Washington State’s Puget Sound, specifically Whidbey Island is one of the best getaways for a weekend escape. Beautiful scenery, and delightful villages – welcome to Central Serbia – we bring you a list of 12 top things to do on Whidbey Island you should not miss.
Best Things To Do On Whidbey Island
1. Deception Pass State Park
Why go: Get to see live nature scenes and be able to tour the natural sites.
Highlights: Hiking, enjoying the rocks and crevices of the shore, and viewing the unbelievable views from Deception Pass Bridge.
Details: Deception Pass State Park is one of those existing in Washington and it attracts a great number of tourists as it occupies more than 4 thousand acres of the other wild area. It has been established with the name of the narrow, totemic, and rough channel isolating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island. Such tracks for hiking like the Goose Rock Summit can afford you views of the waterway, islands as well as mountains. One should not lose a chance to visit the beaches and the tidal pools in Rosario Beach which is popular for wildlife.
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2. Fort Casey State Park
Why go: To explore history and get a view of the surrounding areas.
Highlights: Walk through the historic bunkers, touch the history at the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and take a picnic along with the beauty of Puget Sound.
Details: Historical enthusiasts will love the location of the park as it is called Fort Casey State Park. Features of the fort include it was erected in the late 1800s, and its purpose was to guard Puget Sound in case of some naval force menace. Nowadays people can freely move around to see the deep bunkers and gun positions that once fired huge guns. Currently, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse is open to the public and offers historical tours that inform people about the history of the place related to water. Beautiful open grounds of the park, and nice places for picnics, are ideal for spending calm time at.
3. Langley Village
Why go: For a rustic feel and purchasing antiques and other locally made products.
Highlights: Admire paintings, sculptures, and other masterpieces in art galleries and art studios; shop for distinctive souvenirs at quaint shops and head to restaurants to taste authentic local food in friendly cafés.
Details: There is Langley, more popularly known as the ‘Village by the Sea’ which is situated at the southernmost part of Whidbey Island. The town has many fascinating alleys with shops, galleries, and cafes. Culture enthusiasts will love the galleries in the area- these are artwork from local artists. Shopping lovers can explore multiple shops that display different and alternative gifts, apparel as well as home accessories. Various restaurants, ranging from fast food to gourmet, will also satisfy gastronomes.
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4. Double Bluff Beach
Why go: To sunbathe on a wonderful sandy beach.
Highlights: Shell collecting, sunbathing, and an amazing view of the Olympic Mountains. Dog-friendly!
Details: Another common beach that I might find occupied by both local people and tourists is Double Bluff Beach. One of the most extensive beaches is situated at the south-western tip of Whidbey Island – it is Canoe.
Although Canoe Beach is barely one of the longest beaches on the coast, with miles of sandy shore frontage, it is not quite as secluded as some of the other spots mentioned. It is famous for its aerial terrace frontage and picturesque views of the Olympic Mountains beyond Puget Sound. It cannot be compared to the adjacent Victorian gardens; however, it is a perfect place for collecting seashells, wood, and occasionally, fossils. Unfortunately, it is shallow, creating a good area for wading, and on the other hand, the area receives a steady breeze for kite flying.
Read Also: Washington State Beaches
5. Addressed to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Why go: Where there is a little of everything historical and natural.
Highlights: The Bluff Trail is for hiking, there are coastal views, and there are historic farmstead lands.
Details: The organisation of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is a combination of viewscape and history. It will continue to protect agricultural areas and structures that depict the early colonisation of the regions around the Pacific Northwest. The Bluff Trail is one of my favourite hikes as along it you can see the beautiful view of the coastline, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. As you travel, you can see the old and present farmhouses, fields, and pastures that farmers originally used for farming.
6. Meerkerk Gardens
Why go: It’s mostly associated with the desire to have a quiet place where people can relax in the garden.
Highlights: Stroll amidst gardens framed by rhododendrons, attend and appreciate seasonal programs, and/or bask in the serene environment.
Details: Meerkerk Gardens is a 10-acre which is woodland garden established near Greenbank. Ann and Max Meerkerk initially created the gardens in the 1960s, and they have since become a regional icon. They plant beautiful flower plants such as Rhododendrons, azaleas, and other flowering plants in the gardens, which bloom all year round. Tightly curled curvilinear corridors guide the guests from one section of the gardens to another with the area having different appeal. Events like plant sales and music festivals boost the gardens’ popularity during that time of year.
