Let’s start close to home (for me). Whidbey Island, close to Seattle, is the largest island in Puget Sound - and one of the largest in North America. (My birthplace, Long Island is #1). It’s quiet, offers amazing views and stillness. Although it’s about 40 miles long and only about 20 minutes from the Seattle suburbs by ferry, it’s worlds away. Whidbey’s 70,000 residents have lots of open space, forests, farms, and beaches to explore.

There are several small villages throughout - especially Langley in South Whidbey and Coupeville near the middle of the island. Plus, the island is also home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor - which means you can still find Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Starbucks if you need a dose of mainland supplies.

Whidbey is surrounded by cool waters in the Salish Sea - never too hot, and never too cold. Here are a few favorites.

Penn Cove Art Gallery In the heat of Coupeville, the gallery is collectively owned and staffed by over 20 local artists. Very little “decorative” work - it’s of high artistic quality, and more than a few pieces here have found their way to my walls.
Vail’s Wine Shop Patsy and Larry Vail host a Washington-focused tasting room on a beautiful dock next to Coupeville Wharf. They’re kind, gracious, knowledgeable, and open Wednesday - Sunday (late on Fridays)
Orchard Kitchen - Farm to table is journey of a few feet at this astonishing South Whidbey eatery near Langley. Each night’s menu varies based on what’s locally available, and can be paired with selected wines if requested. Reserve early and save up - it’s spendy and worth it. Local tip - try to reserve the chef’s counter. There are only six seats and it’s an education to chat with the chefs as the prepare exquisite dishes that showcase the best of the PNW.
Whidbey Doughnuts - Great local breakfast/brunch diner in the Bayview area of Langley (near Orchard Kitchen).
Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar Right in downtown Langley, with Saratoga Passage views across the street. Whidbey is surrounded by icy briny water that produce perfect mussels (from Penn Cove in Coupeville) and oysters. If you’re looking for a great local raw bar, you’ve found it.
Island Art Glass - Robert Adamson and Janis Swalwell have been innovating with glass design for over 50 years, and their shop, surrounded my meadows south of Freeland, is the perfect place to find anything form a small dish to large scale outdoor glass sculptures. They’ve helped us design the glass art in our back yard and it seems impossible to travel past without a stop.
Star Store - Quirky and distinctive, this “grocery” in Langley stocks a bit of everything. Beyond food, you’ll find men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, toys, and wine. Plenty to stock up while you browse the galleries and shops of downtown Langley.
Deception Pass State Park, wraps around the bridge that connects Whidbey to Fidalgo Island. Absolutely stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the bridge itself.

Of course, it’s an island - so plenty of waterfront to see. You might even spy an orca or a seal. Some favorite stops include:

If you stay:

There are plenty of AirBnBs up and down the island, if you want to feel more at home (m usual preference.) Also, you can find a few chain hotels in Oak Harbor.

Two of my special favorites include:

Captain Whidbey Inn - The centerpiece is a rustic two story “cabin” composed of local madrona trees. The restaurant serves PNW comfort food and amazing cocktails at their Penn Cover waterview copper bar. Head to the lobby and the wood burning stone fireplace for a nightcap before heading to your room - with rustic rooms in the main lodge, more traditional hotel rooms elsewhere on the grounds, and four waterside designer “cabins” with private decks and fireplaces if you’re to splurge a little. The Inn is over 100 years old but recently renovated.
Inn at Langley - Full-service luxury in Langley, including a spa, farm to table gourmet restaurant, and breakfast delivered daily. All rooms face the water with views over Saratoga Passage. Tip: the first and third floor rooms’ decks are covered by the deck above them if you’re trying to avoid the frequent rain showers.

There’s plenty more to discover, and we’re still finding new places to explore every year.

Whidbey Island

Chris McNulty