The largest island in Washington state is waiting for you. It holds many secrets and hidden gems<\/strong> that are worth visiting. Many of which we will explore in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whidbey Island<\/strong> is a large island, with a total land area of nearly 169 miles, with many fun things to do, beautiful things to see, and several historical sites to explore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are from Seattle, or if you are visiting and want to explore more of the state of Washington has to offer, then visiting Whidbey Island is a must.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I had the chance to see the best the island has to offer over the course of a couple of days, so today, I\u2019m going to guide you through my list of the best 15 things to do on Whidbey Island, WA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whidbey Island is known for beautiful landscapes, numerous outdoor recreational activities, rich history, and splendid national parks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The northern tip of the island is home to Deception Pass State Park<\/a>, the most visited state park in Washington<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can get to Whidbey Island from Seattle by catching the Mukilteo – Clinton ferry<\/a> located at 910 First Street, Mukilteo, WA 98204.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you plan on visiting Whidbey Island from the western part of Washington, then you’ll want to take the Port Townsend – Coupeville Ferry<\/a> from 1301 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking a ferry to Whidbey Island is the first of the many great things that you\u2019ll do on your adventure<\/strong> – the stunning scenery of Puget Sound makes both these ferry rides, in my opinion, some of the best ferry rides in Seattle<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brace yourself: we are about to explore one of the most naturally beautiful places in the Puget Sound region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is worth noting that Whidbey Island is a \u201crelaxing\u201d location that suits outdoor lovers more than party-seekers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, let\u2019s take a deep look at things to do, museums, and national parks to explore during your trip to Whidbey Island, WA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The largest community on Whidbey Island is Oak Harbor<\/strong>. At roughly 24,000 inhabitants, it is a charming place that has many beautiful things to see and nice people to meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay while exploring Puget Sound, Oak Harbor is an excellent choice. This town has a variety of spacious motels that are perfect for families, and casual restaurants are plentiful where you can grab a bite to eat. With its comfortable accommodations and convenient location, Oak Harbor makes an ideal basecamp for your family’s Whidbey Island adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you aren’t looking to stay overnight in Oak Harbor, you should still visit their historic downtown district and walk Pioneer Way where you’ll see amazing public art displays and shops filled with local arts, crafts, decor and books that are truly unique to the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you a wine lover?<\/em> If so, then you can\u2019t visit Whidbey Island without visiting a great wine shop where you can taste awesome wine: The Spoiled Dog Winery<\/a>, at Langley, WA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deception Pass State Park<\/strong> is a special place in Washington. It is located at the northern tip of Whidbey Island, and connects the island to Fidalgo Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It offers over 3,854 acres <\/strong>of marine parks, campgrounds, unbeatable views and outdoor adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scenery at the park is truly awe-inspiring and is some of the best on the island. You can hike along cliffs while soaking in the incredible views of the water, forests and mountains. Or, for the more learning inclined, check out the Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center to learn more about the park’s rich history which dates back to the 1800s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, don’t miss your chance to take a picture with the iconic Deception Pass Bridge in the background<\/strong> – it is a memory that you will treasure forever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fort Ebey<\/a> State Park was once a coastal fort during World War II, but it’s now an incredible 645-acre camping park with about 25 miles of walking, hiking and biking trails. Many well-preserved historical relics line the paths and trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Relax and enjoy the views the 381-acre day-use South Whidbey<\/a> State Park has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only is Joseph Whidbey State Park<\/a> known for its beautiful views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Lopez Island<\/strong>, but its prime storm watching, too. One of the more unique experiences you can have here is watching the storms roll in because they form in this section of the Pacific Northwest with uncanny regularity. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Access the beach and explore the ocean at one of the many beach access poitns on Whidbey Island. Here’s a list of my personal favorite swimming and scuba diving spots:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ebey\u2019s Landing National Historical Reserve (managed by the NPS<\/a>) is a protected historical district on Whidbey Island<\/strong> over 19,000 acres large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While here you should visit Coupeville Wharf or have a taste of the famous Penn Cove Mussels<\/strong> (learn more about Penn Cove Mussels<\/a> here).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fort Casey<\/a> State Park is located right next to the Coupeville Ferry Terminal<\/strong>, which connects Port Townsend with Whidbey Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For nature and art lovers, there\u2019s nothing better than enjoying unique art exhibits while surrounded by big trees and unique wildlife<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Price Sculpture Forest<\/a> is a relatively new attraction on Whidbey Island. The outdoor collection of sculptures was opened to the public on October 23, 2020 and features two paths with different art themes. The Nature Nurtured<\/em> path features nature-inspired sculptures while the Whimsy Way<\/em> path features sculptures more playful in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum (PNWNAM<\/a>), located in Oak Harbor, is a place that celebrates and preserves the history of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NAS Whidbey Island<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many Whidbey Island visitors go to the island to purchase fresh produce<\/strong> that they can take with them back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nice weather and large open fields on the island create many great agricultural opportunities for the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Greenbank Farm and Bayview Farm <\/strong>are good examples of two farms you can visit to experience the freshness and deliciousness of the products that can be found on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Double Bluff Beach<\/a> is not only one of the most famous beaches in Washington State, but one of the most dog-friendly beaches, as well. Bring your dog to this off-leash beach <\/strong>and have a great time with them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, on clear days, you’ll get views of Seattle, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n