’s a great place to grab an iced coffee and stroll through the nursery of Bayview Gardens. Highlights of the menu are the breakfast burrito, avocado toast, and chicken salad sandwich.
9.) Do a Tasting at a Distillery
Visit Whidbey Island Distillery for a unique opportunity to experience locally crafted spirits. Whether you're a connoisseur or just have a passing interest in spirits, the island's distillery provides a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind the production of spirits. From learning about the distillation process to sampling handcrafted liquors and whiskey, a visit to Whidbey Island Distillery is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the island's thriving craft beverage scene. If you’re looking to take home a few locally crafted spirits, look for Cultus Bay Distillery products around the island, too!
10.) Visit Historic Ebey’s Landing
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve is home to the most popular coastal trails in Western Washington and offers visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of one of the first settlements in Puget Sound. This 17,400-acre reserve features acres of pristine prairie with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, along with several historic homes and blockhouses dating back to the mid-19th century.
Hiking trails wind through the reserve, allowing you to explore while taking in the incredible scenery. One of the most popular hikes leads to Prairie Overlook, where you can gaze out at the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Be sure to stop by the blockhouse replica on the hill above Ebey's Landing, which marks the original fortified position built in 1853 to protect early settlers.
Mountain Bike at Fort Ebey State Park
Fort Ebey State Park is one of the best places on Whidbey Island to go mountain biking. Fort Ebey has over 12 miles of mountain bike trails that range from easy to advanced. Riders can enjoy scenic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains while biking along the bluffs above the beach.
Some of the most popular trails for mountain biking at Fort Ebey include the Fort Ebey Loop, which combines old logging roads, newer singletrack trails, and military bunkers from WWII into a 6-mile loop. For beginner riders, the Lake Pondilla Trail is a flat 2-mile trail that goes around a small lake. More advanced riders will enjoy the Kettles Trail System, which has narrow and twisty singletrack trails through the woods.
11.) Walk Around the Charming Town of Coupeville
Wander through the town of Coupeville to see some impeccably preserved Victorian-era homes built by the island's founding settlers. The small downtown area has shops and eateries housed in historic buildings - it’s also where the movie Practical Magic was filmed! Don't miss the Island County Historical Museum, where you can learn more about Whidbey Island's formative years. There a tons of locally owned boutiques along Front Street in Coupeville and it’s the perfect place to start your day. You can grab a delicious breakfast pastry from Little Red Hen Bakery and then check out all of the shops on Front Street, many filled with items made by local artisans.
12.) Walk Through Bunkers at Fort Casey State Park
Fort Casey State Park is a fun stop for all you history buffs, as it offers a glimpse into the region's military history. Built in the late 1800s, the fort was originally constructed to protect the Puget Sound from potential naval attacks. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved bunkers and gun emplacements, providing a fascinating insight into the fort's strategic importance. The park's highlight is the opportunity to go inside the bunkers, where one can experience firsthand the conditions and layout that soldiers endured during their active years. The park's rich history and the chance to explore the bunkers make Fort Casey State Park a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
13.) Stop by Greenbank Farm
One of the top things to do on Whidbey Island is attend a concert or event at Greenbank Farm. This historic site was originally a dairy farm built in 1904 then turned into a loganberry farm in 1970 and ended up being the largest loganberry farm in the United States. Today, it serves as a vibrant hub for arts and culture on the island. Throughout the year, Greenbank Farm hosts numerous concerts spanning all genres of music. You can catch live jazz on the expansive back patio on summer evenings. Or rock out to local bands playing on one of the indoor stages. They also host larger music festivals a few times per year, bringing in musicians from all over the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to concerts, Greenbank Farm is home to art shows, wine tastings, holiday bazaars, and various community events. The restored red barn and surrounding pastoral landscape provide a charming backdrop for these gatherings. It's a great place to experience the local culture and talent of Whidbey Island. Spending an evening or afternoon at a Greenbank Farm event is definitely one of the most enjoyable activities for visitors and locals alike. The beautiful, nostalgic setting coupled with great music and entertainment make it an unforgettable island experience.
14.) Explore South Whidbey State Park
South Whidbey Island State Park is nestled on the southern end of Whidbey Island in Washington State and consists of almost 400 acres and 4,500 feet of shoreline. The park boasts several popular trails suitable for various hiking abilities where you can experience old-growth forests and tidelands. An easy trail that gives you a good taste of the terrain is the Ridge Loop Trail which is a 1.7-mile loop that can be completed in about an hour. It is advisable for visitors to pack ample water and snacks, and to sport sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the park's diverse terrain comfortably. It's also crucial for visitors to be mindful of seasonal changes at the park and plan their visit accordingly to optimize their experience.
