Beautiful coastlines and verdant landscapes of the Pacific Northwest are on full display in Whidbey Island, Washington. Located in the Puget Sound east of the Olympic Peninsula, this island is the place to go for a slow-paced getaway.

Your First Peek

One way to access the island is by ferry from the south. Once boarded, salt air and dark waters rush past, giving you the illusion of moving faster than ferry speeds. The ride takes only about 30 minutes but makes you feel like cruising all day, hoping to spot whales visiting the sound or bald eagles soaring overhead. Once you disembark, you are greeted with the sun trickling through the towering, long-limbed hemlock, fir, and pine trees, which suggests a curtain waiting to be pulled back to reveal Whidbey’s magic.

Whidbey Island is the perfect place to really slow down and relax.

A long island that stretches in a north/south manner, Whidbey offers plenty of nature-inspired wandering and easygoing island life. 

Geological History

The breathtaking features you see on Whidbey Island and surrounding areas were carved and shaped by continental glaciers that advanced and retreated several times over the Puget Lowland during the Pleistocene ice ages. It also lies on an active tectonic area. Coupeville, the second oldest town, is built over an unstable glaciomarine foundation that may threaten the historic buildings should an earthquake occur.

How to Spend Your Time

Welcoming and relaxed, Whidbey Island is a great place to go with kids or for a more peaceful escape with a loved one. I found that no matter where I went, I was able to find a place to sit and really tune in to my environment. There is so much enjoyment and contentment in simple things like exploring by the shore, looking for sea glass and other treasures washed in. 

Slow walks in the villages reveal hidden walkways to quirky shops. If you are looking for a laid-back get-away and diversion from schedules, Whidbey Island does the job.

Start your morning with a walk down to the Coupeville wharf to enjoy a hot beverage at Beaver Tales Coffee. Then stroll down Front Street to browse their adorable shops that look like they belong in a movie. You’ll want to stop at each one. The Honey Bear has old-fashioned candy, cute toys, and souvenirs. Kapaw’s Iskreme has delicious homemade waffle cones and you can mix and match your ice cream scoops. A Touch of Dutch is a European market where you can find a selection of packaged foods and gifts from far-away places. Kingfisher Bookstore specializes in books from authors of the Pacific Northwest.

If it’s getting close to meal-time, Toby’s Tavern or Front Street Grill have classic seafood options with waterfront views. If it’s getting close to meal-time, both restaurants have classic seafood options with waterfront views. Toby’s Tavern has an old pub vibe with a bar, pool table, and the walls are filled with interesting Pacific Northwest decor. The steamed Penn Cove mussels and fish and chips are perfect if you want a real local meal.

End your trip at Deception Pass State Park. Here you will find Macs Cove, a breathtaking beach perfectly situated to view the sunset and Deception Pass Bridge. Find a place in the sand, lean back onto the sun-bleached driftwood, and listen to the waves while the kids build driftwood forts and look for pretty rocks made smooth by the ocean.

When to Go

Visiting in the first week of May seemed like the perfect time. The weather was the perfect combination of sun and just a few light rain showers. What is Washington, without a little rain? Many shops were open and there was little wait to do anything. Parking was easy to find and often available on the main streets. However, some places do have odd hours, so if there is a particular place you want to visit, check their hours before you go.

Getting There

Whidbey Scenic Isle Way (State Route 20 and 525) is a long winding road that runs the length of the island and is your main access to everything. It starts at the south ferry terminal in Clinton and takes you all the way to Deception Pass Bridge. Even if you are just looking to take a drive, this road will not disappoint.

Rebecca Duncan is from San Diego, California but now calls Utah home. She is a student at Utah Valley University studying Health Science. She enjoys paddleboarding, lounging in her hammock, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Macs Cove photo courtesy and copyright Rebecca Duncan, published with permission