Whidbey Island is a place so idyllic, it almost seems magical. The largest of the Island County islands, residents and visitors are treated to an abundance of natural beauty, small-town charm, and an endless list of outdoor activities to partake in. It’s certainly a popular tourist destination, but actually living on the island offers a type of lifestyle that is the stuff of daydreams.
Whidbey provides both the sense of peaceful seclusion and accessibility to all of the big-city amenities that await in Seattle just a drive and short ferry ride away. Here are a few reasons why so many residents are proud to call the place home.
Scenic Beauty
There’s a reason Whidbey Island sees so many visitors and so many residents who make it a goal to join the bustling community—it offers a variety of beautiful natural features that inspire awe. Whidbey Island is surrounded by stunning scenery, including forests, rolling hills, beaches, and pristine waters. There’s no need to choose whether you’d like to live in lush, green forests or along the shore overlooking the iconic Puget Sound, on Whidbey Island you can truly have it all.
Cruising around the island with the windows down as you take Whidbey Scenic Isle Way will offer incredible sights to see and you don’t even have to leave your car—although, I definitely recommend that you do! From farms to forests to the Sound, you get a glimpse of everything. Begin peaceful mornings with quietude and golden sunrise hues on one of the island’s beaches, and end your days with sunset picnics as you gaze at Mount Rainier. You don’t have to go far to catch a glimpse of something wonderful, no matter where you live on the island.
Outdoor Recreation
Deception Pass State Park
If you’re an outdoorsy person looking for seemingly limitless options for outdoor activities, Whidbey Island is the place for you. Let’s start with the best year-round activity on the island: hikes. As long as you bundle up and don’t mind a bit of rain and mud, you can enjoy your hikes on the island even throughout winter, as winter months are relatively mild for the most part. Starting with one of the area’s most iconic parks, Ebey’s Landing offers trails with mountain views on bluffs overlooking the water. Does it get any better than that? With relatively low elevation gain, this hike is perfect for the whole family, even the little ones. To get your forest fix, hit the trails in Deception Pass State Park or South Whidbey State Park Old Growth Forest. If you want to cover more ground, cycling is a great way to check out plenty of the island.
During warmer months, there’s no better way to enjoy the water and get away from crowds than kayaking or paddleboarding through the beautiful waters surrounding the island. If you’re less inclined to get in the water, beachcombing, fishing, and shellfishing are great activities you can do from the shore. There are plenty of spots that allow public access and many of the island’s lakes are heavily stocked.
Small-Town Charm
For Seattleites, a trip to Whidbey Island can seem like a whole world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whidbey is known for its quaint and friendly small towns, offering a slower pace of life not found in the busy city. You may get less of a selection of restaurants, shops, and bars on Whidbey, but the feeling that accompanies living in a place where you feel a sense of community more than makes up for it.
Stroll down the historic downtown of Oak Harbor and enjoy exploring the colorful shops and delicious restaurants at your leisure, or visit during one of the town’s festivals for a more spirited day. In Langley, which is also known as the “Village by the Sea,” you’re treated to art galleries, book shops, and cozy cafes. The island’s other major town Coupeville is Washington state’s second oldest town, and the wharf, buildings that used to function as stables and barber shops, and sailboats gliding across the horizon all add to the picturesque image of this historic town.
Cultural Attractions
Whidbey Island has a rich cultural heritage, with many art galleries, music and theater events, and historical sites to explore. Fort Casey State Park is a must-see for any history buffs. Constructed in 1897 as a part of the U.S. seacoast fortification program, the site still boasts fort houses and a lighthouse to transport visitors back in time. For those who want to spend more than a day at the park, campsites are available for booking.
The entertainment doesn’t stop with outdoor attractions, catch a show at Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor which has been putting on shows for the community since the 1960s. Festival season on the island really picks up in the spring and throughout the summer, with marathons, music festivals, Fourth of July parades, and arts and crafts festivals. These events are a wonderful way to get out into the community and appreciate all of Whidbey Island's citizens’ accomplishments and creativity.
Accessibility
Despite its rural setting, Whidbey Island is easily accessible by ferry, air, or car (if you don’t mind some backtracking), making it convenient for people who need to travel to the mainland for work or leisure. For the closest ferry to Seattle, head up towards Everett where the Mukilteo/Clinton Ferry awaits. There are plenty of departure times throughout the day and being able to easily drive your car onto the ferry means you never have to worry about being without your vehicle. It’s just a 20-minute ride and once you’re on the ferry, you can exit your car and take in the beautiful sights as you make your way across the stunning waters of Puget Sound.