Whidbey Island is a great destination for a day trip or easy weekend out of town, and one the entire family will enjoy any time of year! My family took a weekend trip to Whidbey in January, and I thought I would share some highlights for planning your own getaway, with some money-saving tips for going during the off-season.
Highlight 1: Deception Pass!
We explored the island from north to south, so our first stop was naturally the Deception Pass Bridge. This is a great place to get out stretch your legs and take a few photos, and even do a little hiking. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can walk across the bridge and be mesmerized by the turbulent water. The very adventurous (of which we are not!) can go on a jet boat tour through the pass. Hold onto little ones on the bridge, as traffic passes only feet away! Just south of the bridge is Deception Pass State Park, another good area to explore the beach or have a picnic lunch.
Highlight 2: It’s all about the local finds!
After settling into our rental for the weekend in Coupeville, my mom and I headed out to explore nearby Greenbank Farm. Greenbank Farm is a fun destination with a small café, gourmet food store, three art galleries, a wine tasting bar and trails throughout the property. Be sure to pick up a pie to go! Its unique places like this that make a local getaway exciting to explore.
Highlight 3: You can bring the dog!
Whidbey Island is a rural, idyllic destination full of hiking trails and beaches and is very pet friendly. Not only was our rental pet friendly, we discovered actual posted off-leash dog areas at Double Bluff Beach and the trails at Greenbank Farm.
Highlight 4: Art, Food, Wine & Shopping!
Whidbey Island is full of charm, and the small towns of Coupeville and Langley are especially appealing if you’re looking for art galleries, wineries, and fun places to shop. The Star Store in Langley was a highlight for me, which is a combination gift store, clothing store and grocery store. There was definitely something for everyone inside! There is no shortage of restaurants and the shellfish is definitely a big draw. Coupeville sits right on Penn Cove, which is famous for its sweet mussels and nearly every restaurant has them on the menu. Some restaurants on the island are definitely more kid-friendly than others, but you should easily be able to find something to suit your family.
Highlight 5: Exploring the Great Outdoors!
There are a variety of trails on Whidbey Island among the five State Parks (don’t forget your Discover Pass!), as well as beaches and woods to explore, and getting outdoors is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a destination. The beaches on the west side of the island are sandier and provide great views of the Olympics and San Juan Islands, while the beaches on the east side are rockier, but with plenty of opportunity to catch a glimpse of stunning Mt. Baker and collect shells and unique rocks. We decided to hike a portion of Ebey’s Landing on our trip, which leads out past historical block homes and provided amazing views of the water, farmland and beaches from the bluff. We even got to see an aircraft carrier! There are ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, as well, and we spotted deer, dozens of bald eagles and a harbor seal on our trip.
Highlight 6: Pick your place!
Whidbey Island is close enough for a day trip, but if you’d rather staycation or spend a bit longer exploring the island, there are many options to fit any budget. We rented a home using VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner), and since we stayed in the off-season, I was able to negotiate a lower rental rate and have our pet fee waived! There are several hotel chain options in Oak Harbor and inexpensive camping at many of the State Parks on the Island for tents and RVs.
Highlight 7: The Ferry!
Since we headed north to south on the island, we took the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry back to the mainland. It is a short 20 minute trip, and a little extra money-saving tip – you only pay for passengers if you’re going to the Island. So, our return car trip was only about $8, even though we had a vehicle and 6 people! The ferry runs frequently, and of course, the waits can be long during summer months, so plan accordingly (or go in the off-season like us).
Do you have a favorite Whidbey tip or other staycation idea you’d like to see me feature? Leave a comment, or send me an email.
