Whidbey Island is so large that it is home to several cultures. The Whidbey Island Naval Air Station is located on the north end, and the city of Oak Harbor serves the pilots, support personnel, and families that are stationed there. The historical town of Coupeville lies in the central part of the island. The second oldest town in Washington state, it is surrounded by family farms and is located in the Ebey’s Landing National Historical preserve. The south end of the island is an artist’s community. In fact, it’s been said that you can’t throw a rock on South Whidbey without hitting an artist or writer. The Writer’s Refuge is located in this area.
These maps show all of Whidbey Island, as well as its sister, Camano Island.
In the following sections, you’ll find listings of places and events that will nourish you body and soul during your stay.
Nature
- Earth Sanctuary a 72-acre nature reserve with sacred spaces such as labyrinths, the tallest stone circle in the world, a dolmen, cairns, and other attractions. Admission is $7.
- The Putney Woods 600 acres of trails through forest once owned by the Department of Natural Resources. Be sure to print out a trail map before you go—there are so many trails that it’s easy to get lost.
- Double Bluff Beach where locals skim board, take the kids to the beach, or walk their dogs at the off-leash park.
- South Whidbey State Park a 347-acre park with absolutely spectacular views of the Olympic mountains.
- Merkeek Rhododendron Gardens ten acres of display and educational gardens bordered by 43 acres of woodland preserve. There are 4-5 miles of nature trails. Admission is $5.
- Fort Casey State Park part of the “triangle of fire” that once guarded the entrance to the Puget Sound. The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is open seasonally.
- Fort Ebey State Park defended the coast during World War II. Features saltwater beaches as well as a freshwater lake.
- Deception Pass State Park at the very north end of the island, where a bridge connects Whidbey to Fidalgo Island, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
- Ebey’s Landing National Historical Preserve set aside by Congress to preserve and protect a rural community.
Culture
- Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Avenue, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-8262
- Whidbey Dance Theatre, 11042 SR 525
Suite 221, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-2221 - Whidbey Children’s Theater, 222 Anthes Ave., Suite 102
Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-8707 - The Island County Historical Society Museum, 908 NW Alexander Street, Coupeville, WA 98239
- South Whidbey Historical Society Museum 314 Second St., Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-2101
- Open Door Gallery and Coffee 5603 Bayview Rd., Langley, WA 98260,
360-321-3020 - Museo Art Gallery, 215 1st St., Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-7737
- Karson/Gray Gallery, 302 1st Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-2978
- Hellebore Glass Studio, 308 First Street, Langley, 98260, 360-221-2067
- Atelier Michele Studio & Gallery, 22 NW Main Street, Coupeville, WA,
360-678-9290 - Penn Cove Gallery, 9 NW Front Street, Coupeville, WA 98239,
360-678-1176 - Windjammer Gallery and Custom Framing, 22 NW Front Street
Coupeville, WA, 98239, 360-678-9200 - Artworks Gallery, 765 Wonn Rd. #C102 Greenbank, WA 98253, 360-222-3010
- Rob Schouten Gallery, 765 Wonn Rd. #C103, Greenbank, WA 98253,
360-222-3070 - Sno-Isle Libraries
Langley, 104 Second St., Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-4383
Freeland, 5495 Harbor Ave., Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-7323
Clinton, 4781 Deer Lake Rd, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-4280
Continuing Education
- Pacific Northwest Art School a non-profit visual arts education and artist- resource organization that attracts a prestigious national and internationally recognized faculty.
- Whidbey Island Writers Association offers an MFA in Creative Writing.
- Whidbey Institute works toward creating harmony between the natural, social, and spiritual worlds on behalf of the common good.
- Skagit Valley College has a large campus in Oak Harbor and a small learning center at Ken’s Korner in Clinton.
Events
- February Langley Mystery Weekend Participants investigate a mystery by interviewing suspects, investigating crime scenes, and gathering clues.
- March Whidbey Island Writer’s Conference An intimate conference in which participants enjoy, among other things, fireside chats with best-selling authors in the privacy of beautiful island homes.
- April Burning Word: The Festival of Poetic Fire Features readings by 40 or more poets, open mic sessions, workshops, and other activities—all in celebration of Poetry Month.
- July Choochokum: Langley Festival of the Arts A juried show that attracts more than 120 booths to First and Anthes in Langley.
