around whidbey
captain whidbey is in the heart of ebey’s landing national historic reserve, a unique landscape of coastal forests, verdant farmlands, and the historic seaport of coupeville. we love relaxing on the grounds at captain whidbey and getting out to explore the island. here are a few of our favorite suggestions for your time on the island.
at the inn
we’ll be the only guests, so stretch out and wind down across the captain whidbey grounds.
take a stroll around the lagoon. challenge a new friend to a game of chess in the lobby. don your flannel robe and head to the wellness center and sauna for a stretch and sweat. gather a crew and head to the lagoon for lawn games. weather-permitting, grab a kayak from the dock and paddle penn cove. or simply curl up with a great book in a hammock, adirondack, or the lodge’s second-floor library.
learn more about the inn and its amenities at captainwhidbey.com/island-cw.
within a 10-minute drive
captain whidbey is located near ebey’s landing and fort ebey state park. both offer short hikes with great views of the strait of juan de fuca and olympic mountains, as well as the occasional whale spotting.
after working up an appetite on the trails, drive down to coupeville, the second-oldest european settlement in washington. take a stroll along the wharf for eclectic shopping, wine tasting, and other local treats, including the must-try hand pies at little red hen bakery.
our lunch recommendations in coupeville are sunshine drip and toby’s tavern, but you really can’t go wrong.
around the island
whidbey is the largest island in the state of washington. it’s approximately 55 miles long by road or 37 miles as the crow flies. if you’re coming by car, you’ll have opportunities to experience whidbey’s diverse ecosystems and communities.
if arriving or departing from the north, don’t miss the mysterious coves, rugged cliffs, and iconic bridge at deception pass state park. at 4,134 acres, the park has many different vistas and hideaways to discover. the best bridge views are achieved after a short hike to north beach. if you have a few hours to explore, consider a marine adventure through the pass with anacortes kayak tours.
whale watching in the spring is special because of the addition of migrating gray whales to the regular cast of orcas, humpbacks, minkes, and other whales. whale watching tours launch from anacortes on fidalgo island, a 45-minute drive north from captain whidbey.
south of coupeville, on your way to and from the clinton-mukilteo ferry, you’ll encounter greenbank farm. this historic farmstead boasts two fine art galleries, a cafe and a handful of shops, plus gardens, walking trails, wetlands, and lots of room for rare birdwatching. nearby is another lunch recommendation: greenbank pantry & deli.
further south is the artsy seaside town of langley, with galleries, shops, antiques, clothing boutiques, and a gourmet chocolate shop.