2. Whidbey Island
11196 WA-525, Clinton, WA 98236, card
Distance: 52.4 miles / 1 hour 22 min (card) – Including ferry ride
Things not to miss: Deception Pass, Ebey’s Landing, Coupeville
Where to eat: Seabolt’s smokehouse, Ott & Jager, Oystercatcher
Whidbey Island, the largest island in Puget Sound, features rugged coastlines, historic sites and picturesque villages. Visit the famous Deception Pass State Park or Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, where rural landscapes meet the sea, or check out some lesser-known trails like Ala Spit, Earth Sanctuary or Windjammer Park. You can also explore the charming town of Coupeville with its iconic quayside.
Everything we did on our day trip to Whidbey Island
- Deception Pass State Park – North Beach has the best view of the bridge.
- Ala Spit County Park Trail – lesser known trail to avoid the crowds at Deception Pass and Ebey’s Landing.
- The Farm Stand – sunflowers, pumpkin patches, ice cream and more
- Oak Harbor Murals by Allgire Project
- Windjammer Park – walks along Oak Harbor’s waterfront
- Lunch at Seabolts Restaurant – we had fish and chips and clam chowder
- Coupeville Pier and town – look out for the hundreds of starfish beneath the pier.
- Ebey’s Landing Bluff Trail – if you have a national park passport, stop at the visitor center for a stamp.
- Fort Casey State Park – the best view of the forts across the water was from the lighthouse.
- Meerkerk Gardens – look for the puzzle monkey tree.
- Earth Sanctuary – combines ecology with art (pay online in advance).
- Ott & Hunter Wine Tasting in Langley – you can sit by the window for a nice view of the water.
- Explore downtown Langley
Local tip: To avoid having to drive back and forth, start at the top of Whidbey Island (Deception Pass) and work your way down to the Clinton Ferry Terminal.
