I grew up on Whidbey Island and am still a frequent visitor. It is a very sleepy town, so don’t expect any big excitement. Bring your book, and relax in the calm atmosphere. 

Getting There: 

From Seattle:

You can drive to the Mukilteo ferry dock, drive across the ferry (about a 15-minute ride), unload in Clinton, and drive up the hill and follow the signs towards Langley. Note that in the summer, especially on weekends, the line for the ferry can be a couple of hours long, and they do not take reservations. 

Another option is to park your car at the ferry dock (or there are a few transit options to get to Mukilteo as well), then walk across the ferry. At the Clinton dock, there is a free Whidbey Island Shuttle. It has a few different routes and doesn’t run super frequently; it also ends quite early during the day. Make sure you check the Island Transit website before you go to ensure your ferry and bus line up. The bus drivers are always willing to help you get to the correct place.

From Vancouver, BC, or Bellingham, WA: 

I would suggest driving south on I-5, then taking Highway 20 towards Anacortes, then driving “down the island” on Highway 525 until you see the turn-off signs for Langley. Technically, it is less drive time to take I-5 to the ferry dock, but it is not enough time to make up for a wait in the ferry line or missing the boat you were aiming for. Plus, the drive down the island is quite scenic. 

From the Olympic Peninsula: 

Make a reservation on the Port Townsend to Keystone Ferry on the WSDOT website before you go. (Port Townsend is also an adorable little town to visit if you want to add a stopover on your way to Whidbey.) Take the ferry (about 30 minutes), drive to the right when you get off, and head down Highway 20, turn right on Highway 525, and continue south until you see signs for Langley. 

When to Visit: 

Summer is definitely the most popular time of year, and for good reason! I love a bit of Whidbey in the spring, when everything is starting to bloom, the trees are green, and the beach is still quiet. I also love a rainy beach town in the winter/fall, but that is personal preference (and a lot of things will have reduced hours in the colder months). 

Where to Stay: 

• Inn at Langley: One of the nicest places you can stay on Whidbey Island. The rooms overlook the water, and they keep a very tranquil and nature-based vibe. Located in downtown Langley. 
• Saratoga Inn: I worked here briefly in high school and really enjoyed it. The rooms are clean and comfy, and the scones in the morning are to die for (I sure hope they still live up to my memories). Views range from mountain & sea to town views. Located in downtown Langley. 
• Boatyard Inn: Built right on the marina, you cant be much closer to the water. If you happen to be arriving at Langley via private boat, this could be an excellent choice. The accommodation is gorgeous. Note that you do have to walk (or drive) up a small hill anytime you want to go into town. 

Exploring Downtown Langley:

1. Shop: My personal mainstays are GoodCheer (the local thrift store), The Star Store (both the clothing side and the grocery side), Music for the Eyes, and Moonraker Books. There are always many new, cute shops popping up as well that are fun to wander through.

2. Keep an eye out for Whales. There is a big bell in downtown (near “The Doghouse”) that people ring if they see a whale passing by. They are quite common, and there is even a whale parade once a year. 

3. Go to a small-town movie: If you want to be transported back in time and experience small-town charm, go to a movie at The Clyde Theatre. Tickets are under $10 per person, popcorn and candy are only a few dollars, and there is only one screen adorned with red velvet seats. at the concession stand, you will even find nutritional yeast to sprinkle on your popcorn as a nod to the town’s “hippie” roots. They often stream independent films (and blockbusters too), and there is usually only 1 showing a day, or two on the weekends. Walk by the theatre to see what is showing or visit their website. 

4. Catch some live theatre: Langley has cultivated a thriving theatre community, and it is all showcased at WICA (that stands for Whidbey Island Centre for Art, for those of you thinking otherwise). Though it isn’t Broadway, WICA can host some really great shows for a small town. Check out what’s on while you are visiting. 

