Whidbey Island
 

Hello Local Experts!

My husband and I are new to the Seattle area (been in Bellevue for almost 6 months). When we get the chance we like to take day trips. So far we've been to Leavenworth, Bainbridge Island, and Downtown Seattle for Pike Place Market. We've heard some good things about Whidbey Island, but we have some questions:

As far as getting there I know you can take a ferry or drive over a bridge - which is best? Maybe take the Ferry there and the bridge back?

Where exactly are good places to see on the Island? We will have our 4 year old with us, and I'm expecting our 2nd child, so nothing too adventurous for us. We like scenic drives/walks/easy hikes for taking pictures and enjoying nature. We also like quaint little towns for window shopping and good food. Our little one really wants to see a beach and pick up shells - any place good for that?

Also, if we end up really enjoying our day and want to overnight on the Island, where's a good place?

The trip will hopefully be next weekend.

Thanks for any help!

Whidbey Island is really nice. When we lived in Snohomish, we spent a lot of time up there. We normally drove up I-5 and then took hwy 20 over. When you get to Deception Pass, pull over and stop. Be sure to hold your 4yr olds hand. Then drive a bit further down to the entrance to Deception Pass State Park. It is on the right. Nice beach to walk along there. Or if you turn left and go to the end, there is a nice beach there too. We always found lots of shells at this particular one.

From Oak Harbor to Coupeville, take the scenic route offof HWY 20 and onto Madrona Way.

Fort Ebey is nice, as is Coupeville.

In Coupeville, wander the waterfront and go to the big red barn, which is the dock. There is a patio on the back with some picnic tables. Also along Front St. is a great lunch place called Kneed and Feed. The tables along the window have tiny binoculars and look out over the water, towards the dock.

Langely is another nice town to wander on the island.

Then you can take the ferry back via Clinton.

As for overnights, in Coupeville I would suggest the Coupeville Inn and for Oak Harbor the Best Western is good. There is another place that I have not stayed, the Candlewood, that is a good location and looks nice. But I can personally recommend the other two. In Coupeville the Captain Whidbey Inn is good, but with a small child I would suggest these other places first.

If you think you want to take the ferry to Whidbey Island on a nice Friday night in the summer, think again. You will be one of thousands with the same idea and you will wait in line for a long time. Take highway 20 over and the ferry back as long as you don't wait until Sunday night to do it as Sunday night everyone wants to take the ferry back to the mainland.

Thanks mms for the great advice. I'm sure that will help in our trip planning! Any particular places on the Island that you like for taking photos? I like the idea for the lunch spot, any more ideas for dinner that evening? We like cafe type places (soup, salad, sandwiches, pastas)?

Thank you too rm_mn, but we are going next weekend, or some weekend in February, so don't worry, not summer. Also we are going on a Saturday morning, and returning that same night, or Sunday afternoon.

I haven't been in years (so hestiate to recommend) but I used to LOVE going up to "Captain Whidbey Inn" for an overnight in a room at their lodge, drinks in the bar, dinner in their dining room.

In Oak Harbor there is a good Greek/Mediteranian place, on the way to the base. Zorba's or something like that, is the name. If you are headed to the base, it is on your right. In Coupeville, there are several options right along front street.

As for photo's, omg, you will find yourself wanting to stop many times for this. Anywhere along Deception Pass and within the park is great. I have a pic of our family on the beach there right in front of me:)

I would love to hear how the trip goes. We get back there pretty often, but for now I need to live vicariously through others, lol! I will be back there next month though:)

On Whidbey relaxation and photography ...like Seattle the opportunities are endless.

In Langley I like the Useless Bay Cafe for a little lunch and wonderful coffee. The name drew me there...

Coupeville is wonderful. My fav for photos. The sunrise is unforgettable. Misty and quiet.
The movie Practical Magic was filmed partly in Coupeville. It is kind of magic.

Coupeville is small but would be nice for a quiet stop with a little one for a night. We have stayed in both the Anchorage Inn and the Coupeville Inn. I would recommend both. The Coupeville, more budget, but surprisingly nice. A very nice stay. Anchorage, loved it! Charm.

There is a nice coffee shop along the wharf with overstuffed chairs. I don't recall the name, but is located down a small set of stairs. We spent hours there and never felt out of place.

The deception pass bridge is great from the southwest side at sunset. The deception pass park beach has 2 areas. Just walk to the north below the bridge. There are large rocks which will mean supervision with your 4 year old...but there are areas to stand that wouldn't require to much effort.

To backtrack..there is also a small lake on the left as you enter the park toward the beach. We shot looking west from there. Lots of grasses. A pull off on the road so a quick one with a child. A nice sunset shot as you are facing west.

Heading north. You might check Rosario beach just above the Deception Pass bridge. You little one would also love that and you could photograph.

You would drive through the Anacortes area going north and that with the Skagit Valley is another vacation in itself. Too much to see.

Enjoy your weekend. McLaurin

Thanks suze, mms, and Mclaurin! Wonderful suggestions. It does sound "magical". I'm very excited now. Hopefully next week I'll have a trip report up!

There are tons of photo ops in Deception Pass State Park. The bridge of course has already been mentioned. On the south (Whidbey Island) side, go down to Cranberry Lake and the nearby coastal beach.

On the north (Fidalgo Island) side, go down to Rosario Bay and walk over to the headland next to the beach.

My favorite photo spot is a little further up on Fidalgo Island - Mount Erie. This is slightly hard to find, but so worth it. From Rte 525, turn onto Campbell Lake Rd. At the Lake Erie Store, turn right onto Heart Lake Rd. After a few miles, you will see a sign marking the turnoff to the Mt. Erie Rd. Drive up this steep road to the top of the mountain and you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Baker, Rainier, Whidbey Island, the Olympics, and Vancouver Island (all weather permitting, of course).

I just want to thank everyone who posted here for the helpful suggestions. My family and I had a wonderful time.

We took I-5 to HWY 20 to Deception Pass Bridge. There we stopped for pictures. Just BEAUTIFUL! We then went to Fort Ebey State Park. After that we stopped in Coupeville for lunch, we wanted to try Kneed and Feed, but they were closed. We went to Christopher's instead. Very good food, and reasonable prices. Then we went to Fort Casey State Park. We probably spent the most time here out of all our stops. Breathtaking views! Loved Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Then we drove into Freeland to Double Bluff Beach. We found lots of lovely shells. Finally we went to Langley, strolled along the adorable village and grabbed a bite to eat at the Pizza place for dinner, forgot the name but it was very good, and very busy! Before heading home we wanted to have some coffee at the Useless Bay Cafe, but they had closed. Looking forward to visiting again in the summer when there's more daylight. It was dark and we were pretty tired, so we took the Clinton/Mukilteo Ferry home.

Again, great trip, thanks for the help, we look forward to returning!