Loganberry Festival At Greenbank Farm (where loganberries once grew in abundance) features music, food, wine tasting, arts and crafts booths. - August Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival Produced by the Coupeville Festival Association, which donates the net proceeds of each festival to support the arts and historic preservation of Central Whidbey Island.
Highland Games At Greenbank Farm. The Games center around all things Celtic and feature pipe bands, pipers, dancers, athletic events, food, and more. - October Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour Nearly 40 artists and craftspeople open their studios to the public.
Djangofest is a five-day festival that features workshops, concerts, and impromptu jam sessions around Langley.
Farmers’ markets
- Bayview Farmers’ Market Inside Bayview Hall in March & April. Outdoors May through September. Saturdays.
- Tilth Farmers’ Market This is more of a for-locals-by-locals market and is just at the end of Thompson Road. You pass it every time you come home to the Writer’s Refuge. Saturdays.
- Greenbank Farmer’s Market The farmer’s market up north at the Greenbank Farm. Sundays.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Langley
- Braeburn Restaurant, 197 D Second Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-3211
- Mike’s Place Restaurant & Creamery, 219 First Street, Langley, WA 98260,
360-221-6575 - Mo’s Pub and Eatery, 317 2nd Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-1131
- Prima Bistro, 201½ First Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-4060
- Café Langley, (Mediterranean), 113 First Street, Langley, WA 98260,
360-221-3090 - Village Pizzeria, 108 First Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-3363
- The Inn at Langley, 400 First St., Langley, WA, 360-221-3033
- Living Green Natural Foods & Apothecary, (vegetarian/raw) 630 Second Street, Suite A, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-8242
Restaurants in Bayview
- Basil Cafe (Pan Asian Grill and Noodle Soup House), 5603 Bayview Road, Langley, 98260, 360-321-7898
- Neil’s Clover Patch Cafe, 14485 SR 525 (in the Bayview Shopping Center), Langley, WA 98260, 360-321-4120
Restaurants in Clinton
- Dairy Queen, 6330 Storkson Dr., Clinton, 98236, 360-341-2464
- La Casita (Mexican) 11042 SR 525 Suite 102, Clinton 98236, 360-341-4101
- Cozy’s Roadhouse, 8872 SR 525, Clinton, 98236, 360-341-2838
- Pickles Deli, 11042 SR 525 Suite 122, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-3940
- Speedboat Pizza, 6315 Storkson Drive, Clinton, WA, 98236, 360-341-5787
- Subway, inside the Chevron Station on SR 525, 341-7827
Restaurants in Freeland
- China City, 1804 E. Scott Rd., Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-8899
- Freeland Cafe, 1642 Main St., Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-9945
- Gerry’s Kitchen, 1675 Main St, Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-4818
- Gordon’s on Blueberry Hill, 5438 Woodard Avenue, Freeland, WA 98249,
360-331-7515
Restaurants in Greenbank
- Whidbey Pies Cafe, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank, 98253, 360-678-1288
- 19o4 Public House (at the Greenbank Store), 25189 SR 525, Greenbank,
360-678-3300
Take-out
- Star Store at Bayview, 5603 Bayview Rd. Bay 7, Langley, WA 98260,
360-321-5424 - Star Store Grocery, 201 First Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-5222
- Payless Foods, 1609 Main St., Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-4810
Personal chefs
- Kate Poss (the official personal chef for the Whidbey Island Writer’s Refuge),
360-730-1506 - Dinner Solutions Personal Chef Service, 360-321-2414
Bakeries
- Langley Village Bakery, 221 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260
360-221-3525 - Kiichlie’s Bagel Bakery, 11042, SR 525 , Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-4302
Chocolate
- Sweet Mona’s, 138 2nd Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-2728
Coffee shops
- South Whidbey Commons Coffeehouse Bookstore, 124 2nd Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-2114
- Useless Bay Coffee Company, 121 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260,
360-221-4515 - Mike’s Place Restaurant & Creamery, 219 First Street, Langley, WA 98260,
360-221-6575 - Mukilteo Coffee Company, 5331 Crawford Rd., Langley, WA 98260,
360-321-5262 - 1504 Coffee Bar & Mercantile, 18205 SR 525 #7, Freeland, WA 98249,
360-331-1504
Groceries
- Star Store at Bayview, 5603 Bayview Rd. Bay 7, Langley, WA 98260,
360-321-5424 - The Goose Community Grocer 14485 Highway 525 Langley WA 98260, 866.326.6714
