Whidbey Island Guidebook
Island Places to Visit
A few of our favorite places on the island
Coupeville is a historic district within the federal Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. The reserve was established by Congress in 1978 as the first and only National Historical Reserve in the nation.[8] Its 22 square miles (57 km2) also encompass farmlands, Fort Ebey State Park, Fort Casey State Park, shorelines and beaches, parks, trails, and 91 buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Coupeville
Coupeville is a historic district within the federal Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. The reserve was established by Congress in 1978 as the first and only National Historical Reserve in the nation.[8] Its 22 square miles (57 km2) also encompass farmlands, Fort Ebey State Park, Fort Casey State Park, shorelines and beaches, parks, trails, and 91 buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
Langley is a waterfront village perched like a signet ring on the lush 60-mile long finger of Whidbey Island, the second-largest saltwater island in the continental United States. The town faces north and east and is nestled into a watershed that drains into a small harbor. Whidbey Island floats in Puget Sound between the Olympic and the Cascade Mountain ranges carved out of volcanic deposits left behind by massive glaciers that extended to Seattle and beyond.
Whidbey's geologic fire-and-ice history is reflected in miniature by the provocative human history of the City of Langley: a fuel source for wood-fired cargo and fishing boats plying Saratoga Passage and Puget Sound; settled by legendary ferryboat captains, rugged loggers, and young risk-takers like Joseph Anthes who, in 1890 at the age of 25, purchased the land where Langley would eventually grow and thrive.
Langley was named for a Seattle judge and partner of Anthes, and the City was governed for a time in 1919 by an enthusiastic all-women council. The town came to life in logging and farming times, beset and nearly destroyed by dock-wrecking, farm-defeating storms, then rebuilt to support northward migration inspired by Alaskan gold rush fever. Read more about Langley's colorful history here.
Today Langley enjoys a small-town (estimated 2007 population: 1063) atmosphere within an hour's journey (including the car ferry trip) from urban Seattle. The town's signature characteristics include: bustling center of local commerce, strong seasonal economic impact from visitors, deep pool of resident artists and performers, artisans in nearly every medium, farmers, community involvement in local government, festivals, home of the county fair, beaches, forests, pocket parks, a 250-seat performing arts center that presents local as well as world-class entertainment, a small marina, and the oldest cemetery on Whidbey Island.
Langley was founded in the 1890s by Jacob Anthes, and was named for J.W. Langley of Seattle. In 1902, Anthes built a logger bunkhouse that still stands in the downtown core (it functions today as the South Whidbey Historical Society Museum). Mystery Weekend is a yearly mystery game event occurring the last weekend in February. A fake newspaper story is run in the South Whidbey Record or a fake newspaper can be purchased from the Visitor & Information Center, detailing the persons involved and instructing players to seek out characters played by local residents.
The Welcome the Whales Festival and parade is held at the beginning of April each year. The Djangofest NW Music Festival is held in September each year. This five-day festival celebrates the gypsy jazz style of Django Reinhardt, and features workshops, concerts, and impromptu jam sessions around town. The Whidbey Island Area Fair is held in July at the Island County Fairgrounds in Langley. The original Island County Fair Association was formed in 1912, predating the incorporation of Langley itself.
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Langley
Langley is a waterfront village perched like a signet ring on the lush 60-mile long finger of Whidbey Island, the second-largest saltwater island in the continental United States. The town faces north and east and is nestled into a watershed that drains into a small harbor. Whidbey Island floats in Puget Sound between the Olympic and the Cascade Mountain ranges carved out of volcanic deposits left behind by massive glaciers that extended to Seattle and beyond.
Whidbey's geologic fire-and-ice history is reflected in miniature by the provocative human history of the City of Langley: a fuel source for wood-fired cargo and fishing boats plying Saratoga Passage and Puget Sound; settled by legendary ferryboat captains, rugged loggers, and young risk-takers like Joseph Anthes who, in 1890 at the age of 25, purchased the land where Langley would eventually grow and thrive.
Langley was named for a Seattle judge and partner of Anthes, and the City was governed for a time in 1919 by an enthusiastic all-women council. The town came to life in logging and farming times, beset and nearly destroyed by dock-wrecking, farm-defeating storms, then rebuilt to support northward migration inspired by Alaskan gold rush fever. Read more about Langley's colorful history here.
Today Langley enjoys a small-town (estimated 2007 population: 1063) atmosphere within an hour's journey (including the car ferry trip) from urban Seattle. The town's signature characteristics include: bustling center of local commerce, strong seasonal economic impact from visitors, deep pool of resident artists and performers, artisans in nearly every medium, farmers, community involvement in local government, festivals, home of the county fair, beaches, forests, pocket parks, a 250-seat performing arts center that presents local as well as world-class entertainment, a small marina, and the oldest cemetery on Whidbey Island.
Langley was founded in the 1890s by Jacob Anthes, and was named for J.W. Langley of Seattle. In 1902, Anthes built a logger bunkhouse that still stands in the downtown core (it functions today as the South Whidbey Historical Society Museum). Mystery Weekend is a yearly mystery game event occurring the last weekend in February. A fake newspaper story is run in the South Whidbey Record or a fake newspaper can be purchased from the Visitor & Information Center, detailing the persons involved and instructing players to seek out characters played by local residents.
