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Mapping Out Your Summer Day Trip To Whidbey Island

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Welcome hot, summery weather! Seattle's fantastic but now's the season to take a drive out of town and explore the many wonders of Western Washington. We've mapped out locales within driving distance (or maybe a little further) of Seattle so you can get a good idea of how to spend the perfect day there.


Photo: Brandi Lane

Located roughly an hour north of Seattle, Whidbey Island is the fourth-largest island in the U.S. at approximately 55 miles long. It's also chocked full of adventures and sights for hikers, explorers, locavores and sightseers. Below we've compiled a day's journey up the island, starting with a ferry ride from Mukilteo and ending with a drive over Deception Pass. Bring your farmer's market bags and your hiking boots. Oh and your dog. You're definitely gonna want to bring your dog.

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Mukilteo Ferry Terminal

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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.

Pickles Deli

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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.

Langley

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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.

Bayview Farmer's Market

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If you're traveling on a Saturday, you've chosen wisely. Make sure you stop here to check out Whidbey's best farmer's market at Bayview Corner. Shop for farm-fresh produce, sample locally-made goods and listen to music from local artists. It's about as Whidbey as it gets.

Double Bluff Beach

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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.

Freeland Park

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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.

South Whidbey State Park

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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.

Greenbank Farm

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Greenbank is less a town and more a spot in the middle of the island. The crown jewel of the area is Greenbank Farm, 151 acres of publicly owned space and a historic farm. Have some loganberry pie, peruse the various shops and galleries and take your dog for a walk along the giant off-leash paths. There may even be a festival or market going on here.

Ebey's Landing

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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

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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.

Deception Pass State Park

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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.

Mukilteo Ferry Terminal

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.

Pickles Deli

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.

Langley

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.

Bayview Farmer's Market

If you're traveling on a Saturday, you've chosen wisely. Make sure you stop here to check out Whidbey's best farmer's market at Bayview Corner. Shop for farm-fresh produce, sample locally-made goods and listen to music from local artists. It's about as Whidbey as it gets.

Double Bluff Beach

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.

Freeland Park

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.

South Whidbey State Park

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.

Greenbank Farm

Greenbank is less a town and more a spot in the middle of the island. The crown jewel of the area is Greenbank Farm, 151 acres of publicly owned space and a historic farm. Have some loganberry pie, peruse the various shops and galleries and take your dog for a walk along the giant off-leash paths. There may even be a festival or market going on here.

Ebey's Landing

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

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.

Deception Pass State Park

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.