On Whidbey Island, you will find stunning vistas, historic spots, scrumptious seafood, friendly people, and plenty of opportunities to explore the maritime heritage of one of Maritime Washington’s iconic islands. Use this itinerary to explore three Main Street communities across Whidbey Island, each with a unique water-based heritage. This itinerary will take you from the north end of Whidbey Island to the southern tip, but you can reverse it or pick-and-choose from spots to chart your own course!
(Note: This itinerary features several Washington State Parks. We recommend picking up a Discover Pass before your visit!)
Day One: Oak Harbor
Spend a Morning at Deception Pass State Park
Discover Pass required | Summer: 6:30 am – Dusk, Winter: 8:00 am – Dusk | 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Walk the beaches
At Deception Pass State Park, rugged ocean cliffs and the iconic Deception Pass Bridge offer water vistas backed by quiet old-growth forests. Known for panoramic views and jaw-dropping sunsets, this park is a go-to for locals and tourists alike. We recommend arriving early in the morning when the fog is still on the beaches because Deception Pass is also Washington’s most-visited state park. Bring a picnic and spend the morning exploring the miles of trails, beachcombing, and more.
Meet the Maiden of Deception Pass
In the Rosario Beach area of the park, you will find the “Maiden of Deception Pass,” a story pole depicting the tale of Ko-Kwal-aloot, a young woman who lived in a Samish Indian Nation village near Deception Pass.
Pro tip: Visit the Maiden during tidepooling hours to take a self-guided tour across Rosario Beach’s rocks with sea stars, crabs, tide pool sculpins, and more!
Hit the water with Anacortes Kayak Tours
From April through September, ride the currents of Deception Pass with an experienced guide from Anacortes Kayak Tours. The 1.5-hour “quickie” tour is a great way to see Washington’s marine wildlife—perfect for families and travelers who want to go sea kayaking but aren’t ready for a longer trip. Reservations recommended.
An afternoon in Oak Harbor
“In Oak Harbor’s historic downtown, visitors can explore maritime heritage while walking along the Oak Harbor Inlet Trail and boardwalk connecting the marina to Flintstone Park and to Windjammer Park. Interpretive signs, marina views, and the annual spring release of baby salmon by local students make this area a meaningful community touchpoint. For a bite to eat, Kraken’s Cove serves up locally loved seafood in one of downtown’s historic waterfront buildings, blending great food with a vibrant, nautical atmosphere. And for those wanting to stay a little longer, several charming Airbnbs are tucked right above the shops in downtown’s historic buildings—offering a cozy and walkable stay with plenty of character.”
Grab lunch at Seabolt’s Restaurant
Open 11:00 am – 8:00 pm in winter, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm June through September | 31640 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
With a small seafood market and plenty of prepared fare, Seabolt’s Restaurant is a great stop for hungry travelers. Enjoy some fish and chips to refuel for your afternoon, and prepare for the next day’s adventure by stocking up on picnic-ready provisions.
Explore the sculpture collection
Open 24 hours | SE Pioneer Way and SE City Beach Street
How many maritime connections can you find in the downtown Oak Harbor sculpture and mural collection? Hunt for artwork as you explore Oak Harbor and try to find all four sea creatures in bronze and copper!
Visit Flintstone Park
Open 5:00 am – 10:00 pm | Flintstone Park, SE Dock Street, Oak Harbor, WA, 98277
For those with a nautical mindset, the mini-pier at Flintstone Park hosts boaters visiting Oak Harbor. The park is a great home base for your visit to Oak Harbor, with plenty of benches and shady trees to relax under and take in the view of beautiful Oak Harbor.
Splash at Windjammer Park’s Shipwreck Shores Splash Park
Open 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | 1600 Beeksma Dr, Oak Harbor, WA, 98277
Windjammer Park is a can’t miss for kids. On a hot day, relax and cool off by splashing at Shipwreck Shores, a community splash park that’s great for younger children. For older kids, try jumping off the dock into the Rotary swimming lagoon! On a cooler day, the 28.5-acre park is still a great place for a picnic under the shelters.
