Whidbey Island, WA

Whidbey Island, WA

Hailey Curtsinger
Things to do + places to eat on Whidbey Island
Updated ago
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How to get to Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is northwest of Seattle. There are two ways to get here: a ferry that brings you to the southern end of the island or driving to the northern end and crossing Deception Pass bridge. From Seattle, the Mulkilteo/Clinton ferry is a quick trip across the sound. During the summer months and on weekends, the wait to get on the ferry can be long so keep that in mind. You can check how busy it is on the Washington State Ferries (WSDOT) site. The ferry costs around $10-15 if you’re driving a car onboard, and can vary depending on how many people you have in the car as well. Driving around to Deception Pass on the north end would take about two hours from Seattle, depending on traffic on I-5.

Stay

Captain Whidbey
@haileycurtsinger
Inn nestled among old growth firs on the shores of Whidbey Island where you'll feel like you’re back at summer camp
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Saratoga Inn
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Views of the Cascades and complimentary vegetarian breakfast
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Do

Deception Pass State Park
@haileycurtsinger
Amazing views, beach access, and lots of hiking options! Our favorite is Goose Rock Summit Trail (its a bit steep at some points). You can also just do a portion of the goose rock trail to see some beautiful views. Bowman Bay is a beautiful spot as well and there are kayaks available for rent here during the summer months. You’ll need to head over to the park entrance or the parking lot near the bridge to get a state park pass. 1 day is $10 or you can buy a yearly membership for $30 if you’ll be hiking a lot of different state parks!
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Deception Pass Bridge
@haileycurtsinger
Great views from the bridge. Make sure to get a state park pass. 1 day is $10 or you can buy a yearly membership for $30 if you’ll be hiking a lot of different state parks!
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Dugualla State Park
@haileycurtsinger
We always do the Wetland Loop. I would recommend wearing pants because of thorns and stinging nettle, and I wouldn’t take pets in the summer! Make sure you have the trail map on your phone because there aren’t signs at all junctions.
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Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
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Views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range. If you want to hike, try Bluff Loop Trail
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Coupeville Wharf
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Grab a coffee inside and enjoy the views. Consider donating a few dollars to help maintain the wharf — it’s almost 120 years old!
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Fun fact: some scenes from the 90’s movie Practical Magic were filmed in Coupeville’s downtown area! 

Fort Casey State Park
@haileycurtsinger
Be sure to check out the historic Admiralty Head Lighthouse!
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Langley Whale Center
@haileycurtsinger
The Langley Whale Center has tons of information, like maps of the best spots to see whales on and around the island and details on Puget Sound’s resident orcas or migrating pods of Grey Whales, Mike Whales, and porpoises. They can point you in the direction of companies offering whale charters from nearby ports, like Seattle or the San Juan Islands. Open Wednesday through Sunday for the summer, from 11am-4pm.
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Eat

Sweet Rice Thai Cuisine & Spirit
@haileycurtsinger
My favorite thai spot in Oak Harbor! The food and quality are consistent every time I visit. The best dish I’ve tried is the pad see yew.
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Front Street Grill
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Ciao Food & Wine
@haileycurtsinger
Tasty food and drinks with a small shop attached with Italian goods and desserts. My favorite is the gnocchi in pesto cream sauce. Highly recommend the pizzas as well.
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Flower House Cafe
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Ultra House
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Tiny restaurant with amazing ramen
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Pickles Deli
@haileycurtsinger
Great place to stop right by the Clinton ferry terminal when coming to or leaving the island!
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Treats + Coffee

Chris' Bakery
@haileycurtsinger
My husband and I have breakfast here at least once a week! The coffee is delicious and we love their breakfast sandwiches. There are a good bit of vegetarian options and they sometimes have gluten free options as well.
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Whidbey Coffee
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Good coffee and lots of tables for getting some work done. This location is a bit quieter than the other location on State Route 20
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Kapaw's Iskreme
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Mukilteo Coffee Roasters & Mercantile
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Shop

Little Town Cottage
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Cute local shop selling handmade soaps and more
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Lavender Wind
@haileycurtsinger
Lavender Wind sells a variety of items created from local lavender! The scones and cookies are delicious. We also love their lavender cleaning products and body care options!
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Senior Thrift
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Senior Thrift provides resources that enhance the emotional, social, and physical well-being of seniors, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them.
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Good Cheer Langley Thrift Store
@haileycurtsinger
We always find something interesting here!
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Pickles Deli
@haileycurtsinger
Great place to stop right by the Clinton ferry terminal when coming to or leaving the island!
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