Things to Do in Whidbey Island

Emma Rae and I were searching for a destination that we could visit for a girls getaway weekend. We had waited until the last minute, which really narrowed down the list of prospective locations. Especially during the peak summer months. I am not much of a camper, so we relied on the availability of Airbnbs. We randomly decided to choose a lesser-known destination.

Whidbey Island is roughly a two and half hour drive outside of Vancouver, BC, and it is located just north of Seattle. The Island has a vibe that is very similar to Salt Spring Island, with lots of small boutiques, independent cafes, farmers markets, breweries, and distilleries.

Pacific Northwest Views

As someone who truly believes the west coast is the best coast, Whidbey Island is no exception. Like most of the west coast there is lush green forests, wide open fields, and panoramic views of Seattle, Victoria, and the San Juan Islands from across the ocean. A setting oozing with charm and small-town vibes.

The destination is perfect for an outdoor enthusiast, with a variety of hiking trails and beaches to explore. The two main attractions that stood out for me were Ebey’s Landing Reserve and Deception Pass Bridge.

Ebey’s Landing Reserve

Location: Ebey’s Landing Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239

Home to a few different hiking and walking trails, this spot is great to explore the waterfront or the mountains. The beach goes for miles and is littered with driftwood, it is the perfect photo opportunity. The hiking trail is reminiscent of the landscape in Ireland, with tall grass, wildflowers and rolling fog.

Deception Pass Bridge

Location: North Whidbey, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

An iconic destination on Whidbey Island, connecting Fidaglo and Whidbey Islands, this green steel Deception Pass Bridge is a must see. We visited the bridge and took one of the hiking trails down to the water so we could get a shot from the beach. The area itself has so much to explore, the park is home to three lakes and 35 miles of trail.

Breweries and Wineries

Our trip was pretty low key so we didn’t really plan to overindulge in too many alcoholic beverages, we wanted to make the most of our stay. There is definitely no shortage in options. The locals are very passionate about the area and are more than happy to offer recommendations for their favorite breweries or hangouts.

Porters Public House

Location: 5417 S Crawford Rd, Langley, WA 98260, USA

Although we didn’t stop in the locals raved about this place. It is a chill spot to enjoy some beverages, play some games and unwind. A typical brewhall atmosphere.

Spoiled Dog Winery

Location: 5881 Maxwelton Rd, Langley, WA 98260, USA

Talk about Instagram goals. This winery is made for photo opportunities. The tasting room is located in a rustic barn and there is seating outside overlooking the vineyards. As someone who is from the Okanagan, the wines didn’t necessarily blow me away, but wine tasting is always a fun activity, so if you are in the area, they are worth a visit.

Whidbey Island Winery

Location: 5237 Langley Rd, Langley, WA 98260, USA

Another Instagram-worthy spot to check out on Whidbey Island. A very similar vibe to the Spoiled Dog Winery, Whidbey Island Winery has a quaint tasting room and is only a six-minute drive from Spoiled Dog Winery.

Restaurants and Coffee Shops

Front Street Grill

Location: 20 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239, USA

If you are a seafood lover, this is the spot for you. The green curry mussels are amazing! We opted to order fries with ours but they do come with fresh bread, or you can order a side of linguine, which is also an amazing option. The restaurant has a sophisticated atmosphere and overlooks the waterfront in Coupeville.

Salt Water Fish House

Location: 113 1st St, Langley, WA 98260, USA

Another elegant and cozy seafood spot located close to the Langley waterfront. A great place for fresh oysters, crab and salmon.

Cafe in the Woods at Mukilteo Coffee

Location: 5331 S Crawford Rd, Langley, WA 98260, USA

Off the beaten path, the Cafe in the Woods is something out of a fairytale. This rustic farmhouse inspired cafe servers huge portions with options for breakfast and for lunch. The cafe also offers a wide assortment of gluten-free treats and homemade whip cream, so how can you really go wrong with this spot.

Useless Bay Coffee Company

Location: 121 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260, USA

This coffee shop is located right in the heart of the Langley downtown core. The cafe is surrounded by lavender bushes and has a great outdoor area. A worthwhile pitstop for a morning coffee.

Things to Note

Two full days is probably all you need in this area. The regions on Whidbey Island that are worthwhile checking out are Oak Harbour, Coupeville, and Langley. They are all fairly spread out, however you do not need much time in each spot.

I highly recommend having a vehicle for your trip. It is definitely not a walkable destination and there are no bike paths. Uber is an option if you are planning on a night out or to visit quite a few wineries.

Whidbey Island is the perfect getaway if you are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life. I know that we both found our girls trip very relaxing.