Whidbey Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Coupeville which includes island images, a park and a bay or harbour
Whidbey Island
Deception State Park featuring island views, a garden and a bay or harbour
Deception State Park which includes a garden and a statue or sculpture as well as a small group of people
Deception State Park which includes outdoor art

Linger on the largest of Northwest Washington’s stunning islands to enjoy its numerous state parks and the old-world atmosphere of its charming towns.

Succumb to the charms of Whidbey Island, which offers an alluring combination of peaceful coastal scenery, quaint towns and acres of farmland. Exciting events and markets overflowing with local produce bring life to the towns, while the beaches and hills of the coast promise adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

The log forts and military bases throughout the island hint at Whidbey’s military history. Visit Fort Casey, an outpost built in the 1890s to protect the waterways of Puget Sound. Learn about the island’s role in defending America at the PBY Naval Air Museum, which features aircraft models and military ephemera such as log books and engines.

Explore the island’s historic port towns. Stroll around the scenic waterfront of CoupevilleOpens in a new window many of the wood-paneled buildings here are part of the National Register of Historic Places. In Langley, browse independent galleries and boutique shops on its classically American main street.

There are six different state parks across the island. Hike around the saltwater canyon of Deception Pass State ParkOpens in a new window or kayak along its rocky shores. Find more ocean-based activities at Cama Beach State Park, where you can bird watch, boat and fish.

The rural island communities are very proud of their local produce. Tour the Whidbey Island Distillery to taste spirits that have fruity flavors straight from the fields. Buy fresh fruit, vegetables and meat in the farmers markets that take place across the island. In August, an annual fair featuring open-air concerts, street parades and pop-up vendors takes place.

Although Whidbey is an island, it is still easily accessible from mainland Washington. Take a ferry from Port Townsend to Coupeville or drive over the bridge that leads into Deception Pass.

The summer months of July and August are the busiest on Whidbey Island, but you can enjoy the island in all seasons. Come in spring or fall to take advantage of mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Where to stay in Whidbey Island

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Lagoon Point

While Lagoon Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fort Flagler State Park and Holmes Harbor.

Lagoon Point
Auld Holland Inn

Auld Holland Inn

2.5 out of 5
33575 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA
The price is NZ$240 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$240
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Oak Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff is always friendly and helpful the rooms are always nice it's a good place to stay"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Auld Holland Inn
Coachman Inn & Suites

Coachman Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
32959 Highway 20, Oak Harbor, WA
The price is NZ$286 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
NZ$286
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Oak Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Second time here - descent place to stay. Just need quieter fan in bathroom"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Coachman Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center

Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center

2.5 out of 5
33175 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA
The price is NZ$314 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$314
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Oak Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
No Steps or Stairs!

No Steps or Stairs!

Clinton
Stay at this cottage in Clinton. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Deer Lake and Mukilteo Lighthouse Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Quiet and enjoyable!
"Had a super fantastic trip. Everything was in order in the VRBO. There wasn’t a single thing we could’ve wanted. Everything was there. Extra towels. Kitchen items. Plastic bags. Portable coffee cups. Even a noise maker if the quiet really was more than you could handle."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

No Steps or Stairs!
Waterfront cottage - Free Wi-Fi - fully fenced backyard

Waterfront cottage - Free Wi-Fi - fully fenced backyard

Freeland
Stay at this vacation home in Freeland. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blooms and Goss Lake are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (38 reviews)
Gorgeous view! Very uncomfortable sleeping though
"Well im gonna be honest here as my 4 stars are for the fenced yard and million dollar view! If not for those would be lower. I loved the retro feeling it is not a high end home but an older mobile home with a somewhat older deck but didnt mind. The yard is fully enclosed for the dog. We have a very ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Waterfront cottage - Free Wi-Fi - fully fenced backyard
Perch - Ellie's Secret Gnome Cabin

Perch - Ellie's Secret Gnome Cabin

Coupeville
Stay at this vacation home in Coupeville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Magical forestland
"Clear communication and kind interaction with management. Such a fun place to stay with children who can explore the woods, endlessly and find magic in every nook and cranny. The extra wood available for the fire pit was so great and appreciated. We were unable to find bug repellent that stated would ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Perch - Ellie's Secret Gnome Cabin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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