Things to Do On Whidbey Island, Washington In Winter
Nestled between Puget Sound and the Saratoga Passage, Whidbey Island is a delightful getaway just north of Seattle. While many imagine Whidbey as a summertime escape, this idyllic isle has much to offer visitors in the winter as well. From cozy restaurants to outdoor adventures, historic sites to natural beauty, Whidbey Island provides a tranquil setting to leave your worries behind.
This comprehensive guide covers some of the best activities for a winter escape to Whidbey Island. We'll explore charming towns like Langley and Coupeville, spectacular state parks, and serene beaches. Read on to plan your perfect cold-weather getaway!
Langley
Langley makes a fine home base for a Whidbey Island winter vacation. This charming waterfront village offers a tempting array of boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Stroll the historic downtown area or visit some of Langley's landmarks.
Explore the Shops and Galleries
Langley's downtown offers a delightful collection of independent boutiques selling art, jewelry, glass, pottery, textiles, books, and souvenirs. Pop into Dog House Leathers, Moonraker Books, or Bramble House. Don't miss browse-worthy galleries like Rob Schouten Gallery or the Hankins Craft Gallery. The Langley Arts Fund conducts a studio tour each March.
Sip Local Roasts at Cafe Langley
This cozy coffee shop sits right on Seawall Park. Savor rich espresso drinks, house-made pastries, and panini sandwiches. Cafe Langley uses beans from Whidbey Island's Useless Bay Coffee Company to craft their tasty mochas and lattes.
See the Sights
Don't miss the iconic two-story yellow house right downtown - this is the Boy and Dog sculpture created by local artist Georgia Gerber. Visit the Langley Whale Center to learn about the magnificent gray whales that migrate past Whidbey each spring. Also swing by the Langley Mystery Mansion, with its eerie skull sculpture by Gerber above the door.
Dine at Prima Bistro
For fine dining in Langley, book a table at cozy Prima Bistro. Their seasonal menus explore flavors from around the world, like cedar plank salmon or double cut pork chop with mole sauce. They offer several vegan and gluten-free options too. Enjoy a romantic meal by candlelight at this highly rated farm-to-table eatery.
Stay at the Langley Cove
Choose the luxurious Langley Cove for your home base right in town. These posh rentals on the bluff above Saratoga Passage offer full kitchens, fireplaces, and waterfront balconies. Unwind in the hot tub while taking in sunset views. The heated pool is open year-round.
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
This National Park Service site protects the historic character of Whidbey Island's central region. Follow scenic Bluff Trail overlooking the shoreline. Browse early settler homes and structures. Visit a pristine block of old growth forest.
Hike Bluff Trail
For jaw dropping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, take a brisk hike along the two mile Bluff Trail. The path stretches along towering 200 foot seaside bluffs, providing stunning scenery. In winter, watch powerful waves crash against the rocky cliffs below. Look for bald eagles nesting in the trees above.
Explore Prairie Area Farms
Several late 1800s pioneer farmsteads dot the prairie around Coupeville. Visit sites like the more than 150 year old Crockett Farm, where costumed guides demonstrate butter churning, tool forging, and other historic skills. Nearby Engle Farm has a restored 1908 barn and outbuildings.
Tour Fort Casey
Tour the remains of this early 1900s military fort overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Walk the old parade grounds and see the fort's disappearing gun battery, built to protect Puget Sound. Inside the concrete bunkers learn about the history of the Coast Artillery Corps stationed here until World War II.
Seek Out Old Growth Forest
Nestled south of Crockett Prairie, Rhododendron Park safeguards one of the few remaining old growth forests on Whidbey Island. The slated logs along the trail date to the 1800s when settlers claimed sections of land. Marvel at the towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, some up to 1,000 years old!
Grab a Bite in Coupeville
After exploring Ebey's Landing, stop for lunch in the historic port town of Coupeville. Pick up artisan sandwiches and pizza at Papa's Cookhouse Deli. For fine dining, book a table at atmospheric Christopher's on Whidbey with its fresh seafood and Pacific Northwest cuisine. Or sample local Penn Cove mussels at rustic Toby's Tavern restaurant.
