Head up I-5 from Seattle early to beat traffic and start your journey to Whidbey Island the best way possible...via ferry. Hop aboard the Cathlamet or Kittitas but be sure to head upstairs to take in the views on the way. Don't lose track of time, though, the ride only lasts 15 minutes.

Before we stop for breakfast, let's stop for lunch. Let us explain. The best sandwich on the island will be found inside Pickles Deli in Clinton. Stop here and place your order, along with one of their homemade pickles (obviously), and set it aside for later. Macklemore made sure to stop here on a recent trip to the island.

No trip to Whidbey would be complete without a stopover in Langley. The smallest of the island's incorporated towns but perhaps the one with the most character. Get your breakfast fix at The Braeburn or Useless Bay Coffee Company and then take a stroll around the two-block "downtown." If you see a whale swimming through the pass, make sure to ring the bell.

You brought your dog, right? Well that's good because that gives you an excuse to head over to Double Bluff Beach and work off your breakfast. Most of the beach has been designated an off-leash area. Take in the impressive views and walk as far as you like along the craggy coast. Just don't forget the poop bags.

An underrated spot in an underrated town. Freeland might not look like much but it's got pockets of charm like this small park overlooking Holmes Harbor. You're pretty likely to see an eagle or two in the trees above and you might just see the latest vessel built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders being loaded into the water.

Parked out yet? Well too bad cause you'll want to take a hike through South Whidbey State Park while you're here. Head inland and you'll be surprised by all of the dense foliage and old trees you work your way through. A great way to spend 30 minutes or an hour. If you're still holding on to that Pickles sandwich, this might be a good spot to break it out.

We know, you've done A LOT of walking so far. But hear us out, you kinda need to do this one as well. This National Historical Reserve is where the island's earliest settlers, Native American and European, settled. The water views are spectacular and the hike, while somewhat strenuous, is totally worth it.

Coupeville is one of Washington's oldest towns and the seat of Island County.Named for pioneer Thomas Coupe, it was settled by sea captains and farmers in the 1850s. If you're a fan of Penn Cove Mussels, you are literally right off of Penn Cove. Pick a Front Street restaurant and order up.

The pièce de résistance of Whidbey Island. There's no better way to end your day than to take a stroll along the bridge here and watch the sun set to the West over Puget Sound. If you've got time, head down towards the water to take in the totality of the scene. When you're done, head off-island towards I-5 and make your way home.