5. Go to an event: Check out the Town’s Calendar of Events, and maybe you will get a chance to partake in Mystery Weekend or the Island County Fair. The events really make you feel like you have woken up in Stars Hollow.

6. Visit The Boy and the Dog: It may seem inconsequential, but this statue is a must-visit. Pat the dog and take some time to just look out over the ocean, just like the statue does all day, every day.

7. Visit the marina and go kayaking: The marina was always a favorite place of mine growing up. It’s not a particularly special marina, but you can wander down the dock, look for starfish, and even rent a kayak and go out for a paddle. Remember how I said you can spot whales from the town? Your likelihood of spotting a seal, otter, or whale is surprisingly high from on the water as well.

8. Eat: There are lots of places to eat in Langley, but there are a few mainstays that have really proved their place, and a Whidbey Island establishment:

• Village Pizzeria, fantastic pizza, and they serve giant slices of pizza as well, so if you need a cheap, quick bite, grab a pesto slice (or mushroom, or cheese, or pepperoni).
• The Braeburn: a breakfast and lunch-focused place that serves up classic soups and sandwiches and all of the comforting classics.
• Prima Bistro, located above the Star Store this is the fanciest place you can go in Langley, get some really amazing french+ food, sit on their patio or inside looking out over the water with a glass of wine and tuck into the luxury of it (just like everywhere else on the island though, you can definitely show up in flip flops and a t-shirt and just have a beer too).
• Ultra House is a ramen place owned by long-time business owners in Langley. They are always coming up with new, exciting places.
• Spy Hop: If you are after a classic pub environment, this is the one for you. It is also one of the only places that stays open later than 8 pm, so if you are keen on getting a pint in the evening, you will find Spy Hop full of all the other tourists and locals who had the same thought as you.
• Salty Sea Coffee is proving to have excellent coffee.
• Double Bluff Brewing expanded in the last few years and has a large taproom with a great patio.

9. Look for bunnies: This may seem like a silly one, but you will quickly notice that Langley is filled with bunnies, but what seem to be pet bunnies, not wild ones. Years ago, at the fair that I mentioned above, the show bunnies escaped, were not able to be captured, and they bred and now have a thriving population. They are still most abundant near the fairground. 

10. Visit the Spa: If you don’t want the hefty price tag of a hotel room at the Inn at Langley, you can still indulge in their spa services. The spa is on the water and very tranquil.

11. Learn Something: Both the Langley Whale Centre and the South Whidbey Historical Museum are small spaces with interesting info that are free for visitors; however, they have limited hours, so be sure to look them up before you go.

Exploring Outside of Langley:

If you brought a car with you and want to explore a bit there, Whidbey has a lot more to offer than just a tiny two street downtown.

1. Take a hike or walk: In Coupeville (north of Langley, about a 30-minute drive) is Ebey’s Landing (I noticed on Google Maps it is also called “Bluff Trail” if you need to plug it into a GPS). This trail takes you uphill and up stairs for a short while, but then evens out as it takes you along the bluff. Eventually, you descend and walk back to the parking lot along the beach. It is quite a nice beach if you just want to visit for the day and hang out without any hiking. The parking lot does require a Discover Pass, or you can likely find parking up the hill a bit along the side of the road to avoid paying. Other places to take a walk in the woods include Saratoga Woods (a popular place to visit is the Saratoga Rock/ Waterman Rock). Take a picture of the map at the front because the signage isn’t great once you start walking. South Whidbey State Park is full of little trails and sweet beaches. Double Bluff Beach is a nice walk (I prefer to walk in the winter when there are fewer people and the sand is harder, but that’s just me). See below for Deception Pass hikes.