Spend the Night at Captain Whidbey Inn
For full immersion in Ebey's Landing history, spend the night at the iconic Captain Whidbey Inn. The main lodge was built in 1907 by early island settlers. Cozy cottage rooms have throwback touches like clawfoot tubs. Have breakfast in the low beamed dining room, then take a stroll through nearby Admiralty Head Preserve.
Deception Pass State Park
Spanning two islands, this spectacular state park offers lofty bridges, rugged beaches, old growth rainforests and breathtaking views around every bend. Come prepared to explore it all on foot.
Walk Across Deception Pass Bridge
Don't miss the opportunity to walk along one of the two narrow vehicle bridges crossing between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. Completed in 1935, the arched spans rise 180 feet above churning waves in Deception Pass. Drink in views of crashing surf, soaring cliffs, and tiny Pass Island below.
Explore North Beach
This 1.5 mile trail follows the coastline from the bridge to Rosario Beach. Walk beside towering sandstone cliffs while enjoying views of Deception Island, Rosario Strait, and Mount Baker. Watch for seabirds like bald eagles and cormorants fishing offshore. At low tide, explore the tide pools left by the receding waters.
Hike Lovers Lane and Lighthouse Point
From the North Parking lot, this 2.6 mile loop passes through old growth forests and winds along high sea cliffs. Look for remnants of Civilian Conservation Corps structures and water lines built in the 1930s. At the end, take in the small lighthouse at Lighthouse Point, guiding ships through Rosario Strait since 1933.
Oak Harbor & Vicinity
Whidbey Island's largest town sits on the shores of Oak Harbor just south of Deception Pass. Visit historic naval sites and museums, explore a renowned wildlife refuge, or play a round on a scenic golf course.
Tour the Naval Air Station
Learn about Whidbey Island's vital military history at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The installation dates to WWII when it supported seaplanes patrolling for Japanese submarines. The on-base museum displays aircraft, uniforms, medals, and engines illustrating the base's air operations history. Just outside the gate, visit the newly opened Pacific Northwest Naval Aviation Museum to see fighter jets and other artifacts.
Spot Birds at Skagit Wildlife Area
Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this refuge protects critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. Its location along the Pacific Flyway draws over 200 bird species annually. Walk the interpretive trails and watch for trumpeter swans, snow geese, bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Over 100 bald eagle nests dot the area!
Golf at Ballast Point
Play a scenic round at the City of Oak Harbor's public golf course, located along Puget Sound south of town. The front 9 holes wind through open prairie while the challenging back 9 play through a Douglas fir forest. Shooting east, golfers are treated to spectacular views of Mt. Rainier when conditions are clear. Make sure to reserve your tee time in advance.
Grab a Bite in Oak Harbor
Downtown Oak Harbor offers some tasty dining options when you've worked up an appetite. Taste juicy burgers or spicy wings at Roadhouse Grill, or savor poutine, Reubens, and other classics at Main Street Restaurant. Harbor Coffeehouse serves fair trade coffee, teas, and from-scratch baked goods in a cozy 1910 home.
Admiralty Head Preserve
Stretching for seven miles along Whidbey Island's central west coast, this natural area protects an unspoiled shoreline edged with old growth forest. Hike the sandy trails, listen to the waves, and soak up the peace.
Take in Seaside Scenery
Admirality Head Lighthouse
A moderate 2.5 mile loop trail explores varied ecosystems in Admiralty Head Preserve. Pass through open prairie and thick forest, stopping frequently to enjoy Puget Sound views from the high bluffs. Listen for eagles calling and woodpeckers tapping on snags. At low tide, scan the rocky intertidal areas below for starfish, anemones, and crabs.
Look for Whales
Keep watch over the open ocean for spouts from gray whales on their annual migration. These magnificent cetaceans swim north to Alaska in early spring, then back south to Baja in late fall and winter. Springs offer the best shoreline viewing as the whales pass closer on their journey. Listen for their bushy blows!
South Whidbey State Park
Encompassing an extensive wilderness coastline near the village of Freeland, this state park offers hiking trails meandering through forests and meadows with glimpses of the sea at every turn.