The Welcome the Whales Festival and parade is held at the beginning of April each year. The Djangofest NW Music Festival is held in September each year. This five-day festival celebrates the gypsy jazz style of Django Reinhardt, and features workshops, concerts, and impromptu jam sessions around town. The Whidbey Island Area Fair is held in July at the Island County Fairgrounds in Langley. The original Island County Fair Association was formed in 1912, predating the incorporation of Langley itself.
Parque Estadual Deception Pass
41229 State Route 20Whidbey Island Fairgrounds & Events Center
819 Camano AvenueDay Trips
Already known as one of the best beaches in Washington State, Double Bluff beach is also among the nation's best dog-friendly beaches. Right next to the parking lot there is a grassy area with picnic benches and a barbecue. There's also a "doggie shower" as well. The dogs must be on leash there, but further out, the leashes for well-behaved dogs are optional.
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Double Bluff Beach and Off Leash Area
6378 S Double Bluff RdAlready known as one of the best beaches in Washington State, Double Bluff beach is also among the nation's best dog-friendly beaches. Right next to the parking lot there is a grassy area with picnic benches and a barbecue. There's also a "doggie shower" as well. The dogs must be on leash there, but further out, the leashes for well-behaved dogs are optional.
Admiralty Head Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in Puget Sound. It and Fort Casey are the two main attractions in Fort Casey State Park.
The original lighthouse was built in 1861, but the military wanted that spot for Fort Casey, so the current lighthouse was built in 1903.
The lighthouse is closed for renovation work and is scheduled to reopen in late summer. But, the gift shop and interpretive center has been temporarily located in the large green office building on the left before the parking lot by the fort.
When open, visitors can climb into the lighthouse for a great view of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains.
The lighthouse is also a popular spot for weddings.
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Admiralty Head Lighthouse
1280 Engle RdAdmiralty Head Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in Puget Sound. It and Fort Casey are the two main attractions in Fort Casey State Park.
The original lighthouse was built in 1861, but the military wanted that spot for Fort Casey, so the current lighthouse was built in 1903.
The lighthouse is closed for renovation work and is scheduled to reopen in late summer. But, the gift shop and interpretive center has been temporarily located in the large green office building on the left before the parking lot by the fort.
When open, visitors can climb into the lighthouse for a great view of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains.
The lighthouse is also a popular spot for weddings.
Whidbey Island Garden Tour
Price Sculpture Forest
678 Parker RdBowman Bay, Deception Pass State Park
4402 Bowman Bay RdEarth Sanctuary
Food scene
Cuisine with a French flair is what you’ll find at Prima Bistro. The downtown Langley location features intimate and stylish dining and in the summer adds outdoor dining on the deck overlooking First Street. Reservation by phone, only. Leave a message and they’ll call back to confirm.
Be sure to also visit next door at Saltwater, or the new “Salt and Sea Provisions.” It’s a one-stop pop-up shop with fresh-baked goods, grab-and-go items picnic items, pantry staples, bottled beer & wine, cocktail kits and more! Open every Friday-Sunday from 9am – 12 pm at 113 First St. (Saltwater Building).
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Prima Bistro
201 1/2 1st StCuisine with a French flair is what you’ll find at Prima Bistro. The downtown Langley location features intimate and stylish dining and in the summer adds outdoor dining on the deck overlooking First Street. Reservation by phone, only. Leave a message and they’ll call back to confirm.
Be sure to also visit next door at Saltwater, or the new “Salt and Sea Provisions.” It’s a one-stop pop-up shop with fresh-baked goods, grab-and-go items picnic items, pantry staples, bottled beer & wine, cocktail kits and more! Open every Friday-Sunday from 9am – 12 pm at 113 First St. (Saltwater Building).
Taste Pacific Northwest seafood at its best at Langley’s Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar. Fish and chips, clam chowder, lobster rolls, crab cakes, mussels, clams, and a great oyster selection are just the start! There’s also a full cocktail bar and 10 beers on tap. No reservations accepted-first come, first served. Call or walk-up for take-out.
Hours:
Mon & Thu 3-8pm
Fri, Sat & Sun 12-8pm
Closed Tue & Wed
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Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar
113 1st StTaste Pacific Northwest seafood at its best at Langley’s Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar. Fish and chips, clam chowder, lobster rolls, crab cakes, mussels, clams, and a great oyster selection are just the start! There’s also a full cocktail bar and 10 beers on tap. No reservations accepted-first come, first served. Call or walk-up for take-out.
Hours:
Mon & Thu 3-8pm
Fri, Sat & Sun 12-8pm
Closed Tue & Wed
Serving “eclectic comfort food” from their new restaurant on Langley’s First Street, Savory is a collection of family recipes curated to provide a menu different from other area restaurants. No reservations accepted.