Stay overnight at the historic Captain Whidbey Inn
2072 W Capt Whidbey Inn Rd, Coupeville, WA, 98239
If you’re not spending the night in Oak Harbor, continue your journey south to the Captain Whidbey Inn, a historic lodge-style structure known for its quirky charm and unparalleled water access. This century-old lodge features a private dock on Penn Cove, overlooked by a beautiful lawn with Adirondack chairs and lawn games. The nearby lagoon rooms peek between trees for a more secluded feeling, offering a relaxing place to stay overnight on Whidbey Island. The on-site restaurant is a favorite of Maritime Washington staff!
Day Two: Coupeville
Explore Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Visitor Center open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | 162 Cemetery Road, Coupeville, WA, 98239
The Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve exemplifies the rich history of central Whidbey Island. The nation’s first and only national historical reserve protects and preserves a rural community and its unbroken historical record, encompassing both private and publicly owned lands, the historic maritime village of Coupeville, acres of conserved farmland, multiple State Parks, and sweeping views of the Salish Sea.
Hike the bluff trail
Discover Pass recommended | Open 7:00 am – 7:00 pm | Ebey’s Landing Rd, Coupeville, WA, 98239
The western bluffs at Ebey’s Landing provide some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Salish Sea. For hikers, we recommend the 3.5 mile Bluff Loop Trail, which traces the high bluffs before losing elevation quickly to return along the beach. On clear days, look across the water to enjoy views of Port Townsend, keeping an eye out for wildlife. In the opposite direction, the prime views overlook the farms and fields of Ebey’s Landing. If you aren’t in the mood to hike the bluff, an easy walk along the beach provides an up-close look at Perego’s Lagoon.
See the sights at Fort Casey
Discover Pass required | Open 8:00 am – Dusk | 1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
In the early 20th century, three cannon-bearing forts (Forts Casey, Worden, and Flager) defended the entrance to Puget Sound by surrounding the narrow waterway of Admiralty Inlet with a Triangle of Fire. All three forts remain as historic sites and Washington State Parks. Whidbey Island’s Fort Casey is a fantastic place to explore this history, getting up close and personal with gun embattlements, a lighthouse, an interpretive center, and a gift shop. Visitors will love seeing kites flying in the wide-open fields or looking up through the barrel of a gigantic cannon, still in place on the walls of Fort Casey, before strolling to the Admiralty Head Lighthouse for panoramic views of the water.
Visit Coupeville
Coupeville is a welcoming destination that celebrates the past and fosters a vibrant, thriving tomorrow! We at the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association invite you to explore Coupeville by enjoying coffee on the historic wharf at Beaver Tales Coffee or learning about native plants at the Pacific Rim Institute, a living, outdoor laboratory. For a maritime spin, go for a sail on the Schooner Suva and stay or simply dine at the Captain Whidbey Inn, which overlooks Penn Cove! Be sure to stop by the Island County Historical Museum to delve into local history with a porch story from 2:00 – 3:00 pm on Wednesdays, and be sure to enjoy free live music at the summer Waterfront Wednesdays Buskers Series, which supports local artists and, as Prince wisely said, proves that ‘Music holds things together.
Sample Penn Cove mussels
In Coupeville, almost every restaurant menu includes a mussel dish because harvesters collect world-famous Penn Cove mussels just minutes away. You can find these blue gems at Toby’s Tavern, the Front Street Grill, and other restaurants in town.
Explore the Island County Historical Society
Open Monday-Saturday 10:00 am—4:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am—4:00 pm | 908 NW Alexander St, Coupeville, WA 98239
At the Island County Historical Society, explore the newly completed maritime exhibit to learn about the maritime history of the region, from long-lost sea chests to hand-carved ship models.
Just outside of the museum, you will also find three dugout wooden canoes: centerpieces of the “Native People, Native Places” exhibit in the lower floor, which also displays a remarkable collection of local baskets, stone and wood implements, artwork, and artifacts from the earliest Water Festival Canoe Races that have been a key part of local culture since time immemorial.