Hike the Bluff Trail
For scintillating views of Puget Sound, follow the two mile Bluff Trail from the parking area at Smugglers Cove. This moderately strenuous trail climbs over 200 feet through dense forest. Catch glimpses of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs as you traverse the forested bluff. Look for seals resting on offshore rocks.
Comb the Beach
Take the half mile walk from the campground to the longest publicly accessible beach on Whidbey Island. This driftwood strewn shoreline extends for nearly a mile. Be on the lookout for sand dollars, starfish and aggregating anemones left behind when the tide goes out. Watch gray whales swimming north offshore during migration season March through May.
Camp Along the Coast
South Whidbey State Park has 53 tent sites, 21 utility sites with power and water, and two primitive hike-in sites along its coastline. Hot showers and flush toilets are available for campers. Prepare for chilly overnight lows during the winter months and bring plenty of warm bedding. Book sites early as the campground fills months ahead in peak season.
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
This renowned arts organization near Langley hosts concerts, theatrical performances, classes and workshops throughout the year. Visit for an inspiring cultural experience.
Catch a Concert
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts draws acclaimed musicians from around the country to perform in its intimate concert hall. The 2023 winter lineup includes genres like jazz, folk, classical, and funk. Catch a rising star or enjoy hits from favorite legends in this inspiring venue surrounded by nature.
See a Show
In addition to concerts, the campus theater hosts live productions from theater troupes and comedy shows to dance performances. Upcoming 2023 acts include the indie rock musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and a performance by the Second City comedy troupe. Most shows take place on weekends.
Hone Your Craft
This winter, spark your creativity by taking an arts class on Whidbey Island. The Center provides workshops in painting, writing, felting, music and more taught by acclaimed teaching artists. Sign up for a weekend drawing intensive or take a 6-week beginner ukulele course. Classes range from free demos to semester long courses. Materials provided.
Crockett Lake Recreation Area
Situated southeast of Coupeville, this scenic County park encompassing Crockett Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing just minutes from town.
Paddle the Lake
Launch your canoe, kayak or non-motorized boat from the north shore day use area for a serene glide across glassy Crockett Lake. Look for jumping trout, cruising otters and nesting ospreys along the woodland shoreline as you gently paddle. Several small islets provide fun destinations for a shoreline picnic.
Hike the Old Mill Trail
For forest immersion, take a peaceful 1 mile stroll through mixed conifer and madrona woods along the Old Mill trail, site of a former shake mill. Interpretive signs describe the surrounding natural history. Keep watch for bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, and busy chickadees in the branches above.
Fish for Trout
Bring your rod and tackle to try your luck fishing for rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat and kokanee salmon stocked seasonally by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Anglers flock to Crocket Lake since it stays ice-free nearly year round. Just be sure to pick up your WDFW fishing permit!
Camano Island
Accessible by bridge from Stanwood, Camano Island offers a slower pace with peaceful parks, secluded beaches, unique coffee shops, family owned cafes, and even an alpaca farm.
Hike at Iverson Spit Preserve
More than 1600 acres at the north end of Camano Island have been protected for wildlife viewing and low impact recreation at Iverson Spit Preserve. Spot birds in the estuary or comb for shells along the pebble beach on a 1.5 mile hiking loop through grassy dunes and forested bluffs.
Grab a Bite at Cafe at the Cedars
Swing by the Cafe at the Cedars for hearty breakfast scrambles, omelets, and pancakes made from scratch. They also serve up hot soup, salads, and sandwiches for lunch using locally sourced ingredients. Save room for their house made cinnamon rolls, sticky buns or seasonal fruit pies and cobblers.
Visit Terry's Corner Alpacas
Meet the super soft and friendly alpacas at Terry's Corner Alpacas farm store. Learn about raising and sheering these cuddly South American animals. The farm stand sells warm woven alpaca knits, socks, and yarns handcrafted from their own fleece. Reserve ahead for an alpaca encounter and photo op!
Beach Walk at English Boom Park
Look for seals and otters as you stroll along this forested shoreline park on Camano's eastern coast. At low tide, explore the rocky tide pools for small marine life left behind by the receding waters. Comb the beach for sea glass and shells. Relax on a bench and enjoy views of the silvery Saratoga Passage beyond.
