A Comprehensive Guide To Whidbey Island, Washington

Where is Whidbey Island?

Whidbey Island is located to the east of Puget Sound in Western Washington State. It has a land area of 1,781 square miles (4,576 km²), over 68% being forested. The island’s small cities are Coupeville and Mukilteo, while its largest city is Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island proper. Although it seems like quite an isolated place if you see a map with only one location

What is Whidbey Island known for?

As I mentioned, Whidbey Island is one of the most beautiful things you can find in Washington. Coupeville, its largest city and county seat, is also quite attractive with all sorts of nature trails in town, a lovely waterfront boardwalk, and lots to see!

Whidbey Island is, first and foremost, a bastion of nature – with trees, orchards, and fields all dotting the island. Its forests are home to many interesting creatures which give added appeal to it as a destination for tourists. In addition to its natural beauty, Whidbey Island also has access to some beautiful seaside towns along Puget Sound like Coupeville and LaPush – with any of these towns worth exploring!

How does Whidbey Island compare with other places in Washington?

Island hopping on the ferry is one activity many people enjoy (particularly if you have small children who can climb right literally into your boat). For some exercise, walking along or on trails is a great idea. 

For those tired of city life, Whidbey Island offers some nice nature reserves for hiking and camping (expect the weather to disappoint you if it’s rainy), as well as various other activities such as biking on an old WWII airstrip currently undergoing restoration — anything that gets your heart going!

What are the main attractions of Whidbey Island?

Whidbey Island National Wildlife Refuge – Whidbey Island in general is quite difficult to get around on, as the whole island is much smaller than its neighbor just across Puget Sound. This wildlife refuge however holds 80% of “white man’s” habitats, which are amazing (especially bald eagles!). Offers birding activities such as viewing and photography among other things.

Why you should visit Whidbey Island

The island has great activities for both the young and old. From hiking to biking, from exploring nature reserves through adventuring underwater in coral reefs to just enjoying a good pint of locally produced beer: Whidbey Island offers it all! 

And with nowhere else around you are sure to find yourself right at home amongst its natural beauty. you should plan and visit this amazing island this weekend.

How to get to Whidbey Island?

Getting from Whidbey Island to Seattle is not an easy task. Your best bet for a non-stop, direct trip is by linking up with route 16 in Oak Harbor, Washington, and then following the signs along ferry docks towards Gig Harbor. From there on you are pretty much free to hop onto another bus or train back into Seattle if your trip takes too long.

The Washington State Ferry system offers three routes to Whidbey Island: the Northwest, Bremerton-Oak Street, and Calvert Cliffs.

Whidbey Island is accessible by ferry, which departs from Seattle (Clinton-Mukilteo ferry). The ferry ride lasts approximately forty minutes and Costs about $6.25 for adults and free for youths. It is especially worth it for its spectacular view of Puget Sound with Mount Baker glistening in the distance. A bus, train or car is also a good option but takes longer to get to.

How to Get Around on Whidbey Island?

Whidbey Island has a complete bus service to downtown Seattle and surrounding areas, but local buses are also available several days of the week in East Whidbey and Oak Harbor.

There are also several bike routes around town where you can enjoy beautiful views across Puget Sound while exercising a little and getting around Whidbey Island is easy. it takes approximately thirty minutes to ride from end-to-end the island, a distance of.

Hang gliding, snowmobiling, and ATV riding are popular activities on Whidbey Island. A cost of $25 is required to participate in a guided bull-riding tour as well as an additional entrance fee at the gatehouse off Bellows Road or from the “Bulletin Board” sign on Manette Rd., depending on which you took.

What is the weather like on Whidbey Island?

Whidbey Island experiences a temperate rainforest climate, which is characterized by mild temperatures and high humidity. The temperature ranges from the low 50s in winter to the mid-70s in summer. Whidbey Island has been listed as one of the sunniest locations in Washington State!

The warmest month is July, with a daily average temperature of 82.3 °F (28 °C) and the coolest month is January, with an average temperature of 33.0 °F (-1.7 °C). Average monthly precipitation ranges from 0 inches (or ) in February to 4 inches (or ) in September.

Best Places to Stay on Whidbey Island: Hotels, Resorts, and more

There are many places to stay on Whidbey Island from beachfront cottages and studios that offer private baths and kitchens, treehouse rentals, and downtown hotels listed here.

• Captain Whidbey
• Inn At Langley
• North Whidbey RV Park
• The Coachman Inn

• Wildwood Farm Bed and Breakfast – Oak Harbor

Best places to eat on Whidbey Island

There are a staggering number of fine places to eat on Whidbey Island from casual lakeside lunches to local brewpubs and restaurants with bento boxes. This is just the tip of the iceberg though!

• The Captain Whidbey Inn Restaurant
• Orchard Kitchen
• Christopher’s on Whidbey
• Toby’s Tavern
• Prima Bistro
• The Oystercatcher
• Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar

Best Things to do on Whidbey Island

• Hike the trails in Coupeville or Freeland
• Kayak or paddle across the waters of Whidbey Sound
• Visit the wineries in Langley or Edmonds
• Take a ferry ride to Orcas Island
• Spend a day exploring downtown Friday Harbor

I mentioned some of the best things to do on Whidbey Island, but if you want a brief article on it like I posted Best Things to do on Orcas Island or Bainbridge Island, then comment below.

The Bottomline:

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, you’ll want to head to Whidbey Island in Washington. This island chain is known for its beautiful scenery and relaxed lifestyle, and it’s a great place to explore nature and relax. I mentioned some of the best things to do on Whidbey Island.

So what are you waiting for? Come check out this beautiful island chain today!