- Payless Foods, 1609 Main St., Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-4810
- Star Store Grocery, 201 First Street, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-5222
- Ken’s Korner Red Apple Market, #303 11042 SR 525 , Clinton, WA 98236,
360-341-2414 - Clinton Foodmart, 4777 Commercial Street, #C, Clinton, WA 98236,
360-341-6266 - Greenbank Cheese Shop, 765 Wonn Road, Barn B#101, Greenbank, WA 98253, 360-222-3474
- Star Store Basics, 199 Second St., Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-2425
Physical activity
- Island Athletic Club, 5522 Freeland Ave., Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-2582
- Island Greens Golf & Driving Range, 3890 French Rd., Clinton, WA 98236,
360-579-6042 - Whidbey Island Kayaking Company, Clinton, WA 98236, 800-233-4319,
360-661-5163 - Island Pilates Center, 222 Anthes Avenue, Langley, WA 98260,
360-221-8881 - Curves, 2843 East Howard Rd., Langley, WA 98260, 360-331-6944
- Half Moon Yoga, Langley Village, Secons Treet, Langley, WA 98260,
360-321-4012
Transportation
- Island Transit Bus transportation is free in the island. You can get picked up anywhere along a route—just hail the bus as you would a cab. 360-678-7771
- Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle, 360-679-4003
- Washington State Ferries 888-808-7977
Mukilteo-Clinton route
Port Townsend-Coupeville route - Clinton Family Rent-a-Car & Sales, 9028 SR 525, Clinton, WA 98236 360-341-4888
- Cooper Auto Sales & Rentals, 9158 SR 525, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-2949
- All Island Express Taxi Service 360-341-8294
Pharmacies
- Lind’s Freeland Pharmacy, 1609 E. Main St., Freeland Plaza, Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-4760
- Island Drug, 11042 SR 525 Ken’s Korner, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-3880
Copy shops & office supplies
- Boomerang Korner, 11042 SR 525, Suite 120, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-1898
- Sound Business Center, 18205 SR 525, Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-3132
Laundromat
- All Washed Up Laundromat, 630 2nd St Unit C, Langley, WA 98260,
360-221-5828
Mailing services
- Freeland Post Office, (offers self-service FedEx shipping) 1619 E. Main Street, Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-6500
- Langley Post Office, 115 Second St., Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-4113
- Clinton Post Office, 4801 Deer Lake Rd., Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-4848
- GHL Enterprises, (authorized FedEx & UPS shipping outlet) 220 2nd St. #101, Langley, WA 98260 360-221-0898
- Jim’s Hardware (authorized UPS shipping outlet) 4777 Commercial St, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-6044
Banks
Banks in Freeland
- US Bank, 5560 S. Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-5246
- Wells Fargo, 5588 Harbor Avenue, Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-5400
- Whidbey Island Bank
5590 S. Harbor Avenue, Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-5868 - Coastal Community Bank, 1860 Scott Rd Ste A, Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-1345
- Chase, 1561 E Main St., Freeland, WA 98249, 360-331-6141
Banks in Langley
- US Bank, 202 Anthes Ave., Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-5204
- Whidbey Island Bank, 221 2nd St. Suite 5, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-0203
Banks in Clinton
- Whidbey Island Bank, 8786 SR 525, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-5238
- Wells Fargo, 8970 SR 525, Clinton, WA 98236,
360-341-6192
Medical services
- Whidbey General Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239, 360-331-2344 or 888-903-2345
- Whidbey General South, 11245 SR 525, Clinton, WA 98236, 360-341-5252
Chambers of commerce
- Langley Chamber of Commerce, 208 Anthes Avenue, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-6765
- Freeland Chamber of Commerce, 1640 E. Main St., Freeland, WA 98249
360-331-1980 - Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce, 107 South Main Street, Building E, Coupeville, WA 98239 360-678-5434
- Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 32630 SR 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277,
360-675-3755
Bicycle and moped rentals
- Half Link Bicycle Shop, 5603 Bayview Road, Suite One, Langley, WA 98260, 360-331-7980
- Whidbey Island Moped, 308 1st St., Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-5152
Our local newspaper
Get a feel for the area and what matters to locals by reading the South Whidbey Record.