Taste Local Wines at Camano Island Vineyards
Sample estate grown Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine wines in the tasting room at Camano Island Vineyards. Their grapes thrive in the island's unique microclimate. Grab a bottle to enjoy on their covered porch overlooking the vines, or carry it down to the beach for the perfect sip and seaside picnic.
Spend the Night at Blue Door Inn
For refined island lodging, book a room at the adults-only Blue Door Inn Bed & Breakfast. Enjoy amenities like jacuzzi tubs, luxury linens, beach cruiser bikes, and a multi-course gourmet breakfast each morning. End your days relaxing in their gardens or on the porch swings gazing out over Puget Sound.
Penn Cove
The protected waters of Penn Cove host abundant wildlife, shellfish farms, historic areas to explore and panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
Kayak Penn Cove
Paddle calm Penn Cove to spot native wildlife and learn about Coupeville's maritime history. Look for soaring eagles, barking seals, jumping salmon, and spouting whales depending on the season. Guided tours launch from Captain Coupe Park or the ferry dock. Rentals are available too. Remember, boats must stay 100 yards from shore and oyster pens.
Tour at Lavender Wind Farm
Tour fragrant lavender fields blooming purple in summer at Lavender Wind Farm just south of Coupeville. Their gift shop sells lavender soaps, sachets, teas, and dried bundles harvested from their own organic plants. Visitors rave about their signature lavender soft serve ice cream!
Hike at Ebey's Landing
Trek out to serene Ebey's Bluff from historic Coupeville. This hike rewards with stunning views of Penn Cove, Admiralty Inlet, and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains beyond. Interpretive signs describe how settlers relied on the prairies and forest. Watch for eagles and murmuring murrelets offshore.
Clinton
Located on Whidbey Island's south end, the historic seaport village of Clinton provides a window into the area's maritime heritage through a restored 1906 general store and eclectic shops.
Peruse Preston's General Store
Step back in time browsing Preston's General Store, built in 1906 to supply early island settlers. Browse old timey candy jars, housewares, toys, beer steins and nautical gifts. Don't miss the giant clam gun and music room upstairs! The store hosts regular ukulele jams and live music.
Explore the Pier
Take a stroll out to Clinton Pier to admire its views over Saratoga Passage to Camano Island and Mount Baker beyond. Interpretive plaques describe how ferries once docked here, and the pier's importance for loading timber and produce bound for mainland ports before reliable roads existed.
Enjoy Sweet Treats
Indulge your sweet tooth at Sweet Mona's Chocolates and Espresso in a cute historic cottage. Beyond artisan chocolates, they serve freshly baked cookies, fudge, giant cinnamon rolls, and bread pudding. Or sip espresso drinks and nibble cookies on their garden patio.
Browse Local Art Galleries
Clinton offers a haven for local artists and galleries. Browse paintings, sculpture, textiles and jewelry at Dragonfly Arts Gallery and Laura's Art and Frame. Nearby, visit Kelly Spit Gallery in an old ferry waiting room featuring Whidbey scenes. The Chamber of Commerce has a studio tour map.
Conclusion
As this comprehensive guide illustrates, Whidbey Island offers abundant options to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and relaxation over a winter getaway. With its cozy cafes, renowned restaurants, historic sites, scenic hikes, wildlife watching, camping, and outdoor adventures, the island provides something to delight everyone.
Start planning your idyllic getaway today. Plot an itinerary mixing favorite activities with ample time to unwind. Book early for prime lodging and recreation options during peak visitation months. Ferry over from the mainland for a simpler pace and breathtaking beauty around every turn. However you choose to savor this island oasis, a Whidbey Island winter escape promises peaceful, restorative, and memorable times surrounded by nature's splendor.
We hope this guide provided useful suggestions and inspiration to craft your own Whidbey Island adventures. Whether hiking mossy rainforests, combing deserted beaches, sampling crafty ciders, or feasting on local delicacies, Whidbey offers limitless possibilities to escape, explore, and recharge. Here's to new destinations, fresh perspectives, and embracing the beauty of each new season!