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Savory, a restaurant
220 1st StreetServing “eclectic comfort food” from their new restaurant on Langley’s First Street, Savory is a collection of family recipes curated to provide a menu different from other area restaurants. No reservations accepted.
For fine dining along the water, nothing beats the Captain Whidbey. Located in a hotel that has stood on the western edge of Penn Cove for more than a century the restaurant at Captain Whidbey has reopened with a fresh and reimagined menu full of locally sourced ingredients and Pacific Northwest delights. Their goal is to give guests a taste of Whidbey’s best and most seasonal offerings.
Weather permitting there’s dining on the waterfront patio with an amazing view of Penn Cove. Summer weekends feature a brunch on the patio.
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Captain Whidbey
2072 W Capt Whidbey Inn RdFor fine dining along the water, nothing beats the Captain Whidbey. Located in a hotel that has stood on the western edge of Penn Cove for more than a century the restaurant at Captain Whidbey has reopened with a fresh and reimagined menu full of locally sourced ingredients and Pacific Northwest delights. Their goal is to give guests a taste of Whidbey’s best and most seasonal offerings.
Weather permitting there’s dining on the waterfront patio with an amazing view of Penn Cove. Summer weekends feature a brunch on the patio.
Village Pizzeria
106 1st StExceptional pizza and waterfront dining!
We offer a range of mouth-watering entrees, sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods.
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Langley Whale Center
105 Anthes AveWe offer a range of mouth-watering entrees, sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods.
Whidbey Island Distillery
3466 Craw RdCiao
701 N Main StFront Street Grill
20 Front St NWThe Braeburn Restaurant
197 Second StreetChina City
1804 Scott RdRocket Taco
1594 E Main StSpyhop
317 Second StreetLittle Red Hen Bakery
901 Front St NEWhidbey Island Bagel Factory
11042 WA-525Callen's Restaurant and Co
12981 State Rte 20Flower House Cafe
2780 Marshview AveInn At Langley
400 1st StSkein & Tipple
Sprinklz Ice Cream Parlor and Coffee Shop
224 1st StThe Braeburn Restaurant
197 Second StreetUltra House
221 Second StreetSaltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar
113 1st StVillage Pizzeria
106 1st StWhidbey Doughnuts
5603 Bayview RdFare Market
Rocket Taco
1594 E Main StTaproom@Bayview Corner
5603 Bayview RdFront Street Grill
20 Front St NWGordon's On Blueberry Hill
5438 South Woodard AvenueGreenbank Pantry & Deli
25175 WA-525Sightseeing
Whidbey Island Kayaking
5781 Wharf StSouth Whidbey State Park
4128 S Smugglers Cove RdParque Estadual Fort Casey
1280 Engle RdPossession Point State Park is a relatively new park in the system but open to visitors who have a Discover Pass. Small parking lot. Its entrance is just before the county-owned Possession Beach Waterfront Park. It has views of the Cascades and the Olympics, as well as the mainland.
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Possession Point State Park
8343 S Franklin RdPossession Point State Park is a relatively new park in the system but open to visitors who have a Discover Pass. Small parking lot. Its entrance is just before the county-owned Possession Beach Waterfront Park. It has views of the Cascades and the Olympics, as well as the mainland.
Ala Spit County Park
Geck RoadMutiny Bay Beach offers a Port of South Whidbey boat launch ramp, plenty of vehicle and boat trailer parking, a beautiful sandy beach, Olympic Mountain views, and plenty of picnic area at the 300′ county public park area to the left of the boat ramp. There is always something about a day at the beach, in any weather!
Beachfront Mutiny Bay Cabin
5818 Mutiny Bay RoadMutiny Bay Beach offers a Port of South Whidbey boat launch ramp, plenty of vehicle and boat trailer parking, a beautiful sandy beach, Olympic Mountain views, and plenty of picnic area at the 300′ county public park area to the left of the boat ramp. There is always something about a day at the beach, in any weather!
Bush Point Boat Ramp
229 E Spyglass DrParque Estadual Deception Pass
41229 State Route 20Wharf Dog Paddle and Pantry.
Dive Bars
Toby's Tavern
8 Front St NECozy's Roadhouse
8872 WA-525Beer & Wine
Penn Cove Brewery and Taproom
5488 South Freeland AvenueOtt & Hunter Wines
204 1st StSpoiled Dog Winery
5881 Maxwelton RdBlooms Winery on Whidbey
5511 S Freeland AveDancing Fish Vineyards
1953 Newman RdHolmes Harbor Cellars
4591 S Honeymoon Bay RdGreenbank Farm Wine Shop
765 Wonn RdOgres brewing
7693 Cultus Bay RdPenn Cove Brewery and Taproom
5488 South Freeland AvenueTaproom@Bayview Corner
5603 Bayview RdDouble Bluff Brewing Company
121 Anthes AveDiamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse
621 Front StThirsty Crab Brewery
9000 Washington 525Holmes Harbor Cellars
4591 S Honeymoon Bay RdGrocery
The Goose
14485 WA-525Clinton Foodmart Inc
4777 Commercial StStar Store Basics
199 Second StreetPayless Foods
1609 E Main St