Stroll by the Haller House
Not open for tours at time of writing | #1 N. E. Front Street, Coupeville WA
Listed on the Most Endangered Places list of 2013, Historic Whidbey saved the Haller House in 2018. While not yet open for visitors, it’s certainly worth strolling by this impressive historic home at the south end of Coupeville’s main street. The home, once owned by Colonel Granville O. Haller, was built by combining earlier structures and additions from the 1850s onward, providing a unique example of multiple eras of Pacific Northwest construction techniques.
Walk the Coupeville Wharf
Open 24 hours | 24 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA, 98239
The historic Coupeville Wharf is a must-see for visitors to Whidbey Island. Built in 1905 for passenger travel and trade with the mainland, the wharf is still in active use for boaters in the heart of Coupeville. It’s also home to a coffee shop and the Schooner Suva. This iconic wharf is under threat from rising sea levels and increasingly frequent king tides. According to local government projections, the wharf will be flooded by the year 2050. The Port of Coupeville is actively working to save the wharf and partnered with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation to list it as a Most Endangered Place in 2024.
Pro tip: Learn more about Coupeville and the wharf on the live-taped Cascade of History with Feliks Banel and local leaders.
Go for a sail aboard Schooner Suva
Fridays from about 5:30 pm depending on sunset, Saturdays from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Sundays from 1:00 – 3:00 pm | 24 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239
Cap off your time in Coupeville with a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard the Schooner Suva, a 100-year-old boat designed by Frank Pratt and naval architect Ted Geary. Suva offers private charters, as well as public events, history sails, kids’ activities, and more. Visit their website to schedule a sail or buy tickets.
Day Three: Langley
Explore downtown Langley
For a quintessential maritime escape in Langley, Washington, immerse yourself in the charm of the sea. Savor the freshest Pacific Northwest seafood at Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar, where every dish evokes the island’s bounty. For a historic stay, consider the Inn at Langley, perched above the Saratoga Passage with breathtaking views, or the elegant Saratoga Inn, offering a blend of comfort and scenic beauty. To truly connect with the region’s marine spirit, visit the Langley Whale Center to learn about the Salish Sea’s majestic creatures, and keep an ear out for the Whale Bell at Seawall Park—a local signal of a whale sighting, inviting you to witness the magic firsthand. Don’t miss the bioluminescence tour through Whidbey Island Kayaking.
Snack at Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar
Open Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 – 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 – 9:30 pm | 113 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
Part of our Oyster Crawl Through Maritime Washington Itinerary, the Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar offers several fresh seafood options, from mussels and oysters to fish and chips. Check out the chalkboard for their daily selection of local market price oysters.
Pro tip: Unfamiliar with oysters? Ask for an assorted dozen to sample a variety of flavors from around Puget Sound.
Get on the water with Whidbey Island Kayaking
Open April through October for tours | 5781 Bayview Road, Langley 98260
Discover the natural beauty of Whidbey Island from a unique perspective with a guided paddleboard or kayak tour from Whidbey Island Kayaking. Whether you choose to explore the waters on a Sealife Safari or experience the magic of a Bioluminescence tour, you’ll be treated to stunning views and unforgettable wildlife encounters. With experienced guides and all the kayaking gear provided, it’s a perfect way to add adventure to your itinerary.
Langley Whale Center
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm | 105 Anthes Ave, Langley, WA, 98260
At this museum and educational hub, the Orca Network shares their passion for whales through exhibits, educational programs, and community events like the annual Ways of Whales workshop and more. Learn about resident killer whales, transient pods, and gray whales—maybe even spot one from the boardwalk just down the hill! Don’t miss their new exhibit, supported by the Maritime Washington Grant Program, about the famous orca Tokitae.
Make it back to the mainland on a ferry ride
No trip to Whidbey would be complete without a trip on a Washington State Ferry. If you’re heading to the Olympic Peninsula, you can ride the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry (reservations highly recommended!) and continue your maritime journey with our 10 Maritime Heritage Activities in Port Townsend itinerary. If you’re going east towards Seattle, ride the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry, and drive south on I-5 to enjoy An Afternoon in South Lake Union.