15.) Kayak on Penn Cove
Penn Cove is one of the highlights of Whidbey Island. Its calm, protected waters make it an ideal place to kayak for beginners and experts alike. You can rent kayaks right on the water in Coupeville and explore the cove at your own pace. This is also where the hotel I stayed at, Captain Whidbey Inn, is located and it’s truly a serene location. You can rent a kayak from Penn Cove Outfitters or book a kayak tour with Whidbey Island Kayaking.
As you paddle along, keep an eye out for some of Penn Cove's famous mussel rafts. This is where some of the best mussels in the country are grown before being shipped to restaurants nationwide. The views of the rafts with Mount Baker in the background make for a scenic paddle. Paddle slowly and quietly near the edges of the cove and you may spot Great Blue Herons fishing in the shallow water. Harbor seals lounge on floating platforms and curiously watch passing kayakers. If you're lucky, you may even see seals swimming and diving around your kayak. Bald eagles, ducks, geese, and other waterfowl call Penn Cove home, too. With diverse wildlife and beautiful views, kayaking on Penn Cove is an unforgettable Whidbey Island experience.
16.) Relax at Double Bluff Beach
Double Bluff Beach is a secluded beach along Whidbey Island's west coast, perfect for a relaxing beach day. Unlike some of Whidbey's more popular beaches, Double Bluff feels peaceful and serene. Once you arrive at Double Bluff, you'll be greeted by over a mile of coastline. The wide beach features soft sand and plenty of driftwood, making it an ideal spot for beachcombing. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and stake out your own private section of the beach. Keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, bald eagles, blue herons, and other wildlife that frequent the shoreline and waters here. The shallow tidepools also provide opportunities to spot starfish, crabs, and tiny anemones.
17.) Learn About the Whale Trail in Langley
Langley is a charming waterfront village located on the south end of Whidbey Island and is where the Langley Whale Center is located. The Whale Trail on Whidbey Island provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about the island's marine life. This trail offers designated viewpoints along the island's coastline where visitors can easily spot whales, dolphins, and other marine animals in their natural habitat. The trail's signage and educational materials provide valuable information about the local marine ecosystem, including the species that can be observed from each viewpoint. Additionally, the trail serves as a conservation and educational tool, helping raise awareness about the importance of protecting these majestic creatures and their fragile marine environment. One of my favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest is that there’s almost always a chance that you might see a whale!
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Where to Stay on Whidbey Island
We chose Penn Cove as our home base and stayed at Captain Whidbey Inn, right across from Fort Ebey State Park. The hotel's location was fantastic as we were only about 30 minutes away from most wineries and the cute town of Coupeville, where my favorite breakfast spot is, was only a 10-minute drive. Captain Whidbey Inn is a historic waterfront retreat that has been welcoming travelers since 1907. Originally built as a private home, the inn was transformed into a lodge in 1907 and has since become a beloved destination for those seeking a peaceful escape in the Pacific Northwest. The inn's rich history is reflected in its rustic yet charming atmosphere, with cozy accommodations and scenic views of the surrounding nature.
FAQs
How much time do you need on Whidbey Island?
Two to three days is an ideal amount of time to spend on Whidbey Island. You can visit for the day, but to really enjoy all that the island has to offer, you’ll want to spend at least two days.
When is the best time to visit?
Whidbey Island is worth visiting any time of the year, but as with most destinations in the Pacific Northwest, the very best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is at its best.
Do you need a car when visiting Whidbey Island?
Yes! Having a car is recommended when visiting the island. Whidbey Island is almost 169 square miles and having a car is a must to explore the area. If you’re visiting Seattle and want to make Whidbey Island a day trip, I recommend renting a car from downtown Seattle beforehand.
Visiting Whidbey Island offers a wide range of fun and exciting things to do for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and beautiful scenery. From kayaking Penn Cove to mountain biking at Fort Ebey State Park, Whidbey Island has activities to appeal to every interest. The historic town of Langley provides charming shops and restaurants to explore. Don't miss a chance to go whale watching at Deception Pass or relax at serene Double Bluff Beach. With scenic vistas, award-winning wineries, beaches, hiking trails, and small-town charm, Whidbey Island offers an idyllic getaway from the city.
If you're looking for a unique vacation full of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and history, put Whidbey Island on your must-see list. Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, this island paradise will capture your heart. Schedule your visit soon to enjoy the best that Whidbey Island has to offer. You'll leave feeling recharged and eager to return again to this Pacific Northwest gem.
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