7. Spoiled Dog Winery
Why go: To key into the pleasures of a great wine tasting.
Highlights: There are award-winning wines to taste along with the spectacular vineyard setting and more bottles to take home.
Details: As a family-operated winery, Spoiled Dog Winery is a vineyard that developed around Whidbey Island. This winery produces many kinds of wines, some of which, such as the Pinot Noir, have many awards to their credit. They produce red, white, and rosé wines, which they sell in a tasting room with comfortable furniture. The outdoor dining area creates a beautiful ambience to have a glass of wine while watching the vineyard and the beautiful countryside scenery.
8. Kayaking in Penn Cove
Why go: For many people the reason is to sail along the shoreline to use eyes and take a look at Whidbey Island’s scenery.
Highlights: Take a canoe for the day, go rowing in the estuaries, and perhaps view the seals and the birds such as eagles.
Details: It is also admirable to kayak since it provides a safe location for the activity having beautiful waters. A great option is to rent a kayak in one of the shops that rent kayaks and paddle through the calm waters of the cove. When kayaking in the area, there are several things that one will see which are as follows; harbour seals, bald eagles, and several seabirds among others. There are also reportedly sea mussels, and you could also try to make a stop at a mussel farm, if any.
9. Coupeville Farmers Market
Why go: Just to eat gourmet local lawyers and enjoy local crafts.
Highlights: Washable and new daily products and foods, garden, and farm generate, arts and crafts, and exceptional foods. Open every Saturday.
Details: This is a farmer’s market that is well attended by residents and more often than not located in Coupeville and it opens every Saturday between April and October. Based in the beautiful Coupeville town, the market has many vendors cum shopkeepers who display fresh produce and other crops, home-baked foods, handmade products, and many more. It is also a foodies’ heaven, to taste and purchase regional specialties directly from the producers. There is always music and entertainment, therefore it is more of a party atmosphere and is great for family fun.
10. Admiralty Head Lighthouse
Why go: For the history of the Maritimes and sights.
Highlights: Visit the lighthouse and explore the structure and its background and scenery.
Details: Fort Casey State Park has one of the picturesque lighthouses that have been renovated originating from the late 1800s. The lighthouse was important, especially for the ships passing through the difficult-to-navigate waters of Admiralty Inlet. Today, the museum preserves and displays the strategic history of the region and the experiences of lighthouse keepers. Trek up the winding stairway inside the tower to reach the top of the lighthouse for the splendid island- and sea-scapes.
11. Whidbey Island Scenic Byway
Why go: Hence, for one of the most scenic drives in Washington.
Highlights: Despite great variation in elevation the English coastline is composed primarily of coastal cliffs, rolling farmland, and small picturesque towns. Ideal for having a Sunday drive with the family.
Details: The people should take a trip through the Whidbey Island Scenic Byway as this gives a good view of the island landscape. Countryside, towns, small villages, coastal cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches, and even more rolling farmlands are some of the things you will see while on the route. Next to the highway, there are scores of outlooks and turnouts in which visitors can park and admire the view. These are essential scenic, such as Deception Pass Bridge, Coupeville which is a beautiful town, and the farmland of Ebey’s Landing.
Read Also: Weekend Getaways in GA
12. South Whidbey State Park
Why go: Wilderness trails to trek through thickets and the beach.
Highlights: Big trees, nice quiet paths, fabulous lookouts at the beach.
Details: The South Whidbey State Park is yet another ideal state park for nature lovers owing to its cover of over 300 acres of old-growth forest as well as shoreline. The network of trails is dense with great trees of cedar and fir and along the muscled coastline. The Forest Trail and the Wilbert Trail are two of the options that can be chosen by the walkers, they are both covering a combination of forest and the shore of Lake Superior. It also has several prepared picnic areas and points to access the sandy beach making it a good place, you could visit for a picnic with the family or when you just need a quiet time in the natural environment.
Concluding Words
All in all, Whidbey Island presents many types of activities that would appeal to any traveller. If it is walking, history, wine, and beach – your weekend on Whidbey Island will be as full of events as you want it to be. Enjoy your getaway!