2 Visit Fort Casey: An old war fort that you can wander throughout, there are big cannons, bunkers, and a lighthouse, and it all overlooks the Puget Sound. It is also a popular place to have picnics and fly kites! To park, you do need a Discover Pass. It was a popular place to go as a kid and dare yourself to go into the pitch-black tunnels, then try to scare your friends; it’s still fun as an adult. If you want to experience true darkness, make your way to the switchboard and see if you can will yourself to walk all the way around without a flashlight. Absolutely a fun outing for everyone, even if you don’t consider yourself a history buff. If you still haven’t seen enough of Bunkers and cannons, you can go to Fort Ebey as well. Not as preserved or as grand, but still lots of interesting stuff and really gorgeous views, along with plenty of walking trails. 

3. Visit the Beach: Double Bluff is the longstanding favorite beach on Whidbey. It is long and sandy, and the tide goes so far out, making the water warm and shallow. It is a popular spot for skimboarding as well. There are a few other beaches, but this is definitely the spot to go. If you walk down to the big bluff (please don’t climb it anymore, it is eroding rapidly), you can find lots of natural clay in the ground, and it’s fun to see what you can create with your hands and a little saltwater. If you don’t want to swim, I love to watch the Sunset at Maxwellton Beach. If you want to go for a freshwater swim, I would recommend Deer Lake. 

4. Get Spiritual: There is a spiritual community on the island, which is represented by the Chinnok Center/The Marsh House and The Earth Sanctuary. The Chinook Center hosts many different events throughout the year, not all of which have a spiritual element. It’s a series of cabins in the woods with a big meditation building and a building for events, as well as a ropes course. If you are visiting and do not want to participate in a retreat, you can stop by free of charge and walk around the property. There are a few trails and a big labyrinth. The meditation building is (almost) always open to the public for a moment of reflection and quiet. The nearby “Marsh House” hosts events that are more geared towards single events that can be attended by the public, such as talks and music. Check out their website for more information. The Earth Sanctuary is a privately owned series of statues and other Zen cultivations. They do have a suggested donation at the parking lot, and I have never felt comfortable going in without paying. It’s very serene if you do decide to go. 

5. Visit the town of Coupeville: Coupeville is another small seaside village about a 30-minute drive north of Langley. It is known for its seafood, and even has a mussel festival each year in the early spring. I would recommend wandering the shops on Front Street, walking down the wharf and going inside to see the big whale (it is hard to miss), and grabbing lunch at the Front Street Grill to get a little of that seafood taste. If you want to stay overnight, I would suggest the Captain Whidbey Inn. Though it is not downtown, it is on the water, in the trees, and has really perfected rustic luxury. They also have a restaurant if you just want to stop by for a bite or a cocktail. Take a detour to the Greenbank Farm for a piece of pie! 

6. Go to the Farmers Market: There are two main farmers’ markets on South Whidbey. Both are located in Bayview (about a 10-minute drive from Langley). The main market, Bayview Farmers Market, usually runs on Saturdays from 10 to 2, April to October (check dates before you go). They have lots of food, crafts, and produce stalls, and often live music. I would also recommend wandering around the shops in the square next to the market, such as the Bayview Garden Centre (so pretty), Flower House Cafe (caffeine fix), and the Bayview Taproom for a beer later on. If you missed the Saturday market, there is also a Sunday market, just a little further north on the highway, this is the South Whidbey Tilth Market. Known to be a little more produce-focused, and a little smaller, but still lovely. 

7. Visit Deception Pass: If you are driving south from the Vancouver/Bellingham area, then you will pass through Deception Pass, and it’s a great spot to take a break and check out the scenery. The Deception Pass Bridge is iconic and stunning, and some of the beach and forest walks are beautiful too. If you are coming from Seattle, this a a long detour as it is all the way at the other end of the island (about a 1-hour drive one way). You can hike down around the beach or head up Goose Rock for a bird’s-eye view. If you have the time, it’s beautiful, and you can make some stops along the way, such as Coupeville, the Lavender Wind Farm, Fort Casey, and the Greenbank Farm. 

I hope this is a start for planning your relaxed weekend on South Whidbey Island. As a kid growing up in this sleepy little town, I like to believe I found every avenue of possible entertainment there was, and I hope to have shared the best of them with you here.